This Pepper Jelly recipe is extremely easy to make and it's great to have in the pantry.
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What Kind of Peppers Should you Use for Pepper Jelly?
For this Pepper Jelly recipe, I used a hodgepodge of sweet peppers harvested from my garden. There are red and green shishito peppers, yellow banana peppers, and cute little red and orange mad hatters.
The result of all the colours are very pretty, confetti-like jelly. It looks sparkly and festive, perfect for holiday gift-giving.
What's the Difference Between Jelly and Jam?
Jelly and Jam are both made with fruit. However, they are different products. Jelly is made with the juice of the fruit, while jam is made with the whole fruit. Although jams are thick, they aren't as firm as jellies. Some examples of jelly recipes: Pear Jelly or Homemade Grape Jelly. And some jam recipes: Spiced Plum Jam With Cardamom and Cinnamon or Rhubarb JamÂ
This pepper jelly is a little different from other fruit jellies because it does contain little pieces of the peppers.
Pectin: Liquid or Powdered?
I used liquid pectin in this jelly recipe. Simply because it's how I learned to make it and it's a very easy way to make jams & jellies. But if you are following a recipe for jam or jelly, always use the form of pectin that the recipe specifies.
The cooking methods used are different for the two different forms of pectin, so they are not interchangeable. Here's more info on that: Liquid Pectin vs Powdered Pectin
Can You Reduce the Amount of Sugar in this Jelly?
I don't recommend reducing the amount of sugar in this recipe. For jellies and jams, sugar is more than just a sweetener. The sugar works with the pectin and fruit acids to form the gel, and it also acts as a preservative.
If you reduce the amount of sugar, you take the risk of your jelly not setting up. And there is nothing worse than putting in the effort, only to have un-jelled jelly. And besides, aren't jams and jellies supposed to be sweet?
Do You Like It Hot?
I often make hot pepper jelly, too. If you would like your jelly to pack some heat, simply replace some of the peppers with jalapeno or other hot peppers, depending on your desired heat level. And if you don't have hot peppers, you can add a pinch or two of dried red pepper flakes in the cooking process.
I like to make this sweet pepper jelly for gift giving because not everyone likes spice, but everyone does love this jelly.
How to Use Your Pepper Jelly
As I mentioned, these pretty jars make excellent homemade gifts, for holiday gifts or hostess gifts. This jelly is delicious on crackers with creamy cheese, such as brie, and a perfect addition to a charcuterie board. It's great to have on hand for impromptu entertaining. Cheese and crackers get an instant upgrade when you add some pepper jelly.
Some other ways to use Pepper Jelly:
- Glaze for grilling salmon, pork, or chicken
- Glaze for baked ham
- Topping for baked brie
- Sauce for chicken wings or meatballs (toss the hot wings or meatballs in jelly for a restaurant-style appetizer)
- Spread on a turkey sandwich (so good!)
- Dip for egg rolls or spring rolls (Just heat in the microwave)
- Spread on toast or biscuits
- Topping for pancakes or waffles
- Shake with a little vinegar for a delicious, tangy salad dressing
Recipe
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Pepper Jelly Recipe
Equipment
- Jars, lids, & screw bands
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups sweet peppers preferably three colours, finely diced
- 3 cups sugar
- ¾ cups apple cider vinegar
- 1 pouch liquid pectin 85 ml
Instructions
- In a large stainless steel or enamel pot, combine diced peppers, sugar and vinegar
- Over high heat, bring to a boil, stirring constantly, and boil for one full minute
- Stir in liquid pectin, bring back to a boil, and boil hard for one full minute.
- Remove from heat and ladle into hot, sterilized jars.
- Put on lids and twist screw bands just finger tight
- Process in boiling water bath 10 minutes
- Allow to cool, in which time you should hear the pop of the sealing jars, and your jelly will thicken
Abby Covingon
Hi! Perhaps a silly question. I am using a blend of peppers (mostly banana). Do I seed the peppers first the way I generally do with jalapenos? Not sure since these peppers aren't hot.
Thanks!
Colleen
Hi Abby! No question is ever silly! For pepper jelly, I have never seeded the peppers unless they are scorchers (habaneros, etc). However, you can certainly seed them if you prefer! I would love to hear how your jelly turns out, it's a favorite around here. Cheers!
