Jalapenos add a spicy kick to many dishes. These green peppers can turn up the heat in appetizers, main courses, and even desserts.

You’ll find lots of tasty ways to use jalapenos in your cooking.

These 16+ jalapeno recipes will give you ideas for adding some zip to your meals. From stuffed peppers to zesty salsas, there are options for all taste buds.

You can adjust the heat level by removing the seeds or using more peppers.

Get ready to spice things up in your kitchen with these jalapeno-packed recipes.

1. Spicy Jalapeno Poppers

Jalapeno poppers are a tasty snack that pack a spicy punch. You can make them by stuffing jalapeno peppers with cream cheese and wrapping them in bacon.

To prepare, cut jalapenos in half and remove the seeds.

Mix cream cheese with shredded cheddar and spices. Fill the peppers with the cheese mixture.

Wrap each stuffed pepper with a strip of bacon. Secure with toothpicks if needed.

Bake until the bacon is crispy and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

For extra crunch, you can coat the poppers in breadcrumbs before baking. Serve these spicy bites as an appetizer at parties or game day gatherings.

2. Jalapeno Pineapple Salsa

Jalapeno pineapple salsa is a tasty mix of sweet and spicy flavors. You’ll love this fresh and bright combo on a hot day.

To make it, chop fresh pineapple, jalapenos, red onion, and cilantro. Mix them together with lime juice and a pinch of salt.

For best results, use ripe pineapple with a golden color and sweet smell. Chop all ingredients finely and roughly the same size.

Let the salsa sit in the fridge for 30 minutes before eating. This helps the flavors blend together nicely.

Try this zesty salsa with tacos, nachos, or grilled chicken. You can easily adjust the spice level by adding more or less jalapeno.

3. Cheesy Jalapeno Cornbread

Cheesy jalapeno cornbread is a tasty twist on a classic dish. You can make it easily at home with a few simple ingredients.

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F.

Mix cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. In another bowl, combine buttermilk, milk, and an egg.

Add shredded cheddar cheese and diced jalapenos to the dry ingredients. Pour in the wet mixture and stir until just combined. Don’t overmix.

Pour the batter into a hot cast-iron skillet for a crispy crust. Bake for about 20 minutes until golden brown. Let it cool slightly before serving.

This cornbread is moist, cheesy, and has a nice kick from the jalapenos. It’s perfect as a side dish or on its own.

4. Jalapeno Margarita

Spice up your cocktail game with a jalapeno margarita. This zesty twist on a classic drink combines tequila, lime juice, and sliced jalapenos for a kick.

To make one, muddle jalapeno slices in a shaker.

Add tequila, triple sec, fresh lime juice, and agave nectar. Shake with ice and strain into a salt-rimmed glass.

You can adjust the heat by using more or fewer jalapenos. For extra flavor, try infusing tequila with jalapenos for 24 hours before mixing your drink.

Serve your jalapeno margarita over ice with a lime wedge and jalapeno slice garnish. It’s perfect for warm evenings or spicy food pairings.

5. Stuffed Jalapeno Chicken

Stuffed jalapeno chicken is a tasty twist on classic jalapeno poppers. To make it, you’ll butterfly chicken breasts and stuff them with a spicy, cheesy filling.

Mix cream cheese, shredded cheddar, and diced jalapenos for the stuffing. Add some chili powder and cumin for extra flavor. Spread this mixture inside the chicken breasts.

Cook the stuffed chicken in a 400°F oven until it’s fully done. The cheese will get melty and the jalapenos will soften.

This dish gives you a nice balance of protein from the chicken and heat from the peppers. It’s a great way to spice up your dinner routine.

6. Jalapeno Lime Grilled Shrimp

You can make tasty jalapeno lime grilled shrimp at home. Start by cleaning and deveining jumbo shrimp.

Mix jalapeno lime balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and salt in a bowl. Add the shrimp and coat them well. Let them marinate for a short time.

Thread the shrimp onto skewers.

Grill them for 3-4 minutes on each side until they’re pink and lightly charred.

For extra flavor, brush the shrimp with a glaze made from butter, hot sauce, honey, and lime juice while grilling. Sprinkle with chopped cilantro before serving.

