14 Best Jalapeño Recipes

Keto Jalapeno Poppers — The Spruce / Leah Maroney

In addition to the standard butter, eggs, and milk, we always keep a couple of fresh jalapeño peppers in the fridge. If you are something of a heat-seeker, you can add the small, green, spicy peppers to just about everything. They add a little zing to scrambled eggs in the morning, soup or chili for lunch, and bring some heat to a taco dinner. If you also enjoy spicy food, try these recipes that prominently feature jalapeños.

Hot Chili Peppers on the Scoville Scale

hot peppers on the scoville heat scale illustration

01 of 14

Jalapeño Popper Dip

The Spruce / Kristina Vanni

If you love spicy, cheesy, meaty jalapeño poppers as an appetizer, turn them into a dip with all of the same flavors. Stuffing the peppers with cream cheese, spices, and ground meat then breading and frying can take some time, so this hot jalapeño popper dip speeds things up. Serve with tortilla chips for a melty, zesty starter.
02 of 14

Beer-Battered Hush Puppies

The Spruce / Diana Rattray

Adding beer to the batter gives these crispy hush puppies a lovely light, crisp texture, while jalapeños bring the heat. Use a darker beer for more beer flavor, or a light ale or lager for less yeastiness. Serve them as a crunchy side for seafood, barbecue, or any time you might typically serve cornbread.
03 of 14

Corn Salsa with Peppers

The Spruce / Diana Rattray

This simple and versatile corn salsa works with either fresh or frozen corn, and it's a great way to maximize your late-summer farmers market bounty. Swap in any kind of peppers you can find, add diced plum tomatoes or halved cherry tomatoes, or add a can of drained black beans for extra heft.
04 of 14

Homemade Pickled Jalapeños

The Spruce / Jennifer Perillo

Pickling jalapeños gives them a delicious tang that gives their spice even more complexity. You can easily make them at home to add a little kick to tacos, hot dogs, burgers, or any dish that needs some extra zing. Let them cure in the fridge for a few days for best results.

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05 of 14

Spicy Guacamole Salsa

The Spruce / Leah Maroney

When you can't decide between guacamole and salsa, split the difference with this assertive guacamole salsa dip that prominently features jalapeño peppers. Roasting the peppers gives them an extra smokiness that complements creamy avocado, and a little lime juice peps it all up. Serve with tortilla chips for dipping or add it to your favorite Mexican dishes.
06 of 14

Totchos

The Spruce / Leah Maroney

Switch up your game-day spread by serving totchos instead of nachos—they have all the same crave-worthy toppings but with tater tots as a base instead of chips. Sprinkle on a generous helping of jalapeño peppers for that signature spice. Use both pickled and fresh for even more of a flavor dimension.
07 of 14

Jalapeño Quiche

The Spruce / Leah Maroney

Start your day off with a bang by serving up this easy baked quiche that comes packed with Southwestern flare. Jalapeno peppers, both ham and bacon, Mexican cheese, tomatoes, and mushrooms give it enough heft to hold you over through the afternoon.
08 of 14

Creamy Jalapeño Sauce

The Spruce / Diana Rattray

This tangy, creamy jalapeño sauce highlights the best of jalapeño peppers and cilantro, and tastes great with tortilla chips as a starter, drizzled over tacos and burritos, or even as a zesty salad dressing. For a thicker sauce, swap out sour cream for some or all of the buttermilk.

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09 of 14

Green Chile Macaroni and Cheese

The Spruce / Diana Rattray

Mac and cheese tastes all grown up with the addition of both hot and mild green peppers, cilantro, and jalapeño salsa. Try it as a meat-free main dish or a side for hot dogs, burgers, or barbecue. Add more fresh or canned jalapeños for a more assertive flavor, or leave them out for a milder dish.
10 of 14

No-Knead Jalapeño Cheese Bread

The Spruce / Diana Rattray

Take a foray into bread-baking with this flavorful jalapeño cheese bread that just needs a mix and a rise—no kneading required. It bakes in a Dutch oven or covered casserole after a 3 1/2 hour rise. Either fresh or canned jalapeños work in this versatile recipe, too.
11 of 14

Keto Jalapeño Poppers

The Spruce / Leah Maroney

Bring these cheesy, meaty, keto-friendly stuffed jalapeño poppers to the party so everyone can find something that suits their dietary needs. With just five ingredients and a speedy preparation, they make a great last-minute party addition or a tasty starter any time.
12 of 14

Jalapeño-Cheddar Football Cheese Ball

The Spruce / Leah Maroney

For the big game, a sports-themed party, or just to have a little fun any old time, serve up this fun and delicious jalapeño-cheddar cheese ball in the shape of a football. It has a smoky, cheesy, garlicky flavor that will score big with the whole team. You can also customize it to your preferences, for a recipe that really goes the distance.

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13 of 14

Jalapeño Cheddar Quick Bread

The Spruce / Diana Rattray

When you don't have time to wait for bread to rise, turn to this quick bread recipe that takes just under an hour, including baking time. It has lots of peppery flavor that would perfectly complement a hearty soup or chili, or steal the show as a side for any Southwestern-style meal.
14 of 14

Slow-Cooker Jalapeño Pot Roast

Ron Dollete / Flickr

For a melt-in-your-mouth pot roast that makes awesome tacos, burritos, or saucy sandwiches, try this simple slow cooker recipe. It starts with a bottom round or chuck shoulder roast, then gets its flavor from canned jalapeño peppers, onion, garlic, and cider vinegar. It doesn't get much easier.

Spicy Main Dish Recipes