Sheila
Would this work in a ball jam maker machine and if so, would there be modifications needed?
Colleen
Hi Sheila, I haven't used a jam maker machine, so I can't comment. But I would love to hear how it goes if you try it!
Eric Harris
We JUST made our first 16 jars and they are cooling. The process was SUPER easy and fun, and they look BEAUTIFUL.
Thank you for the great share
Eric and Colleen
Santa Cruz, CA
Colleen
Eric & Colleen, that's awesome! I'm thrilled that you guys had a fun and successful jelly experience. Thanks so much for letting me know. Cheers!
Carla Ewell
The recipe says 1 liquid pectin. How much is that? A box of liquid pectin contains 2 pouches for a total of 6 oz. Do you use the whole box (6oz)?
Colleen
Hi Carla, thank you for your question. I have fixed the recipe to say 1 Pouch of liquid pectin, which is 3 oz.
Jeanne
I added one jalapeño pepper to give it a little spicy. But only got 4 1/2, 8oz each jars.
Kylee
I made this over the weekend, its really runny, what did I do wrong?
Colleen
Hi Kylee. I'm sorry to hear that your jelly didn't set. There are so many variables, and sometimes it just happens. However, the most common problem I have found is the pectin used. Pectin has an expiry date and if used past that date will often not work. Other reasons for jelly not setting: overripe peppers, overcooking, undercooking, or not following the recipe exactly. You can try to reprocess: (here are some instructions https://www.myfoodandfamily.com/recipe/107820/certo-cooked-jam-jelly-remake-directions)or you can use it as a syrup. Thanks for checking back with me, and better luck next time!
Norma
I made this and added 4 jalapeno peppers. The sweetness plus a little heat was a hit. I'd prefer even more jalapenos but want to please everyone. It was thicker than I prefer but was great on a block of cream cheese.
Colleen
Hi Norma, I too like it a little hotter, but not everyone does. And we love it with cream cheese, too. Thanks so much for your feedback!
Cindy
First time attempting pepper jelly. How many 4 ounce jars does this recipe make? Thanks.
Colleen
Hi Cindy. Thanks so much for this question because it points out missing info in the recipe. You will need a dozen 4 oz jars or six 8 oz jars. I have now added this info in the recipe notes. Wishing you pepper jelly success! This is a delicious recipe, enjoy!
Leanne
I've never made pepper jelly but I've enjoyed it with brie and crackers and it is so good. Love the endless options to use it. Hello turkey sandwich! And the gifting option is great too!
Colleen
Hi Leanne, pepper jelly is super easy and yes, so versatile. If I only do one canning session in a season, it's this one.
Denise@urbnspice
This is such a pretty jelly, Colleen and a wonderful hostess gift, too! I love the look of it and the small jars are perfect 🙂 Thanks so much for sharing. (I could not get your star system to work for me but your Pepper Jelly Recipe is a five-star winner to me!)
Colleen
Thanks Denise! The multi coloured pepper do make this jelly so pretty.
Kristen
I absolutely love red pepper jelly, it is my favorite condiment for a cheeseboard. I will try your version.
Colleen
Hi Kristen. This pepper jelly is perfect for a cheeseboard, and I think you will love how easy it is to make. Enjoy!
Colleen
Thanks Dawn, I think you'll love the homemade version. It's so good!
Dawn - Girl Heart Food
I always enjoy pepper jelly with charcuterie, but usually just buy it! Next time, I have to make your recipe! It looks great 🙂 Perfect for holiday gift giving too!! Pinned!
Marieke
Thanks for the info about pectin, and the difference between jam and jelly! I love adding pepper jelly to my snack boards, can't wait to make some for the upcoming holidays!
Colleen
Hi Marieke, you are so welcome! You'll find it so easy to make. Enjoy it with your snack boards. 🙂
Matt - Total Feasts
A great little guide to pepper jelly. I love pepper jelly, especially with some good cheddar and oat biscuits, or as a glaze on chicken!
Colleen
Thanks Matt, pepper jelly couldn't be easier to make, and it goes with so many things. Love the sound of those cheddar and oat biscuits!