Serve your spicy, tangy shrimp with lime wedges for squeezing. They make a great appetizer or main dish.

7. Creamy Jalapeno Dip

Creamy jalapeno dip is a tasty Tex-Mex favorite you can easily make at home. It combines the kick of jalapenos with a smooth, creamy base.

To make this dip, you’ll need sour cream, mayonnaise, pickled jalapenos, and cilantro. Blend these ingredients together for a quick and simple appetizer.

This versatile dip pairs well with chips, vegetables, or as a sauce for tacos. You can adjust the spice level by adding more or fewer jalapenos to suit your taste.

For extra flavor, try adding a touch of ranch seasoning or fresh garlic. This dip is perfect for parties or as a quick snack.

8. Jalapeno Chocolate Brownies

Spice up your dessert with jalapeno chocolate brownies. These treats blend rich chocolate with a kick of heat for an exciting flavor combination.

To make them, start with your favorite brownie mix or recipe. Add finely diced jalapenos and their juice to the batter. The amount can vary based on your spice preference.

For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper. Mix everything well and pour into a greased baking pan.

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes. The brownies are done when they pull away from the sides of the pan.

Let them cool before cutting. These unique brownies offer a sweet start and a spicy finish that will surprise your taste buds.

9. Jalapeno Infused Olive Oil

Jalapeno infused olive oil adds a spicy kick to your cooking. You can make it at home with just a few ingredients.

Start with good quality extra virgin olive oil and fresh jalapenos. Slice the peppers and heat them gently in the oil. This process infuses the oil with jalapeno flavor.

Store your infused oil in a dark glass bottle in a cool place. It will stay fresh for 1-2 months.

Use this flavorful oil to enhance salad dressings, marinades, and roasted vegetables. It’s also great drizzled over pasta or grilled meats.

For a milder taste, remove the seeds from the jalapenos before infusing. If you like it hot, leave them in.

10. Jalapeno Mac and Cheese

Spice up your comfort food with jalapeno mac and cheese. Start by cooking macaroni according to package directions. In a skillet, sauté diced jalapenos and onions in butter until soft.

Make a cheese sauce by whisking flour into the jalapeno mixture. Gradually add milk and shredded cheese, stirring until smooth. Mix in cooked pasta and transfer to a baking dish.

Top with breadcrumbs and bake until golden and bubbly. You can adjust the heat by using more or fewer jalapenos. For extra flavor, try adding crispy bacon bits or diced tomatoes.

This dish is perfect for potlucks or as a zesty side. You’ll love how the creamy cheese balances the kick from the peppers.

11. Jalapeno Hush Puppies

Jalapeno hush puppies are a spicy twist on the classic Southern side dish. You can make these tasty bites at home with a few simple ingredients.

Mix cornmeal, flour, baking soda, salt, and sugar in a bowl. In another bowl, whisk eggs and buttermilk. Combine the wet and dry ingredients.

Add diced jalapenos and onions to the batter for extra flavor and heat. Let the mixture rest for 5 minutes before cooking.

Heat oil in a deep fryer or heavy skillet to 350°F.

Drop spoonfuls of batter into the hot oil and fry until golden brown, about 5 minutes.

Serve your jalapeno hush puppies hot as a side dish or appetizer. They pair well with fried fish or barbecue.

12. Pickled Jalapenos

Pickled jalapenos are a tasty way to preserve these spicy peppers. You can make them easily at home with just a few ingredients.

Start by slicing fresh jalapenos into rings. Place them in a clean glass jar with a clove of garlic.

In a pot, mix vinegar, water, sugar, and salt. Bring this mixture to a boil, stirring until the sugar and salt dissolve.

Pour the hot liquid over the jalapenos in the jar. Let it cool to room temperature before sealing the jar.

Store your pickled jalapenos in the fridge. They’ll be ready to eat in about 24 hours and will keep for several weeks.

Use these tangy, spicy peppers on nachos, tacos, or sandwiches for an extra kick of flavor.

13. Jalapeno Avocado Toast

Jalapeno avocado toast is a spicy twist on a classic breakfast. Start with toasted bread as your base. Spread mashed avocado evenly across the toast.

