If you’re craving a vibrant twist on your usual jelly, the Pineapple-Cowboy Candy Pepper Jelly Recipe is an absolute must-try. This delightful concoction beautifully blends the tropical sweetness of fresh pineapple with the bold kick of jalapeños and sweet red peppers, creating a flavor explosion that dances on your taste buds. Whether you’re a seasoned canner or a curious home cook, this recipe offers a perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and tang, making it an exciting addition to your pantry and a guaranteed conversation starter at any gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the very first step to unleashing the magic of the Pineapple-Cowboy Candy Pepper Jelly Recipe. Each component plays a vital role, from the juicy pineapple that brings natural sweetness to the heat and crunch of fresh peppers. The apple cider vinegar adds just the right tang, while the sugar and pectin work together to achieve that perfect jelly texture and vibrant color.
- 2 cups diced fresh pineapple: Provides juicy sweetness and a tropical flavor base for the jelly.
- 1 cup sliced jalapeño peppers (seeds removed): Adds a lively heat without overwhelming the palate; remove seeds for milder spice.
- 1 cup sliced sweet red peppers: Balances spice with a natural sweetness and bright red color.
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar: Gives the jelly a subtle tang to brighten flavors and preserve freshness.
- 3 cups granulated sugar: Essential for sweetness and helping the jelly set perfectly.
- 1 packet (1.75 oz) powdered fruit pectin: The key ingredient that thickens the jelly for that classic spreadable texture.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For those who want to dial up the heat just a notch.
- 1/2 cup water: Helps blend everything together and aids in cooking down the mixture.
How to Make Pineapple-Cowboy Candy Pepper Jelly Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Peppers and Pineapple
Start by giving your fresh pineapple, jalapeño peppers, and sweet red peppers a rough chop. Then, pulse them briefly in a food processor to get a finely chopped mixture that’s not quite pureed. This texture ensures the jelly has those delightful little bites that make every spoonful interesting.
Step 2: Cook the Pepper and Pineapple Mixture
Transfer the chopped fruit and peppers to a large saucepan. Stir in the apple cider vinegar, water, salt, and crushed red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, which wakes up all those flavors and starts breaking everything down.
Step 3: Add Pectin and Boil
Once boiling, stir in the powdered fruit pectin. Keep the mixture boiling hard for one full minute while stirring constantly to activate the pectin’s gelling power, ensuring your jelly sets just right.
Step 4: Add Sugar and Final Boil
Dump in all the sugar at once, stirring to dissolve it quickly. Return the pot to a rolling boil and keep it boiling hard for 1 to 2 minutes while constantly stirring. This step is essential to achieve that perfect balance between sweet and spicy with a luscious jelly consistency.
Step 5: Jar the Jelly
Remove the pot from heat and skim off any foam that might have formed on top. Carefully ladle the hot jelly into sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace at the top. Wipe rims clean, seal with lids and rings, and process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes to preserve them safely.
How to Serve Pineapple-Cowboy Candy Pepper Jelly Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling fresh herbs like cilantro or chives alongside a dollop of cream cheese and a smear of this pepper jelly on crackers turns a simple snack into an elegant appetizer. The colorful jelly itself can also be used as a vibrant garnish for cheeses and charcuterie boards.
Side Dishes
This Pineapple-Cowboy Candy Pepper Jelly Recipe pairs wonderfully with grilled meats such as chicken, pork, or even salmon. It also shines next to creamy mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables, adding a sweet-heat punch that brightens every bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful by glazing roasted nuts with a spoonful of the jelly or swirling it into salad dressings for a kick of flavor. You can also use it as a unique topping on burgers or sandwiches, adding a deliciously unexpected fruity heat that will wow your taste buds.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once opened, keep leftover jelly refrigerated and use it within a month to enjoy its fullest flavor and freshness. The sugar and vinegar help preserve the jelly for quite some time unopened, so your jars will be a vibrant staple in your pantry for months.
