Introducing 10 Jalapeño Recipes That Will Elevate Your Meals
Jalapeños are a common staple in many kitchens, but they’re more than just a garnish for tacos and nachos. These fiery chili peppers offer so much versatility when it comes to cooking that you can create numerous mouthwatering dishes from appetizers to main courses. Let us explore ten tempting jalapeño recipes that will bring a unique spice to your culinary adventures.
1. Jalapeño Poppers with Smoked Gouda Dip
Start your journey into the world of spicy food with these addictive and easy-to-make jalapeño poppers filled with creamy goodness.
Ingredients:
– 6 jalapeños, sliced in half lengthwise
– 125 g smoked Gouda cheese
– 200 ml sour cream
– 4 tbsp. chopped cilantro
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1/4 tsp. salt
– 1/8 tsp. ground black pepper
– Panko breadcrumbs (optional)
Preparation:
1. Preheat oven to 175°C and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Remove seeds from jalapeños, then fill each one with smoked Gouda cheese.
3. In a bowl, combine sour cream, cilantro, garlic, salt, and black pepper. Stir until well-blended.
4. Pour the sour cream mixture into a shallow dish. Dip the stuffed jalapeños in the mixture to coat evenly.
5. For extra crispiness, roll coated poppers in panko breadcrumbs before placing them on the prepared baking sheet.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese melts and the crust is golden brown. Serve with a dipping sauce of choice.
2. Jalapeño Deviled Eggs
Transform classic deviled eggs with this spicy twist, perfect for a party appetizer or snack.
Ingredients:
– 6 hard-boiled eggs
– 1/4 cup mayonnaise
– 1 tbsp. Dijon mustard
– 2 jalapeños, seeded and finely chopped
– 1/2 tsp. salt
– 1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
– Paprika for garnish (optional)
Preparation:
1. Peel the hard-boiled eggs and cut them in half lengthwise. Remove the yolks and transfer to a mixing bowl.
2. Mash the egg yolks using a fork, then add mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, jalapeños, salt, and pepper. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
3. Scoop the mixture into the hollowed-out egg white halves and top with a sprinkle of paprika for garnish if desired. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
3. Jalapeño Pizza with Fresh Tomatoes and Mozzarella
Jump into the world of spicy pizzas with this simple yet delightful combination of flavors.
Ingredients:
– 1 pre-made pizza dough (or homemade)
– 3/4 cup tomato sauce
– 6 sliced jalapeños
– 250 g shredded mozzarella cheese
– 2 cups chopped fresh tomatoes
– Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
– Dried oregano for garnish (optional)
Preparation:
1. Preheat your oven to the recommended temperature on the pizza dough’s package instructions.
2. Roll out the pizza dough onto a baking sheet or pizza stone, then spread tomato sauce evenly over it.
3. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese and chopped fresh tomatoes. Add sliced jalapeños and red pepper flakes for extra spice.
4. Bake according to your pizza dough’s instructions until the crust is golden brown, the cheese has melted, and the ingredients are bubbling.
5. Remove from the oven and garnish with dried oregano before serving.
4. Jalapeño Cornbread Stuffing
Jazz up your Thanksgiving meal with this delectable jalapeño-infused cornbread stuffing that combines the flavors of savory and spicy.
Ingredients:
– 1 loaf jalapeño cornbread (recipe here)
– 2 tbsp. butter or margarine
– 3 stalks celery, diced
– 3 onions, diced
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
– 1 tsp. dried sage leaves
– 1 tsp. ground thyme
– Salt and black pepper to taste
Preparation:
1. Preheat your oven to 175°C and prepare a large baking dish or cast-iron skillet.
2. Cut the cornbread into 2-inch cubes, then set aside in a large bowl.
3. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat and sauté celery, onion, parsley, garlic, sage, and thyme until tender.
4. Add chicken broth to the vegetable mixture, and bring it to a simmer before pouring onto the cornbread cubes in the bowl. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
5. Transfer the stuffing mixture into the prepared baking dish or skillet. Bake for 30-40 minutes until golden brown on top and cooked through.
6. Allow the stuffing to cool slightly before serving as a side dish or main course.
5. Jalapeño Mac ‘n Cheese with Smoked Sausage
Give macaroni and cheese a spicy twist with this jalapeño-infused version paired with smoky sausage for an irresistible meal that’s sure to please everyone.
Ingredients:
– 500 g elbow macaroni, cooked according to package instructions
– 1/4 cup butter
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 cups milk
– 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
– 2 tbsp. cream cheese
– 2 jalapeños, seeded and finely chopped
– Salt and black pepper to taste
– 1/2 lb. smoked sausage, sliced
Preparation:
1. Preheat oven to 175°C and prepare a baking dish that can accommodate the cooked macaroni.
2. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat before whisking in flour to create a roux. Gradually pour milk into the pan while stirring until it thickens.
3. Add 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese and cream cheese, stirring continuously until melted and combined with the white sauce.
4. Mix the cooked macaroni, chopped jalapeños, and sausage slices into the cheese sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish.
5. Top with the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and bake for 20-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top. Serve hot and enjoy!
