Lifestyle

33 Recipes That Are Perfect for Every Spicy Food Lover

By Caitlin Wolper at Spoon University

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.

3. Classic Tomato Salsa

For anyone who’s a sucker for the classics. Make yours like this.

4. Chili Mac And Cheese

Spice up your life. Recipe here.

5. Spicy Oven-Crisped Chickpeas

A little crunchy, a little chewy, a little spicy and very tasty. Recipe here.

6. Gluten-Free Burrata Jalapeño Poppers

Because it’s fried cheese. Recipe here.

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.

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

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

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.

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

Genius way to use your rice cooker, right this way. Recipe here.

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