12 Exciting Jalapeno Recipes
The jalapeño is one of many in the hot pepper family, and they’re undoubtedly the most recognized.
Did you know that jalapeños grown at a high altitude are mild because of the cooler nights? Yep, the hotter the weather, the spicier your peppers will be.
The hottest jalapeños I’ve ever put in my mouth were from Tennessee and Alabama.
FAQs
That honestly depends on the pepper: how ripe it is (red is hotter) and where it was grown. They can run anywhere from 2,500 to 8,000 Scoville Heat Units. For a comparison: bell peppers are 0, and Scotch bonnets are 100,000 or more. So that shows you it’s a milder hot pepper.
The seeds and pith (the white stuff) are where you find most of the heat in hot peppers, so they’re less spicy without them. To make your jalapeños milder, completely remove the seeds, pith, and membrane, then rinse them in cold water (adding a splash of vinegar helps, too). That gets as much capsaicin out as possible, making a deliciously mild hot pepper.
I like to think so. They’re loaded with vitamins and minerals, and capsaicin (the heat) is reported to stimulate circulation and digestion. I feel healthier already!
Interesting Fact: Chipotle is smoked red jalapeños.
Main Dishes
1. Taco Pasta
You don’t have to choose between tacos and pasta because you can have them both in this fabulicious one-pot meal! Ground beef, dried spices, onion, and garlic, make this pasta taste like an authentic Mexican meal. Then, top it with sour cream, cilantro, and jalapeño to complete the experience.
2. Creole Chicken Okra
Now, you know I love my soul food. So for me, jalapeños are just part of the package. This traditional Creole chicken and okra stew is even better spiced up with hot peppers.
3. Chili
This ultimate comfort-food jalapeño recipe wouldn’t be the same without a few slices of exhilarating hot peppers. So meaty and saucy, this bowl of classic chili makes an entire meal that will stick with you all day. Yum!!!
Side Dishes
4. Jalapeno Corn Casserole
This comforting dish is perfect for the holidays or family cookouts. Jalapeños also give this casserole an attractive spiciness, and onion, garlic, and sweet corn add a stunning range of flavors. Top it with shredded cheddar for an even more fantabulous dish.
5. Pineapple Jalapeños Corn Muffin
These gorgeous muffins are pure heaven. Sweet pineapple balances the spicy jalapeños for a tasty experience. Sour cream also gives them a soul-satisfying tang, while canned corn really adds the perfect texture.
6. Deviled Eggs with Bacon and Jalapeños
If you like deviled eggs, then you’ll love them with jalapeños, oh yeah, and bacon. Yay! The incredibly smooth filling (mayo, mustard, and relish) combines perfectly with spicy peppers. It turns out a few jalapeño slices are also the perfect garnish for this eye-catching appetizer!
7. Mexican Cornbread
If you’re a cornbread lover, you will positively adore this one. Corn, jalapeños, Monterey Jack, and cheddar cheese make this perfectly crumbly and moist bread exciting. Kinda like cornbread on steroids!
Jalapeño Appetizers, Dips & Snacks
8. Jalapeño Poppers
If you ask me, the single best thing to do with jalapeños is stuffing them with cheese and topping them with breadcrumbs. Furthermore, crumbling some bacon bits in there doesn’t hurt either.
9. Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers
The only thing better than jalapeño poppers is bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers. The fatty and crunchy bacon layer makes this jalapeño recipe perfect for game day and family get-togethers. But bacon makes everything better; am I right?
10. Corn Jalapeño Dip
Spicy dips are the best, IMHO 😉. And they’re a winning combo with so many things, from tortilla chips to carrot sticks. Besides, this dip is more than spicy; the fresh corn, bell peppers, garlic, and onion in a mayo and cheese base become a creamy delight that will elevate your dip game to new heights.
11. Peri-Peri Sauce
What would our list be without some amazing hot sauces, like this peri-peri sauce from my beloved Africa? This delectable hot sauce is super versatile and boasts a variety of hot peppers. Toss in some spices, and you have a scrumptious marinade or spicy dip for tortilla chips!
12. Pineapple Salsa
This chunky salsa is terrific for any taco or burrito. The sweet, tropical pineapple balances the heat in this recipe for a crave-worthy topping that gives flavor and color to anything it goes on.
So, there is my list of favorite jalapeno recipes that star one of my dearest hot peppers. Honestly, I don’t wait for game day or cookouts to make jalapeño poppers because they’re so easy. But you have to try them for yourself to see what I mean.
