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Wondering what to do with that chipotle pepper can sitting on your shelf? Here are 17 recipes to help you use it up! Never throw away a moldy can of chipotle peppers again, with this lengthy list of recipes from enchilada sauce to chicken tacos. These simple and easy recipes will finish off that can in no time!

First posted January 24, 2018. Last updated April 13, 2022.

what is a chipotle pepper and where do you buy them?

A dried chipotle pepper sitting on a white plate.

First things first: A chipotle chili pepper is simply a smoked jalapeño pepper.

When jalapenos are allowed to ripen fully they turn red, then the ripe red jalapeños are smoked with wood chips and dried. These dried, smoked jalapeños are now dried chipotle peppers!

That being said, every red jalapeño is not the same. A smaller variety that is more intensely flavored and fragrant are called Morita chiles and these are the ones that are used to make canned chipotle peppers in adobo sauce.

The bigger ones with a tough brown skin are called Chipotle Mecos and are used as dried chiles.

Where To Buy

Chipotles can be bought in their dried form (in Latin markets or well-stocked grocery stores with the other dried chiles)
But more often they are rehydrated, packed in adobo sauce and canned. Canned chipotle in adobo sauce can be found at almost any grocery store next to the other Latin foods.
You can also buy chipotle powder and use in rubs, marinades, and many other recipes.

Read more about my favorite chipotle in adobo sauce brands.

are chipotle peppers in adobo sauce super spicy?

Several cans of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce that are open and sitting on a marble table.

Short answer: Yes. But you can control the heat by:

Scraping out the seeds.
Using less than the recipe calls for. Start with half and then add more according to your tastes.
Use just the tangy tomato sauce that the chiles come packed in. The flavorful sauce is a mixture of tomatoes, vinegar, brown sugar, and spices and packs a little heat but not half as much as the chipotle chili itself.

when do I use chipotle pepper?

A can of chipotle in adobo sauce that is open with a spoon dipped into the can sitting on a marble table.

It adds smokiness to just about anything. You’ll often find them in Tex-Mex recipes, authentic Mexican salsas, and as a sauce marinade.

I use these hot peppers in so many different ways. Here are just a few:

Chopping and adding to a can of black beans
Pureeing the whole can in a food processor and mixing a teaspoon or two into mayonnaise for a quick sandwich spread.
Chopping fine and mixing into hummus.
Adding a few tablespoons of the adobo sauce to chicken broth for a quick soup. Heck, adding a few tablespoons of the adobo sauce to ANY soup.

how long do chipotle peppers in adobo last?

An orange can of chipotle in adobo sauce opened on a marble counter with a pile of tortilla chips behind it.

After opening your can of chipotle peppers transfer any leftovers to a clean resealable jar and keep in the fridge for a month.
Blend any leftovers into a smooth paste and freeze in ice cube trays.
Once frozen, pop the chipotle ice cubes out of the tray into a resealable plastic bag and take them out as you need them.
Frozen, they should last up to 6 months.

now give me some recipes with chipotle peppers!!

1. Smoky Chicken Tacos with Mango Pico de Gallo

These shredded chicken tacos are simmered with chipotle peppers and lime then topped with a fresh mango salsa made with sweet ripe mangos, jalapeños and red onion.

A white plate with tacos sitting on top and a white napkin on the side.

2. Huaraches with Squash Blossoms and Chipotle Aioli

This plant-based Huaraches recipe takes you step-by-step through how to make these heavenly bean-filled masa cakes topped with tomatillo salsa, sautéed squash blossoms, and chipotle aioli. Gluten-free and vegan-adaptable!

A huarache on a terracotta platter with sautéed squash blossoms on top and chipotle aioli sitting on a wood table.

3. Super Easy Chipotle Enchilada Sauce

Never use store-bought enchilada sauce again! This homemade red enchilada sauce recipe is made with simple pantry ingredients like chipotle chili and comes together in 5 minutes. It is no-cook, vegan, and gluten-free. You are going to love this recipe!

A blender with chipotle enchilada sauce in it and a wood spoon sticking into the blender sitting on a wood table.

4. Chipotle Beef and Bean Enchilada Casserole

This Chipotle Beef and Bean Enchilada Casserole is absolute comfort food at its best with ground beef, pinto beans, sour cream, and jack cheese tucked between layers of tortillas and topped with chipotle enchilada sauce.

A woman holding a glass casserole dish filled with Chipotle Beef and Bean Casserole topped with sliced scallions.

5. Roasted Carrots with Chipotle Honey Butter

Sweet roasted carrots tossed in a chipotle and honey butter and sprinkled with fresh mint leaves. Gluten-free!

A bowl of roasted carrots with lemon and mint leaves on top.

