Irresistible Hot Pepper Jelly Recipe – Sweet & Spicy Delight

There’s something undeniably magical about the combination of heat and sweetness in a hot pepper jelly recipe. Imagine a jar of this vibrant amber concoction, glistening under the kitchen light, ready to elevate your cheese platter or shine as a glaze for roasted meats. You can practically hear it sing, “Spread me on crackers, drizzle me over cream cheese!”

As a kid, I remember my grandmother’s annual jelly-making marathon. The kitchen would fill with a sweet and spicy aroma that begged for taste tests. Every year, she’d say, “This batch is my best yet!” Spoiler alert: they all were. Just thinking about those moments brings back warm memories; this hot pepper jelly recipe isn’t just food; it’s a ticket to nostalgia.

My friends still rave about my homemade jars after I gifted them during last year’s holidays. Their reactions were priceless!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Fresh Hot Peppers: Choose any variety you like—jalapeños for mild heat or habaneros for a fiery kick.

• Granulated Sugar: Regular sugar works best here to balance the heat with its sweetness.

• Apple Cider Vinegar: This tangy ingredient adds depth and helps preserve the jelly.

• Pectin: Use powdered pectin for the perfect jelly consistency; it helps it set beautifully.

• Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the other flavors without overpowering them.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Prepare Your Peppers: Start by washing your fresh hot peppers thoroughly. Wearing gloves is advisable unless you enjoy that lingering burn on your hands! Remove stems and seeds if you prefer less heat.

Chop and Blend: Finely chop your peppers or pulse them in a food processor until they’re minced but not puréed. The aroma will be intense—open windows if needed!

Add Sugar and Vinegar: In a large pot over medium heat, combine your chopped peppers with granulated sugar and apple cider vinegar. Stir until mixed well; watch for that sweet-spicy fragrance wafting through your kitchen.

Boil and Stir in Pectin: Bring the mixture to a rapid boil while stirring constantly—this is where the magic happens! Add the pectin quickly, stirring vigorously to avoid clumps; keep boiling for another minute.

Jar It Up!: Carefully ladle the hot jelly into sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace. Seal tightly with lids while still warm, then let cool at room temperature before refrigerating.

Enjoy this delightful journey of flavors from boiling pot to beautiful jars!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by chopping your peppers finely to ensure even cooking. Combine them with sugar and vinegar in a pot, then bring to a boil before adding pectin. Stir continuously to prevent sticking, allowing the mixture to reach a rolling boil for at least one minute.

Add Your Touch

Consider adding different types of peppers for varying heat levels or mix in fruits like mango or pineapple for a unique twist. You can also adjust the sweetness by reducing the sugar slightly if you prefer it less sweet.

Storing & Reheating

Store your hot pepper jelly in sterilized jars in the refrigerator for up to one year. To reuse, simply scoop out the desired amount and it’s ready to go—there’s no need for reheating unless you want it warm on your dish.

Cooking this hot pepper jelly reminds me of that time I brought some to a summer barbecue. Everyone was raving about it, asking me if I had stolen Grandma’s secret recipe!

FAQ

Can I use frozen peppers in this hot pepper jelly recipe?

Yes, frozen peppers work well but may alter the texture slightly after thawing.

How long does homemade hot pepper jelly last?

When stored properly, this jelly can last up to one year in the fridge.

What can I serve with hot pepper jelly?

It pairs beautifully with cream cheese, grilled meats, or even drizzled over roasted vegetables.

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Hot Pepper Jelly

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Hot pepper jelly is a delightful blend of sweet and spicy flavors that will elevate any dish. This vibrant, amber-colored jelly is perfect for spreading on crackers with cream cheese, glazing roasted meats, or adding a unique twist to desserts. Easy to make in under an hour, it brings back fond memories and is sure to impress your guests at gatherings.

• Author: Ethan Carter
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 16 servings 1x
• Category: Condiment
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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• 1 cup fresh hot peppers (finely chopped)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 package (1.75 oz) powdered pectin
• 1/4 tsp salt

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Instructions

1. Prepare your peppers by washing them thoroughly and removing stems and seeds if desired. Wear gloves to avoid irritation.
2. Finely chop the peppers or pulse them in a food processor until minced.
3. In a large pot over medium heat, combine chopped peppers, sugar, and apple cider vinegar. Stir until well mixed.
4. Bring the mixture to a rapid boil while stirring constantly. Quickly add the pectin and stir vigorously for one more minute.
5. Ladle the hot jelly into sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace. Seal tightly with lids and let cool before refrigerating.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
• Calories: 45
• Sugar: 11g
• Sodium: 0mg
• Fat: 0g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg