Jalapeno Pepper Jelly Recipe

Jalapeno Pepper Jelly Recipe

Do you know how to make jalapeno pepper jelly? Jalapeno pepper jelly, that sweet and spicy spread beloved by cheese boards and barbecue enthusiasts, boasts a surprisingly recent history – and you can practically trace its roots back to a single kitchen in Texas. We hope that this Jalapeno Pepper Jelly Recipe post inspires you. 

From Home Kitchen to Tex-Mex Staples

• 1970s Roots: The story begins in Lake Jackson, Texas, around the late 1970s. Home cooks, likely inspired by traditional jams and preserves, started experimenting with combining the vibrant heat of jalapeños with sugary sweetness. Recipes were shared, tweaked, and perfected within local communities.
• Commercial Beginnings: By the early 1980s, the tantalizing concoction gained wider attention. Small-scale production and local markets paved the way for commercialization. One of the early pioneers was Jelly Queens, founded in 1983, whose jalapeño pepper jelly became a regional favorite.
• Tex-Mex Fusion: The fiery and sweet jelly found its perfect match in the Tex-Mex culinary scene. Its versatility, pairing beautifully with savory meats, cheeses, and even dips, solidified its place as a Tex-Mex staple.

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Beyond Texas Borders

• National Spotlight: The 1990s saw jalapeno pepper jelly transcend its Texan roots. Food festivals and specialty stores across the US introduced it to a wider audience, igniting a national taste bud revolution.
• Gourmet Variations: The basic jalapeño formula branched out. Pepper varieties like habanero and serrano, infused with fruit flavors, and even smoky chipotle versions emerged, catering to varying spice preferences and culinary adventures.
• Modern-Day Delight: Today, jalapeno pepper jelly is far from a regional secret. It's embraced as a gourmet condiment, gracing supermarket shelves and adorning restaurant menus nationwide.

Interesting Tidbits

• While Texas claims the official birthplace, some argue for Southern roots, citing similar pepper jelly traditions.
• The jelly's success is often attributed to its adaptability. It shines in savory and sweet dishes, adding a complex kick to everything from charcuterie boards to desserts.
• The future of jalapeno pepper jelly is bright, with ongoing experimentation and creative flavor combinations promising to keep this sweet-and-spicy treat exciting for years to come.

Jalapeno Pepper Jelly Recipe

Prep time 5 min | Cook time 16 min | Total Time 21 min

Ingredients for the jalapeno cherry jam recipe

• 5 whole jalapeno peppers, seeded and chopped
• 2 cups blackberries, washed and patted dry
• 2 cups cherries, stems, and seeds removed
• 2 cups apple cider vinegar
• 4 cups granulated sugar
• 1 package Certo fruit pectin

Directions for the jalapeno jelly recipe without bell pepper

1. Mix the cherries, blackberries, and jalapeños with sugar in the instant pot. Let them sit for 30 minutes.
2. Add the Apple cider to the fruit mixture and stir to combine. Close the lid on the instant pot and close the valve to the sealed position.
3. Set the Instant Pot to manual for 1 minute. Release pressure naturally for 15 minutes. Carefully release the valve and remove the lid.
4. Using a hand blender blend/mash mixture until well mixed.
5. Turn the Instant Pot to the ‘saute’ function and allow the pepper jam to come to a boil.
6. Add your pectin to the Instant Pot and mix to combine. Allow to simmer for 2-3 minutes or until slightly thickened.
7. Turn the Instant Pot off. Allow mixture to cool to room temperature.
8. Once cooled then pour into jars and seal.

The next time you slather that vibrant jelly on your cracker or relish its fiery-sweet counterpoint to a grilled burger, remember its captivating journey from a Texan kitchen to a global foodie phenomenon. We hope that this Jalapeno Pepper Jelly Recipe post inspires you. Happy cooking!