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This jalapeño jelly is the perfect mix of sweet and heat. It’s easy to make, sets up perfectly, and is amazing with cream cheese and crackers.
What is Jalapeño Jelly?
If you’ve never had jalapeño jelly before, hear me out. It might sound a little strange, but once you try it, you’ll be hooked and you’ll want to put it on all the things. When you hear the word jalapeño, you probably imagine something super hot, but I promise it’s not. It is perfectly sweet with just a teeny tiny little kick. My Mom loves this and she doesn’t tolerate anything much spicier than ketchup. Of course, you can always make it more spicy to your own taste but as this recipe is written it’s really not spicy.
No charcuterie board is complete without this pepper jelly. It goes great with all kinds of different cheeses and crackers and is always one of the first things to disappear on the board. People are always asking what kind of jelly it is and are always surprised when I tell them it’s jalapeño! If you want to keep it even more simple, try it with just cream cheese and crackers. It’s the easiest appetizer in a pinch and can literally be thrown together in 30 seconds. This jelly also makes for a great gift for friends and neighbors, just put it in cute jars with a bow and you’ve got a super easy gift that everyone will love!
🩷Erica
Table of Contents
- What is Jalapeño Jelly?
- Ingredients You’ll Need
- Steps for Canning Jalapeño Jelly
- Do The Consistency Test Before Canning
- Using Powdered Pectin vs Liquid Pectin
- Expert Tips for Making Jalapeño Jelly
- Why is My Jelly Runny?
- More Frequently Asked Questions
- Ways to Serve Pepper Jelly
- More Jam and Jelly Recipes
- Jalapeño Jelly (Pepper Jelly) Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Peppers – We use jalapeños, green peppers, and red peppers for this recipe. The jalapeño peppers give the jelly its distinctive spicy flavor. You can also use serrano peppers or habaneros for this recipe but keep in mind it will drastically increase the heat.
- Sugar– A must for any jelly. The sweetness balances the heat from the peppers. You’ve got to use good ol’ regular, granulated sugar for this recipe. Sugar substitutes won’t set the same and can affect both the texture and flavor.
- Vinegar – Vinegar provides acidity, which helps to preserve the jelly and enhances the overall taste. I just use plain white vinegar, nothing too fancy.
- Pectin – Pectin is a natural thickening agent that gives the jelly its gel-like consistency. I use the Certo liquid pectin but you definitely have options here. I will go more into the different pectin options below.
Steps for Canning Jalapeño Jelly
- Prepare the jars and the peppers: Sterilize the jars and lids before filling them with the hot jelly to maintain freshness and extend the shelf life. Rinse the peppers and remove the stems and seeds. If you like your jelly spicy, don’t remove the jalapeño seeds. Finely chop the peppers in a food processor or blender.
- Cook the peppers: Combine the chopped peppers, vinegar, salt, and sugar in a heavy saucepan. Bring the mixture to a full rolling boil over medium-high heat, and continue to boil for 10 minutes, stirring often.
- Make the jelly: Stir in one Certo pouch (liquid pectin) to the mixture and boil for 1 more minute. Be cautious when handling pectin, as it can create lumps if not properly dissolved. Follow the package instructions for the best results. Do the “consistency test” (aka “plate test”) to check the thickness of your jelly before moving to jars (see next section). Doing this small step will make sure your jelly is just right. Don’t forget to skim off any foam that forms during the simmering process to ensure a smooth texture in the finished jelly.
- Fill the jars: Use a canning funnel to fill the canning jars with the hot jelly. Use a lightly damp paper towel to wipe the rims of the jars and remove any stickiness before canning. This will allow the lids to seal to the jars better. Place the center lids on the jar, and screw on the band until just tight, but not tightened completely.
- Water bath canning: Add jars to a hot water bath canner for 10 minutes. Follow the instructions on your water bath canner for the best canning times. You may need to adjust your canning time for your altitude. After the water bath, remove the jars with a canning jar lifter.
- Remove and cool the jars: Allow the hot jars to cool before you screw the lids on tightly. Once the jars are cooled, the lids should pop down letting you know the jar has been safely sealed. Check all the jars and lids before storing. Label the jars with the date of canning to keep track of their freshness and use within a reasonable timeframe. Store the canned jalapeño jelly in a cool, dark place, such as a pantry or cupboard for proper preservation. Wait a day or so before serving the jelly. It needs time to “gel” or set.
