3 Easy Jalapeno Appetizers You Can Make at Home

It may not be as piquant as its spicier cousin, the habanero, but the humble jalapeno is one of most beloved peppers in the Jones family garden. That’s not just because it’s the main ingredient of our fan-favorite Jalapeno Pepper Jelly, but also because of its bright, fresh flavor and surprising versatility.

Jalapenos can be used to make a wide variety of delectable dishes and succulent snacks. In fact, one of the most popular recipes on this very blog is for Grandma Jones’ delicious jalapeno poppers!

To satisfy your craving for more tasty recipes using jalapenos, we’ve put together the following list of quick and easy jalapeno appetizers that you can make at home. Just remember the dos and don’ts of handling peppers. Jalapeno seeds are high in capsaicin, which can stick to your fingers. Never touch your nose, mouth, or eyes when working with jalapenos, and always wash your hands thoroughly afterwards.

Without further ado, here are three tasty jalapeno snack recipes to try the next time you have a hankering for a sweet ‘n’ spicy treat…

1. Jalapeno Hummus

Ingredients:

• 1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas (garbanzo beans), drained and rinsed
• 2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and chopped
• 1 tablespoon Grandma Jones’ Pepper Jelly
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons tahini
• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons water (optional, for desired consistency)
• Fresh cilantro or parsley leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

• In a food processor or blender, combine the chickpeas, jalapeno peppers, garlic, tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, cumin, salt, and black pepper.
• Process the ingredients until smooth and well blended. If the mixture is too thick, you can add water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
• Taste the hummus and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add more salt, lemon juice, or jalapenos according to your preference.
• Transfer the jalapeno hummus to a serving bowl. If desired, garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley leaves.
• Serve the hummus with pita bread, tortilla chips, or fresh vegetables like carrot sticks, celery, or cucumber slices.

1. Jalapeno Corn Fritters

Ingredients:

• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or canned)
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

• 1/4 cup cornmeal
• 1/4 cup chopped jalapeno peppers (seeds removed for milder heat)
• 1/4 cup diced red bell pepper
• 2 green onions, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1/4 cup milk
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• Grandma Jones’ Pepper Jelly, for serving

Instructions:

• In a mixing bowl, combine the corn kernels, flour, cornmeal, jalapeno peppers, red bell pepper, green onions, cheddar cheese, baking powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Mix well to ensure even distribution of ingredients.
• In a separate small bowl, whisk together the beaten egg and milk. Pour the egg mixture into the corn mixture and stir until all the ingredients are well combined. The mixture should be thick and sticky.
• Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan or skillet over medium heat. Make sure the oil is hot enough to sizzle when a small amount of batter is dropped into it.
• Using a spoon or ice cream scoop, carefully drop portions of the batter into the hot oil, shaping them into small fritters. Flatten them slightly with the back of the spoon.
• Fry the fritters for 2-3 minutes on each side or until they turn golden brown and crispy. You may need to fry them in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
• Once the fritters are cooked, transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
• Serve the jalapeno corn fritters warm.. They can be enjoyed on their own or with a side of pepper jelly for dipping.

1. Jalapeno Bacon-Wrapped Shrimps

Ingredients:

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 10-12 jalapeno peppers, halved lengthwise and seeds removed
• 10-12 slices of bacon, cut in half
• 1/4 cup Grandma Jones’ Pepper Jelly
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Fresh cilantro or parsley leaves, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• In a small bowl, whisk together the pepper jelly, soy sauce, lime juice, garlic powder, and salt. This will be the marinade for the shrimp.
• Place the peeled and deveined shrimp in a large bowl and pour the marinade over them. Toss the shrimp until they are well coated. Allow the shrimp to marinate for about 15-20 minutes.
• Take a halved jalapeno pepper and stuff each half with a marinated shrimp. Wrap a half slice of bacon around each stuffed pepper and secure it with a toothpick. Repeat this process with the remaining shrimp and peppers.
• Place the bacon-wrapped shrimp on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them out evenly.
• Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and the shrimp are cooked through. You can also broil them for a few minutes at the end to achieve additional crispiness.
• Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the bacon-wrapped shrimp cool for a few minutes.
• Optional: Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley leaves for added freshness and presentation.
• Serve the jalapeno bacon-wrapped shrimp as an appetizer or as part of a main course. They can be enjoyed on their own or served with a dipping sauce of your choice.

Spice Up Your Life with Grandma Jones’ Pepper Jelly