What to Do if You Have Too Many Jalapeños… or Any Pepper, Really!
At the end of the gardening season, you might find yourself with an abundance of peppers—whether they’re jalapeños, bell peppers, or another variety. It can be overwhelming to figure out what to do with such a large harvest, but there are plenty of ways to make use of them. From delicious snacks to preservation methods, here are several ideas to help you get the most out of your peppers.
Make Jalapeño Poppers
Jalapeño poppers are a classic way to use up extra jalapeños. These bite-sized treats are perfect for game days, parties, or casual snacking. To make them, slice the jalapeños in half and fill them with cream cheese. You can then wrap them in bacon or prosciutto for an extra savory touch. The great thing about poppers is that you can prepare them in two different ways: either serve them with the jalapeño still raw or bake the whole thing with raw bacon to cook it through. The result is a flavorful, spicy, and savory snack that’s always a hit.
Ferment Your Jalapeños to Make Hot Sauce
If you’re looking to extend the life of your peppers while adding a zesty kick to your meals, fermenting jalapeños is a great option. Fermentation is a natural preservation method that enhances the flavor of peppers, giving them a tangy, complex taste. Once fermented, the peppers can be blended into a delicious homemade hot sauce. The process typically involves covering your jalapeños with a 4% salt brine, leaving them to ferment for about two weeks, and then blending them into a sauce. This hot sauce can be used to spice up any dish, from tacos to scrambled eggs.
Dry Your Peppers and Make Crushed Peppers or Pepper Powder
Drying peppers is another fantastic way to preserve your surplus. Dried peppers can be crushed into flakes or ground into powder, both of which add a spicy kick to your dishes. To dry them, you can either string them up in a sunny, well-ventilated area or use a dehydrator for a quicker result. Once dried, you can use them as crushed red pepper flakes on pizza or pasta, or grind them into a fine powder to sprinkle over dishes like soups, stews, or even popcorn. The best part is that dried peppers can last for months, so you’ll be able to enjoy your harvest well into the winter.
Give Some to Your Neighbors
If you find yourself with more peppers than you can handle, why not share the bounty with your neighbors? Freshly picked, homegrown produce is always appreciated, and sharing your peppers can be a great way to connect with your community. A small basket of jalapeños, bell peppers, or any other variety will be a welcome gift for anyone who enjoys cooking. Plus, you may even inspire them to try out a new recipe or experiment with a little heat in their dishes!
Donate to a Local Food Pantry
Many local food pantries accept donations of fresh, homegrown produce, including peppers. This is a wonderful way to give back to your community while ensuring that your extra peppers don’t go to waste. Donating your peppers helps families in need access fresh, nutritious food. Before donating, be sure to check with your local food pantry to see if they have any specific guidelines or requirements for accepting fresh produce.
Make Jalapeño Cornbread
jalapeño cornbread is a savory twist on the classic comfort food. It’s made by adding chopped jalapeños to cornbread batter, creating a spicy and flavorful side dish. The heat of the peppers pairs perfectly with the sweet, buttery flavor of cornbread, making it an ideal companion for chili, barbecues, or a big pot of soup. It’s a great way to use up jalapeños, and the recipe is flexible enough to work with both fresh or frozen peppers.
Make Pepper Jelly
Pepper jelly is a sweet and spicy preserve made from a variety of peppers, including jalapeños. This jelly has a unique flavor that balances heat and sweetness, making it a perfect spread for crackers and cream cheese, or as a glaze for meats like chicken or pork. Pepper jelly can also be used as a dip or sandwich spread for an added burst of flavor. Once made, it can be stored for months, making it a great option if you have more peppers than you can eat right away.
Make Cowboy Candy
Cowboy candy, or candied jalapeños, is another great way to use up a large batch of jalapeños. This recipe involves simmering sliced jalapeños in a sugary syrup until they become sweet, spicy, and slightly chewy. Cowboy candy can be eaten on its own as a snack, or used as a topping for burgers, sandwiches, or crackers. It’s also a great way to preserve jalapeños for long-term storage, as they can be canned and kept in your pantry for months.
Freeze Them for Later
Freezing peppers is one of the easiest ways to preserve them for later use. Peppers freeze exceptionally well, whether you’re working with jalapeños, bell peppers, or another variety. All you need to do is wash the peppers, remove the stems, and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen whole or sliced, depending on how you plan to use them later. Frozen peppers are perfect for adding to soups, stews, stir-fries, and sauces throughout the winter months. The freezing process won’t affect their flavor, so you can enjoy the taste of fresh peppers even after the growing season is over.
Having too many jalapeños or peppers might seem overwhelming, but with so many options for using and preserving them, it’s actually a great problem to have! Whether you turn them into delicious snacks like jalapeño poppers, preserve them through fermentation or drying, or freeze them for later, there are plenty of ways to make sure none of your pepper harvest goes to waste. You can also share the bounty with neighbors or donate to a local food pantry to give back to your community. No matter which route you choose, your peppers are sure to add flavor and spice to your meals year-round.
