Candied jalapeños (also known as “cowboy candy”) are a sweet, spicy, and tangy treat that can seriously level up a bunch of dishes. Here are some great recipes and ways to use them:
🔥 Candied Jalapeño Cream Cheese Dip
Super easy appetizer!
- Ingredients:
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/3 cup candied jalapeños (chopped or whole on top)
- Crackers or baguette slices
- Instructions:
- Spread cream cheese on a plate or dish.
- Top with chopped candied jalapeños or arrange whole slices on top.
- Serve with crackers or crostini.
🍔 Candied Jalapeño Bacon Burgers
Spicy-sweet twist on a classic burger
- Ingredients:
- Ground beef patties
- Candied jalapeños
- Cheddar cheese
- Bacon
- Burger buns, lettuce, tomato
- Instructions:
- Grill or pan-fry your patties.
- Top with cheese, then candied jalapeños and bacon.
- Assemble and enjoy the sweet heat.
🌽 Candied Jalapeño Cornbread
A spicy kick in your sweet cornbread
- Add to your favorite cornbread batter:
- 1/3 cup chopped candied jalapeños (adjust to taste)
- Optional: Drizzle a little of the jalapeño syrup over the top before baking.
🐟 Candied Jalapeño Glazed Salmon
Sweet heat glaze for seafood
- Ingredients:
- Salmon fillets
- 2 tbsp candied jalapeño syrup
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp lime juice
- Candied jalapeño slices for topping
- Instructions:
- Mix syrup, soy sauce, and lime.
- Brush over salmon and bake or grill.
- Top with jalapeños before serving.
🥪 Grilled Cheese with Candied Jalapeños
Cheesy, sweet, and spicy
- Use sharp cheddar or pepper jack
- Add a layer of chopped candied jalapeños between the cheese slices
- Grill until golden and melty
🍕 Candied Jalapeño Pizza
Spicy-sweet pizza topping
- Great on:
- BBQ chicken pizza
- Pepperoni and pineapple
- Goat cheese + caramelized onion pizzas
Candied Jalapeño Deviled Eggs
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Add finely chopped candied jalapeños to your yolk filling mix (mayo, mustard, etc.)
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Garnish each egg with a slice on top—boom, spicy, creamy, addictive.
🥗 Candied Jalapeño Vinaigrette
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Quick dressing:
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2 tbsp candied jalapeño syrup
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1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
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1/4 cup olive oil
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Salt, pepper, and a chopped jalapeño slice or two
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Shake it up and drizzle over arugula, goat cheese, and pecan salads.
🍗 Candied Jalapeño Glazed Chicken Wings
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Toss crispy wings in a mix of:
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2 tbsp melted butter
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2 tbsp candied jalapeño syrup
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1 tsp soy sauce or hot sauce (optional)
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Finish with a few slices of jalapeños on top for crunch and kick.
🥯 Candied Jalapeño Bagel Spread
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Mix chopped jalapeños into:
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Cream cheese (plus a little of the syrup)
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Perfect on bagels, crackers, or sandwiches—like a spicy-sweet schmear.
🧀 Charcuterie Board MVP
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Serve candied jalapeños as a sweet-spicy chutney next to:
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Brie, aged cheddar, goat cheese
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Prosciutto, salami
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Crackers or crostini
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🌮 Candied Jalapeño Street Tacos
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Add chopped jalapeños to:
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Pork carnitas
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Chicken tinga
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Fried fish tacos
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That tangy heat cuts through the savory meats perfectly.
🍹 Candied Jalapeño Cocktail Garnish
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Ideas:
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Bloody Mary stir stick
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Margarita garnish
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Muddle with mint and lime for a spicy mojito twist
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🍦 Candied Jalapeño Ice Cream Topping (yes, seriously)
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Pairs amazingly with:
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Vanilla bean
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Sweet corn ice cream
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Cream cheese or cheesecake ice cream
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Try it once—you’ll be shocked how good it is.
🧁 Candied Jalapeño Cornbread Cupcakes (Savory-Sweet Treat)
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Use a cornbread muffin base
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Top with cream cheese or honey butter frosting
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Garnish with a single candied jalapeño slice
🥃 Candied Jalapeño Old Fashioned
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Add a touch of syrup to the bourbon
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Muddle a jalapeño slice with the bitters and orange peel