28 Scorching Hot Serrano Pepper Recipes You Need To Try

We have found 28 of the tastiest serrano pepper recipes that you need to try. There is something here for everyone. 

1. Zesty Salsa Verde

Made with tomatillos, sweet onions and hot serrano peppers this zesty salsa verde will be a hot hit. 

It takes 15 mins to prepare and 35 minutes in the oven. Mix the ingredients in a bowl, divide between two baking pans and bake at 425°. Then blitz in a food processor.  

2. Huevos Rancheros

This classic Mexican dish gets a spicy upgrade with serrano peppers. Ingredients include tomatillos, onion, black beans and manchego cheese. 

Total preparation time is 25 minutes, and you can keep any leftovers in the refrigerator for three days. Instead of black beans use refried beans if you prefer. 

3. Pickled Serrano Peppers

Pickled serrano peppers are hot, sweet and tart and easy to make. Heat the water, vinegar and sugar until the sugar is dissolved. Then slice the serrano peppers and garlic. 

When cool, pour the vinegar mixture over the peppers and garlic. Cover and refrigerate for 3 days prior to serving. 

4. Chiles Toreados

A classic Mexican side dish chiles toreados are traditionally pan fried jalapeños and serrano peppers but can be made with other peppers. 

Cook the peppers for 6-8 minutes until they are blistered. Add the onions, cooking until caramelized. Now add some lime juice and soy sauce. 

5. Peachy Serrano Pepper Wings

A sweet and hot combination of serrano peppers and peach preserves. This recipe makes 3 pounds of chicken wings that will be a huge hit. 

Coat the chicken wings with flour and combine the remaining ingredients. Put everything into a slow cooker and cook for 4-5 hours. 

6. Three-Pepper Guacamole

One of the easiest but tastiest guacamole you will ever make. This recipe takes just 25 minutes to prepare. 

Combine the cilantro, onion, peppers and seasoning. Add the avocados, tomatoes and onions. Serve straight away with chips for a great party food or game day treat. 

7. Serrano Pepper Mexican Rice

Although a combination of simple ingredients it is that combination that makes this an unforgettable dish. 

Preparation time is 15 minutes, and it only needs 25 minutes of cooking time. You will have the perfect rice for a summer barbecue or Mexican themed party. 

8. Serrano Pepper Chili

A dish that is a labor of love but worth every minute. You will never make a better chili.

It has three kinds of beans, bacon and serrano pepper with some amazing herbs and spices too. Preparation time is 15 minutes and cooking time is 3 hours and 15 minutes. 

9. Chili Verde Chicken Enchiladas

This is a great dish for those days when you’re in a hurry as you can use store bought rotisserie chickens. The sauce only takes ten minutes too. 

Once the enchiladas are in the pan and covered in sauce you can choose whichever topping you prefer. This recipe uses green onions and Mexican cheese. 

10. Churrasco Steak & Serrano Butter

Good things come to those who wait and if you are willing to marinate your steak for 24 hours you won’t be disappointed with this recipe. 

The cooking time is only 25 minutes. Once you’ve made the marinade and put the steak in, the hard work is done. 

11. Chicago-Style Giardiniera

Giardiniera is an essential part of Italian beef sandwiches. But it can be used with any sandwich, sausages or hot dogs. 

Preparation does take a while at 2 days and 12 hours, but the result will be worth it and most of that time is hands-off. 

12. Spiced Grilled Chicken & Lime Butter

A spicy and juicy dish with hot and refreshing flavors. With a coating of chili powder, cocoa, brown sugar and cinnamon this dish would already be delicious. 

Add the cilantro, lime juice and serrano pepper butter, and you are on to a winner. 

13. Cauliflower Casserole & Serrano Peppers

This makes a great side dish for Christmas or Thanksgiving. It takes just 10 minutes to prepare, and cooking time is only 20 minutes. 

With flavors such as bacon, sausage, green onions and serrano peppers you’ll definitely be making this dish again. 

14. Stuffed Serrano Peppers

There’s nothing quite like a delicious stuffed pepper and when those peppers are serrano, that’s a bonus. 

Chopped roasted turkey, cream cheese and cilantro are mixed together and laid in the middle of the de-seeded peppers. Simply bake in the oven for 20 minutes at 350°. 

