Get ready to ignite your taste buds with our 18 sweet and tangy spicy cowboy candy recipes! Cowboy candy, also known as candied jalapeños, has become a staple in many Southern kitchens. This sweet and spicy treat can elevate any dish from ordinary to extraordinary. Whether you’re looking for a new snack to munch on while watching the game or a unique twist on traditional BBQ sauces, these recipes have got you covered.
From classic cowboy candy with a honey glaze to more adventurous variations like maple-glazed peppers and candied jalapeño-stuffed bacon, there’s something for everyone in this roundup. So saddle up and let’s dive into the wild west of spicy treats!
Jalapeño Cowboy Candy with Honey Glaze
This sweet and spicy treat is a perfect combination of flavors and textures. Crunchy jalapeños coated in a sticky honey glaze make for an addictive snack that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup jalapeño peppers, sliced
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup light corn syrup
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1 tablespoon water
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and stir in honey until dissolved.
4. Arrange jalapeño slices on prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
5. Pour the honey glaze over the peppers, making sure they’re evenly coated.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until caramelized and slightly sticky.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Spicy Cowboy Candy Pickled Peppers
Add a burst of flavor to your meals with these sweet and spicy pickled peppers! This recipe is perfect for topping tacos, grilled meats, or using as a snack on its own.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup thinly sliced bell peppers (any color)
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1/4 cup pickling spice blend (contains mustard seeds, coriander seeds, and others)
– 1 tsp red pepper flakes (or more to taste)
– Salt (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, apple cider vinegar, water, pickling spice blend, and red pepper flakes.
2. Bring mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Pack sliced bell peppers into a clean glass jar or container. Pour the hot pickling liquid over the peppers, leaving about 1/4 inch headspace.
4. Seal jar or cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 24 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes (plus 24 hours to pickle)
Sweet and Tangy Cowboy Candy Relish
Get ready to rustle up a flavor that’s as bold as the Wild West with this sweet and tangy cowboy candy relish! Made with a combination of juicy pineapple, spicy mustard, and crunchy pecans, this condiment is perfect for topping your favorite BBQ or grilled meats.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup pineapple juice
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup yellow mustard
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine pineapple juice, brown sugar, mustard, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10-12 minutes or until thickened slightly.
3. Remove from heat and stir in chopped pecans.
4. Let cool completely before transferring to an airtight container.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Cowboy Candy Bacon Jam
Sweet and savory, this Cowboy Candy Bacon Jam is a game-changer for bacon lovers and jam enthusiasts alike. With its rich flavor profile and spreadable texture, it’s perfect for topping toast, using as a sandwich filling, or as a dip for crackers.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound thick-cut bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup ketchup
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
– 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and arrange the bacon pieces in a single layer.
3. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until crispy and golden brown.
4. In a saucepan, combine the sugar, ketchup, vinegar, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using).
5. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes.
6. Stir in the cooked bacon pieces until well coated with the jam mixture.
7. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before transferring to an airtight container.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Maple-Glazed Cowboy Candy Peppers
Transform ordinary peppers into a sweet and smoky masterpiece with this simple recipe. Perfect for snacking or adding to your favorite dishes, these maple-glazed cowboy candy peppers are sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 4 large bell peppers (any color), seeded and sliced
– 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together maple syrup, brown sugar, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper until well combined.
3. Add sliced peppers to the bowl and toss until they are evenly coated with the glaze.
4. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the glazed peppers in a single layer.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until peppers are tender and caramelized, flipping halfway through.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Cowboy Candy and Cream Cheese Dip
This sweet and tangy dip is a perfect combination of flavors and textures, perfect for snacking or as a party appetizer.
Ingredients:
– 1 block cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup Cowboy Candy (see note), crumbled
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth.
2. Add the crumbled Cowboy Candy, honey, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
3. Season with salt to taste.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Cooking Time:
– Preparation time: 10 minutes
– Chill time: 30 minutes
Note: Cowboy Candy is a type of candied jalapeño pepper, sweet and spicy. You can make your own or use store-bought.