6. Smoky Chipotle Guacamole

This easy guacamole recipe is full of fresh ingredients like ripe avocados, lime juice, and red onion with the smoky kick of chipotle peppers. Make everyone’s favorite dip and serve with tortilla chips or on a plate of tacos. Vegan and gluten-free with just seven ingredients!

A dish filled with chunky Smoky Chipotle Guacamole with a spoon sticking into one side of the dish and a tortilla chip.

7. Deep Dish Black Bean Enchilada Casserole

This recipe for Black Bean Enchilada Casserole has eight layers of tortillas, black beans, roasted vegetables, our favorite chipotle pepper enchilada sauce, and cheese making it the most delicious ever! Bake in the oven, on a deep casserole dish until the cheese is melted and bubbly. in under 30 minutes! A healthy, plant-based dinner, perfect for Sunday family dinner.

An overhead image of a deep dish black bean enchilada casserole with two slices taken out and a metal serving utensil in the space.

8. Chipotle Black Bean Chili

A plant-based Black Bean Chili recipe with chipotle chiles, and loads of fresh vegetables. Serve in big bowls with all your favorite toppings and a side of cornbread or over a baked potato. Gluten-free and easily vegan-adaptable!

A bowl of black bean chili topped with sour cream and shredded orange cheese on a platter surrounded by pieces of cornbread.

9. Fall Harvest Enchiladas with Chipotle Cream Sauce

These root vegetable enchiladas have all the feels of a colorful fall harvest. Bathed in a smoky chipotle cream sauce they are the perfect cozy fall dinner.

17 Chipotle pepper recipes that will help you finish off that can of chipotle peppers in adobo.

10. Baked Spaghetti Squash with Chipotle Cream Sauce

Baked spaghetti squash takes on a whole new meaning when draped in fiery chipotle cream sauce and sprinkled with toasted breadcrumbs and Cotija cheese.

Overhead shot of cooked spaghetti squash on a white plate on top of a wooden table with a glass of wine in the corner.

11. Tacos al Pastor with Grilled Pineapple Salsa

Tacos al Pastor, the classic taco truck staple can easily be made at home with this step-by-step recipe. Top with a grilled pineapple salsa for a sweet and spicy pork taco.

A pork taco on a marble table topped with grilled pineapple salsa.

12. Instant Pot Pork Tinga

Pork Tinga is easily one of our family’s favorite recipes. This stewy mixture of tender pork, tomatoes, and chipotle chile is one of the easiest and tastiest Mexican recipes out there and cooking it in the Instant Pot also makes it the fastest!

A blue plate with a pork Tinga taco on it and a few tortilla chips on the side with a ramekin of salsa with a spoon in it.

13. Beef and Chipotle Chili

This Instant Pot Beef and Chipotle Chili is the quickest way to get fiery, soul-satisfying beef and bean chili into your belly. Stove top instructions too!

An overhead image of a bowl of beef chipotle chili with kidney beans. There are thinly sliced red onions and cheese on top.

14. Charred Pineapple and Chipotle Mole {Manchamantel Mole Sauce}

One of the classic seven moles of Oaxaca, Mexico. Manchamantel, literally translates to tablecloth stainer. It is fruity from charred pineapple and spicy with chipotle chiles and so irresistible you’re destined to drip and dribble it just about everywhere.

Person making tamales sitting next to a bowl of mole sauce.

15. Chipotle Chicken Flautas

Easy Mexican recipes like these shredded chicken flautas make the perfect party food! Fry them in advance, and keep them warm in the oven for guests!

A tray of taquitos topped with chopped tomato, cilantro, and onions sitting on a wooden table.

16. Turkey Tinga Sopes

These Turkey Tinga Sopes is the most delicious way to use leftover Thanksgiving turkey. Simmered in a spicy sauce of chipotles, orange juice, and garlic.

Turkey soles with avocado and radishes on top sitting on a wooden table.

17. Sopa de Albondigas {Mexican Meatball Soup}

The most delicious Albóndigas Soup or Mexican Meatball Soup recipe with chipotle meatballs made with both pork and beef in a rich beef broth with tomatoes, rice, and spinach.

A blue pot with meatball soup in it and a ladle sticking into one side of the pot with a few charred tortillas on the side.

More Mexican Ingredients To Check Out

Which Recipe Will You Make First?

I want to know which one is jumping out at you. Let me know what you make by snapping a pic and tagging me on Instagram @holajalapeno and #holajalapeno so I can see or leave me a comment below (don’t forget to leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating) ! Also, sign up for my weekly newsletter, lots of good stuff there too!

Header image by Food and Wine

Sometime between the holiday’s fading glow and spring’s first warm breezes lies a long, frigid stretch of nights when we huddled in our homes, hunker down from the cold and wind, and heat up leftovers for dinner. There is no better time than now to gather some friends together and throw a party full of cozy comfort food, delicious cocktails, and loads of laughter—An Italian Polenta Party!

