Sweet and Spicy Cranberry Pepper Jelly Recipe

Spice up your appetizer spread with a tangy cranberry pepper jelly that bursts with vibrant flavors and festive charm.

This sweet-and-spicy condiment brings a brilliant twist to your holiday table.

Crimson berries blend seamlessly with zesty peppers, creating a mouthwatering spread that delights every palate.

Fresh cranberries and jalapeños dance together in a perfect culinary harmony.

The recipe balances heat and sweetness with remarkable precision.

Home cooks adore how quickly this jelly comes together, transforming simple ingredients into a stunning accompaniment.

Serve this irresistible jelly alongside crackers or as a glaze, and watch your guests marvel at your culinary creativity.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 150 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients That Make Cranberry Pepper Jelly Recipe

• Cranberries: Tart jewels that provide the jelly's vibrant color and zesty foundation.
• Bell Pepper: Adds crisp sweetness and creates depth of flavor with subtle vegetable undertones.
• Jalapenos: Introduces a spicy kick that elevates the jelly's complexity and provides exciting heat.

• Sugar: Transforms cranberries' tartness into a smooth, spreadable delight.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Balances sweetness with tangy brightness and enhances overall flavor profile.
• Water: Helps create the right consistency and supports ingredient integration.

• Liquid Pectin: Natural thickening agent that ensures perfect jelly texture and helps ingredients gel together smoothly.

Items You’ll Need For Cranberry Pepper Jelly Recipe

• Large Saucepan: Essential for cooking and combining all ingredients, allowing even heat distribution and easy stirring.
• Cutting Board: Perfect for safely chopping bell peppers and jalapenos into fine pieces.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for precise and clean vegetable cutting.
• Immersion Blender: Helps create a smooth jelly texture by pureeing the cranberry mixture.
• Fine Mesh Sieve or Cheesecloth: Optional tool for straining the jelly to achieve a clearer consistency.
• Sterilized Glass Jars: Crucial for storing and preserving the homemade jelly safely.
• Jar Lids: Ensure a tight seal for proper storage and preservation.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring ingredients and preventing sticking during cooking.

Steps To Cook Cranberry Pepper Jelly Recipe

• Berry Burst

Grab those plump, vibrant cranberries and chop up some peppers for a zesty kick. The magic begins with fresh, crisp ingredients that promise a flavor explosion.

• Simmering Symphony

Toss your cranberries and peppers into a pot with sugar and a splash of vinegar. Watch the mixture dance and bubble, transforming into a rich, vibrant concoction. The berries will pop and release their intense flavors, creating a sensational base.

• Pectin Power

Introduce the pectin to your simmering mixture, letting it work its thickening magic. A quick boil will help the jelly set perfectly, developing a luscious, glossy texture that’ll make your taste buds sing.

• Jar and Preserve

Carefully pour the molten jelly into clean jars, sealing in all that incredible flavor. The jelly will cool and transform into a stunning, jewel-toned spread that’s both sweet and spicy.

• Culinary Delight

Let the jelly rest and cool, developing its complex flavor profile. Spread on toast, pair with cheese, or use as a glaze – this jelly is your new secret weapon in the kitchen.

Flavor Boosts For Cranberry Pepper Jelly Recipe

• Spice-Smart Cranberry Pepper Jelly Tips
• Heat Level Control: Remove jalapeno seeds to dial down the spiciness or keep them for a serious kick. Fresh peppers provide more vibrant heat than dried varieties.
• Pectin Perfection: Use liquid pectin for consistent jelling or powdered pectin if that's what you have on hand. Always follow package instructions for the best texture.
• Strain for Clarity: Want a crystal-clear jelly? Let the mixture drip slowly through cheesecloth without pressing, which keeps the jelly transparent and prevents cloudiness.
• Preservation Prowess: Properly sealed jars can last up to a year in a cool, dark pantry. After opening, refrigerate and enjoy within two weeks for maximum flavor and safety.
• Dietary Flexibility: Make this jelly gluten-free and vegan-friendly by using organic sugar and checking pectin ingredients. Those with sugar restrictions can experiment with low-sugar pectin or alternative sweeteners like honey or maple syrup.

