Recipe Mutiny: 11 Spicy Snacks That Pack a Punch

Tuesday, August 13, 2019

11 Spicy Snacks That Pack a Punch

Do you carry hot sauce with you wherever you go? Squirt Sriracha on everything? Chow down on chili oil on the reg? Well, some like it hot, and clearly you’re no exception. If you’re in the mood for a munch that packs a punch, check out these spicy snack recipes.

They rely on various sources of capsaicin: serrano peppers; jalapeños; Cajun seasoning; cayenne. Some are stranger than others, but all are tasty, we guarantee. You can search the site for more involved recipes, like our Spicy Turkey Jerky, but most of the below are quick ideas for when you’re heat-seeking in a hurry. The brownies are one exception, but they’re too good not to include. If you’re after heat and sweet and don’t want to bake, though, just make a spicy sundae:

Chowhound

Otherwise, keep reading for some of our favorite spicy snack ideas!

Related Reading: Perfect Gifts for the Hot Pepper-Obsessed

1. Hot Guinness Brownies

This unites the three best things in the world: beer, chili peppers, and brownies. Make these Guinness brownies and add half of a minced, deseeded habanero chili to the batter. Pour plenty of milk for washing them down (or maybe a milk stout?).

2. Pickled Jalapeño Tuna Boats

Take whole pickled jalapeños and slice them lengthwise (no need to remove the seeds). Fill each half with your favorite tuna salad recipe. That’s lunch.

3. Oven-Baked Tortilla Chips with Mango Salsa

Cut some corn tortillas into wedge shapes, spray with cooking spray or toss lightly with oil, broil for four to five minutes, toss, and broil the other side until golden brown. Serve with our Spicy Mango Salsa recipe. Not hot enough? Sprinkle the chips with cayenne, hot paprika, or chili powder before baking.

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4. PB&J&J (Peanut Butter & Jelly & Jalapeño)

Seriously! Make a PB&J with crunchy peanut butter and your favorite jam or jelly, then add a very thinly sliced, deseeded jalapeño that’s been sautéed in a little butter or olive oil until soft. This would hardly be the weirdest thing ever placed on a peanut butter sandwich.

5. Chorizo Jalapeño Poppers

Follow this low-fat recipe for ground-turkey chorizo. Take 12 jalapeños and slice them lengthwise; remove the seeds. Fill each half with the chorizo mixture, then top with crumbled feta. Bake in a 350-degree-Fahrenheit oven for 30 to 40 minutes.

Related Recipe: Chorizo Scotch Eggs

6. Spicy English Muffin Pizza

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Split an English muffin and coat both cut sides with tomato paste. Sprinkle on a little sea salt, garlic powder, and granulated sugar. Cover with whatever cheese you have available, and then any toppings of your choice. Sprinkle a good amount of dried oregano and red pepper flakes over the top. Place on a baking sheet and bake in the oven for 12 minutes. It’s like a large-format Bagel Bite (but better). You can also use an actual bagel half if you prefer.

7. Chipotle Yogurt Dip

Place 16 ounces of Greek yogurt, a handful of cilantro, the juice of one lemon, and half of a 7-ounce can of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce in a food processor. Pulse until smooth. Add sea salt to taste. Dip until gone.

8. Spicy Kale Chips

Make these kale chips, but replace the togarashi powder with 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper and 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin.

9. Spicy Oven-Roasted Chickpeas

Rinse two cans of chickpeas, pat dry, and toss with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, 1 teaspoon of chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt. Spread the chickpeas on a baking sheet and bake in a 400-degree-Fahrenheit oven for 30 to 40 minutes, or until crisp. (If you have an air fryer, you can also use that to crisp them.)

10. Cajun Baked Wonton Chips

Using this wonton chips recipe, omit the furikake and substitute 1 to 2 teaspoons of Cajun spice mix.

11. Spicy Cinnamon Popcorn