If you aren’t afraid of some heat, then try our serrano pepper recipes.
22 Best Serrano Pepper Recipes
Updated on May 02, 2024
Homemade Spicy Hot Sauce
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
1/22
2/22
Zesty Salsa Verde
Total Time
50 min
Servings
2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
Last year was the first time I had ever grown tomatillos. They were so abundant that I had enough to eat fresh, give away and freeze for future gatherings. What I didn't expect was how well the salsa would freeze. I do like to add an extra zip by juicing a fresh lime into the salsa after it has thawed. —Kim Banick, Salem, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 127 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 304mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 3g fiber), 2g protein.
3/22
Huevos Rancheros
Total Time
25 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband and I had huevos rancheros while visiting Cuernavaca, Mexico, and he loved the meal so much he asked me to cook it for him when we got home. My version is suited to my family’s preference for sunny side up eggs, but poached or scrambled eggs would be just as tasty. —Cheryl Woodson, Liberty, Missouri
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 272 calories, 15g fat (7g saturated fat), 236mg cholesterol, 429mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 4g fiber), 14g protein.
4/22
Three-Pepper Guacamole
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
If you’re serious about guacamole, use a molcajete. The lava stone makes a big difference on the pepper paste and is fun for guests. —Laura Levy, Lyons, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup (calculated without chips): 76 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 82mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 3g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 fat.
5/22
Spiced Grilled Chicken with Cilantro Lime Butter
Total Time
50 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This grilled chicken gets a lovely pop of color and flavor from the lime butter—don't skip it! —Diane Halferty, Corpus Christi, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 chicken breast half with 1 tablespoon lime butter: 430 calories, 27g fat (10g saturated fat), 138mg cholesterol, 411mg sodium, 5g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 40g protein.
6/22
Triple-Sausage Breakfast Bake
Total Time
55 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This over-the-top breakfast has great flavors—smoky, sweet and spicy. It's a really meaty meal. —Thomas Faglon, Somerset, New Jersey
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 695 calories, 59g fat (24g saturated fat), 387mg cholesterol, 1441mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 36g protein.
7/22
Shrimp Pad Thai Soup
Total Time
45 min
Servings
8 servings (about 2-3/4 quarts)
From the Recipe Creator:
Pad thai is one of my favorite dishes, but it is often loaded with extra calories. This soup is a healthier option that has all the flavor of traditional versions. —Julie Merriman, Seattle, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
1-1/3 cups (calculated without optional ingredients): 252 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 69mg cholesterol, 755mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 4g fiber), 17g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1 fat.
8/22
Slow-Cooker Beef Tostadas
Total Time
6 hours 20 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I dedicate these slow-simmered tostadas to my husband, the only Italian man I know who can’t get enough of Mexican flavors. Pile on your best toppings. —Teresa DeVono, Red Lion, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
2 tostadas: 372 calories, 13g fat (6g saturated fat), 88mg cholesterol, 602mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 5g fiber), 35g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 4 lean meat, 2 starch, 1/2 fat.
9/22
Shrimp Ceviche
Total Time
25 min
Servings
10 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
Ceviche is a seafood recipe of raw fish marinated in citrus juice, which cooks it without heat. This version starts with cooked shrimp and adds tomatoes, cucumbers and serrano peppers. —Adan Franco, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup (calculated without chips): 61 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 69mg cholesterol, 128mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 10g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 lean meat.
10/22
Burgers with Spicy Dill Salsa
Total Time
30 min
Servings
12 servings (3 cups salsa)
From the Recipe Creator:
When I make burgers or hot dogs for boating or barbecues, I do a take-along topping that tastes like relish meets salsa. Pile it on anything! —Valonda Seward, Coarsegold, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 burger with 1/4 cup salsa: 371 calories, 16g fat (6g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 926mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 25g protein.
11/22
Mild Salsa Recipe for Canning
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
10 pints
From the Recipe Creator:
I got this salsa recipe from my sister, and my children and I have been making batches of it ever since. We pair pint jars with packages of tortilla chips for zesty Christmas gifts. When the kids give this present to their teachers, they can truthfully say they helped make it. —Pamela Lundstrum, Bird Island, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts:
2 tablespoons: 14 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 182mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 0 protein.
