Time to turn up the heat! These spicy recipes are just what you need to kick things up a notch.
41 Spicy Recipes That’ll Blow Your Top
Updated on Sep. 18, 2024
Spicy Shrimp with Rice
No one will doubt that “light” cooking can be tasty when you put a helping of this zippy shrimp in front of them. The seafood is seasoned just right with garlic, pepper and hot sauce. — Jeannie Klugh, Lancaster, Pennsylvania
1/40
2/40
Spicy Mac and Cheese
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I've been working to perfect a creamy, spicy mac and cheese for years. After adding smoky bacon, jalapenos and spicy cheese, this is the ultimate side dish! —Sarah Gilbert, Aloha, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 673 calories, 50g fat (28g saturated fat), 175mg cholesterol, 705mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 32g protein.
3/40
Spicy Chili
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
12 servings (3 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
This spicy chili recipe is the culmination of several years' worth of experimenting to get just the right flavor. For those who like their chili very hot, the secret is to add more jalapenos. The most I ever used in a recipe was five ... was it spicy! —Liesha Hoek, Somerset, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 256 calories, 13g fat (5g saturated fat), 50mg cholesterol, 669mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 19g protein.
4/40
Mexican Street Corn
Total Time
40 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Elote, otherwise known as Mexican street corn, is grilled, covered in mayo, and then sprinkled with chili powder, Cotija and cilantro. A squeeze of lime juice is the perfect finishing touch. —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 ear: 278 calories, 22g fat (4g saturated fat), 14mg cholesterol, 245mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.
5/40
Spicy Corned Beef Tacos
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Using leftovers in new and exciting ways is my personal cooking challenge. These fun tacos take my favorite Reuben ingredients and turn them into something totally different—and completely delicious. —Fay Moreland, Wichita Falls, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
2 tacos: 621 calories, 39g fat (9g saturated fat), 60mg cholesterol, 1606mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 4g fiber), 16g protein.
6/40
Spicy Pork and Butternut Squash Ragu
Total Time
5 hours 20 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This recipe is a marvelously spicy combo that's perfect for cooler fall weather and satisfying after a day spent outdoors. —Monica Osterhaus, Paducah, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup ragu: 195 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 52mg cholesterol, 426mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 17g protein. Diabetic exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1 starch.
7/40
Spicy Crab Salad Tapas
Total Time
55 min
Servings
about 2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I served these at a party and everyone went wild! These delicious morsels have a crispy flaky outside filled with creamy sweet crab that has a little kick. I used scalloped-edge cookie cutters to cut my pastry, but you can use a small biscuit cutter. —Vanessa Mason, Summerdale, Alabama
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 145 calories, 9g fat (2g saturated fat), 25mg cholesterol, 240mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.
8/40
Nacho Casserole
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Over the years I’ve tweaked this recipe to end up with a delicious, quick weeknight meal. Feel free to spice it up with jalapenos if you prefer a little heat. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 477 calories, 26g fat (9g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 1119mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 5g fiber), 23g protein.
9/40
Cheeseburger Soup
Total Time
55 min
Servings
8 servings (2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
A local restaurant serves a similar cheeseburger soup but wouldn’t share its recipe with me. I developed my own, modifying a recipe I already had for potato soup. I was really pleased with the way this all-American dish turned out. —Joanie Shawhan, Madison, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 354 calories, 20g fat (11g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 1012mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 14g protein.
10/40
Spicy Cajun Potato Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
20 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Here in the South we have a lot of get-togethers, and if you want your dish to be chosen over all of the rest,
it has to have a kick! This is a winner. —Amanda West, Sibley, Louisiana
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 229 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 81mg cholesterol, 400mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.
11/40
Sausage & Crescent Roll Breakfast Casserole
Total Time
50 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I made this tasty sausage and crescent roll breakfast casserole for a baby shower. It saved the day: Preparing it ahead gave me more time to finish decorating for the party. —Melody Craft, Conroe, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 283 calories, 19g fat (6g saturated fat), 160mg cholesterol, 662mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 0 fiber), 15g protein.
12/40
Spicy Pumpkin Seeds
Total Time
55 min
Servings
2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
We look forward to fall in anticipation of making these spicy pumpkin seeds. I often put some in a decorated jar to give as a gift.
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 103 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 158mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
13/40
Spicy White Chili
Total Time
35 min
Servings
8 servings (2 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
I thought the original version of this dish was fine. But my son can't get enough spice, so I added green chiles and other seasonings until I'd created a quick and easy chili he's wild about. —Carlene Bailey, Bradenton, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 324 calories, 16g fat (7g saturated fat), 87mg cholesterol, 609mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 31g protein.
14/40
Spicy Grilled Eggplant
Total Time
20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This side dish goes well with any meat you might also be grilling. Thanks to the Cajun seasoning, the zesty eggplant gets more attention than an ordinary veggie. —Greg Fontenot, The Woodlands, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 88 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 152mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 4g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat, 1 vegetable.
