Hella Jalapeno Jelly Recipe (Hot Pepper Jelly!)

Hot Pepper Jalapeno Jelly Recipe – Make this spicy, sweet, perky pepper jelly from scratch with our easy classic canning recipe!

Homemade Hot Pepper Jalapeno 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
• Jalapeno 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

How to Make Hot Jalapeno Pepper Jelly from Scratch

For the easiest method to make homemade jalapeno jelly, you need a large food processor.

Prep the peppers by cut off the steps and removing the seeds. Then place in the bowl of the food processor. Cover and pulse until finely chopped. 

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Scoop the chopped peppers into a large sauce pot. Then add the sugar, vinegar, and salt. Turn the stove to medium 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.

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. 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 weight approximately 2/3 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 anytime 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!

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.

Looking for More Easy Condiment Recipes?

• Quick Pickled Red Onions
• Perfect Homemade Lemon Curd
• Cinnamon Maple Walnut Butter
• Giardiniera Pickled Vegetables
• Slow Cooker Pumpkin Butter

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