Do The Consistency Test Before Canning
One thing to know about this jalapeño jelly is that the pectin can make or break the texture. If you use the full pouch, it can set up a little too firm, so I like to start with half and add as I go if needed. I usually end up using about 4½ to 5 ounces for that perfect, spreadable consistency but some people have needed up to 6. An easy way to check it before you pour it into jars is to do a quick spoon test. Just drop a little of the hot jelly onto a cold plate and let it sit for a minute or two, then tilt the plate. If it slowly thickens and moves like thick syrup, you’re good to go. If it runs too fast, it needs a little more pectin or more time to cool. If it holds firm like gel, it’s actually a little too thick, but don’t worry, you can stir in a tablespoon or two of hot water or vinegar to loosen it slightly before jarring. This quick test takes the guesswork out and helps you get that perfect jelly every time.
Using Powdered Pectin vs Liquid Pectin
Just as a personal note, I do not like powdered as much as liquid because it makes it more difficult to test and adjust the recipe to get the right consistency. With liquid you can keep adding a little at a time until you get it right. With powdered you can’t do that as easily because you add it at the beginning. If you really want to use powdered pectin, use about 1 standard box (1.75 oz) in place of the liquid pectin. Instead of adding it at the end, whisk the powdered pectin in with the peppers and vinegar before bringing it to a boil. Bring that mixture to a full rolling boil, then add the sugar all at once and boil for 1 minute.
Expert Tips for Making Jalapeño Jelly
- Wear rubber gloves when handling jalapeño peppers to avoid skin irritation from their natural oils.
- Adjust the spiciness according to your taste preferences. If you like it more spicy, keep some of the seeds in or choose hotter peppers like serranos or habaneros (very hot).
- To make your hot pepper jelly bright green (like the store-bought kind), just add a few drops of food green coloring to the mixture while boiling. Personally I think the unnatural green color is a little off-putting so I usually just leave it out.
- Experiment with different types of peppers for unique flavors. For instance, you can mix in other hot peppers like Fresno, serrano, or even habanero (if you like it really spicy) or use Anaheim or poblano peppers for a milder version.
Why is My Jelly Runny?
If your pepper jelly is runny, there are a few possible reasons for this consistency, and you can try these methods to fix it:
- Not Enough Pectin: Pectin can be finicky, that’s why we suggest starting with a little and doing the consistency test as you go to get it just right. If you find that your jelly is too runny after the test, you can reheat the jelly and add additional pectin about 1 ounce at a time.
- Undercooking: If you didn’t cook the jelly long enough, it might not have reached the proper gel point. To fix this, return the jelly to the heat and continue cooking until it thickens and reaches the gel stage. You can test for the gel point using the plate test.
- Cooling Process: Sometimes, the jelly may appear runny while still hot, but it can thicken as it cools. Doing the plate test helps the jelly cool faster so you can do a consistency check before you are too far into the process.
- Overripe or Underripe Peppers: The ripeness of the peppers can affect the pectin content, which impacts the jelly’s consistency. Make sure to use peppers at the proper level of ripeness for the best results.
More Frequently Asked Questions
If it is processed correctly, it can last up to two years in a cool, dry place. After opening, it can last two-three months in the refrigerator.
In this recipe, I use pectin for the thickener. If you like a thicker jelly, you can always add a little extra pectin. Use the pectin package instructions as a guide for thickening and re-thickening.
We like to chop them pretty fine. It is helpful to use a food processor to get them chopped small.
You did nothing wrong. The color you got is right, like the pictures above. The green colored jalapeño jellies that you find in the store are an unnatural color. Food dyes are added to get the green color.
No, the jelly is acidic enough as-is.
Yes, this recipe will work with frozen jalapeños, but there are a couple things to keep in mind so the texture turns out right.
When jalapeños are frozen, they release extra moisture as they thaw. That added liquid can make the jelly a little softer than expected. To fix this, thaw the peppers first and drain off any excess liquid before chopping or measuring. If they seem really watery, you can even give them a quick pat with a paper towel.
The flavor will still be great, just slightly milder than fresh, and as long as you control that extra moisture, your jelly should set up just fine.
Ways to Serve Pepper Jelly
My favorite way to use this jalapeño pepper jelly is by pouring it over a block of cream cheese and serving it as an appetizer. It is so simple and always a huge hit. The smooth, tangy cream cheese combined with the sweet pepper and salty crackers is a winning combination that everyone will love! It’s literally my go-to appetizer when unexpected guests show up or when I need something fast. Like lightning fast. It takes 30 seconds to throw together (if that) and it will be polished just as quickly!