Top it with thinly sliced jalapenos for a kick of heat. Add some crumbled bacon or crispy quinoa for crunch. Sprinkle on shredded Mexican cheese for extra flavor.

For a protein boost, try adding a fried egg or egg whites. Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors.

This versatile dish works great for breakfast, lunch, or a quick snack.

You can adjust the spice level by using more or fewer jalapenos. Experiment with different toppings like tomatoes or radishes to find your perfect combination.

14. Jalapeno Garlic Pasta

Spice up your pasta night with this zesty jalapeno garlic pasta. You’ll love the kick from fresh jalapenos combined with the savory flavor of garlic.

Start by cooking your favorite pasta according to package directions.

While it’s boiling, sauté minced garlic and sliced jalapenos in olive oil.

Toss the cooked pasta with the garlic and jalapeno mixture. Add a splash of pasta water to create a light sauce. For extra flavor, sprinkle in some grated Parmesan cheese.

This quick and easy dish is perfect for busy weeknights. You can adjust the heat level by adding more or fewer jalapenos to suit your taste.

15. Jalapeno Honey Wings

Jalapeno honey wings offer a perfect blend of sweet and spicy flavors. To make these tasty wings, start by coating chicken wings in a mixture of flour, salt, and spices.

Fry the wings until golden and crispy.

While they cook, prepare the sauce by combining honey, chopped jalapenos, and butter in a saucepan.

Once the wings are done, toss them in the warm jalapeno honey sauce. The heat from the peppers balances nicely with the sweetness of the honey.

Serve these wings hot as an appetizer or main dish. They’re great for parties, game nights, or anytime you crave a flavorful chicken dish.

16. Jalapeno Cilantro Rice

Jalapeno cilantro rice adds a zesty kick to your meals. To make it, sauté diced jalapenos and garlic in olive oil until softened.

Add rice and broth, then bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 20 minutes until the rice is tender.

Once cooked, stir in chopped fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice. The result is a flavorful side dish with a hint of spice and bright, herbal notes.

You can adjust the heat level by using more or fewer jalapenos. For extra flavor, try adding some sautéed onions or a pinch of cumin.

Nutritional Benefits

Jalapenos are low in calories but packed with nutrients. A single pepper has only about 4 calories.

They’re rich in vitamin C, which boosts your immune system. One pepper gives you about 17% of your daily vitamin C needs.

Jalapenos also contain vitamin A for eye health. They have potassium for heart function and folate for cell growth.

The capsaicin that makes them spicy may help speed up your metabolism.

Flavor Profile

Jalapenos have a bright, grassy taste with a medium heat level. On the Scoville scale, they range from 2,500 to 8,000 units.

This puts them hotter than bell peppers but milder than habaneros.

The heat builds slowly in your mouth. You’ll notice a sharp bite followed by a warm glow.

Green jalapenos are less spicy than red ones. Removing the seeds and membranes reduces the heat.

You can use jalapenos raw for maximum spice. Cooking them mellows their flavor.

Roasting brings out a smoky sweetness that balances the heat.

Cooking Tips for Jalapeno Recipes

Jalapenos can add a spicy kick to many dishes. Use these tips to get the most out of these peppers in your cooking.

Reducing Heat

To lower the spice level, remove the seeds and white membrane inside the jalapeno. This is where most of the heat comes from.

Wear gloves when handling hot peppers to protect your skin.

You can also soak sliced jalapenos in cold water for 30-60 minutes. This helps draw out some of the oils that cause heat.

Cooking jalapenos can make them milder. Try roasting or grilling them to mellow out the spiciness.

Pairing jalapenos with creamy or sweet ingredients can balance the heat. Add them to dishes with cheese, sour cream, or fruit.

Selecting Fresh Jalapenos

Look for firm, smooth peppers with shiny skin. Avoid any with soft spots or wrinkled skin.

The color can range from green to red. Green peppers are less ripe and have a brighter, grassier flavor. Red ones are fully ripe and slightly sweeter.

Small cracks in the skin, called “corking,” are normal. This doesn’t affect the flavor or quality.

Store fresh jalapenos in a plastic bag in the fridge. They should last 1-2 weeks.

You can also freeze them whole or sliced for later use.