6. Grilled Chicken Fajitas with Jalapeño Salsa
This sizzling fajita recipe features a delectable jalapeño salsa that takes chicken fajitas to the next level, making them perfect for summer grilling.
Ingredients:
– 4 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
– Salt and black pepper to taste
– 2 bell peppers (any color)
– 1 red onion
– Olive oil
– Jalapeño Salsa ingredients (below)
– Tortillas for serving
Jalapeño Salsa Ingredients:
– 3 jalapeños, seeded and finely chopped
– 2 Roma tomatoes, diced
– 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– Juice from 1 lime
– Salt and black pepper to taste
Preparation:
1. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Grill over medium-high heat until cooked through, approximately 6-8 minutes per side. Set aside and allow to cool slightly before slicing into strips.
2. Slice bell peppers and red onions into strips, then toss them in olive oil for even cooking. Grill until tender with a slight char, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Prepare the jalapeño salsa by combining all ingredients in a bowl and stirring until well mixed. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Warm tortillas on the grill or in a pan before serving fajitas. Fill each tortilla with chicken strips, bell pepper, onion slices, and jalapeño salsa for a mouthwatering bite.
7. Jalapeño Pasta Salad
This cool and refreshing pasta salad is the perfect side dish to complement any summer gathering or potluck.
Ingredients:
– 350 g rotini pasta, cooked according to package instructions
– 6 jalapeños, seeded and thinly sliced
– 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
– 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/2 cup black olives, pitted and sliced in half
– 1/3 cup olive oil
– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
– 2 tbsp. Dijon mustard
– 2 tsp. honey
– Salt and black pepper to taste
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
Preparation:
1. In a large bowl, combine cooked rotini pasta with sliced jalapeños, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and black olives. Set aside.
2. In a separate small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until well-blended.
3. Pour the dressing over the pasta salad mixture and gently toss to coat evenly. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
4. Just before serving, top with crumbled feta cheese if desired. Enjoy cold as a side dish or light meal.
8. Jalapeño Pork Chops with Mango Salsa
This elegant dinner combines juicy pork chops seasoned with jalapeños, spices, and fresh mango salsa for a delightful fusion of flavors.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless pork chops
– Salt, black pepper, and garlic powder to taste
– 3 tbsp. olive oil, divided
– 1/2 cup diced jalapeños
– 1/4 tsp. dried thyme leaves
– 1/4 tsp. ground cumin
– 1/2 tsp. paprika
– Mango Salsa ingredients (below)
Mango Salsa Ingredients:
– 1 mango, peeled and diced
– 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped
– 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
– 2 tbsp. fresh cilantro, chopped
– Juice from 1 lime
– Salt to taste
Preparation:
1. Season pork chops with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder on both sides. Combine jalapeños, thyme, cumin, paprika, and 2 tbsp. of olive oil in a bowl. Spread this mixture evenly over the pork chops and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight in the refrigerator.
2. Heat a large skillet with remaining 1 tbsp. olive oil until hot but not smoking. Sear pork chops for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until an internal thermometer reads 63°C (medium-rare) and juices run clear when pierced. Remove from heat and let them rest while you prepare the mango salsa.
3. For the mango salsa, combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl and stir well to blend. Season with salt to taste before serving alongside the pork chops.
4. Serve your jalapeño-infused pork chops with a generous scoop of mango salsa for an unforgettable culinary experience.
9. Jalapeño Poppy Seed Dressing
Elevate your salads and sandwiches with this zesty jalapeño poppy seed dressing that brings a delightful kick to everyday meals.
Ingredients:
– 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
– 1/4 cup white wine vinegar
– 1/2 tbsp. honey
– 1/2 tsp. salt
– Black pepper to taste
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped
– 1 tsp. poppy seeds
Preparation:
1. In a small bowl or jar with a tight-fitting lid, whisk or shake together olive oil, white wine vinegar, honey, salt, black pepper, garlic, jalapeño, and poppy seeds until well combined.
2. Refrigerate the dressing for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld before using it on your favorite salads or dishes. Dressing will keep for up to a week stored in an air-tight container in the refrigerator.
10. Jalapeño Pizza Pasta Bake
Bring together the flavors of pizza and pasta with this delectable jalapeño-infused twist that’s perfect for a family meal or gatherings with friends.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb. penne pasta, cooked according to package instructions
– 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
– 450 g ground beef, browned and drained
– 1/3 cup pizza sauce
– 2 tbsp. tomato paste
– 6 slices canned jalapeños, chopped
– 2 bell peppers, diced (optional)
– 1 onion, diced (optional)
– Salt and black pepper to taste
– 250 g sliced pepperoni (optional)
Preparation:
1. Preheat your oven to 175°C and grease a large casserole dish with cooking spray.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked penne pasta with half of the shredded mozzarella cheese, ground beef, pizza sauce, tomato paste, chopped jalapeños, bell peppers, onion (if using), salt, black pepper, and pepperoni (optional). Stir well to mix everything together.
3. Pour the pasta-meat mixture into your prepared casserole dish. Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese and bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
4. Allow the pizza pasta bake to cool slightly before serving hot as a comforting dinner.