Here are some more delicious ways to use jalapeño jelly:
- Glaze for Meats or BBQ: Brush jalapeño jelly over grilled or roasted meats like chicken, pork, or salmon for a deliciously sticky glaze that adds a burst of flavor. You can also mix it with your favorite BBQ sauce to give it a new flavor twist.
- Sweet and Spicy Dip: Use it as a dip for jalapeño poppers, chicken nuggets, or coconut shrimp (the latter being my VERY favorite). To loosen it up, heat the jelly up with a splash of water and it will be more dip-able.
- Cheese and/or Charcuterie Board: Include jalapeño jelly as part of a cheese and charcuterie board for a sweet and spicy element that complements various cheeses and cured meats.
- Sandwich and Wrap Spread: Add jalapeño jelly on sandwiches or wraps to add a unique and tasty twist to your favorite lunchtime meals.
- Condiment for Burgers and Tacos: Use jalapeño jelly as a condiment for burgers or tacos to elevate their flavor with a hint of heat and sweetness.
- Coating for Vegetables: Toss roasted or grilled vegetables in a mixture of jalapeño jelly and olive oil for a tangy glaze that enhances their natural flavors.
- Topping for Baked Brie: Spread jalapeño jelly over a wheel of brie cheese before baking it for a mouthwatering and impressive appetizer.
More Jam and Jelly Recipes
Have you tried this Jalapeño Jelly? Leave a comment below and let us know what you think! We would love to hear how you served it or what you used it for! Don’t forget to take a pic and tag us on Instagram @favoritefamilyrecipes! 📸🌶️
Jalapeño Jelly (Pepper Jelly)
Video
Ingredients
- 1 red bell pepper, (medium sized)
- 1 green bell pepper, (medium sized)
- 10 mild jalapeños, (medium sized)
- 1 cup white vinegar, (apple cider vinegar can also be used)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 6 cups sugar
- 1 (6-ounce) pouch Certo liquid fruit pectin, (usually by the Jell-O in grocery stores, if you can't find a 6-ounce pouch you can use 2 3-ounce pouches)
Instructions
- Rinse jalapeño peppers and remove stems and seeds (you can leave the seeds in if you like it spicy). In food processor or blender, finely chop peppers. This should yield about 3 cups (if you have extra, set aside to use for salsa or any other dish).
- Place chopped peppers in a large pot or heavy large saucepan with vinegar, salt and sugar and bring to a full rolling boil over medium-high heat. Boil for 5 minutes, stirring often.
- Start off by only adding 3 ounces of liquid pectin, stir, and boil 1 more minute. Don't add all the pectin in all at once. Skim off any foam that forms during the simmering process to ensure a smooth texture in the finished jelly.Do a spoon test by dropping a little jelly onto a cold plate and letting it sit for 1-2 minutes. If it slowly thickens and moves slowly like thick syrup, it’s ready. If it’s too runny, add a little more pectin an ounce at a time and repeat the test. If it’s too firm and sits on the plate like a blob, stir in a splash of hot water or vinegar before jarring.
- Use a canning funnel to fill the sterilized, half-pint, canning jars leaving ½ inch headspace. Use a lightly damp paper towel to wipe the rims of the jars before adding sterilized canning center lids, the screw on the band until just tight, but not completely tightened.
- Add jars to a water bath for 10 minutes (follow water bath canner instructions carefully and adjust for high altitude, you may need to process longer). Remove the jars using a canning jar lifter.
- Once the jars have cooled, completely tighten the band around the lid. The lids on the jars should pop down letting you know the jars have been safely sealed. Check all the jars and lids before storing. Label the jars with the date to track freshness. Wait a day or so before serving so the jelly has a chance to 'gel' or set.
- Serve on crackers with cream cheese. This jelly is also delicious as a dipping sauce for steak or chicken nuggets.
Equipment
- half-pint canning jars
- lids and bands
- Water Bath Canner
- jar lifter
- magnetic lid wand
- funnel (optional)
Notes
- UPDATE – We have had some people comment saying their jelly turned out hotter than they like it. Be sure to use milder jalapeños if you don’t like it hot. You may use hot jalapeños but remove most or all of the seeds depending on if you want your jelly spicy or not. How can you tell the hotness level of your jalapeños? Read this article: How to check for the hotness of jalapeños?
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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@Jackie- When you do a water bath you need one of those canning pots. It will explain how to can on the instructions. You don't need to refrigerate it after canning. Only after you pop open the lid. Hope this helps!
