Go Back
+ servings
Pepper Jelly Recipe
Print Recipe
4.96 from 25 votes

Pepper Jelly Recipe

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.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Canning (Optional)30 minutes
Course: Condiment
Cuisine: American
Keyword: jam, jelly
Servings: 48 ounces
Calories: 90kcal

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
  • 1.75 oz package powdered pectin or use 3 ounces 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

This recipe makes enough to fill 5-6 8oz canning jars.
Chili Peppers. Use a variety of peppers to your flavor and heat preference. Make it mild with bell peppers. Jalapeno peppers or fresno peppers add mild-medium heat. Serranos or cayenne add medium heat. Habaneros or Scotch bonnets add medium-high heat. Use ghost peppers or hotter, like scorpions, 7 pots, or reapers, for superhot heat. Use a mix to balance the heat out.
Pepper Jelly Didn’t Set? If your pepper jelly didn’t thicken up, pour the loose jelly into a pan. Bring to a low boil and add ½-1 package pectin and boil for 1 minute. Cool slightly, then pour back into the jars, screw on lids, and refrigerate.

Nutrition

Calories: 90kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 0.2g | Fat: 0.1g | Saturated Fat: 0.01g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.03g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.003g | Sodium: 52mg | Potassium: 47mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 22g | Vitamin A: 120IU | Vitamin C: 18mg | Calcium: 3mg | Iron: 0.2mg