I often talk about my love for spicy foods, and let me tell you something: it’s never going to end. But whether spicy foods are making grown gamers cry or getting heaped in Sriracha, the undeniable fact is that spicy is the best.
Not only does spicy and hot food taste awesome, but it’s also super good for you. Garlic and ginger can fight off your cold or cure a sore throat, hot peppers can clear out your sinuses and get rid of congestion, and hot and spicy foods generally just fight sickness. Beef up your spicy food tolerance and try these recipes out next time your mouth’s feeling dry and uninspired.
1. Avocado Pepper Salsa
Photo by Sydney Segal
You will never be satisfied with plain guac again. Make yours here.
3. Classic Tomato Salsa
Photo by Sydney Segal
For anyone who’s a sucker for the classics. Make yours like this.
4. Chili Mac And Cheese
Photo by Dan Torres
Spice up your life. Recipe here.
5. Spicy Oven-Crisped Chickpeas
Photo by Mulin Xiong
A little crunchy, a little chewy, a little spicy and very tasty. Recipe here.
6. Gluten-Free Burrata Jalapeño Poppers
Photo by FoodBeast
Because it’s fried cheese. Recipe here.
7. Spicy Pumpkin Soup
Photo by Kendra Valkema
This takes pumpkin spice to a whole new level. Make yours here.
8. Guacamole Hummus
Photo by Keni Lin
Leave the chile seeds in for an extra kick. Make yours like this.
9. Honey-Sriracha Roasted Brussels Sprouts
-
Photo by Maggie Gorman
Who said Brussels sprouts can’t taste good? Try this sweet-and-spicy recipe and see how these vilified veggies could taste delicious. Find the recipe here.
10. Spanish Hot Chocolate
-
Photo by Rachael Hsu
Spice up your sweet drink (just a lil). Red pepper flakes and cayenne pepper give this drink a nice, surprising little kick. Learn how to make it here.
11. Sweet Potato Chipotle Hummus
-
Photo by Kimberly Buesser
If the chickpeas in #3 don’t quite do it for you, try this recipe on for size. Nothing like a spin on a classic dip to keep things, well, spicy. Here’s the recipe.
12. Cheddar and Jalapeño Muffins
Photo by Caryssa Lim
The only technical skill needed for this beautiful recipe is the ability to use a spoon. Make yours here.
13. Mango Salsa
Photo by Sydney Segal
Not your average salsa. Recipe here.
15. Fresh & Spicy Tomato Pasta
Photo by Ashley Hamati
There’s no reason to be using the same boring jar of tomato sauce. Make your own like this.
16. Roasted Tomatillo & Serrano Salsa
Photo by Ali Toes
Give the traditional stuff a lil twist. Recipe here.
17. Baked Sriracha Potato Chips
Photo by Mary Sullivan
These put every store-bought chip to shame. Make your own like this.
18. Cajun Beer Bread
-
Photo by Keren Straus
Bread is one of my passions. Throw in some spice, and I’m sold. Just add the cajun seasoning as you like it (read: three bucketfuls) and maybe fry up some wings. Check the recipe here.
19. Red Bull Chicken Wings
Photo by Alexis Aumiller
Few things in life are better than spicy chicken wings. Recipe here.
20. Acorn Squash
-
Photo by Food52
This sounds like squirrel food, but I promise it isn’t. It’s sweet, spicy, and tastier than squirrel food. Check out the recipe here.
21. Cumin Rice and Beans
-
Photo by Antonia Drummond
Make sure your side dishes are as spicy as your main courses with this recipe. Or, just make enough that it’s a main course. Find out how to make it here.
22. Jalapeño and Lime Frozen Margarita
-
Photo by Sarah Haselhorst
Bet you thought there wouldn’t be a drink on here. But let’s face it, the “frozen” in this marg is not going to chill down the heat at all. Drink responsibly here.
23. Thai Curry
Photo courtesy of Thailand Restuarant
This is made with Panang, aka “stepped up classic red curry” that is sweet, sour, and spicy. Making it is easier than you’d think.
24. Sriracha Burger
-
Photo by Kirby Barth
It just makes sense. Make them and eat them because you know you want them (and then invite me over and share). The recipe is here.
25. Sriracha Popcorn
-
Photo by Erica Coulter
Need something to snack on? After you make this popcorn, movie night will never be the same (not that you’ll be paying attention to the movie if you’ve got this popcorn). The recipe is here.
26. Egg & Sriracha Poached Egg Open Sandwich
Photo by Briana Jones
All you need is 5 ingredients. Recipe here.
27. Bacon Jalapeño Cream Cheese Poppers
Anything stuffed inside a crescent roll instantly gets even more delicious. Recipe here.
28. Bacon Mac and Cheese Jalapeño Poppers
-
Photo by Rob Arrasate
Ever feel like your appetizers aren’t crazy enough? Yeah, well, once you put bacon, mac and cheese, and jalapeños in one place, you won’t feel like that anymore. Find out how here.
29. Spicy and Cheesy Open Face Buffalo Chicken Sandwich
-
Photo by Colleen Daly
Mmm, buffalo chicken with a spice. Make it with this recipe.
30. Tilapia Tacos
-
Photo by Maddy Shannon
The chili powder gives these tacos a special extra kick. Check out the recipe here.
31. Chili Lime Chicken Burgers
-
Photo by Abigail Wilkins
These Trader Joe’s knockoffs are just as easy and just as delicious. No one will be able to tell the difference. Find the recipe here.
32. Homemade Sriracha
-
Photo by Margaret Weinberg
If you feel up to the challenge, try making Sriracha by yourself. Who knows? Maybe you’ll actually put them out of business. The recipe is here.
33. Cheesy Jalapeño Bread in a Rice Cooker
Photo by Abby Wang
Genius way to use your rice cooker, right this way. Recipe here.