Erica
I have found that if you keep your jelly, jam or preserves hot on the stove and use your seals right out of hot water onto the filled jars, let them sit on the counter….they will seal on their own. I never put my preserves or jellies through the hot water bath unless they don’t seal on their own. I have been canning for years and have never had a problem. If I find one later that got unsealed, I just throw it away. You will hear the popping sound when they seal on their own without the extra work of water bath. Your choice.
Good to know! Thank you for the comment!
This is what I do also. I warm the jars in the oven at 250deg, keep the lids hot in water and the jam hot while i fill the hot jars and they seal beautifully. This recipe is so wonderful! Thank you for sharing!
You are very welcome! So glad that you like it! 😀 Thanks for the jar tip!
Hello, I have never done anything with the canning jars…what does it mean to water bath…? And when you wait the day or two before serving it, do you leave it out or put in the fridge for that time being?
Thank you so much and can't wait to make it!!
It is really good when you add it to roast. Cook the roast however you normally would, I cook it in a crock pot with potatoes & carrots. I save some of the meat for later. Shred the roast into a skillet and add in some jalapeno jelly and a little bit of water. I mix the water with the jelly then stir it into the meat. Cook it until the meat is heated through. You can add more or less jelly depending on how strong you want the flavor. Super yummy! We usually have mashed potatoes with it.
Gonna make some asap. Sounds great
@ Becky-
I am sure that the pectin would be just fine. I haven't tried cider vinegar but I love the taste of it and will probably try it next time! Thanks!
My grocery store didn't have Certo pectin. The box I got has two 3 oz pouches. Do I need one or both? The jalapeno jelly recipe on the box has similar proportions to yours, but calls for both pouches. Can you use the regular powdered pectin?
Also, I've looked at a bunch of recipes for this and they all call for apple cider vinegar. Have you tried that instead of white?
I can't wait to try this! I've been craving it since I saw it earlier this week. I'm planting extra peppers in my garden this year so I can make lots!
I always use apple code vinegar in my grandmother’s recipe… I like it better than the white vinegar.
Hey Sarah- I am so glad you like it! I love all your ideas! I never thought to try dipping quesadillas in it and I bet it makes great meatballs! Thanks again for your ideas, we are definitely going to try them!
Hey it's me one more time (it's actually Sarah) I just have to tell you that I LOVE this stuff. We have been through 4 jars already. I did the cream cheese and jelly and loved it, I made your veggie quesadillas and ate it with that, I also made a sauce for frozen meatballs by combining it with ketchup and garlic chili sauce. It was great. I just wanted to say thank you for such a great recipe!
Hey Nathan–
It starts out as a thick syrup but thickens up a little bit after a day or so. No worries.
You aren't a pain at all! I am glad you are asking! I am sure people in the future will appreciate these comments because they will encounter the same thing.
Thank you for the question….. I was wondering the same thing… I made it yesterday afternoon, and this morning it still seems a tad thin….can’t WAIT to try it!!!!
Yes, it takes up to 2 weeks to set. We made a batch about a week or so ago and it is just now starting to get where it needs to be. Sometimes it takes a little longer, sometimes it sets in just a few days.
I made the jelly a couple of days ago and it still is not set up do you cook it on med high heat to a rolling boil when i add the pectin i turn it to a high heat and it still did not set up what am I doing wrong
It can take up to 2 weeks to set completely. Sometimes it can be a little temperamental. I haven’t had a problem with it but I know some of our readers has. I don’t know if it is the brand of pectin or what. What brand did you use?
Okay you convinced me to go through the canning process. I got a good seal and I am SO excited to taste it. I have another question though…Mine is like a thick syrup. Should it be thicker? Did I do something wrong? Thank you so much for posting this. I am sorry to be such a pain, but I really love Jalapeno jelly so I would love this to work!
Thanks again!
The taste and consistency is the best if you go through the canning process and let it sit for a day or two. I wouldn't recommend freezing it– I haven't done it but I can't imagine it being the same.
I am so excited to make this Jelly. We LOVE Jalapeno jelly. Do I have to go through the canning process if we want to use it right away? Can I freeze the extra?
OH! MY! I made this amazing stuff on Friday! It really is the best Jalapeno Jelly I've EVER eaten!! YUM! Around Christmas, I had some Tabasco brand Jalapeno Jelly and it was terrible. Now, I can make my own! Thanks for sharing this amazing recipe!
we make it with cranberries,apricot or raspberries added! so good. we just plop a block of cream cheese down and pur the jelly over it and have at it. one of my fav appetizers.
