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21 Surprising Ways To Elevate Your Food And Drinks By Adding Some Spice

Grilled Halibut Collar

Grilled Halibut Collar. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

This under-the-radar cut of fish is marinated in soy, pineapple juice, and sriracha, then grilled hot for a smoky char and juicy texture. A flavorful seafood option that’s fast and packed with character.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Halibut Collar

Hot Honey Chex Mix

Hot Honey Chex Mix. Photo credit: The Creative Bite.

Classic Chex Mix gets a sweet-and-spicy makeover with the addition of hot honey. A quick, craveable snack that disappears fast at parties or movie nights.
Get the Recipe: Hot Honey Chex Mix

Jalapeno Popper Stuffed Chicken Breast

Jalapeno Popper Stuffed Chicken Breast. Photo credit: Blackberry Babe.

Creamy cheese, bacon, and spicy jalapeños are stuffed inside juicy chicken breasts, then baked until golden. A fun, flavorful dinner with minimal prep.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeno Popper Stuffed Chicken Breast

Spicy Passion Fruit Margarita

Spicy Passion Fruit Margarita. Photo credit: Vanilla Bean Cuisine.

This tropical margarita mixes sweet passion fruit with a spicy chili-salt rim. An easy cocktail that feels both exotic and refreshing.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Passion Fruit Margarita

Buffalo Tuna Avocado Toast

Buffalo Tuna Avocado Toast. Photo credit: The Creative Bite.

Classic avocado toast gets a spicy twist with buffalo-seasoned tuna. Fast, filling, and perfect for lunch or a bold snack.
Get the Recipe: Buffalo Tuna Avocado Toast

Blackstone Kimchi Gyoza

Blackstone Kimchi Gyoza. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

Gyoza get an upgrade with tangy kimchi filling and a crispy sear on the griddle. A fusion appetizer that’s as satisfying as it is spicy.
Get the Recipe: Blackstone Kimchi Gyoza

Bulgogi Burger with Quick Pickled Cabbage and Gochujang Mayo

Bulgogi Burger with Quick Pickled Cabbage and Gochujang Mayo. Photo credit: Blackberry Babe.

Sweet-and-savory bulgogi flavor meets spicy gochujang mayo in this juicy burger, topped with quick-pickled cabbage for crunch. A creative grill night winner.
Get the Recipe: Bulgogi Burger with Quick Pickled Cabbage and Gochujang Mayo

Traeger Chicken Wings with Spicy Miso

Traeger Chicken Wings with Spicy Miso. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

These wings are smoked to perfection, then tossed in a spicy miso glaze. A flavor-forward option for wing lovers who like a little complexity with their heat.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Chicken Wings with Spicy Miso

Traeger Smoked Spicy Candied Bacon

Traeger Smoked Spicy Candied Bacon. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

Sweet, spicy, and smoky, this candied bacon is made on the Traeger and works as a snack, brunch topping, or gift-worthy treat.
Get the Recipe: Traeger Smoked Spicy Candied Bacon

Sweet & Spicy Bacon Wrapped Turkey Tenders

Sweet & Spicy Bacon Wrapped Turkey Tenders. Photo credit: The Creative Bite.

Bacon-wrapped turkey gets brushed with a sweet and spicy glaze, then baked to juicy perfection. Ideal for a crowd-pleasing main or app.
Get the Recipe: Sweet & Spicy Bacon Wrapped Turkey Tenders

Jalapeno Cornbread Crusted Shrimp Tostadas

Jalapeno Cornbread Crusted Shrimp Tostadas. Photo credit: The Creative Bite.

Shrimp are coated in a jalapeño cornbread crust and layered on tostadas for a crunchy, spicy twist on a Mexican favorite.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeno Cornbread Crusted Shrimp Tostadas

Spicy Rosemary Tomato Peach Chutney

Spicy Rosemary Tomato Peach Chutney. Photo credit: Running To The Kitchen.

Tomato, peach, and rosemary come together with a kick of spice in this versatile chutney. Try it with grilled meats, cheese boards, or toasted bread.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Rosemary Tomato Peach Chutney

Mason Jar Sriracha Shrimp Caesar Salad

Mason Jar Sriracha Shrimp Caesar Salad. Photo credit: Running To The Kitchen.

Caesar salad gets a fiery upgrade with sriracha shrimp, all packed into a portable mason jar for easy meal prep.
Get the Recipe: Mason Jar Sriracha Shrimp Caesar Salad

Spicy Seasoned Pretzels

Spicy Seasoned Pretzels. Photo credit: Running To The Kitchen.

These seasoned pretzels are bold, crunchy, and super snackable. Great for dipping or just munching by the handful.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Seasoned Pretzels

Cantaloupe Lime Jalapeño Agua Fresca

Cantaloupe Lime Jalapeño Agua Fresca. Photo credit: Running To The Kitchen.

A bright, refreshing drink that blends sweet cantaloupe with lime and a hit of jalapeño. Great for cooling off—with a little spice.
Get the Recipe: Cantaloupe Lime Jalapeño Agua Fresca

Chorizo Spinach Skillet Pizza

Chorizo Spinach Skillet Pizza. Photo credit: Running To The Kitchen.

This skillet pizza features spicy chorizo, fresh spinach, melty cheese, and a quick tomato sauce. Somewhere between deep dish and a regular pie.
Get the Recipe: Chorizo Spinach Skillet Pizza

Spicy Thai Carrot & Kale Salad

Spicy Thai Carrot & Kale Salad. Photo credit: Running To The Kitchen.

Coated in a creamy peanut-sriracha dressing, this salad balances crunchy veggies with big Thai flavor. Vegan and meal prep-friendly.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Thai Carrot & Kale Salad

Spicy Collard Greens and Rice

Spicy Collard Greens and Rice. Photo credit: Running To The Kitchen.

A hearty, earthy side dish with just enough heat to keep things interesting. Served with lemon and brown rice, it’s a filling and flavorful base or side.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Collard Greens and Rice

Jalapeño Simple Syrup

Jalapeño Simple Syrup. Photo credit: Feast and West.

Add a fiery kick to drinks with this jalapeño-infused syrup. Great for margaritas, lemonade, mocktails, or even drizzled on ice cream.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Simple Syrup

Shishito Peppers

Shishito Peppers. Photo credit: Feast and West.

These blistered peppers are mostly mild—with the occasional spicy surprise. Serve with a dip and enjoy the easy prep and fun payoff.
Get the Recipe: Shishito Peppers

Jalapeño Tequila

Jalapeño Tequila. Photo credit: Feast and West.

Infuse tequila or mezcal with fresh jalapeños for a spicy twist on your next cocktail. Great for margaritas, palomas, or sipping with citrus.
Get the Recipe: Jalapeño Tequila