9 Ways to Use Up a Can of Chipotles in Adobo Sauce

Chipotles en Adobo, a whole smoke-dried overripe Jalapeno peppers in seasoning. Clipping path
Photo: maxsol7/Getty Images

It's hard to believe such a small can comes packed with such heat, but when it comes to chipotles in adobo sauce, a little goes a long way. Most recipes call for just one or two of the tiny peppers and a bit of the sauce, so what to do with the rest? They do freeze well, but there's no reason a tiny container of peppers should be forgotten at the back of the freezer. Mixed with noodles, blended into a sauce for slow cooking, even used to spice up peanuts, the chipotle is more versatile than it first seems. Read on for 9 of our top ways to spice up your meal with chipotle peppers and adobo sauce.

01 of 09

Fish Tacos with Honey-Cumin Cilantro Slaw and Chipotle Mayo

Fish Tacos with Honey-Cumin Cilantro Slaw and Chipotle Mayo
Soup Loving Nicole

Make a spicy mayonnaise-based sauce to top fish tacos (and save some for your sandwiches and wraps). "I loved a local chain restaurant's fish tacos so much, that I had to try to duplicate them," says SCAREY76. "They combine flour tortillas filled with breaded, fried tilapia, layered with chipotle mayo, topped with napa cabbage, dressed with honey-cumin sauce, and served with pico de gallo, sour cream, chips and salsa. You'll find them very refreshing and packed full of flavor!"

02 of 09

Smoky Chipotle Mac and Cheese

Smoky Chipotle Mac and Cheese
SherryR

This American classic is anything but boring with a hint of chipotle added in. These noodles are out of the box with the addition of the chiles. "Adding chipotle chiles to this macaroni and cheese dish really adds a nice spicy, smoky kick," says blancdeblanc. Some readers have swapped half of the cheddar for pepper jack for even more heat.

03 of 09

Chipotle Honey Roasted Peanuts

Chipotle Honey Roasted Peanuts
Veronica Miller

Chipotle chiles added to a favorite snack makes this something to have on hand at all times and would make a great hostess gift, too. "Absolutely delicious!" says noogie01. "This recipe started out as a basic honey-roasted beer nut recipe and evolved into this splendid party treat."

04 of 09

Emily's Chipotle Chili

Emily's Chipotle Chili
mommyluvs2cook

A big pot of chili is the perfect place to use leftover chipotles and adobo to bring it to firehouse-level heat. Beef, hot Italian sausage, kidney beans, tomatoes, and spices marry with the chiles for a rich, savory stew. "The chipotle peppers give this slow cooker chili a subtle, smoky flavor," says emily.weaver.brown. "Add more minced chipotle peppers to taste. Serve with sour cream, sharp Cheddar cheese, and chopped fresh cilantro."

05 of 09

Pumpkin Chipotle Soup

Pumpkin Chipotle Soup
SunnyByrd

This creamy vegetarian soup gets and upgrade with the addition of chipotles in adobo sauce. With vegetable stock, pureed pumpkin, half and half, sofrito, Worstershire sauce, and paprika, this vegetarian soup is soon to be a favorite in the fall lineup. "This is a wonderful, quick soup that works as a main dish with a compliment of cornbread, or as a great accent dish with your Mexican favorites!" says Chris. "Even my kids gobble this one down! Garnish with shredded Monterey Jack cheese and freshly chopped cilantro. This soup holds well in a slow cooker set on Low!"

06 of 09

Smoky Chipotle Hummus

Smoky Chipotle Hummus
ariana

Variations on boring old hummus have been trending at stores, but it's easy to make this chickpea-based dip. It's also a tasty way to eat more vegetables. "Don't spend your good money on tiny containers of store-bought hummus! Make your own!" says SAVVYHOSTESS. "This recipe is a fun twist on traditional hummus recipes. The chipotle pepper and cumin lend a bit of heat and smokiness, while the cilantro brightens the flavor. Perfect for entertaining a crowd! Serve with pita chips and fresh vegetables."

07 of 09

Chipotle Barbacoa

Chipotle Barbacoa
Chef Mo

Slow cooked for hours, the beef chuck in this recipe simmers with sauce made from apple cider, lime juice, garlic, cumin, serrano and cayenne peppers, oregano, ground cloves, and of course chipotle peppers. "It is full of intense flavors such as garlic, cayenne, and sweet, smoky chipotle," says Dani_Drizzle. "Serve on corn or flour tortillas garnished with cilantro and topped with lime cilantro rice, black beans, pico de gallo, guacamole, cheese, lettuce, and sour cream."

08 of 09

Creamy Chipotle Chicken

Creamy Chipotle Chicken
homeschooler3

Creamy and cheesy with some heat, this slow-cooked chicken is a way to use those leftover chipotles in adobo sauce and is simple enough to fix before you leave for the day and come home to a readymade meal. "A delicious slow-cooker recipe of creamy chicken with a slight kick, yumm!" says tnahinu. "Serve chicken with rice and spoon some sauce over the top."

09 of 09

Chipotle Sweet Potatoes

Chipotle Sweet Potatoes
Lauren Joseph

Ho-hum sweet potato mash gets an upgrade with the addtion of chipotles in adobo. "Spicy, sweet and smoky, this side dish is perfect alongside grilled pork tenderloin. It's also a great change to your Thanksgiving dinner," says CreativeCook. "This can be made ahead and stored in 200-degree oven until the rest of the meal is ready. For those of you who like less spicy, remove the seeds of the chipotle or cut down to one pepper and one tablespoon of adobo sauce."

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