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:
Super easy appetizer!
Spicy-sweet twist on a classic burger
A spicy kick in your sweet cornbread
Sweet heat glaze for seafood
Cheesy, sweet, and spicy
Spicy-sweet pizza topping
Add finely chopped candied jalapeños to your yolk filling mix (mayo, mustard, etc.)
Garnish each egg with a slice on top—boom, spicy, creamy, addictive.
Quick dressing:
2 tbsp candied jalapeño syrup
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup olive oil
Salt, pepper, and a chopped jalapeño slice or two
Shake it up and drizzle over arugula, goat cheese, and pecan salads.
Toss crispy wings in a mix of:
2 tbsp melted butter
2 tbsp candied jalapeño syrup
1 tsp soy sauce or hot sauce (optional)
Finish with a few slices of jalapeños on top for crunch and kick.
Mix chopped jalapeños into:
Cream cheese (plus a little of the syrup)
Perfect on bagels, crackers, or sandwiches—like a spicy-sweet schmear.
Serve candied jalapeños as a sweet-spicy chutney next to:
Brie, aged cheddar, goat cheese
Prosciutto, salami
Crackers or crostini
Add chopped jalapeños to:
Pork carnitas
Chicken tinga
Fried fish tacos
That tangy heat cuts through the savory meats perfectly.
Ideas:
Bloody Mary stir stick
Margarita garnish
Muddle with mint and lime for a spicy mojito twist
Pairs amazingly with:
Vanilla bean
Sweet corn ice cream
Cream cheese or cheesecake ice cream
Try it once—you’ll be shocked how good it is.
Use a cornbread muffin base
Top with cream cheese or honey butter frosting
Garnish with a single candied jalapeño slice
Add a touch of syrup to the bourbon
Muddle a jalapeño slice with the bitters and orange peel