Sweet & Hot Jalapeño Jam: The Ultimate Spread for Everything
By Jason Griffith
Do you have a jar of something in your fridge that you reach for when you need a little pizzazz? A secret weapon that transforms a boring cracker or sandwich into something unforgettable? For me, that secret weapon is this Sweet & Hot Jalapeño Jam.
This isn’t your grandma’s quiet, comforting fruit preserve—this jam is bold, vibrant, and packs a fantastic punch of heat that’s immediately chased by a lovely sweetness. It’s a condiment, a glaze, an appetizer star, and frankly, a game-changer for anything savory. I developed this recipe to be approachable for home cooks, focusing on flavor and texture without requiring complex canning equipment.
Why I Love This Recipe ❤️🔥
I’ve always been a fan of the sweet and spicy combination. There is something truly addictive about that one-two punch of flavor. Most jalapeño jams are either too sugary or painfully hot. This recipe strikes the perfect balance.
- It’s Versatile: Seriously, I use it on everything. From slathering it over cream cheese for a lightning-fast appetizer to glazing grilled chicken or stirring it into a spicy mayonnaise for a killer burger spread. It even works wonders in a cheesy dip—you could easily spoon some over my popular This Crockpot Nacho Dip Is the Reason I Never Have Leftovers for an extra kick!
- It’s Simple: The hardest part is the dicing, and after that, it’s mostly just stirring and boiling. We use powdered fruit pectin to ensure a reliable set without hours of reduction.
- You Control the Heat: Love the fire? Leave all the seeds in the jalapeños. Prefer a gentle warmth? Seed them all. This jam is entirely customizable to your spice tolerance.
Ingredients for Sweet & Hot Jalapeño Jam
This recipe is simple, relying on fresh peppers, sweetness, and a little tang to create depth of flavor.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
| Fresh Jalapeños | 2 cups | Finely diced. Remove seeds for milder heat. |
| Red Bell Pepper | 1 cup | Finely diced. Adds a nice sweet base and beautiful color. |
| Green Bell Pepper | 1 cup | Finely diced. For color and classic pepper flavor. |
| White Sugar | 4 cups | Essential for both sweetness and structure/setting. |
| Apple Cider Vinegar | 1 cup | Provides the necessary tang and acidity. |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon | Balances the sweet and heat. |
| Lemon Juice | 1 tablespoon | Freshly squeezed is best; helps the pectin set. |
| Powdered Fruit Pectin | 1 packet (1.75 oz) | The key to a perfect jam consistency. |
| Optional: Pineapple Tidbits | ½ cup | For a tropical twist and extra sweetness. |
Export to Sheets
Swaps and Notes
- Peppers: You can swap the green bell pepper for more red bell pepper if you prefer a sweeter jam. For extremeheat, substitute one jalapeño with a finely diced habanero (use gloves!).
- Vinegar: White vinegar can be used in a pinch, but apple cider vinegar offers a more complex, fruity flavor.
- Pectin: Make sure you are using powdered fruit pectin (like Sure-Jell or similar brands) and not liquid pectin, as the directions and required sugar quantities are different.
🔪 How to Make Sweet & Hot Jalapeño Jam
The entire process takes less than an hour, making this a perfect weekend project.
Step 1: Prep the Peppers
Wash, remove stems, and finely dice all the jalapeños, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper. Uniform dicing is important for an even texture. If you want a milder jam, make sure to wear gloves and carefully remove all the seeds and white membranes from the jalapeños.
Step 2: Combine and Simmer
In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the following ingredients:
- Diced jalapeños
- Diced bell peppers
- Apple cider vinegar
- Sugar
- Salt
- (Optional: Pineapple Tidbits)
Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat, stirring until the sugar is fully dissolved. Once boiling, reduce the heat slightly and simmer for 5 minutes.
Step 3: Add the Pectin
Return the mixture to a rolling boil. Stir in the entire packet of powdered fruit pectin. Boil vigorously for another 3 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent scorching. The jam will start to thicken slightly.
Step 4: Finish and Thicken
Stir in the lemon juice and allow the jam to simmer for 1 more minute. At this point, turn off the heat. Let the jam sit for 3–5 minutes. It will continue to thicken as it cools.
Step 5: Jar it Up
Pour the hot jam into clean, sterilized jars (this recipe makes about 4-5 cups, depending on your dice size). Skim off any foam that may have formed on the top. Let the jam cool completely on the counter until it sets. It should have a slightly firm, spreadable jelly consistency. Once set, secure the lids and refrigerate.
Tips for Success
- Consistency Check: Before jarring, place a spoonful on a cold plate and refrigerate for one minute. If it sets up, you’re good to go. If it’s too runny, you may need to cook it for a minute or two longer, but be careful not to overcook, as this can degrade the pectin.
- Gloves are a Must: When dicing a large quantity of jalapeños, wear food-safe gloves to protect your hands from the capsaicin oil. You definitely don’t want to accidentally touch your eyes later!
- Finely Dice: The smaller and more uniform the dice, the better the final texture will be. You want a chunky spread, not big pieces of pepper.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This jam is versatile enough to be served for breakfast, lunch, or as the star of an appetizer spread.
- The Classic Appetizer: Pour a generous layer over a block of chilled cream cheese and serve with butter crackers. It’s truly the perfect pairing.
- Savory Glaze: Brush it onto grilled shrimp, pork loin, or chicken right near the end of the cooking time for a sweet and spicy finish.
- Charcuterie Board: Use it as the sweet, spicy element on any cheese board. It pairs wonderfully with a sharp cheddar, goat cheese, or a creamy This Baked Brie Appetizer Is My Favorite Effortless Way to Impress Guests.
- Sandwich Spread: Mix a teaspoon or two into mayonnaise to make a spicy aioli for a deli-style turkey sandwich or a grilled cheese sandwich.
- Pairing Drinks: For something refreshing, serve alongside a classic, tangy Margarita.
Nutritional Information (Estimated Per Serving)
Serving size: 1 Tablespoon
| Nutrient | Amount |
| Calories | 45 kcal |
| Total Fat | 0 g |
| Sodium | 10 mg |
| Total Carbs | 12 g |
| Sugars | 11 g |
| Protein | 0 g |
Export to Sheets
Note: This is an estimate based on standard ingredient calculations. Actual values may vary.
Storage and Leftover Tips
This recipe is designed for simple refrigeration, not long-term shelf stable canning (though it can be canned using proper techniques if desired).
- Refrigeration: Store the jam in a clean, airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.
- Freezing: This jam freezes beautifully! Pour the cooled jam into a freezer-safe container (leaving about 1 inch of headspace) and freeze for up to 6 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you enjoy the perfect blend of savory, sweet, and comforting, check out these other favorites from the Chef Maniac kitchen:
- For the Comfort Food Fix: This Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo Is My Favorite Bowl of Southern Comfort
- For Another Easy Appetizer: This Beer Cheese Dip Is My Favorite Party Starter That Disappears In Minutes
- For a Sweet Snack: These No-Bake Monster Cookie Energy Balls Are My Favorite Snack to Keep On Hand
- For a Decadent Treat: These Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownie Bombs Are My Favorite Sweet Obsession
Final Thoughts
Sweet & Hot Jalapeño Jam is more than just a preserve; it’s a flavor enhancer that should have a permanent spot in your fridge. It turns minimal effort into maximum flavor, whether you’re whipping up a quick weeknight dinner or preparing an impressive holiday appetizer. Give it a try—you’ll quickly see why it’s my secret weapon!
Have you made this jam? Let me know in the comments how you served it! If you loved this recipe, please consider giving us a follow on social media!
Leave a Reply