My easy pepper jelly recipe made with a mix of peppers for the perfect blend of sweet and heat, great as a glaze, spread, or on cream cheese and crackers.
Pepper Jelly Recipe
We're cooking up a big batch of Spicy Pepper Jelly in the Chili Pepper Madness kitchen today. Are you ready for some?
Hot pepper jelly is a great way to enjoy the fruits of your labors when your garden is exploding with chilies. It allows you to preserve them to enjoy all year long.
Plus, pepper jelly is delicious! You can smear it onto your morning toast, use it as a glaze for anything on the grill, spruce up your veggies, even spoon it over ice cream.
There are so many ways to enjoy it.
What I love about this recipe is you can really make it any time of year. If you run out, you can run to the store anytime to grab your favorite peppers and whip up a new batch.
Let's talk about how to make pepper jelly, shall we?
Pepper Jelly Ingredients
The full ingredients list with measurements is listed in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.
- Chili Peppers. Use a variety of peppers to your flavor and heat preference. Make it mild with bell peppers. I've made mine today with jalapeno peppers, fresno peppers, and habanero peppers.
- Vinegar. I prefer apple cider vinegar, though you can use white vinegar.
- Lime Juice.
- Salt.
- Pectin. Use liquid fruit pectin for this recipe.
- Sugar.
How to Make Pepper Jelly - the Step-by-Step Recipe Method
Chop the Peppers. Finely chop your selected chili peppers, then add them to a large pan or a pot. You can use a food processor to chop them more easily.
The First Boil. Stir in the sugar, vinegar, lime juice, and salt. Cook at a low boil for 10 minutes, stirring often.
Add Pectin. Stir in pectin and boil for 1 minute, stirring constantly, then cool.
NOTE: Pectin brands and types can vary. This method uses pectin added after the sugar mixture boils. If using a different pectin, follow the package directions for when to add it.
Add to Jars and Refrigerate. Pour into jars and let the hot jelly come to room temperature, then refrigerate.
Wait for it to solidify into a jelly. It should jell up by the next morning, though it could take 24 hours, and sometimes a couple days.
Boom! Done! Your pepper jelly is ready to serve. If you'd like to preserve your pepper jelly in a hot water bath for long term storage outside of the refrigerator, see the recipe card.
Recipe Tips & Notes
- Use a food processor to save time chopping up your peppers. Just don't over process them or they'll turn into mush.
- Squeeze Out the Liquid. After you chop the peppers, press them in paper towels to remove excess moisture. Less water helps the jelly set up properly.
- Keep the Peppers from Floating. After the jelly rests for 5 minutes, give it a good stir before you ladle it into jars. This spreads the pepper pieces evenly instead of letting them rise to the top.
- Pepper Jelly Didn’t Set? If your pepper jelly is still too loose after it has fully cooled, you can try remaking it. Pour the jelly into a saucepan and bring it to a full boil. Stir in 1-3 ounces liquid fruit pectin, depending on how loose the jelly is, and boil hard for 1 minute. Remove from heat, cool slightly, then pour into clean jars, cover, and refrigerate.
- Less Sugar. I have made this recipe successfully with only 4 cups of sugar, and it usually sets right, but can sometimes be more runny/loose. If you want to use much less sugar, use a low or no sugar pectin product, like my Sweet Pepper Jam Recipe.
- Jelly or Jam? This recipe is technically a "jam" when it is unstrained, but most people use the words interchangeably. You can strain it if you'd like.
How Can I Use Pepper Jelly?
Pepper jelly is a wonderfully versatile condiment that can be used in many ways. It is hugely popular served with a block of cream cheese or goat cheese and crackers as an appetizer.
Use it as a glaze for grilled chicken, pork, fish or shrimp. Spread some onto your morning toast for a sweet bite and a kick of heat.
Pepper Jelly for the Holidays
Pepper jelly is popular every holiday season. It’s one of the easiest appetizers you can make, and it makes a great homemade gift.
The Classic Appetizer. Set a block of cream cheese on a plate, spoon a generous layer of pepper jelly over the top, and serve it with crackers. That’s it. Everyone digs in, and it disappears fast. Goat cheese or brie works great too. If you love this combo, try my Jezebel Sauce, a Southern specialty that also goes great with cream cheese.
Make It Red and Green. For a festive look, use red bell peppers and red fresnos with green jalapeños. The holiday colors pop in the jar and look great on your appetizer table.
Pepper Jelly Gifts. A jar of homemade pepper jelly makes a fantastic gift for neighbors, teachers and coworkers. I love to do a heat-level gift set: a mild jar made with bell peppers, a medium jar with jalapeños, and a hot jar with habaneros. Label each one with its heat level so everyone knows what they’re in for. Want to go wild? Add a jar of my Ghost Pepper Jelly for the die hard chiliheads on your list.
Gifting Tip. If you plan to give jars that sit at room temperature, process them in a water bath (see the recipe card). Otherwise, keep the jars refrigerated and tell your friends to keep them in the fridge too.
Make It Ahead. Pepper jelly keeps well, so you can make a big batch in early December and have gifts ready to go. You can also freeze it for 6 months or longer.
Storage
This red pepper jelly recipe will last several months in the refrigerator in its sealed jars. For pantry storage, follow the directions for water bath canning and store in a cool, dark place for 1 year or longer.
If you open the jelly, refrigerate after opening it.
You can also freeze it for 6 months or longer.