15/40
Sweet ‘n’ Spicy Chicken
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and children love this tender chicken with its spicy sauce. Peach preserves add just a touch of sweetness, while taco seasoning and salsa give the dish some kick. —Sheri White, Higley, Arizona
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 301 calories, 6g fat (1g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 985mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (27g sugars, 0 fiber), 23g protein.
16/40
Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers
Total Time
30 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
There’s no faster way to get a party started than with these bacon jalapeno poppers. Make them ahead and bake just before serving. Even the those who are intolerant of hot peppers will love them. —Dawn Onuffer, Crestview, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 stuffed pepper half: 66 calories, 5g fat (3g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 115mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
17/40
Spicy French Dip
Total Time
8 hours 10 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
If I'm cooking for a party or family get-together, I can put this beef in the slow cooker in the morning and then concentrate on other preparations. It's a timesaver that never fails to get rave reviews. —Ginny Koeppen, Winnfield, Louisiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 315 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 72mg cholesterol, 582mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch.
18/40
Homemade Hot Sauce
Total Time
55 min
Servings
5 half-pints
From the Recipe Creator:
I created this spicy recipe one day using what I had available from my garden: hot peppers, carrots, onions and garlic. The carrots make this recipe stand out. —Carolyn Wheel, Fairfax, Vermont
Nutrition Facts:
1 teaspoon: 3 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 30mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
19/40
Spicy Turkey Quesadillas
Total Time
25 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A bit of spice livens up cranberries and turkey while fat-free cream cheese rounds out the bold flavors in this easy dish. You’ll love this recipe! —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 quesadilla: 391 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 61mg cholesterol, 870mg sodium, 43g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 4g fiber), 33g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1 fat.
20/40
Spicy Chicken Nuggets
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We devour these golden chicken nuggets at least once a week. If you want to tone down the heat, skip the chipotle pepper. —Cheryl Cook, Palmyra, Virginia
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 371 calories, 22g fat (10g saturated fat), 113mg cholesterol, 527mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 29g protein.
21/40
Andouille Sausage and Peppers
Total Time
50 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I love to share my cooking, and this hearty sheet-pan dinner has built a reputation for being tasty. People have actually approached me in public to ask for the recipe. —Laurie Sledge, Brandon, Mississippi
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/2 cups: 257 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 65mg cholesterol, 759mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 17g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
22/40
Spicy Crab Salad
Total Time
10 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My creamy crab salad gets a boost of heat from Sriracha and a tangy touch from lime. It’s ready fast, leaving me more time with guests. —Patti Lavell, Islamorada, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 196 calories, 15g fat (2g saturated fat), 72mg cholesterol, 748mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 12g protein.
23/40
Spicy Chicken and Rice
Total Time
5 hours 50 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
As a working mom with two kids, I have little time to prepare something hearty during the week. This recipe is easily tossed together in the morning and fabulous to come home to at night. Both of my picky eaters love it! —Jessica Costello, Westminster, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups chicken mixture with 1 tablespoon cheese and 1 tablespoon sour cream: 389 calories, 7g fat (3g saturated fat), 59mg cholesterol, 817mg sodium, 53g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 7g fiber), 27g protein.
24/40
Spicy Sweet Potato Chips & Cilantro Dip
Total Time
45 min
Servings
12 servings (1-1/2 cups dip)
From the Recipe Creator:
This irresistible combo could become your new signature snack food. Park the spicy baked chips next to a bowl of the cool, creamy dip and let the gang have at it. What a fantastic twist on traditional chips and dip! —Elizabeth Godecke, Chicago, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup chips with about 1 tablespoon dip: 285 calories, 16g fat (4g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 217mg sodium, 33g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 4g fiber), 3g protein.
25/40
Spicy Tomato Pork Chops
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Simmered in tomato sauce, these pork chops are big at our house. I add garlic powder and Creole or Cajun seasoning before browning the chops to give them extra punch. —Holly Neuharth, Mesa, Arizona
26/40
Spicy Veggie Pasta Bake
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My dad cooked with cast-iron skillets, so when I do, I remember his amazing culinary skills. I keep the tradition going with my veggie pasta. —Sonya Goergen, Moorhead, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups (calculated without grated Parmesan cheese): 420 calories, 13g fat (6g saturated fat), 32mg cholesterol, 734mg sodium, 57g carbohydrate (12g sugars, 5g fiber), 17g protein.
27/40
Spicy Peach-Glazed Grilled Chicken
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Simple chicken on the grill can’t compare with this wake-up-the-taste-buds version. It has just the right mix of spicy and sweet flavors. —Karen Sparks, Glendora, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half : 299 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 94mg cholesterol, 663mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (25g sugars, 0 fiber), 35g protein.