15. Serrano Pepper Aioli

This delicious aioli can be made in just 20 minutes and the recipe makes 6 servings. First blister the peppers in a dry pan. 

In a blender add the peppers, egg yolks, garlic, mustard and lime juice with chopped cilantro. Blend till smooth, then add a stream of oil while the blender is running. 

16. Serrano Pepper Avocado Toast

A wonderful vegan dish which is a spicy take on a classic. With some char-grilled corn and fresh serrano pepper slices topped with chimichurri sauce this will become a firm favorite. 

This recipe makes enough for 4 servings and takes 15 minutes to prepare and cook. 

17. Mexican Migas

The wonderful thing about Mexican migas is that they make use of leftover tortillas, and you can add your own favorite ingredients. 

A traditional Mexican breakfast dish, typically served with plain or refried beans and topped with queso fresco. Add some avocado slices and salsa to make it extra special. 

18. Tropical Sweet Potato Salad

A twist on a traditional potato salad, this recipe uses sweet potatoes and serrano peppers. With some mango, red onion, yogurt and pineapple juice this dish is a great blend of sweet and savory. 

Preparation time is 20 minutes and just 35 minutes cooking time, with some chilling time. 

19. Triple-Sausage Breakfast Bake

For a meaty meal at breakfast this triple sausage bake will fill you up. The recipe uses Italian, andouille and bratwurst sausages. 

Add onion, serrano peppers and 6 eggs among other ingredients for a hearty meal. Preparation only takes 20 minutes and cooking time is just 35 minutes. 

20. Polenta Cakes & Fresh Salsa

These polenta cakes with fresh salsa are a wonderful addition to a summer menu. With the serrano peppers, garlic and Monterey Jack cheese they are full of spice and flavor. 

Preparation takes 40 minutes plus some chilling time and the cakes are grilled in just 10 minutes. 

21. Shrimp Pad Thai Soup

A shrimp pad Thai soup that is healthier than traditional versions. Using serrano peppers, green onions and shallots gives it flavor and the creamy peanut butter adds a smooth touch. 

This soup has just 15 minutes preparation time and 30 minutes of cooking time. 

22. Beef Tostadas

Make good use of your slow cooker to make these delicious beef tostadas. Add the beef onion, serrano peppers and other ingredients to the pot and leave to cook for 6-8 hours. 

When cooked, shred the beef and add back to the slow cooker. Then add to toasted tortillas with cheese and sour cream topping. 

23. Serrano Hot Sauce   

Make your own delicious hot sauce and have this flavorsome condiment on hand whenever you need a fiery kick to your dish. 

Preparation time is only 10 minutes and cooking time is also 10 minutes. 

24. Serrano-Spiced Paloma Cocktail

Who says peppers only belong in food? This Paloma cocktail has a round of serrano pepper to give it a fiery punch. 

Made with tequila, grapefruit juice and club soda this is the perfect brunch time cocktail. 

25. Mint & Serrano Granita

A simple dessert that is a bit different. With five ingredients and some time in the freezer you will have a refreshing but zingy treat for family and friends. 

Preparation takes 10 minutes then leave to freeze for 6 hours with occasional scraping of the surface to achieve the right texture. 

26. Spaghetti & Serrano Sauce

A dish to be savored for a special occasion with family. This dish has a tomato sauce as well as a tomato confit to enjoy with your spaghetti. 

It is a long recipe so not something to try when you’re in a hurry. But the tastes are incredible. 

27. Southwestern Cheese Fries

These are definitely grown up fries with added serrano peppers, chili powder and paprika. Add the leftover shredded rib meat and cheese for a delicious game night dish. 

Pair with some tasty ranch dressing.

28. Olive Caprese Salad

A delicious salad of olives, red onions, tomatoes and serrano pepper for a wonderful summer dish. This recipe takes just 35 minutes to prepare and with only 5 minutes of cooking time. 

A deceptively simple but extremely tasty salad. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How Hot Are Serrano Peppers?

Serrano peppers are in the hot category on the Scoville scale between Cayenne and Jalapenos. They are between 8,000 and 22,000 SHU.

Do Serrano Peppers Need To Be Cooked?

Serrano peppers can be chopped and added to dishes without being cooked. They can also be pickled.