Transform these spicy peppers into a smoky-sweet treat that’s perfect as a snack or side.
If you’ve been wanting to try more spicy food, but don’t want to dive in too deep yet, I highly recommend trying roasted jalapeños. The beauty of these green babies is that when they’re roasted, their natural sugars caramelize, bringing out a sweet and smoky flavor. Plus, you have the opportunity before cooking them to remove the seeds, which will make them taste milder. With that level of spice control, how could you say “no” to this zesty little snack?
Did I mention that they’re super easy to whip up? Even if you’ve never cooked with jalapeños before, this recipe simplifies everything so you know exactly what to do to make it yummy for you. Three iconic ingredients—two of which most people already have in the kitchen—come together to create an array of charred peppers with a mellow kick. Since they’re so simple, they’re easy to throw on all kinds of dishes, from soups and salads to Tex-Mex classics like tacos or quesadillas. Although they’re easy to make and more mild than raw peppers, roasted jalapeños are anything but boring!
Are jalapeño peppers easy to grow?
When I started cooking with jalapeños, I assumed that they were easy to grow, because my local farmer friends always had an abundance to share. They gave me baskets full and I exclaimed, “I don’t know what to do with these!” If only I had found this recipe sooner—then I would know exactly how to put those peppers to good use.
As it turns out, jalapeño peppers are easy to grow, whether you have a vegetable garden or patio containers. You can start them as seeds inside, keeping the soil at 80°-85°F for them to sprout quickly. Make sure to expose them to plenty of sunlight. Once it’s warm enough outside, transfer them to your garden or an outdoor pot and water regularly. After a few weeks, you might be surprised by just how many jalapeños pop up. As always, I recommend speaking with your local farmers or gardening neighbors for precise advice, but always remember to have fun and speak lovingly to your plants!
How do I store leftovers?
Once cooled to room temperature, leftover roasted jalapeños can be tucked away in an airtight container. Refrigerate them for up to 5 days, or freeze them for up to 6 months. Then thaw them in the fridge overnight before enjoying cold or at room temperature. Alternatively, you can pop them in a toaster oven or air fryer at 300°F for 5-10 minutes. Savor these as a snack, side, or zesty topping for lunch. Since they last so long, they’re a great addition to weekly meal prep!
Serving suggestions
Here comes the fun part—harmonizing your jalapeños with other dishes! The excellent part about roasted jalapeños is that they can be added to almost any meal, whether it’s breakfast, lunch, or dinner. I’ve had charred chunks of these on Huevos Rancheros for brunch, but you can also top them on Breakfast Tostadas, Mexican Shakshuka, or a simple Fried Egg Sandwich. But if it’s an afternoon or evening you’re seeking to spice up, add your roasted jalapeños to Black Bean Salad, Hamburger Quesadillas, or Cheesy Mexican Rice. Don’t be afraid to sneak them in for a snack, as well, if you’d like a little pep in your step!
Ingredients
- 10 large jalapeño peppers
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Kosher salt, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F. Place foil on a baking sheet.
- Wash and completely dry the jalapeños. Cut each pepper in half lengthwise. Remove the stems and gently scoop out the seeds for a milder flavor, if desired.
- Place the jalapeño halves cut side up on the prepared baking sheet. Brush with olive oil, then season with salt.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and the skin begins to loosen. Monitor occasionally to avoid overcooking.
- Take the jalapeños out of the oven, place them in a heat-safe container and cover them. Allow them to steam for about 10 minutes, which helps loosen the skin if you wish to peel. Serve warm or let cool and store in the refrigerator.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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