When Aida of Salt & Wind suggested the idea to myself and Meg from This Mess Is Ours we answered with an enthusiastic, YES! I mean, I am never one to turn down an opportunity to cook and gather together with my friends, especially over creamy mountains of soft polenta and Aida’s sensational creamy pesto.

Throwing an Italian Polenta Party is a really fun way to entertain. All you have to do is invite some fun-loving friends, make a few appetizers, a simple cocktail, and then pour out the polenta onto a board in the middle of the table and let everyone dig in!

Here’s All You Need To Know To Throw Your Own Polenta Party

We all gathered on a late Saturday afternoon and Meg mixed up some sparkling Apple Basil and Prosecco Spritzer cocktails while Meredith finished her sweet herb and floral wreaths to line every plate. Aida arranged Fontina and Prosciutto Puff Pastry Squares and Mushroom Ragout Agrodolce Bites on a marbled wood board along with balsamic roasted apples, several types of cheese, and charcuterie. It was all just the beginning to the main event about to come: The Polenta!!

Italian Polenta Party Menu

Here is the rundown of the entire menu. We did one meat topping and one vegetarian topping to go with the polenta but you could always just pick one. It is all the little extras however that make it super fun, so try to have at least three or four different sauces or garnishes that your friends can add to their polenta. Included are the recipes to make these but you could easily make one or two and buy a couple more high-quality versions from the store. Or make the sauces and have toasted pine nuts and grated Parmesan or Pecorino on hand for generous sprinkling.

Drinks

Apple Basil and Prosecco Spritzer cocktails | This Mess Is Ours

Appetizers

Fontina and Prosciutto Puff Pastry Squares | Salt & Wind

Mushroom Ragout Agrodolce Bites | Salt & Wind

Nuts, Cheese, Sliced Charcuterie, Balsamic Roasted Apples, Crackers, and Fruit

The Polenta Board + A Salad

Escarole, Charred Mandarins, Toasted Almond Salad with Rosemary Balsamic Vinaigrette | Salt & Wind

Basic Creamy Polenta | Salt & Wind

Beer Braised Beef Barbacoa| ¡Hola! Jalapeño

Braised Chickpeas with Porcini and Tuscan Kale | This Mess Is Ours

Creamy Basil Pesto | Salt & Wind

Slow-Roasted Tomatoes | Salt & Wind

Red Pepper Romesco Sauce | Salt & Wind

Something Sweet

Blood Orange Tart with Vanilla Mascarpone | ¡Hola! Jalapeño

Serving the Polenta

For our party of 8 people Aida quadrupled this recipe and we had plenty of leftovers to take home (gratefully). The polenta is really nice because you can start it and then let it basically cook on its own, giving it a stir every now and again until it is ready.

To serve the polenta you’ll need a very large food-safe board. Meg had a gorgeous reclaimed wood board that ran the length of the table from Pasadenaville which worked perfectly as everyone had some polenta right in front of them at the table. A large wood cutting board or tray would also work. Just find your biggest food-safe board and pour the polenta out onto the it. Top half of the polenta with the barbacoa and half with the braised chickpeas and place it in the middle of the table for everyone to help themselves. Serve all the sauces and garnishes in small dishes scattered about the table so your friends can add what they please. Aida also made a dairy-free version of the polenta with chicken broth and olive oil instead of the butter, milk, and cheese.

Make It Mexican! A Few Mexican Food Recipes That Would Go Great With Polenta

Slow Cooker Carne Adobada

Crispy Instant Pot Pork Carnitas

The Best Ever Canned Black Beans

The Place Settings

Our very talented friend Meredith created delicate mini wreaths made from fresh (and totally edible) herbs, olive leaves, and straw flowers. They look rustic and pretty on the plates and Louisa turned them into a darling little tiara after the party was over. Get all the details on how to make them here.

Shop The Party

Here are a few party essentials we can’t live without:

W/R/F Lab ceramics

Pasadenaville Polenta Board

Pink Shibori Napkins

Linen Napkins

Vintage Roly Poly Cocktail Glasses

Cheese Knives

Denim Cloth Table Covering

All Produce: Melissa’s Produce

What About The After Party Clean Up

Not to worry, I’ve got your back there too! Check out my 6 Kitchen Cleaning Hacks for easy clean up.

A humongous thanks goes to Salt & Wind and This Mess Is Ours for all the photos.

Did you love this post? I want to know! Leave me a comment and snap a photo for Instagram. Tag @holajalapeno so I can see your beautiful creation! Your feedback is super important to me. If you run into trouble shoot me a message on Instagram and I’ll walk you through it.

Also, don’t forget to sign up for my weekly newsletter, lots of good stuff there too!