Jalapeno Jelly Recipe (Hot Pepper Jelly)
Hot Pepper Jalapeño Jelly Recipe – Make this spicy, sweet, perky pepper jelly from scratch with our easy classic canning recipe! The sweet and spicy flavors go amazingly with bagels and cream cheese!
Homemade Hot Pepper Jalapeño Jelly
Lovely to look at and even more delicious to eat, there’s nothing quite like homemade preserves. I am especially fond of the unexpected varieties of flavors and methods – like our Easy Freezer Jam Recipe and this fabulous Hot Pepper Jelly recipe!
Even though jalapeno jelly isn’t exactly a new concept, it’s still an amazing surprise when you make it from scratch. Hot, sweet, tangy, chunky… Perfectly perky in every way.
You can use this recipe to create classic jalapeno jelly, or as a base for all sorts of jelly variations. Plus, it’s easy to prepare either as traditional canned preserves or make as a fridge or freezer jam!
What Ingredients You Need
There are only 6 simple ingredients needed to make bright, tangy, and spicy pepper jelly from scratch…
- Red bell peppers – for zesty pepper taste with a hint of sweetness, and a lovely red color
- Jalapeño peppers – wonderfully spicy peppers to make a HOT pepper jelly
- Granulated sugar – essential for sweetening and preserving the jelly
- Apple cider vinegar – helps to breakdown the peppers for properly canned preserves
- Salt – to balance the sweet and spicy flavors
- Liquid pectin – for creating a firm, spreadable jalapeno jelly (you could purchase liquid fruit pectin for extra flavor)
How to Make Hot Jalapeno Pepper Jelly from Scratch
Instructions…
For the easiest method to make homemade jalapeno jelly, you need a large food processor or blender.
Prep the jalapeno peppers by cutting off the steps and removing the seeds. Then place them in the bowl of the food processor. Cover and pulse until finely chopped.
Scoop the chopped peppers into a large saucepot. Then add the sugar, vinegar, and salt. Turn the stove to medium heat (not high heat) and bring the pepper mixture to a low boil. Simmer for about 15 minutes, until the peppers are soft.
Stir in the liquid pectin, and simmer for another minute.
Get the Complete (Printable) Hot Pepper Jalapeno Jelly Recipe Below. Enjoy!
Different Methods for Preserving Hot Pepper Jelly
Next, pour the hot pepper jelly into jars. If you plan to freeze the jelly, make sure to leave 1 inch of air space at the top of the jar. Screw the lids on tightly. (wide rims mason jars are perfect for this recipe.)
Then either “can” by following the classic protocol, place in the refrigerator, or in the freeze.
If refrigerating or freezing, first leave the jars at room temperature for 24 hours to cool completely and wipe the rim off any excess. Then transfer to the fridge or freezer until ready to use.
Hot Pepper Jelly Recipe Variations
Mix up the peppers! If you want to make spicy jelly variations, still use red bell peppers as a base for color, but feel free to use: Habanero, Serrano, Poblano, Thai Bird, or Hatch chiles instead of jalapenos. 12 average jalapenos weigh approximately 2/3 a pound. Simply weigh your preferred chiles, so the consistency thickness properly.
Here are a couple of my favorite combos:
- 2 red bell peppers + 10 jalapenos + 2-3 habanero chiles = a bright, slightly sweet and smoky hot pepper jelly
- 2 red bell peppers + 9 piquillo peppers + 2 jalapenos + 2-3 cayenne peppers = a fruity, slightly spicier jalapeno jelly
Jalapeno Jelly Serving Suggestions
Enjoy sweet and spicy homemade Hot Pepper Jelly any time of day with meals and snacks.
The bold and tangy flavors go great with cool and rich cream cheese on bagels, crackers, or toast.
Use jalapeno jelly as a perky spread on sandwiches, as a base for a quick stir fry sauce, or even as a delightful surprise as a substitute for the cranberry sauce in this Cranberry Brie Bites appetizer!
Also, spoon as a glaze over grilled chicken or pork!
We love to can it and give it as gifts for the holidays.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long to keep homemade hot pepper jelly?
Left unopened, canned jars of Hot Pepper Jelly are shelf-stable for at least 18 months up to 2 years.
Reseal and refrigerate opened jars, and use within 6 months.
What is jalapeno jelly used for?
You can just jalapeño pepper jelly for so many different things! It would be delicious as a spread on a sandwich or burger, or even an egg and ham breakfast sandwich! It would also perfectly complement some jalapeño poppers or savory chicken fingers.
Looking for More Easy Condiment and Dip Recipes?
- Quick Pickled Red Onions
- Perfect Homemade Lemon Curd
- Cinnamon Maple Walnut Butter
- Giardiniera Pickled Vegetables
- Sweet and Spicy Hot Honey
See the recipe card below for the nutritional information including calories, sodium, protein, carbohydrates, and vitamin c percentages.
Hella Jalapeno Jelly Recipe (Hot Pepper Jelly)
Video
Ingredients
- 2 red bell peppers seeded
- 12 jalapeno peppers seeded
- 5 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 ounces liquid pectin
Instructions
- Set out a large food processor. Place the seeded bell peppers and jalapenos in the bowl. Cover and pulse until finely chopped.
- Scoop the chopped peppers into a large 6-8 quart sauce pot. Add the sugar, vinegar, and salt. Set over medium heat. Bring to a low boil, and cook for 14-15 minutes, uncovered.
- Then stir in the liquid pectin and simmer 1 more minute.
- Pour the hot pepper jelly into jars. Screw the lids on tightly. Then either “can” by the classic protocol, place in the refrigerator, or freeze. If freezing, make sure to leave approximately 1 inch of air space at the top of the jar.
I like the taste but it didn’t set up like jelly. Fairly liquid. Not sure what I may have done wrong. New liquid pectin.
Can I use powdered pectin instead of liquid?
Hi Kelly!
I have not made this recipe with powdered pectin, so I can’t guarantee the outcome. But in theory, yes, you should be able to swap it out, using the instructions on the pectin package for guidance.
Tastes great but it’s too runny/not thick enough
Hi Jenny,
Sorry to hear that! You can always simmer it a little longer to thicken the jelly.
I had all the ingredients handy so I decided to try this recipe and I’m glad I did! It was so good, perfect for crackers and good with a bagel. Thanks for sharing another recipe that I will keep!
wow! sweet and spicy, the pefect addition to crackers and cream cheese!
This sounds absolutely delicious! Serving over crackers + cream cheese would be so good.
Had lots of peppers from my garden to use up so decided to make this jelly. It was wonderful! Super easy with the best sweet and spicy flavor. Tasted amazing on a warm homemade biscuit!