Must Make Jalapeno Recipes
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Have jalapenos that need to be used, or are you just ready to add a zesty twist to your meals? Look no further than this blog post! These mouthwatering jalapeno recipes are perfect for those times when you have plenty of jalapenos that need to be used up.
Must Make Jalapeno Recipes
It’s that time of year when peppers are in abundance in the garden. Even this year when I’ve lost almost all of my garden, I still have peppers in my greenhouse and the plants are so heavy with fruit that they droop over.
I decided to work on a small roundup of delicious recipes that you can make using one of the most common peppers on the market, the humble jalapeno.
The Jalapeno is a great pepper because it’s usually not too hot but can still add a bit of spice to your meals. Keep reading to find our favorite ways to use jalapenos in recipes!
Jalapeno Relish
This Jalapeno Relish is a great way to preserve jalapenos for later in the winter if you like to enjoy them all year round. It’s an easy alternative to pickled jalapeños that still has the same applications.
This relish is versatile and the perfect addition to a vast array of dishes. Pour it on top of cream cheese and serve alongside crackers. Mix it into scrambled eggs or add it to a hot dog for a spicy kick! When vegetables are abundant during summer, saute diced squash and relish, then top with shredded cheese for a quick and fresh meal.
Jalapeno Popper Grilled Cheese
These sandwiches were our number one sandwich that we sold when we owned a coffee shop!
With the flavors being a creamy blend of sweetness and spiciness, what’s not to love? This Jalapeno Popper Grilled Cheese Sandwich is different and so tasty. If you have those in your family that love the mild bite of Jalapeno Poppers, they will love this meal!
Jalapeno Pepper Jelly
Jalapeno Jelly is one delicious but unexpected ways to enjoy jalapeño peppers. There is just something about that sweet and spicy mixture that is so addicting!
Our favorite way to enjoy our finished jelly is to take 8 ounces of cream cheese and soften it. Spoon the jelly over the top of the cream cheese and serve with crackers or tortilla chips. This is great appetizer to take when getting together with friends or it makes a beautiful gift or part of a gift basket for the holidays!
Jalapeno Popper Dip
I might be a little obsessed with jalapeño poppers, can you tell?
This Jalapeño Popper Dip is a great little appetizer or snack if you are looking for something warm or something special for a family gathering or to enjoy during the big game as an alternative to nachos.
You can serve this dip recipe with crackers, chips, or your favorite dipping foods. It has a slightly crunchy topping and is a wonderfully flavorful cheesy dip! You should already have most of these ingredients like cheddar cheese and cream cheese in your pantry/fridge already.
My Go-To Salsa Recipe for Canning
If you are looking for salsa to preserve from your garden bounty and your fresh jalapeños, you should check out this recipe.
I know there are lots and lots and lots of recipes for salsa out there. Especially this time of year, BUT this is my mom’s family’s favorite salsa recipe! This salsa recipe has taken 15 years to perfect and is now her tried and true canned salsa recipe.
Get the recipe and instructions HERE.
Homemade Taco Sauce
I have always liked a good Taco Sauce (or a very smooth salsa) on my tacos instead of salsa. This recipe is one that I came up with years ago to have a taco sauce that I could preserve for winter when we had plenty of tomatoes and peppers growing in the garden.
The result is a delicious, fresh sauce that tastes similar (but fresher!) to the bottles of taco sauce that you can buy in the store. It’s not a hot sauce but a nice mild to medium flavored kick for your tacos. You are going to want to make a big pot of this to can!
Homemade Queso Dip
Who doesn’t love a good Queso Dip? I didn’t know just how good they could be until I started making it from scratch. What a difference!
Many quesos or recipes for queso contain processed cheese products, but not this one! If you are looking for a fresh, delicious tasting Queso made with real cheese, you need to check out this recipe.
Preserving Hot Peppers
While this one isn’t a recipe, it’s still a great idea on how to do something with all of the fresh jalapenos that you currently have in abundance.
By preserving your peppers, you can enjoy their flavor in all of these recipes all winter long.
More Ways to Use Jalapenos
- Add a few into chili to give it a bit of a kick.
- Combine chopped jalapenos with corn, black beans, lime juice, salt, onions, and diced tomatoes to make a basic fresh black bean salsa.
- Add to your favorite Pineapple Salsa recipe for a little more spice.
- Create a yummy dinner casserole using jalapenos mixed with ground beef, bacon, slices or shreds of cheese, and veggies. Topped with tater tots or bread crumbs and bake until bubbly and warm.
Can you freeze jalapenos?
Yes! Freezing is a very easy way to preserve jalapenos if you don’t want to can them. You need to start by washing and removing the stem and seeds. After that, you can freeze them whole or chop them. Place them in a freezer bag and store for 6-8 months in the freezer until ready to use.
Does cooking jalapenos make them hotter?
No. Certain varieties of jalapenos can be more on the spicy side than others, though. Your peppers also might be a little hotter if the plants were stressed while the peppers were growing.
Can you dehydrate jalapenos?
Yes, you can dehydrate them but DO NOT DO IT INDOORS. Set up a solar dehydrator or place your dehydrator outside and away from the house when you are dehydrating any kind of pepper.
There are so many ways to use jalapenos! I hope that this post has given you a bit of inspiration on what to do with all that you currently have.
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What are your favorites recipes to use jalapenos in?
Merissa has been blogging about and living the simple life since 2009 and has internationally published 2 books on the topic. You can read about Merissa’s journey from penniless to freedom on the About Page. You can send her a message any time from the Contact Page.
This blog post for Jalapeno Recipes was originally posted on Little House Living in August 2023.
Deviled Jalapeños
Roast peppers.
Let them cool.
Slice them open and stuff with mashed Deviled eggs mixed with bacon.
Yippie! You have perfect timing Merissa! I planted a ton of the little guys this year and they are comin’ in strong! Thanks for the great ideas – definitely going to thy that queso dip. We also like them chopped up added to biscuits with cheddar cheese – yum!
Have a great summer!
Thank you for the great sounding recipes! I only planted two jalapeno plants and they’re going crazy! These recipes will be very helpful.
I’m so glad this is useful!
Wow! Thanks so much, love the ideas. I’ve held off on planting these peppers because I wasn’t sure what all I could do to preserve and use them up.