Serve Cranberry Pepper Jelly Recipe Your Way

• Festive Holiday Appetizer Companion: Pair this zesty jelly with a crispy baked brie wheel, garnished with fresh rosemary sprigs for an elegant party starter that will wow guests.
• Breakfast Flavor Booster: Spread generously on warm, buttered toast or English muffins for a tangy morning kick that transforms ordinary breakfast into a gourmet experience.
• Savory Meat Glaze: Brush over roasted chicken, grilled pork tenderloin, or baked ham during the last few minutes of cooking to create a glossy, sweet-spicy coating that caramelizes beautifully.
• Charcuterie Board Star: Use as a vibrant condiment alongside sharp cheddar, creamy goat cheese, and cured meats to add a burst of color and exciting flavor to your cheese board.

Save Cranberry Pepper Jelly Recipe The Smart Way

• Smart Fridge Storage: Keep unopened jars in a cool, dark pantry away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Ideal temperature range stays between 50-70°F for maximum flavor retention.
• Refrigeration Strategy: After opening, transfer jelly to an airtight container. Enjoy within 14 days for optimal taste and texture. Always use clean utensils when scooping to prevent bacterial contamination.
• Freezing Option: While not recommended for this jelly type, you can freeze small portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and use within 5 days after defrosting.
• Gifting & Transport Tricks: Create beautiful homemade food gifts by decorating jars with fabric covers, ribbon ties, and personalized labels. Ensure tight seals during transportation to maintain jelly's quality and prevent leaks.

Spicy Cranberry Pepper Jelly Recipe

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4.6 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Cranberry pepper jelly creates a perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors for holiday gatherings. Chefs and home cooks can easily prepare this versatile condiment with simple ingredients from local markets.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 oz (340 g) fresh cranberries
• 1 red bell pepper
• 12 jalapeños
• 2 cups (480 ml) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (240 ml) apple cider vinegar
• ½ cup (120 ml) water
• 1 package (3 oz / 85 g) liquid pectin

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Thoroughly wash and sort cranberries, removing any imperfect fruits. Finely chop bell peppers and jalapenos, eliminating seeds to control heat intensity.
2. Cooking Base: Combine cranberries, diced peppers, sugar, apple cider vinegar, and water in a large pot. Heat on medium-high, stirring occasionally, allowing cranberries to burst and release juices until mixture becomes syrupy and slightly thickened (10-12 minutes).
3. Texture Refinement: Blend the mixture using an immersion blender for a smooth consistency. Alternatively, strain through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth for a crystal-clear jelly, extracting maximum flavor and removing solid remnants.
4. Pectin Activation: Return mixture to a rolling boil, quickly incorporate liquid pectin. Stir continuously and maintain a vigorous boil for exactly one minute to activate pectin and ensure proper gel formation.
5. Jarring and Processing: Transfer the hot jelly into sanitized glass jars, leaving a quarter-inch headspace. Wipe jar rims meticulously, cap with sterilized lids, and process in a water bath for preservation. This step ensures safe storage and prevents contamination.
6. Storage and Preservation: Allow jars to cool completely at room temperature. Store unopened jars in a cool, dark pantry. Once opened, refrigerate and consume within two weeks to maintain optimal flavor and quality.

Notes

• Handle Cranberries Carefully: Thoroughly inspect and wash cranberries, removing any bruised or soft fruits to ensure high-quality jelly with consistent flavor and texture.
• Control Pepper Spiciness: Remove seeds from jalapenos to moderate heat levels, allowing customization of spice intensity for different taste preferences.
• Achieve Perfect Consistency: Use an immersion blender for smooth texture or strain through cheesecloth for crystal-clear jelly, depending on desired final appearance and mouthfeel.
• Precise Pectin Timing: Add liquid pectin and boil exactly one minute to activate gelling properties, ensuring the jelly sets properly without becoming too tough or runny.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 5 mg
• Fat: 0 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 0 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg