Hello there, foodies! Do you find yourself craving for something spicy and savory? If you’re a fan of heat and flavor, then you’ll love today’s topic. We’ll be exploring jalapeno recipes that are sure to blow your taste buds away! Jalapenos are a popular ingredient in many cuisines, from Mexican to Tex-Mex and even Asian fusion. It’s no wonder why they’re so loved – they offer a unique combination of heat and sweetness that can elevate any dish.
Whether you’re looking for appetizers, entrees, or even snacks, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll be featuring mouthwatering jalapeno recipes that cater to different tastes and preferences. From spicy dips to cheesy baked dishes, these recipes are easy to make and perfect for any occasion. So buckle up and get ready to spice up your meals!
Start the Day Right with Jalapeno Breakfast Recipes
Who says jalapenos are only for lunch and dinner? Spice up your morning routine with these delicious breakfast recipes:
Jalapeno Cornbread Waffles
Add some southern flair to your breakfast with these unique waffles! They’re perfect with a dollop of butter and syrup, or as a side to your favorite savory breakfast dish. To make them, simply mix a box of cornbread mix with one finely diced jalapeno and cook in a waffle iron until golden brown.
Jalapeno and Cheddar Omelet
Take your omelet game to the next level with this flavorful recipe! Start by sautéing some diced jalapenos and onions in a pan until soft. Pour in some beaten eggs and top with shredded cheddar cheese. Fold over and cook until the cheese is melted and omelet is cooked through.
Jalapeno and Bacon Breakfast Casserole
This hearty casserole is perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week. Layer bread cubes, diced jalapenos, cooked bacon, and shredded cheese in a baking dish. Pour a mixture of beaten eggs and milk over the top, then bake in the oven until golden and bubbly.
These delicious breakfast recipes are just the beginning of all the creative ways you can incorporate jalapenos into your meals. Keep reading for more ideas!
Appetizers
Jalapenos are a versatile pepper that can spice up any dish. Whether you want to add a little kick to your appetizers or make them the star of the show, there are plenty of recipes to choose from. Here are three jalapeno recipes that are sure to impress.
Easy Jalapeno Poppers
These jalapeno poppers are a classic appetizer that are easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. To make them, cut fresh jalapenos in half and remove the seeds and membranes. In a separate bowl, mix together cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and crumbled bacon. Fill each jalapeno half with the cream cheese mixture and bake in the oven until golden brown.
The filling for these jalapeno poppers is completely customizable. Instead of bacon, you can add cooked sausage or even crab meat to the cream cheese mixture. You can also add spices like cumin or chili powder for an extra kick of flavor.
Spicy Guacamole
Guacamole is a staple at any party or get-together, but why not add some jalapenos to spice things up? To make this recipe, mash ripe avocados in a bowl and add diced tomatoes, red onion, lime juice, and salt. Mix in diced jalapenos for some extra heat.
This spicy guacamole pairs perfectly with tortilla chips, but it’s also a great addition to tacos or burgers. If you don’t like your guacamole too spicy, you can remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapenos before dicing them.
Creamy Jalapeno Dip
If you prefer a dip over a spread, this creamy jalapeno dip is a perfect choice. Mix sour cream, cream cheese, diced jalapenos, and shredded cheddar cheese in a bowl until smooth. Serve with your favorite veggies or crackers for a delicious and easy appetizer.
This dip can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve. You can also adjust the heat level by adding more or fewer jalapenos. For an even creamier dip, you can replace the sour cream with Greek yogurt.
Overall, jalapenos are a great addition to any appetizer. Whether you prefer a little or a lot of heat, there’s a recipe out there for everyone. Try these easy and delicious jalapeno recipes at your next gathering and watch them disappear!
Main Courses
If you want to add a little kick to your main dishes, jalapenos are a great option! They can bring a unique flavor to your meals that you won’t find anywhere else. Here are three delicious jalapeno recipes to try out:
Jalapeno Burgers
If you’re tired of boring burgers, this recipe is for you. Adding jalapenos to the beef patty mixture adds a spicy twist to the classic burger. Plus, it’s super easy to make! Here’s how:
- Mix diced jalapenos in with your ground beef. The amount you add is completely up to you, depending on how spicy you want it to be.
- Add your favorite spices to the mixture. Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder are all great options.
- Create your patties and grill them to perfection. Once they’re almost done, add a slice of cheese on top and let it melt.
- Serve on a bun and top with sliced avocado for an extra creamy texture.
This recipe is perfect for a summer BBQ or even just a quick weeknight dinner.
Jalapeno Lime Chicken
Marinating chicken in jalapeno and lime juice is a great way to add some flavor to your meal. This recipe is also super easy to make, and you can cook the chicken on the grill or in the oven. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 jalapeno, seeded and diced
- Juice from 2 limes
- 1 tsp. cumin
- 1 tsp. chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a small bowl, mix together the diced jalapeno, lime juice, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Put the chicken in a large resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over it. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 8 hours for maximum flavor).
- Cook the chicken on the grill or in the oven until it’s cooked through and no longer pink in the center.
- Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy!
This jalapeno lime chicken is perfect for a healthy and flavorful weeknight meal.
Jalapeno Shrimp Pasta
If you’re in the mood for some creamy pasta, this jalapeno shrimp pasta recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings. It’s packed with flavor and has a nice kick thanks to the addition of jalapenos. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 lb. pasta
- 1 lb. shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 jalapeno, seeded and diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook the shrimp until they’re pink and fully cooked. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the diced jalapeno and minced garlic. Cook for a few minutes until the garlic is fragrant.
- Add the heavy cream to the skillet, and stir until it starts to thicken.
- Add the Parmesan cheese and stir until it’s melted and smooth.
- Add the cooked shrimp and pasta to the skillet, and stir until everything is coated in the sauce.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
This jalapeno shrimp pasta is perfect for a cozy night in or a dinner party with friends.
Side Dishes
Side dishes can make or break a meal. They are often the unsung heroes of the dinner table, but can add much-needed depth and flavor to a dish. Jalapenos can bring that extra kick to side dishes that might otherwise fall flat. Let’s take a look at some jalapeno side dish recipes that will have your taste buds begging for more!
Jalapeno Cornbread
Cornbread is a staple in many households, but why stick to the same old recipe when you can add a little heat with some diced jalapenos? This recipe is easy to make, and the jalapenos give the cornbread an extra layer of flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup yellow cornmeal
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or canned)
- 2-3 jalapenos, seeded and diced
To make the cornbread, preheat your oven to 375 degrees. Grease a 9-inch square baking dish or cast iron skillet. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornmeal, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, oil, honey, and eggs. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir until just combined. Fold in the corn kernels and diced jalapenos. Pour the batter into the baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Serve warm with butter.
Jalapeno Potato Salad
Summer and BBQ season calls for potato salad. Why not give your potato salad a flavor boost with jalapenos? This recipe is creamy, tangy, and a little bit spicy. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 pounds potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 3 eggs, hard-boiled and chopped
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2-3 jalapenos, seeded and diced
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
To make the potato salad, boil the potatoes in salted water until tender, about 15 minutes. Drain and let cool. In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper. Add the diced jalapenos, eggs, bacon, and green onions to the potatoes. Pour the dressing over the potato mixture and stir until combined. Chill the potato salad for at least an hour before serving.
Jalapeno Coleslaw
Coleslaw is a classic BBQ side dish, but it can be a little lackluster on its own. Adding some jalapenos will give it some much-needed flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1/2 head green cabbage, shredded
- 1/2 head red cabbage, shredded
- 1 large carrot, grated
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2-3 jalapenos, seeded and diced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
To make the coleslaw, combine the shredded green and red cabbage, grated carrot, and sliced green onions in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper. Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and stir until combined. Add the diced jalapenos and stir. Chill the coleslaw for at least an hour before serving.
Jalapeno Creamed Corn
Corn is always a crowd-pleaser, but take it up a notch with this Jalapeno Creamed Corn recipe. The jalapenos add a little heat, while the cream cheese adds a rich creaminess. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 cups corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2-3 jalapenos, seeded and diced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
To make the creamed corn, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the corn and cook until tender, about 5 minutes. Add the cream cheese and milk and stir until the cheese has melted and the mixture is creamy. Add the jalapenos, cilantro, garlic powder, salt, and pepper and stir until combined. Cook for another 2-3 minutes or until heated through. Serve immediately.
So there you have it – four delicious jalapeno side dish recipes that are sure to impress. With the extra heat, these side dishes will add an extra level of excitement to any meal!
Desserts
If you thought jalapenos were only reserved for savory dishes, think again. These jalapeno dessert recipes will have you adding a spicy twist to your sweet treats.
Jalapeno Brownies
If you’re looking to spice up your brownies, adding some diced jalapenos might just do the trick. While it may seem like an unusual pairing, the combination of the sweet and rich flavors of the brownies with the heat from the jalapenos is surprisingly delicious.
Here’s how you can make your own jalapeno brownies:
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup diced jalapenos (seeds and membranes removed)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.
- Add the brown sugar, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, and salt to the melted butter. Whisk until the ingredients are combined. Remove from heat.
- Add the eggs to the mixture and whisk until the batter is smooth and shiny.
- Add the flour to the batter and stir gently until the flour is incorporated.
- Add the diced jalapenos to the batter and mix well.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the brownies comes out clean.
- Let the brownies cool for 10-15 minutes before removing them from the pan and slicing them.
Jalapeno Peach Cobbler
A cobbler is a classic dessert that often features juicy fruits and a buttery, crumbly topping. Adding diced jalapenos to your peach cobbler recipe will give it a unique twist that’s sure to please your taste buds.
Here’s what you’ll need for the jalapeno peach cobbler:
Ingredients:
- 4 cups sliced peaches (fresh or canned)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup diced jalapenos (seeds and membranes removed)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease an 8-inch square baking pan with cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, combine the sliced peaches, granulated sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, salt, and diced jalapenos. Mix well and pour into the prepared baking pan.
- In another bowl, combine the flour, rolled oats, brown sugar, and melted butter. Mix until the mixture is crumbly.
- Sprinkle the crumb mixture over the peaches.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Jalapeno Pineapple Sorbet
Sorbet is a refreshing dessert that’s perfect for hot summer days. This jalapeno pineapple sorbet recipe takes the classic dessert to a whole new level with the addition of spicy jalapenos.
Here’s what you’ll need to make your own jalapeno pineapple sorbet:
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup diced jalapenos (seeds and membranes removed)
- 1/2 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 tablespoons tequila (optional)
Instructions:
- In a small saucepan, combine the granulated sugar and water. Bring to a boil over high heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
- Lower the heat and add the diced jalapenos to the saucepan. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and let it cool for 5-10 minutes.
- In a blender or food processor, puree the pineapple chunks until smooth.
- Strain the jalapeno syrup through a fine-mesh sieve into the blender containing the pineapple puree.
- Add the lime juice and tequila (if using) to the blender and blend until everything is well combined.
- Pour the mixture into a container and freeze for at least 4 hours, or until the sorbet is firm.
- Serve and enjoy!
These jalapeno dessert recipes are a fun way to add some heat to your favorite sweet treats. Whether you’re a fan of brownies, cobbler, or sorbet, there’s a jalapeno dessert out there for you.
Thanks for Reading and Spice up Your Life!
We hope you enjoyed reading our article about mouthwatering jalapeno recipes. You can now add some extra heat to your meals and impress your family and friends with your culinary skills. Whether you prefer something spicy or mild, we have something for everyone.
Don’t forget to come back to our website for more recipe inspiration and cooking tips. We regularly update our content to provide you with new and exciting ideas to spice up your life. Thank you for reading and happy cooking!
FAQ
1. Are jalapenos too spicy?
Not necessarily. You can remove the seeds and membranes to make them milder. Also, pairing them with other ingredients can balance the heat.
2. Do I need to wear gloves when handling jalapenos?
It’s a good idea to wear gloves to avoid getting capsaicin, the spicy compound, on your skin. If you don’t have gloves, wash your hands well with soap and water after handling jalapenos.
3. Can I use canned jalapenos instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use canned jalapenos. However, fresh jalapenos have a better flavor and texture.
4. What can I do with leftover jalapenos?
You can freeze them for later use, pickle them, or add them to other dishes like salsa, guacamole, or burgers.
5. Can I substitute jalapenos with other chilies?
Yes, you can use other chilies like serrano, poblano, or Anaheim. Keep in mind that their heat level and flavor may differ from jalapenos.
6. How do I know if a jalapeno is ripe?
A ripe jalapeno is firm, smooth, and shiny with a deep green color. It may turn red as it matures, but that doesn’t affect its taste.
7. Can I grow jalapenos at home?
Yes, jalapenos are easy to grow in containers or gardens. They need full sun, well-drained soil, and regular watering.
8. What dishes can I add jalapenos to?
You can add jalapenos to a variety of dishes like tacos, enchiladas, soups, stews, pasta, pizza, and more. Experiment with different combinations to find your favorite.
9. How long do jalapenos last?
Fresh jalapenos can last up to a week in the refrigerator. Cooked dishes with jalapenos can last up to four days.
10. Can I use jalapeno seeds in my recipes?
Yes, you can use jalapeno seeds to increase the heat level in your recipes. However, use them sparingly and adjust to your taste.