Jalapeno Jelly

Jalapeño jelly, aka hot pepper jelly, is the perfect condiment to have on hand for an easy appetizer. Spread over crackers with cream cheese, this snack tastes gourmet despite how surprisingly easy it is to throw together. The best part? Having this jalapeño pepper jelly on hand can inspire a variety of other tasty snacking situations, like dipping popcorn chicken or spread on a biscuit for breakfast. This jelly is sweet and spicy and the perfect condiment to have when you’re not sure what to throw together for happy hour. Make sure you have the proper canning supplies before getting started!

Jalapeno Jelly Ingredients

• Jalapeno peppers: The main ingredient of this jelly are jalapeno peppers. These hot peppers are processed and cooked down to give this condiment a spicy kick.
• Green bell peppers: Green peppers add bulk and flavor to this recipe for jalapeno jelly while also dulling down the spice of the peppers.
• White vinegar: Vinegar adds acidity to this jelly and helps to preserve it while also giving it flavor.
• Cayenne pepper: Cayenne gives this jelly even more of a kick!
• Sugar: Sugar also helps to preserve the jelly and cuts down on the spicy flavor of this condiment.
• Liquid fruit pectin: Use two pouches to thicken this jelly to give it the proper consistency.
• Green food coloring: While optional, food coloring gives this jelly that specific green color instead of a dulled green or yellow color.

Directions

Step 1: Process the peppers

Place the jalapeños, half of the green peppers and 1/2 cup of vinegar into a blender or food processor. Cover and process until puréed and then transfer it to a large Dutch oven. Repeat this with the remaining green peppers and another 1/2 cup of vinegar.

Step 2: Boil until thickened

Add in the sugar, cayenne and remaining vinegar to the Dutch oven. Bring the pepper mixture to a roiling boil on high heat, stirring constantly. Quickly stir in the pectin and return to a roiling boil. Boil for one minute and stir constantly. Remove from the heat.

Step 3: Ladle jam into jars and can

Skim off the foam at the top of the jam. Add in food coloring, if desired. Then carefully ladle hot mixture into hot 1/2 pint jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of space at the top. Remove the air bubbles, wipe the rims and adjust lids to the top. Place the sealed jars into a boiling-water canner for 10 minutes or until the seals pop.

Step 4: Enjoy on crackers

Serve the jam on crackers with cream cheese!

Jalapeno Jelly Recipe Variations

• Swap with colored bell peppers: Switch up the color and taste of this jalapeño jelly by adding in different colored bell peppers, like red, yellow and orange.
• Make it spicier: While the main ingredient in this jelly is jalapeño, you could also play around with different hot peppers in this recipe by adding in a habanero to change up the flavor and the spice level.
• Add in fruit: For a unique twist on this jalapeño jelly toss in a cup of puréed raspberries for a sweeter version of this spicy condiment.

How to Store Jalapeno Jelly

If you don’t plan on canning the jalapeño jelly, you can still store it in a jar in your refrigerator. Make sure the jam is sealed airtight at the top. Canned jelly should be kept in a cool and dry pantry.

How long does jalapeno jelly last?

The sugar in the jelly works as a preservative and the jalapeño jelly will last in the refrigerator for up to one year. Properly canned jalapeño jelly will last about two years.

Jalapeno Jelly Tips

Does the altitude matter for canning jelly?

Yes! If you plan on canning your jalapeño jelly, the processing time will look different. An altitude of 1,000 feet or less will use this particular processing time (10 minutes). If you’re at a higher altitude, around 3,000 feet, add another five minutes. For 6,000 feet add 10 minutes. For 8,000 feet add 15 minutes and for 10,000 feet add 20 minutes.

Should I wear gloves while making jalapeño jelly?

Wearing disposable gloves while cutting the peppers is ideal because the oils in the hot peppers can burn your skin. Avoid touching your face while chopping and be sure to carefully remove and dispose the gloves when you finish.

What is jalapeño jelly used for?

While this particular jelly is delicious served with crackers and cream cheese, you can also serve it as a dip for fried foods like homemade chicken tenders or french fries. You can even spread it on savory baked goods like fluffy buttermilk biscuits, skillet cornbread or apple cheddar scones.