Sweet and Spicy Jalapeno Strawberry Jam Recipe
If you’re craving a jam that’s playful, vibrant, and just a bit daring, the Sweet and Spicy Jalapeno Strawberry Jam Recipe will sweep you off your feet! This homemade treasure swirls together lush strawberries, lively jalapeños, and a tangy medley of citrus and apple cider vinegar. Each spoonful bursts with fruity sweetness, a sassy kick of heat, and a fragrance that makes your kitchen feel like summer. Whether slathered on warm toast, paired with cheeses, or dolloped over grilled meats, this jam is a true showstopper that will turn the ordinary into something extraordinary.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering just a handful of pantry and fresh staples, you’ll be amazed how each ingredient layers in flavor and color in this Sweet and Spicy Jalapeno Strawberry Jam Recipe. Each component brings something important to the party, from bursting berries to zesty citrus and a special spark from jalapeños.
- Fresh strawberries: Provide natural sweetness, beautiful ruby color, and a juicy texture that forms the heart of the jam.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the mixture and helps the jam thicken perfectly, delivering that classic glisten.
- Lemon juice: Adds brightness and balances the sweetness, while bringing out the vibrant hue of the strawberries.
- Apple cider vinegar: Introduces a gentle tang and depth, making each spoonful sing with complexity.
- Jalapeños: Offer a customizable kick; the seeds and ribs can be added or omitted for more or less heat.
- Medium apple (peeled and grated): Relies on its natural pectin for extra thickening and a subtle, fruity undertone.
- Salt: A pinch heightens all the other flavors, ensuring the sweetness and spice both shine through.
How to Make Sweet and Spicy Jalapeno Strawberry Jam Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Produce
Start by hulling and chopping the fresh strawberries, finely chopping your jalapeños (removing seeds for less heat, or keeping a few for more punch!), and peeling then grating the apple. This quick prep work fills your kitchen with a fresh, summer fragrance and ensures every flavor will mingle beautifully during cooking.
Step 2: Combine Everything in a Saucepan
In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, mix together the strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, chopped jalapeños, grated apple, and salt. Give it all a thorough stir. This blend will soon bubble into a brilliant ruby-red mixture, promising an irresistible aroma that’ll have everyone wandering into your kitchen!
Step 3: Bring to a Boil
Over medium-high heat, bring the mixture to a full rolling boil, stirring frequently. Watching the jam start to foam up and come alive is half the fun! Make sure to keep an eye on it and stir so it doesn’t stick or scorch on the bottom.
Step 4: Simmer and Thicken
Reduce the heat to medium and allow the jam to simmer for 25 to 30 minutes. Continue stirring often. The jam will start to thicken and jammy bubbles will slow as it approaches the magic 220°F on a candy thermometer. No thermometer? No problem—try the “wrinkle test”: Drop a little jam on a chilled plate and nudge it; if it wrinkles, you’re golden!
Step 5: Cool and Jar the Jam
Take the saucepan off the heat and let the jam cool just enough to handle. Pour the Sweet and Spicy Jalapeno Strawberry Jam Recipe into sterilized jars, seal them tightly, and cool to room temperature. You can store in the refrigerator for up to three weeks, or, if you’d like a longer shelf life, process in a boiling water bath for canning.
How to Serve Sweet and Spicy Jalapeno Strawberry Jam Recipe
Garnishes
Top your jam with a little extra diced fresh jalapeño or a pinch of lemon zest just before serving for a colorful spark. Some fresh mint or basil leaves tucked alongside never hurt either—they highlight the jam’s garden-fresh flavors beautifully!
Side Dishes
This jam is stunning alongside soft cheeses like cream cheese, goat cheese, or brie—pile it high on crackers for instant appetizers. It’s equally fabulous brushed onto grilled chicken, glazed over salmon, or served as a zippy condiment with roasted vegetables or a veggie burger.
Creative Ways to Present
Go wild and swirl your Sweet and Spicy Jalapeno Strawberry Jam Recipe into Greek yogurt for a quick, exotic breakfast, or drizzle over vanilla ice cream for a sweet-spicy sundae. Small jars of this jewel-toned jam also make splendid homemade gifts—just wrap with a ribbon and a handwritten label for heartfelt charm.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, sealed, and stashed in the refrigerator, your Sweet and Spicy Jalapeno Strawberry Jam Recipe keeps its bright flavors for up to three weeks. Always use a clean spoon for scooping to maintain freshness, and keep the jar tightly closed when not in use.
Freezing
You can easily freeze your jam for several months! Transfer cooled jam to freezer-safe containers, leaving half an inch of space at the top for expansion. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving—just as delicious as the day you made it.
Reheating
If your refrigerated jam has thickened up a little more than you’d like, simply stir a spoonful or two in a microwave-safe bowl and warm in short bursts until spreadable, or gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat. The flavors remain lovely and lively.
FAQs
Can I adjust the heat level of the Sweet and Spicy Jalapeno Strawberry Jam Recipe?
Absolutely! For a milder jam, use one jalapeño and be sure to remove all seeds and ribs. For a bigger kick, use up to three jalapeños and leave in some seeds for extra fire. Personalize the heat to your heart’s content.
Is there a substitute for apple cider vinegar?
If you’re out of apple cider vinegar, white wine vinegar or even regular white vinegar will work in a pinch. They bring similar tangy brightness and balance to the jam, though apple cider vinegar adds a subtle fruity note.
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you certainly can! Thaw frozen strawberries first and drain any excess liquid. While the texture may be slightly different, the flavor will still shine, and the jam will thicken up beautifully on the stove.
How long does the Sweet and Spicy Jalapeno Strawberry Jam Recipe last after canning?
If you use a proper water-bath canning method and your jars seal tightly, this jam can keep in a cool pantry for up to a year. Once opened, transfer to the fridge and enjoy within three weeks for best flavor.
Is this jam suitable for a vegan or gluten-free diet?
Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free! All ingredients are plant-based with no added thickeners or animal products—just pure, wholesome goodness in every bite.
Final Thoughts
Bring a burst of color and excitement to your table with this Sweet and Spicy Jalapeno Strawberry Jam Recipe. It’s a fun twist on traditional preserves, with layers of flavor that delight at every taste. Go ahead, make a batch—your breakfast, snacks, and gift baskets are about to get a thrilling upgrade!
Print
Sweet and Spicy Jalapeno Strawberry Jam Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 3 cups 1x
- Diet: Vegan, Gluten-Free
Description
Indulge in the perfect blend of sweet and spicy with this homemade Jalapeno Strawberry Jam. This unique jam is bursting with flavors that will elevate any dish, from appetizers to desserts.
Ingredients
Fresh Strawberries:
- 4 cups fresh strawberries (hulled and chopped)
Other Ingredients:
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2–3 jalapeños (seeded and finely chopped)
- 1 medium apple (peeled and grated)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Jam: In a large saucepan, combine the strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, jalapeños, grated apple, and salt. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 25–30 minutes until thickened.
- Check for Doneness: Test by spooning a bit on a chilled plate—jam should wrinkle when pushed.
- Store: Once done, pour into sterilized jars. Refrigerate for up to 3 weeks or process for longer shelf life.
Notes
- Adjust jalapeños for desired heat level.
- Pair with cream cheese, meats, or toast.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 40
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 15mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
