If you love the perfect balance of sweet and spicy, then this Pineapple-Cowboy Candy Pepper Jelly Recipe is about to become your new favorite pantry staple. Bursting with the tropical brightness of pineapple and the fiery kick of cowboy candy jalapeños, this jelly is a knockout condiment that transforms ordinary meals into unforgettable bites. Whether you spread it on a cracker with cream cheese, glaze your grilled meats, or stir it into sauces, this vibrant jelly brings a sensational pop of flavor that’s sure to delight your taste buds and impress your guests.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind the Pineapple-Cowboy Candy Pepper Jelly Recipe lies in a handful of simple but impactful ingredients. Each item plays a crucial role, contributing not just flavor but also the perfect texture and color that make this jelly so irresistible.
- Diced pineapple (1 1/2 cups): Provides natural sweetness and a juicy tropical base that brightens every spoonful.
- Cowboy candy (1 cup): These candied jalapeños add the signature spicy-sweet punch that defines this jelly.
- Apple cider vinegar (1/2 cup): Offers tangy acidity to balance the sweetness and help preserve freshness.
- Lemon juice (1/4 cup): Enhances tartness and supports proper gelling by complementing the pectin.
- Fruit pectin (1 box, 1.75 oz): Essential for setting the jelly to the perfect spreadable consistency.
- Granulated sugar (4 cups): Sweetens generously to meld with the peppers and pineapple for that classic jelly texture.
How to Make Pineapple-Cowboy Candy Pepper Jelly Recipe
Step 1: Combine Ingredients and Pulse
Start by placing the diced pineapple, chopped cowboy candy, apple cider vinegar, and lemon juice into a large saucepan. Use an immersion blender or food processor to pulse the mixture just a few times—you want to break it down slightly while still keeping some chunky texture, which adds lovely mouthfeel to the final jelly.
Step 2: Add Pectin and Boil
Next, stir in the fruit pectin and bring the whole mixture up to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. Keep stirring constantly to prevent sticking and to ensure the pectin activates evenly, which is essential for helping the jelly set properly.
Step 3: Mix in Sugar and Boil Again
Once boiling, add all the granulated sugar at once and stir well until completely dissolved. Bring the jelly back to a full rolling boil and maintain this for 1–2 minutes, stirring consistently. This stage is important as it thickens the jelly and harmonizes all the flavors.
Step 4: Skim Foam and Jar
Remove the saucepan from heat and skim off any foam that has formed on top. Then, carefully ladle the hot jelly into sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4-inch of headspace to allow for safe sealing.
Step 5: Seal and Process
Wipe the rims clean, place lids and rings on the jars, and process them in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes. Afterward, let the jars cool at room temperature and check that the seals have properly set before storing your homemade jelly.
How to Serve Pineapple-Cowboy Candy Pepper Jelly Recipe
Garnishes
This jelly is fabulous served atop a wheel of cream cheese, garnished with a few fresh jalapeño slices or chopped pineapple for an inviting appetizer. The contrast between the smooth cheese and the sweet-spicy jelly is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Side Dishes
Pair your Pineapple-Cowboy Candy Pepper Jelly with grilled chicken, pork chops, or roasted vegetables. Brushing a thin layer of jelly onto meat before the last few minutes of cooking adds a shiny glaze and massively boosts flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stirring a spoonful of this jelly into your favorite barbecue sauce for an exciting twist or swirl it into a salad dressing to add a sweet heat. You can even serve it alongside a cheese board with assorted crackers and nuts for a balancing burst of zest.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once opened, keep your jelly tightly sealed in the refrigerator. It will maintain its fresh, vibrant flavor for up to a month, making it easy to enjoy over time. Unopened jars stored in a cool, dark place can last up to a year.
Freezing
If you want to extend the shelf life even more, transfer the jelly to freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to six months. Thaw gently in the fridge before using; the texture might be slightly different but still delicious.
Reheating
This jelly is best enjoyed at room temperature or chilled, but if you prefer, you can warm it gently in a small saucepan to loosen it up before serving or using in recipes.
FAQs
Can I use fresh or canned pineapple for this recipe?
Yes! Both fresh and canned pineapple work beautifully. Just make sure canned pineapple is well drained to prevent excess liquid that could affect the jelly’s set.
How spicy is the jelly with cowboy candy?
The heat is medium, providing a pleasant kick without overwhelming the sweetness. You can adjust the spiciness by adding more or less cowboy candy to suit your taste.
What is cowboy candy?
Cowboy candy is candied jalapeño slices, sweet yet spicy, often used in southern cooking. It’s key to giving this jelly its unique flavor and texture.
Is this jelly gluten-free and vegan?
Absolutely! This Pineapple-Cowboy Candy Pepper Jelly Recipe is both gluten-free and vegan, perfect for many dietary preferences.
Can I use another type of vinegar?
Apple cider vinegar is best for its mild tartness, but white vinegar or rice vinegar can be substituted in a pinch, though they may slightly alter the flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Pineapple-Cowboy Candy Pepper Jelly Recipe is a shining example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special. Whether you’re an experienced canner or just starting out, this jelly is worth every moment in the kitchen. Give it a try and watch it become a beloved addition to your meals and snacks!
Print
Pineapple-Cowboy Candy Pepper Jelly Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: About 5 half-pint jars
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Canning
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan
Description
This Pineapple-Cowboy Candy Pepper Jelly combines the tropical sweetness of pineapple with the spicy kick of candied jalapeños, creating a vibrant and flavorful jelly. Perfect as a sweet-spicy condiment, it pairs wonderfully with cream cheese and crackers, grilled meats, or as a glaze ingredient. The jelly is made using traditional canning methods to preserve freshness and flavor.
Ingredients
Fruit and Peppers
- 1 1/2 cups diced pineapple (fresh or canned, drained)
- 1 cup cowboy candy (candied jalapeños, chopped)
Liquids and Flavorings
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
Thickening and Sweetener
- 1 box (1.75 oz) fruit pectin (such as Sure-Jell)
- 4 cups granulated sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the mixture: In a large saucepan, combine the diced pineapple, chopped cowboy candy, apple cider vinegar, and lemon juice. Use an immersion blender or pulse in a food processor just enough to partially blend while retaining some chunkiness for texture.
- Add pectin and bring to boil: Stir in the fruit pectin thoroughly. Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a full rolling boil, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Incorporate sugar and cook: Once boiling, add all the granulated sugar at once. Stir continuously until the sugar is completely dissolved. Return to a full rolling boil and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, maintaining constant stirring to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
- Remove foam and jar: Remove the saucepan from heat and skim off any foam on the surface for clarity. Carefully ladle the hot jelly into sterilized half-pint jars, leaving a 1/4-inch headspace to allow for expansion.
- Seal and process jars: Wipe the rims of jars to remove any residue. Place sterilized lids and rings on the jars, tightening them securely but not overly tight. Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes to ensure proper sealing and preservation.
- Cool and store: Remove jars and allow them to cool undisturbed on a towel or cooling rack. Once cooled, check seals by pressing the center of the lids; a sealed lid will not flex. Store in a cool, dark place until ready to use.
Notes
- This jelly is delicious served over cream cheese with crackers, offering a balance of sweet and spicy flavors.
- Try brushing it over grilled meats or mixing it into sauces and glazes for a flavor boost.
- Adjust the heat intensity by varying the amount of cowboy candy to suit your taste preferences.
- The jelly will thicken as it cools; if it becomes too firm, gently reheat before using.
- Once opened, store refrigerated and consume within a few weeks for best quality.
