How to Roast Jalapeno Peppers

Roasted jalapeno peppers add an extra depth of flavor to any dish. But most people are hesitant to give pepper roasting a try.

But roasting peppers is super easy! It’s even easier than making a pot of spaghetti! And to top it all off, you can roast your own jalapeno peppers in less than 30 minutes.

Ready to get started? Come on! Let’s discover how to roast jalapeno peppers!

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What Is a Jalapeno Pepper?

Jalapeno peppers are medium-sized, green chili peppers that originated in Mexico. They are known for their unique flavor and are featured in many dishes, especially in Mexican cuisine. While they are typically green, jalapenos can turn red if left on the plant for an extended amount of time. This adds a bit of sweetness to the pepper.

When jalapeno peppers are smoked until they are dried, they become chipotle peppers. Like jalapenos, chipotle peppers have a unique flavor. They are often processed and packed in adobo, a smoky sauce made from rehydrated chipotles, tomatoes, vinegar, and spices.

Are Jalapeno Peppers Spicy?

According to the Scoville scale of chili pepper heat, jalapeno peppers fall into the mildly hot category. The Scoville rating range for both jalapenos and chipotles is 2,500 – 8,000. The scale uses a range because certain conditions can affect the heat factor in chili peppers, including temperature, soil, and the amount of water a plant takes in.

If you’re curious about learning the Scoville scale of other common peppers, or if you’re wondering what makes peppers hot in the first place, click to find out “How Hot Is My Pepper?”.

What Can I Do with Roasted Jalapeno Peppers?

Roasting jalapenos brings out the sweetness in them, but don’t expect them to taste like sweet bell peppers! While roasting intensifies the pepper’s flavor, it can also increase the heat. If a spicy pepper isn’t your thing, carefully remove all seeds and the pith, or membrane of the pepper that contains the seeds, when you prepare your peppers for roasting.

You can use roasted jalapeno peppers to add a new flavor palate to foods you already make, like egg salad, tomato sauce, or cornbread. I love to make Jalapeno Popper Grilled Cheese with them, and I’ve been dying to try them out in my Garden Fresh Salsa. Try substituting them for other types of peppers in your cooking. You might find a new favorite!

How Do I Roast Jalapeno Peppers?

Start by preheating the oven to 475 F.

Next, wash and dry the peppers. Before you begin cutting them, consider wearing plastic gloves to keep the capsaicin off your skin.

While it generally isn’t harmful to your skin to make contact with a jalapeno’s capsaicin, it can irritate your eyes, nose, and mouth if you touch them with capsaicin on your hands. And I know from experience that it takes more than a quick wash with soap and water to get it off.

To find out more about the capsaicin that peppers contain, click here.

Slice each jalapeno lengthwise down the center. Remove the stem material, seeds, and pith, unless you really love the heat of these peppers. If that’s the case, leave some of the pith intact for a burst of heat.

Place the pepper halves cut side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Roast them at 475 F for about 15 minutes.

The skin of the roasted peppers will appear a bit charred and blistered. They may not be pretty, but they’re going to be full of flavor! Let them cool at least 5 minutes before handling them.

I like to dice my roasted jalapenos, since that is how I generally use them. You can leave them whole, cut them into strips, dice them, or even puree them.

And that’s it! Isn’t it easy?

Roasted jalapeno peppers will keep in the refrigerator for 4 to 5 days in a sealed container, or in the freezer for about a month. But since it takes less than 30 minutes, I like to make them on the same day I’m using them.

Do You Have More Jalapeno Recipes?

If you’re looking for recipes that incorporate jalapenos, give our Cheesy Jalapeno Pinwheels a try! They’re a great snack for parties or just lounging on the couch. The recipe calls for minced raw jalapenos, but wouldn’t it be fun to use freshly roasted jalapenos instead?

For a delicious lunch, you’ll definitely want to try our Jalapeno Popper Grilled Cheese! It was the winning recipe in the Grilled Cheese Month contest, hosted by Angelo Caputo’s Fresh Markets in April, 2021. This sandwich features gooey American cheese, roasted jalapenos, and dollops of cream cheese on sourdough bread. It’s flavorful and filling, and it’ll become your favorite grilled cheese sandwich!

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