Freezing
If you’re looking to stash away more than your refrigerator can handle, this jelly freezes beautifully. Use freezer-safe containers, leaving room for expansion, and thaw in the fridge when ready to use without losing any of its sharp, sweet flavor.
Reheating
If you need to warm the jelly slightly to enhance its spreadability or to use as a glaze, heat gently on low in a saucepan or microwave in short intervals stirring often to avoid scorching.
FAQs
Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just make sure to drain the canned pineapple juice well to avoid excess liquid that could alter the jelly’s consistency. The jelly will still be delicious and sweet with canned pineapple.
How spicy is this jelly?
The heat level can be adjusted easily by removing jalapeño seeds for milder heat or adding more red pepper flakes if you want a fiery punch. It’s perfect for those who enjoy a balanced sweet and spicy experience.
Do I need special equipment to can this jelly?
A boiling water bath canner is recommended for safe preservation, but a large pot with a rack will work too. Sterilizing jars and lids before filling is essential to keep your jelly fresh and safe.
Can I use this jelly as a marinade?
Yes! The Pineapple-Cowboy Candy Pepper Jelly Recipe makes an excellent marinade base for chicken, pork, or shrimp. Its sweet and spicy notes add fantastic depth and caramelization when grilled or roasted.
How long does the jelly last once canned?
Unopened and stored in a cool, dark place, the jelly can last up to a year. After opening, consume within a month for the best flavor and quality.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly joyful about making your own Pineapple-Cowboy Candy Pepper Jelly Recipe at home. It’s a little jar of sunshine packed with sweet, spicy, and tangy magic that elevates everything from simple crackers to gourmet meals. Don’t hesitate to dive into the process—your taste buds will thank you, and you might just find a new signature condiment to share with friends and family!
Print
Pineapple-Cowboy Candy Pepper Jelly Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 5 half-pint jars
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Canning
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan
Description
This Pineapple-Cowboy Candy Pepper Jelly is a vibrant, sweet-and-spicy condiment combining fresh pineapple, jalapeño, and sweet red peppers. Perfect for pairing with cream cheese and crackers or as a glaze on grilled meats, this homemade jelly offers a delightful balance of heat and sweetness, preserved traditionally through canning.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups diced fresh pineapple
- 1 cup sliced jalapeño peppers (seeds removed for less heat)
- 1 cup sliced sweet red peppers
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 3 cups granulated sugar
- 1 packet (1.75 oz) powdered fruit pectin
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions
- Chop the fruits and peppers: In a food processor, pulse the pineapple, jalapeños, and red peppers until they are finely chopped but not pureed to preserve texture.
- Combine ingredients in saucepan: Transfer the chopped mixture to a large saucepan and add apple cider vinegar, water, salt, and optional crushed red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Add pectin and boil: Stir in the powdered fruit pectin, then boil the mixture for 1 minute while stirring constantly to activate the pectin.
- Add sugar and boil hard: Add all the sugar at once, return the mixture to a full rolling boil, and boil hard for 1 to 2 minutes while stirring continuously to properly cook the jelly.
- Remove foam and fill jars: Remove the pan from heat, skim off any foam on the surface, and carefully ladle the hot jelly into sterilized half-pint jars, leaving 1/4 inch of headspace.
- Seal jars: Wipe the rims clean, apply lids and screw on the rings tightly.
- Process jars in boiling water bath: Place jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes to ensure proper sealing and preservation.
- Cool and store: Remove jars carefully and let them cool completely on a towel-lined surface. Check that each jar is sealed before storing in a cool, dark place.
Notes
- If fresh pineapple is unavailable, canned pineapple in juice (drained) can be substituted.
- Adjust the heat level by increasing or decreasing jalapeños or adding extra crushed red pepper flakes.
- This jelly complements cream cheese and crackers beautifully and also serves as a flavorful glaze for grilled meats.
