Pepper jelly is a sweet, spicy, and tangy condiment made from peppers, sugar, and vinegar, often thickened with pectin. It’s a beautiful jewel-toned jelly—usually red, green, or golden depending on the peppers used—that delivers a balance of heat and sweetness.
It’s versatile too—you can:
-
Serve it with cream cheese and crackers (a classic appetizer).
-
Glaze meats like chicken, pork, or shrimp.
-
Spread it on sandwiches or burgers for a kick.
-
Mix into dressings or marinades for extra depth.
🌶️ Basic Pepper Jelly Recipe:
Ingredients:
-
1 cup chopped bell peppers (any color)
-
½ cup chopped hot peppers (jalapeño, serrano, or habanero depending on heat preference)
-
1 ¾ cups apple cider vinegar
-
6 cups sugar
-
1 pouch liquid pectin (3 oz)
Steps:
-
In a blender or food processor, pulse peppers with 1 cup of vinegar until finely chopped (don’t puree).
-
In a large pot, combine pepper mixture, remaining vinegar, and sugar. Bring to a rolling boil, stirring often.
-
Boil hard for 10 minutes. Stir in pectin and boil for 1 more minute.
-
Skim foam, pour into hot sterilized jars, and seal.
-
Process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes for shelf stability.
When it cools, you’ll have a glossy, spicy-sweet jelly that’s amazing with cheese boards or even drizzled on roasted veggies.