Spicy Cowboy Candy Grilled Chicken
Get ready to saddle up with this flavorful twist on classic grilled chicken! This spicy and sweet dish is sure to lasso a crowd’s attention.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/2 cup Spicy Cowboy Candy (or similar spicy candy)
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a small bowl, mix together Spicy Cowboy Candy, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Brush both sides of the chicken breasts with olive oil.
4. Sprinkle the candy mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken.
5. Grill the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
6. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Cowboy Candy Stuffed Jalapeños
Get ready to spice up your snack game with these sweet and savory Cowboy Candy Stuffed Jalapeños! Crunchy jalapeño peppers filled with a tangy, caramel-like filling are the perfect combination for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 12 large jalapeño peppers
– 1/2 cup Cowboy Candy (caramelized bacon, brown sugar, and whiskey)
– 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cut off the stems of the jalapeños and carefully scoop out the seeds and membranes.
3. Stuff each pepper with about 1 tablespoon of Cowboy Candy, followed by a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese.
4. Drizzle the tops with olive oil and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the peppers are tender and the filling is heated through.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Sweet Cowboy Candy Cornbread
Get ready to rustle up a sweet treat that’s perfect for the range or your next backyard BBQ! This Sweet Cowboy Candy Cornbread recipe combines the warmth of cornbread with the sweetness of candy and the crunch of pecans.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 1 large egg
– 2 tablespoons melted butter
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans
– 1 cup candy corn, crushed
– Honey, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease an 8-inch square baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk, egg, and melted butter.
4. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients; stir until just combined. Fold in pecans and candy corn.
5. Pour batter into prepared dish and smooth top.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Cowboy Candy Glazed Pork Chops
A sweet and tangy twist on classic pork chops, these Cowboy Candy Glazed Pork Chops are perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. The combination of brown sugar, ketchup, and spices creates a rich and caramel-like glaze that’s sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 4 pork chops
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup ketchup
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and smoked paprika.
3. Season pork chops with salt and pepper.
4. Brush the glaze evenly over both sides of the pork chops.
5. Place pork chops on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Spicy Cowboy Candy Deviled Eggs
A twist on classic deviled eggs, these spicy treats combine the richness of candied bacon with a kick of heat from hot sauce. Perfect for your next gathering or party!
Ingredients:
– 6 large eggs, hard-boiled and peeled
– 1/4 cup mayonnaise
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1 teaspoon prepared horseradish
– 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
– 1/4 cup crumbled candied bacon
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped chives or paprika for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cut the eggs in half lengthwise and carefully remove the yolks.
2. In a bowl, mix together the yolks, mayonnaise, mustard, horseradish, and hot sauce until smooth.
3. Stir in the crumbled candied bacon.
4. Spoon the yolk mixture into the egg white halves.
5. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Garnish with chopped chives or paprika, if desired.
Cooking Time: None! These deviled eggs are ready to serve straight away.
Cowboy Candy and Cheddar Cheese Ball
Satisfy your cravings with this sweet and savory duo, perfect for parties or game-day gatherings. This cowboy-approved treat combines the classic flavors of caramelized cherries (cowboy candy) with a creamy cheddar cheese ball.
Ingredients:
For Cowboy Candy:
– 1 cup fresh or frozen cherries
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup light corn syrup
For Cheddar Cheese Ball:
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. For Cowboy Candy: In a medium saucepan, combine cherries, sugar, and corn syrup. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens and the cherries are caramelized.
3. Let cool completely before serving.
4. For Cheddar Cheese Ball: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix cream cheese, cheddar cheese, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl until smooth. Shape into a ball and bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly browned.
5. Serve the cowboy candy alongside the warm cheese ball.
Cooking Time: Approximately 20-25 minutes (includes cooking time for both components).
Tangy Cowboy Candy BBQ Sauce
Get ready to rustle up the flavor with this tangy cowboy candy-inspired BBQ sauce!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup ketchup
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Whisk until smooth.
3. Bring mixture to a simmer over medium-low heat.
4. Reduce heat to low and let sauce cook for 5-7 minutes or until thickened slightly.
5. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Use this tangy BBQ sauce on your favorite meats, such as ribs, brisket, or chicken, for a flavor that’s off the range!
Cowboy Candy Infused Vodka
Get ready to rustle up a unique and flavorful vodka infusion that’s perfect for sipping on its own or using as a base for craft cocktails. This recipe combines the sweetness of cowboy candy (caramelized onions, bell peppers, and jalapeños) with the smoothness of vodka.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup vodka (at least 80 proof)
– 1 cup cowboy candy (see below for recipe)
– Cheesecloth or a coffee filter
Cowboy Candy Recipe:
– 2 large onions, thinly sliced
– 2 large bell peppers, thinly sliced
– 4 jalapeños, seeded and chopped
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Combine vodka and cowboy candy in a glass jar or container.
2. Stir well to combine.
3. Cover the jar with cheesecloth or a coffee filter, securing it with a rubber band.
4. Store in a cool, dark place for at least 2 weeks, shaking the jar every few days.
5. Strain the vodka through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a clean container.
Cooking Time: 14 days (minimum)
Spicy Cowboy Candy Pizza Topping
Add a bold kick to your pizza game with this Spicy Cowboy Candy Pizza Topping recipe! A sweet and spicy combination of ingredients will leave you wanting more.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup cowboy candy (candied jalapeño peppers)
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, soy sauce, honey, garlic powder, and cumin until well combined.
3. Add the cowboy candy to the mixture and stir until coated evenly with the sweet and spicy sauce.
4. Sprinkle salt to taste over the topping.
5. Use as desired on your favorite pizza crust or other dishes.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Cowboy Candy and Avocado Toast
This unique twist on avocado toast combines the creamy richness of ripe avocados with the sweet and tangy flavors of homemade cowboy candy. Perfect for a quick breakfast or snack, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe avocados
– 1/4 cup cowboy candy (see below for recipe)
– 2 slices whole grain bread
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: red pepper flakes, lemon wedges, or chopped fresh herbs for garnish
Cowboy Candy Recipe:
– 1 cup candied jalapeño peppers (homemade or store-bought)
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions:
1. Toast bread until lightly browned.
2. Mash avocados in a bowl and spread on toasted bread.
3. Top with cowboy candy, breaking it into small pieces if needed.
4. Season with salt, pepper, and any desired garnishes.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Sweet Cowboy Candy Ice Cream Topping
Elevate your ice cream game with this sweet and tangy cowboy candy topping. Perfect for hot summer days or as a fun treat any time of the year!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (200g) brown sugar
– 1/2 cup (120g) light corn syrup
– 1/4 cup (60g) water
– 1 tablespoon (15g) butter
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup (250g) crushed pecans or walnuts
– Pinch of sea salt
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine brown sugar, corn syrup, and water. Place over medium heat.
2. Cook, stirring occasionally, until mixture reaches 235°F (118°C), or soft-ball stage (about 10-12 minutes).
3. Remove from heat; stir in butter and vanilla extract until melted and combined.
4. Let cool slightly before stirring in crushed nuts and sea salt.
5. Pour into a lined or greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Let set at room temperature for at least 30 minutes.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Cowboy Candy and Bacon Wrapped Shrimp
Get ready for a sweet and savory combination of flavors! This recipe combines the classic cowboy candy with the indulgent treat of bacon wrapped shrimp, perfect for your next dinner party or family gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 6 slices of thick-cut bacon
– 1/2 cup Cowboy Candy (see below for ingredients)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
Cowboy Candy Ingredients:
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup light corn syrup
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Wrap each shrimp with a slice of bacon, securing with toothpicks if needed.
3. Place the shrimp on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and drizzle with olive oil.
4. Spoon Cowboy Candy over the shrimp.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and the shrimp are cooked through.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Summary
Get ready to spice up your culinary game with these 18 mouthwatering cowboy candy recipes! From sweet and tangy relishes to spicy dips and glazes, these treats will tantalize your taste buds. Try making Jalapeño Cowboy Candy with Honey Glaze or Spicy Cowboy Candy Pickled Peppers for a flavorful snack. Or take it up a notch with Cowboy Candy Bacon Jam or Maple-Glazed Cowboy Candy Peppers. There’s something for everyone in this roundup of recipes that will keep you coming back for more.