That's it, my friends. I hope you enjoy my easy pepper jelly recipe. Let me know if you make it. I'd love to hear how it turned out for you, and if you decided to spice it up!
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More Sweet Heat Condiments to Try
Got any questions? Ask away! I’m happy to help. If you enjoy this hot pepper jelly recipe, I hope you’ll leave a comment with some STARS. Also, please share it on social media. Don’t forget to tag us at #ChiliPepperMadness. I’ll be sure to share! Thanks! — Mike H.
Pepper Jelly Recipe
Ingredients
- 4-5 cups very finely chopped chili peppers use a mix of your favorites for flavor and heat – see recipe notes
- 1 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 oz liquid fruit pectin
- 5 cups sugar
Instructions
- Add the finely chopped peppers to a large pan along with the sugar, vinegar, lime juice, and salt. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to medium and cook at a low boil for 10 minutes, stirring often.
- Stir in pectin and boil for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and cool for 5 minutes.
- Ladle the hot liquid into clean jars, leaving 1/4 inch headspace, and screw on the lids.
- Cool overnight in the refrigerator. The mixture will solidify into jelly.
FOR PRESERVING/JARRING
- First, clean your jars and lids using a steamer rack in a 16-quart pot. Place the jars on the rack and fill the pot with water, enough to cover the jars. Do not let the jars touch the bottom of the pot, as the heat can cause the glass to crack.
- Bring the water to a boil and boil the jars for 10 minutes. Remove the jars with tongs when you’re ready to use them.
- Prepare the pepper jelly per the instructions above.
- When the pepper jelly is ready, scoop it into the jars, leaving ¼ inch head space.
- Clean the lids with soap and hot water, then place them onto the jars. Secure them with cleaned canning rings. Wipe the rims clean.
- Place the filled jars back into the hot water bath, onto the steamer rack, ensuring the jars are covered with 3 inches of water.
- Return the water to a boil and process them for 10 minutes. For higher altitudes, process them for additional time (up to an extra 10 minutes). Remove the jars with tongs and tighten the screw caps.
- The jar lids should make a popping sound as they seal. If a lid doesn’t seal for some reason, you can reprocess it, or store the jar in the refrigerator.
- Invert the jars to test for leaks. Flip them upright after 10 minutes and allow to cool.
- Store the jars in a cool, dry place. They will last a year or longer this way. Once you open them, however, keep the jars in the refrigerator.
Video
Notes
Nutrition Information
NOTE: This recipe was updated on 10/30/26 to clarify instructions and add new information. The recipe itself was not changed.
D says
Looks great!! Can I double the recipe if I'm canning? There's a bumper crop of hot peppers I want to use for this.
Mike Hultquist says
Thanks, D! Yep, you can double this pretty easily. Cheers!
Jain says
Best hot pepper jam ever!! I added cloves and ginger, goes very well with pork! Great recipe for all your end of the season peppers!
Mike Hultquist says
Awesome!!! Thanks, Jain!
Brianna says
Does this have a strong apple cider vinegar taste? I cannot stand the smell!
Mike Hultquist says
Brianna, I don't find it noticeable, but you can skip it if you'd like. It just won't last as long. Enjoy!
Denise Roberts says
Can less Apple cider vinegar be used? Or for Canning purposes, does it have to be that amount?
Mike H. says
Denise, the correct ratio of apple cider vinegar ensures that the acidity level is safe for canning and prevents bacterial growth.
NancyO says
Hey Mike, is an acid an acid? Can lemon be substituted for lime juice? My Mom juices her lemons to freeze and I'm too lazy to go to the store 🙂
Mike Hultquist says
Nancy, yes, you can use lemon juice instead. No problem at all. Enjoy the flavor!
Anita says
A very nice friend gave me enough peppers to make a half recipe. Super easy and fast. Bonus, it was just enough for the amount of small jars that I have.
Mike H. says
Aren't those little bonuses great? 🙂 Thanks and enjoy!
Paula says
Can you freeze the jelly?
Mike Hultquist says
Paula, unfortunately, freezing jelly negatively affects the texture, so it isn't recommended.
Nani says
I am so glad I found this recipe again. I just love this jelly for summer get togethers. It is always a big hit. I have combined apricots to this to changed it up. Thank you for your share Nani
Mike Hultquist says
Thanks, Nani! Glad you like it!
Michael Lawson says
Absolutely love it
Mike Hultquist says
Thanks, Michael!
Tabitha Vicente says
When canning the pepper jelly, do I use a pressure cooker or just a water bath?
Mike Hultquist says
A lot of people do the simple water bath method.
Suzanne Parrish says
Can you use frozen peppers in these jelly and jam recipes?
Mike Hultquist says
You sure can, Susanne. Works great! Enjoy.
Melissa Clark says
Suzanne I grow and freeze my various peppers as they come in. I made a batch of the jam. It was insanely delicious. The peppers cut up easier semi frozen. I squeezed out any moisture with paper towels before cooking the jam.
Nancy McCoy says
this is the best hot pepper jelly recipe! I have a
shared with many
friends and family!
Mike Hultquist says
Thanks so much, Nancy!
Stacy says
How long will this last in the fridge if I don't can it?
Mike Hultquist says
If you include a bit of vinegar, it should last months in the fridge. Just check it after awhile.
Melanie says
Do you leave the seeds in the peppers when chopping?
Mike Hultquist says
Melanie, I usually leave them in, as they are edible and most of the pepper heat is in the whitish innards surrounding the seeds. However, you can remove them if you don't like them floating around.