17 Things to Do with Fresh Jalapeno Peppers (Appetizers + Preserving + More)
Inside: All the best things to make with fresh jalapenos. You’ll find my favorite appetizers and (yes!) even a delicious cocktail.
Packed with heat and flavor, jalapenos are easy to grow and affordable to buy any time of year. But if you have a lot, you might be wondering what on earth to do with them.
One of the best ways to start homesteading anywhere is to use and enjoy what’s in season.
Jalapeno Relish for Canning
This is the best way to use up lots of jalapenos. It’s spicy but not too spicy and we absolutely love it on hot dogs.
Deep-fried jalapeno Poppers
This recipe is all about simplicity and flavor. Fresh jalapenos are hollowed out and stuffed with a blend of cream cheese and cheddar, then coated in a light batter and crispy panko breadcrumbs. Serve these golden beauties fresh out of the fryer with a side of cool ranch or tangy sour cream to balance the heat.
Pork Carnitas Nachos
It’s time to step up your snack game with this tasty and simple Pork Carnitas Nachos recipe. This dish has two types of cheese, tender shredded pork, and fresh, colorful toppings. Everyone will love it.
Wild West Shrimp
This Wild West Shrimp recipe is crispy, super flavorful, and easy to make. It’s a fun recipe that’s a little different from the usual. Easy enough for a weeknight, it’s also perfect to serve to guests with a few other appetizers.
Crisp Pickled Jalapeno Slices
These crisp pickled jalapeno slices are the perfect pop of heat sprinkled on top of just about anything from nachos to pizza to grilled cheese.
Cowboy Candy
Candied Jalapeños for Canning is an amazing blend of sweetness and heat that adds a surprisingly versatile twist to your jalapeños.
Cheddar Jalapeno Sourdough Bread
A jalapeno cheddar sourdough bread recipe that’s loaded with flavor. A beautiful crust, soft interior, and sharp cheese and spicy peppers combine for a loaf you won’t forget.
Pineapple Jalapeno Sangria
Pineapple Jalapeno Sangria is a refreshing summer cocktail perfect for entertaining, made with just a few ingredients!
No-Knead Jalapeno Cheddar Bread
This recipe for No-Knead Jalapeno Cheddar Bread is going to be your new favorite!
Firecracker Chicken Wraps
Craving restaurant-style crispy, delicious, and slightly spicy chicken wraps? Bring the steakhouse right to your kitchen with this copycat recipe you’ll love.
FAQs
Jalapenos have a bit of a kick but they’re not too crazy on the spice scale. They range from mild to moderately hot, so if you’re just getting into spicy foods, they’re a good start.
Yes! And they will do quite well in containers since they stay small. Here is my guide to growing jalapenos at home.
If you’ve got a batch of jalapenos that are too hot, try removing the seeds and the white membranes inside before using them. That’s where most of the heat lives. Cooking them will also tone down the spice a bit.
Handling Jalapenos Properly
When dealing with jalapenos, it’s crucial to protect your skin from the spicy oils.
Wearing gloves is the best defense against capsaicin, which can cause irritation or a burning sensation if it comes into contact with your skin or eyes.
After handling jalapenos, make sure to wash your cutting board, knife, and gloves with soap and hot water to remove any lingering capsaicin oils. This simple precaution keeps the spice on your plate, not on your hands or face, allowing you to enjoy the heat where it belongs.
More Resources:
Are you getting excited about the world of gardening and living from scratch? Good! There’s so much to explore, and so many things to grow and good and preserve.
Long Way on a Little: An Earth Lover’s Companion for Enjoying Meat, Pinching Pennies and Living DeliciouslyGardening When It Counts: Growing Food in Hard Times (Mother Earth News Wiser Living Series, 5)Best of Hobby Farms Healing Herbs Vol 1 2017 Natural HealthUltimate Guide to Hobby Farm Animals: Raising Beef Cattle, Chickens, Ducks, Goats, Pigs, Rabbits, and Sheep (CompanionHouse Books) Everything a Hobby Farmer Needs to Know for Small-Scale FarmingTaste of Home Farm to Table Cookbook: 279 Recipes that Make the Most of the Season’s Freshest Foods – All Year Long!Garden Grown: Garden-to-Table Recipes to Make the Most of Your Bounty
I hope you find something to love in the world of this spicy little guy. They’re fresh, pretty, and versatile. Enjoy!
By Katie Shaw
Katie lives in Virginia with her husband, three daughters, a chocolate lab, and over thirty chickens. She loves creating simple tutorials for sourdough, bread, and soap. Her recipes, articles, and YouTube videos reach millions of people per year.