28/40
Spicy Beef Stir Fry
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Think of this stir-fry as your chance to play with heat and spice. I balance the savory beef with coconut milk and a spritz of lime. —Joy Zacharia, Clearwater, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 312 calories, 16g fat (5g saturated fat), 46mg cholesterol, 641mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 2g fiber), 26g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 fat, 1 vegetable, 1/2 starch.
29/40
New Orleans-Style Spicy Shrimp
Total Time
35 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We have family members who attended college in New Orleans. This shrimp captures their favorite flavors from the Big Easy, with the right touches of spice and heat. —Susan Seymour, Valatie, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup (calculated without bread): 242 calories, 12g fat (7g saturated fat), 211mg cholesterol, 940mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 0 fiber), 25g protein.
30/40
Spicy Goulash
Total Time
5 hours 55 min
Servings
12 servings (3 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
Ground cumin, chili powder and a can of Mexican diced tomatoes jazz up my goulash recipe. Even the elbow macaroni is prepared in the slow cooker. —Melissa Polk, West Lafayette, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 222 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 23mg cholesterol, 585mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 6g fiber), 15g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable.
31/40
Savory Waffles
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Refrigerated hash brown potatoes will help you make quick work of these crunchy waffles. Put out lots of toppings so everyone can design their own. —Nancy Judd, Alpine, Utah
Nutrition Facts:
1 waffle with 1 fried egg (calculated without optional toppings): 273 calories, 17g fat (5g saturated fat), 245mg cholesterol, 570mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 2g fiber), 12g protein.
32/40
Easy Ropa Vieja Stew
Total Time
6 hours 25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Use your slow cooker for this meaty Cuban classic, which offers bold flavors without a lot of hands-on time. —Denise Nyland, Panama City, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups (calculated without rice): 306 calories, 16g fat (5g saturated fat), 74mg cholesterol, 821mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 4g fiber), 25g protein.
33/40
Slow Cooker Sweet & Spicy Pulled Pork
Total Time
6 hours 20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
While I don't enjoy drinking beer, I love cooking with it. This quick recipe also goes great on plain hamburger buns with a side of slaw. —Renee Herrington, Plano, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 648 calories, 21g fat (8g saturated fat), 126mg cholesterol, 797mg sodium, 78g carbohydrate (56g sugars, 3g fiber), 35g protein.
34/40
Spicy Lemon Chicken Kabobs
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When I see Meyer lemons in the store, I know it must be spring. I like using them for these easy chicken kabobs, but regular grilled lemons still add the signature smoky tang. —Terri Crandall, Gardnerville, Nevada
Nutrition Facts:
1 kabob: 182 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 55mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 23g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1 fat.
35/40
Sausage Stuffed Jalapenos
Total Time
35 min
Servings
44 appetizers
From the Recipe Creator:
If you like foods that pack a bit of a punch, you’ll love these jalapeno poppers filled
with sausage and cheese. This is one of my favorite recipes for parties. —Rachel Oswald, Greenville, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 56 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 123mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
36/40
Jalapeno Popper Mexican Street Corn
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
One of the best things about summer is fresh sweet corn, and this recipe is a definite standout. We love its creamy dressing, crunchy panko coating and spicy jalapeno kick. If you're really feeling wild, sprinkle these with a bit of cooked and crumbled bacon! —Crystal Schlueter, Northglenn, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 ear of corn: 339 calories, 26g fat (9g saturated fat), 39mg cholesterol, 568mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 3g fiber), 6g protein.
37/40
Spicy Refried Beans
Total Time
15 min
Servings
2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
Need a quick appetizer? All you need is a can of refried beans, jalapeno pepper, seasonings and cheese. Serve with tortilla chips on the side for scooping. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 95 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 212mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 5g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 fat, 1/2 starch.
38/40
Turkey-Jalapeno Sandwiches
Total Time
15 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When a turkey sandwich meets modern Thai, it’s a fun mix of classic and trendy food. I love it when my mixing and matching turns out so tasty. —Stacy Mullens, Gresham, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 sandwich: 483 calories, 17g fat (3g saturated fat), 41mg cholesterol, 1500mg sodium, 53g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 2g fiber), 31g protein.
39/40
Spicy Shepherd's Pie
Total Time
30 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Taco seasoning adds zip to this hearty main dish. It's easy to top with instant mashed potatoes, which I stir up while browning the beef. —Mary Malchow, Neenah, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 516 calories, 25g fat (13g saturated fat), 90mg cholesterol, 1337mg sodium, 49g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 5g fiber), 24g protein.
40/40
Spicy Peanuts
Total Time
30 min
Servings
3 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
Liven up plain peanuts with a sweet-and-spicy blend of flavors from sugar, cumin and cayenne pepper. You'll want to double...or triple...this spicy peanuts recipe! —Holly Kunkle, Walton, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts:
1/3 cup: 335 calories, 28g fat (4g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 266mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 12g protein.
