Christmas Pepper Jelly Recipe

Introduction

This Christmas Pepper Jelly is a festive, sweet-spicy spread perfect for holiday entertaining. Made with a blend of red and green bell peppers and a touch of jalapeno heat, it’s easy to prepare and a delightful addition to cheese boards or crackers.

Ingredients

• 3 1/2 cups Green and/or Red Bell Pepper: best to use 2 1/2 cups red and 1 cup green, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup Jalapenos, seeded and finely chopped
• 1 cup Apple Cider Vinegar
• 1 package Powdered Pectin
• 5 cups White Sugar

Instructions

1. Step 1: Finely chop the peppers in a food processor. If you touch the inside of the hot peppers, wear gloves to avoid irritation.
2. Step 2: Add the chopped peppers, vinegar, and powdered pectin to a large pot. Stir well.
3. Step 3: Heat the mixture on high and bring it to a full rolling boil, stirring constantly.
4. Step 4: Add the white sugar, stir until dissolved, then return to a full rolling boil and boil for 1 minute.
5. Step 5: Remove the pot from heat and skim off any foam from the surface.
6. Step 6: Ladle the hot pepper jelly into sterilized jars using a canning funnel, leaving a 1/4 inch headspace.
7. Step 7: Wipe the rims of the jars clean, remove air bubbles, then seal with lids.
8. Step 8: Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes at a full rolling boil.
9. Step 9: Carefully remove the jars using a jar lifter and place them on a kitchen towel. Do not disturb for 24 hours to allow sealing.

Tips & Variations

• Adjust the number of jalapenos to control the spiciness to your preference.
• Use fresh, firm peppers for the best texture and flavor.
• Try adding a little grated ginger for a warm, spicy twist.
• Always use sterilized jars and lids to ensure safe preservation.

Storage

Store sealed jars in a cool, dark place for up to one year. Once opened, refrigerate and use within 3 weeks. Reheat gently before serving if desired.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of peppers for this jelly?

Yes, you can experiment with different sweet or hot peppers, but for the classic Christmas flavor, a mix of red and green bell peppers with jalapenos works best.

How do I know if my jars are sealed properly?

After 24 hours, check that the jar lids do not flex up and down when pressed in the center. A sealed lid will be concave and firmly attached.

Christmas Pepper Jelly Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 99 reviews

• Author: Rafael
• Total Time: 30 minutes plus 24 hours for processing and cooling
• Yield: Approximately 6 half-pint jars 1x

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Description

This Christmas Pepper Jelly is a vibrant and spicy condiment perfect for adding a festive touch to your holiday meals. Combining finely chopped red and green bell peppers with fiery jalapenos, this jelly is sweetened with white sugar and balanced with tangy apple cider vinegar. The jelly is cooked and then preserved using a classic hot water bath canning method, making it perfect for gifting or enjoying throughout the season.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pepper Mixture

• 3 1/2 cups Green and/or Red Bell Peppers (best with 2 1/2 cups red and 1 cup green), finely chopped
• 1/4 cup Jalapeños, seeded and finely chopped

Other Ingredients

• 1 cup Apple Cider Vinegar
• 1 package Powdered Pectin
• 5 cups White Sugar

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Peppers: Finely chop the bell peppers and jalapeños in a food processor. To avoid irritation, wear gloves when handling the hot peppers.
2. Combine Ingredients: Place the chopped peppers into a large pot. Add the apple cider vinegar and powdered pectin, stirring well to combine.
3. Boil the Mixture: Heat the pot over high heat and bring the mixture to a full rolling boil while stirring constantly to prevent scorching.
4. Add Sugar and Boil: Stir in the white sugar thoroughly. Return the mixture to a full rolling boil and maintain the boil for 1 minute.
5. Remove Foam: Take the pot off the heat and skim off any foam that has formed to ensure a clear jelly.
6. Jar the Jelly: Using a ladle and a canning funnel, fill sterilized jars with the hot pepper jelly, leaving a 1/4-inch headspace on top.
7. Seal the Jars: Wipe the rims of the jars clean, remove any air bubbles, and place the lids securely on the jars.
8. Process the Jars: Place the jars in a boiling water bath canner and process them at a full rolling boil for 10 minutes to seal and preserve.
9. Cool and Store: Carefully remove the jars using a jar lifter and set them on a kitchen towel at room temperature. Do not disturb for 24 hours to allow proper sealing.

Notes

• Wear gloves when handling jalapeños to prevent skin irritation.
• Ensure jars and lids are properly sterilized before filling.
• Maintain a full rolling boil during both boiling steps for safety and proper jelly setting.
• Skimming foam off the jelly helps improve clarity and texture.
• Use a canning funnel and a jar lifter for safety and ease during the canning process.
• Allow jars to cool undisturbed for 24 hours to ensure proper sealing.
• Store sealed jars in a cool, dark place; refrigerate after opening.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Condiment
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: pepper jelly, Christmas jelly, spicy jelly, holiday condiment, canning recipe, gift jar