12/22
Olive Caprese Salad
Total Time
40 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
When heirloom tomatoes arrive, feature them with red onions, green olives and a surprising twist-star anise. —Julie Merriman, Seattle, Washington
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 172 calories, 13g fat (4g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 327mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 5g protein.
13/22
Sesame Turkey Stir-Fry
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I really like the rich taste of sesame oil in this Thai-inspired dish. If you don’t have it, canola oil does the trick, too. To get a similar nuttiness, toss in a handful of sliced almonds before serving. —Kelli Whiting, Fortville, Indiana
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup stir-fry with 1/2 cup rice: 269 calories, 4g fat (1g saturated fat), 60mg cholesterol, 349mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1/2 fat.
14/22
Chicago-Style Hot Giardiniera
Total Time
30 min
Servings
8 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
I have been living in Chicago for many years and have grown to love the spicy giardiniera served at restaurants. So I developed my own to use at home. We love it on everything from eggs to sandwiches and even pizza! —Andrea Quiroz, Chicago, Illinois
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 80 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 174mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
15/22
Crab-Stuffed Avocado
Total Time
20 min
Servings
8 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These boats are wonderful with tortilla chips, beans or rice. You can also cover them, pack them on ice, and take them to a picnic or potluck. Straight from the oven or cold, they're always delicious. —Frances Benthin, Scio, Oregon
Nutrition Facts:
1 filled avocado half: 325 calories, 28g fat (6g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 427mg sodium, 8g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 6g fiber), 13g protein.
16/22
Khmer Pickled Vegetable Salad
Total Time
30 min
Servings
16 servings (3/4 cup each)
From the Recipe Creator:
I grew up as a missionary kid in Cambodia, and most of my favorite foods have a Southeast Asian background. Locals love eating this pickled salad for breakfast, but I like it as a side for lunch or dinner, especially with chicken satay. —Hannah Heavener, Belton, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 99 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 794mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (22g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein.
17/22
Rainbow Fruit Toast
Total Time
15 min
Servings
5 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Nothing will brighten up your morning more than one of these colorful and tasty toasts. —Shannon Roum, Taste of Home Food Stylist
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece of toast with cream cheese (calculated without additional toppings): 172 calories, 10g fat (7g saturated fat), 33mg cholesterol, 324mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 7g protein.
18/22
Melon with Serrano-Mint Syrup
Total Time
30 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is just one of the recipes I developed to take advantage of the fresh mint I grow nearly year-round. The serrano pepper is a nice contrast to the sweetness of the syrup and salad. —Jennifer Fisher, Austin, Texas
Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 92 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 13mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (23g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 fruit, 1/2 starch.
19/22
Giardiniera
Total Time
1 hour 10 min
Servings
10 pints
From the Recipe Creator:
Sweet and tangy, this Italian condiment is packed with peppers, cauliflower, carrots and other crisp-tender veggies. It’s perfect to offer alongside pickles or olives on a relish tray. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1/4 cup: 74 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 323mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
20/22
Crisp & Spicy Cucumber Salad
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Rice vinegar, sesame oil and cayenne create a sweet-hot Asian flavor that will light up your taste buds! —Alivia Dockery, Jensen Beach, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup (calculated without toppings): 96 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 51mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 3g fiber), 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 vegetable.
21/22
Barbecue Brats & Peppers
Total Time
6 hours 15 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
We live in brat country, and this barbecue-style recipe feeds a crowd. The sauce gives it a welcome change from the same old grilled bratwurst. —Maria Zrucky, Kronenwetter, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 614 calories, 30g fat (10g saturated fat), 63mg cholesterol, 1789mg sodium, 66g carbohydrate (27g sugars, 2g fiber), 21g protein.
22/22
Shrimp Avocado Salad
Total Time
25 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
The delicious taste and smooth texture of avocados and the crisp shrimp salad create a heavenly combination. Serve it as a cool and satisfying lunch or a light, quick and easy dinner. —Teri Rasey, Cadillac, Michigan
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup avocado mixture: 252 calories, 16g fat (2g saturated fat), 115mg cholesterol, 523mg sodium, 11g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 5g fiber), 17g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 fat, 2 lean meat, 1/2 starch.