I have a ton of jalapenos I froze over the summer. Now I know what I can do with them!
Yay! I love this stuff and it is so hard to find sometimes. Not to mention how much cheaper it will be to make myself. We like to eat it with cream cheese and wheat thins. 🙂
Awesome! I am always looking for jalapeno jelly and in Idaho that is hard to find. Now I can make my own. Thanks for sharing.
The Farm Girl
thefarmgirlrecipes.blogspot.com
@ Tawnie – The water bath is for the canning process. It seals the jars. It will probably stay good for at least a year on the shelf. Once it is opened I would definitely put it in the fridge. I know you will love this recipe! Thanks for the comment!
I’m totally new to canning but I’ve been looking for jalapeño jelly that isn’t packed with junk. What is a water bath and what is the correct way to do it?
Here is everything you need to know: https://www.favfamilyrecipes.com/water-bath-canning/
I always had pepper jelly growing up. I love this stuff. My question is….and I know I'm lame….does the water bath preserve the jelly? And how soon does it need to be used? So it can sit on a shelf until it is opened? Then does it need to go in the fridge?
Thanks!!
My mother made pepper jelly years ago (still looking for her recipe). It was always a solid jelly like grape jelly. All the pepper jelly I see now is semi jelled and poured over cream cheese. Still good but so different.
It should be set solid…when I go to serve it over cream cheese, I just stir it with a spoon and then it can be poured, or at least spooned!
I’ve made jalapeño jelly many times before …not this recipe though. I’m questioning the Certo. One pouch (3 oz) doesn’t seem right for this amount of peppers/ jalapeños. I’m thinking maybe ‘a box,’ which is two pouches (6 oz)? Hmmmm…
Yes, it should be two 3 oz packs.
Do you throw peppers in food processor to chop or what!
Sure! That would be a great idea if you aren’t keep on chopping by hand. Hope this helps!
Your recipe I printed says 1 pouch, not 1 box of Certo. Is it two pouches then, because that would explain why mine isn’t setting. Can I re-can the jelly again, just adding the second pouch?
It should just be one pouch, but yes, you can re-can the jelly and add some of the certo from the other pouch to thicken if needed. It sometimes takes a day or two to set completely.
From what I have discovered a Sure-Jell is superior in getting a gel.
Once it comes out of hot water bath and you here the lids pot, it’s safe to put on a shelf worth the Can goods
Yay! I am so excited you got this recipe, I love this stuff!
funny story…I made this years ago from a Family Circle recipe and gave my sister-in-law a jar for Christmas. She served it at her New Years Eve party and told someone she made it herself…well, the guest called the next day raving about the jelly and asked for the recipe. My sister-in-law made a frantic call to me for the recipe. I didn’t have it as I had thrown away the magazine and didn’t copy the recipe. That was before the internet and pinterest. I told her it serves her right for fibbing.
I just made it even my kids are like that smells so good . put all my peppers are at the top how do i get them to spread out. or does it mater.
It’s totally ok, you can stir them down or after they are sealed you can roll them around so they distribute a little better after they cool a little bit.
Penny,
Know it’s 2 yrs later but just read your comment.
When I take my jams or jellies with stuff in it, out of the water bath, I flip them upsides down for 10 min. Then flip back for 10 and if it seems the fruit stays evenly throughout the jelly I stop. If not repeats same thing again. Bs hound be even and no stirring.
I made the jelly just like it said it looks great! but it did not set! can I put it back into the pan and reboil it with some more certo ?
It may take a few days to set up. It will get there though! You can refrigerate it to speed up the process if needs be
I made this recipe a year ago and it turned out perfect. Just made it again 3 weeks ago…two different times….and it never set up. I dumped the first batch but the second batch is in the fridge and I’m waiting for it to set up. Any thoughts? I e made the recipe exactly as printed.
That is so strange. It does usually take a couple weeks to set up completely. I don’t know why it would have worked for you last year but not this year as we have not changed the recipe at all in that time. it could possibly be an issue of how much juices are in the peppers. You could try scaling back on the vinegar to make it less liquidy?
I had the same issue, but I change the quantity of peppers a little bit. However, I called it jalepeno syrup and poured it over all sorts of things. Super delicious and seeet.
Can anyone tell me what portion of fruit strawberry, cranberry, apricot, raspberry one would use for each individual recipe?