Spice Up Your Life With These 8 Jalapeño Recipes

There’s really nothing better than a crispy, deep-fried fritters. But make them spicy with jalapeños, then sweeten the whole dish with peach butter for dipping, and you have something truly special. These corn fritters are even coated in homemade batter made with buttermilk and parmesan. This will be your new go-to appetizer. Recipe here!

Looking to kick your weeknight entrees up a notch? Try this jalapeño popper-style stuffed chicken. Each chicken breast is stuffed with jalapeños, cream cheese and cheddar, then wrapped in bacon for a truly indulgent meal. Serve with your favorite roasted veggies or a crisp, cool salad to round out this dinner. Recipe here!

With this homemade pepper jelly, you can add a little dose of jalapeño to just about any dish you eat. Don’t worry — this version doesn’t require a careful canning process to preserve the jalapeño jelly. Instead, it’s made for the fridge, and any extra can go in the freezer to enjoy later. Recipe here!

Another great way to incorporate more jalapeños in your diet? Salsa! This sweet-and-spicy version combines cranberries and jalapeños for a unique twist on salsa. Enjoy with sweet or savory chips or crackers, spread on a sandwich, add to tacos or layer it with cream cheese for a crowd-pleasing dip. Recipe here!

Even coleslaw haters will love this take, which is the perfect companion to a barbecue sandwich, grilled hot dogs or charred hamburgers or stands as a refreshing snack on its own. The typical combination of cabbages and carrots is amped up with spicy jalapeños, then cooled down with a creamy, tangy homemade dressing. Recipe here!

A big bowl of hot soup is comforting, especially on these chilly, dark days of winter. This version is hearty, thanks to the combination of shredded chicken, black beans, bell peppers, jalapeños, cream cheese and cheese. It brings just the right amount of heat. Serve with more jalapeños, tortilla chips, avocado and/or sour cream. Recipe here!

Many people are familiar with jalapeño poppers, and they are an easy appetizer to make at home. But if you want to enjoy those flavors without eating whole jalapeños, then these rolls are a great alternative. Loaded with cheese and diced jalapeños, you’ll want to devour the whole tray of these jalapeño popper rolls. Recipe here!

If jalapeño-flavored appetizers, side dishes, soups, dips and entrees just aren’t enough for you, you’re in luck: This spicy pepper is surprisingly well-suited for desserts. Take, for instance, this sweet yet spicy ice cream made with real jalapeños. You just need three other ingredients to make this unique dessert, plus a little patience as it sets and freezes.