Sweet, spicy, and irresistibly vibrant, this Hot Pepper Jelly recipe strikes the perfect balance of heat and sweetness, making it an instant favorite for snack boards and appetizers. Crafted with a colorful medley of red and green bell peppers, fiery jalapeños, and a touch of tangy white vinegar, this homemade jelly gets its glossy, spreadable texture from liquid pectin. The addition of optional red food coloring gives it a bold, eye-catching hue, perfect for entertaining. Whether slathered over cream cheese and crackers, used as a glaze for meats, or added to sandwiches for a zesty punch, this easy-to-make jelly will quickly become a pantry staple. And with step-by-step instructions for canning, it’s also a fantastic make-ahead gift idea for friends and family.
Wash the red bell peppers, green bell peppers, and jalapeño peppers thoroughly under running water.
Cut the bell peppers and jalapeños in half and remove seeds and membranes. For a spicier jelly, leave some seeds in the jalapeños.
Using a food processor, finely chop the peppers in batches until they are evenly minced. Be careful not to puree them.
Transfer the minced peppers into a large saucepan and add the white vinegar and salt. Stir the mixture to combine.
Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add the granulated sugar to the saucepan and stir until completely dissolved. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
Boil the mixture for 1 minute, then quickly stir in the liquid pectin. If desired, add the red food coloring at this stage.
Return the mixture to a boil and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes while stirring continuously.
Remove the saucepan from heat and skim off any foam that has formed on the surface.
Carefully ladle the hot jelly into sterilized jars, leaving a 1/4-inch headspace. Wipe the rims of the jars clean with a damp paper towel before sealing them with sterilized lids.
Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes to ensure proper sealing and preservation.
Remove the jars from the water bath and allow them to cool completely at room temperature. Check the seals once cooled and store the sealed jars in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year.
Refrigerate any opened jars and consume within 1 month.
Serving size | 2445.8 grams (2445.8g) |
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Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
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Calories | 4848 |
Total Fat 1.90g | 2% |
Saturated Fat 0.60g | 3% |
Cholesterol 0mg | 0% |
Sodium 1211mg | 53% |
Total Carbohydrate 1244.60g | 453% |
Dietary Fiber 17.00g | 61% |
Total Sugars 1224.40g | |
Protein 7.50g | 15% |
Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
Calcium 79mg | 6% |
Iron 3mg | 18% |
Potassium 1841mg | 39% |
Source of Calories