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The BEST Pepper Jelly Recipe

Home » Recipes » Appetizers » The BEST Pepper Jelly Recipe

Published July 26, 2021 Last Updated September 27, 2022 / By Jessica 38 Comments

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You ready for our amazing Pepper Jelly Recipe?! Perfect for eating over cream cheese with crackers, or gifting to friends, this easy recipe can’t be beat. Includes instructions for freezing and canning below. 

a jar of pepper jelly tied with twine with a spoon with jelly hovering above itI love homemade jam. Really though, is there anything better? While the traditional raspberry and strawberry recipes are what I make most frequently, I love switching things up with this delicious pepper jelly recipe! 

Pepper Jelly

If you have never had pepper jelly before, you are in for a treat. It is typically served over cream cheese with crackers as an appetizer. I love canning it and giving it as gifts to friends and neighbors, or storing in the pantry for when I need a quick party food on the go! 

If you like jam be sure to also check out this 30 minute strawberry freezer jam, our incredible raspberry freezer jam, or try our homemade pumpkin butter!

cream cheese with pepper jelly poured over it on a white plate with a bunch of crackers next to it

Pepper Jelly Recipe

The great thing about this recipe is that it makes 6 half pint jars! Plenty to share, or you can opt to freeze them or can them and save them for a rainy day. It is also easy to double the recipe. 

You ready for the step by step process? 

*This post contains affiliate links. 

four photos in a collage showing how to prep for hot pepper jelly

Top Left and Right – Wash your peppers and finely chop them. I love using this food chopper to chop mine into perfect tiny squares, it is amazing! 

Bottom Left – If time allows, once your peppers are chopped lay them on a paper towel to drain excess moisture for 15-20 minutes. While this won’t affect the taste of your jam, it will allow for a prettier more vibrant color. 

Bottom Right – Add chopped peppers to a saucepan over medium high heat and mix with vinegar and pectin. 

four photos showing steps of cooking pepper jelly on the stove

Top Left – Stirring continuously, bring mixture to a rolling boil. 

Top Right – Add in sugar, stirring to combine and return mixture to a boil, boiling for one full minute. Be sure to stir the entire time to prevent burning or clumping. 

Bottom Left and Right – Remove from heat and using a jar funnel if you have one, ladle the jelly mixture into sterile half pint jars. 

four photos showing the steps for canning pepper jelly

Top Left – If process canning be sure you are using brand new jar lids. Add lids on jars and secure with rings. If freezing, you can store in any airtight container at this point in the process. 

Top Right and Bottom Left – If you are using a water bath or steam canner, follow the manufacturer’s directions to process your cans. 

Bottom Right – Serve over cream cheese and eat with crackers! 

a triangle of jars containing freshly processed pepper jelly

If you make this recipe and enjoy it, we would love for you to leave us a positive comment and review. They mean so much to us!

several jars with hot pepper jelly right after being canned

Pepper Jelly

Pepper Jelly is so yummy over cream cheese with crackers, and makes the perfect gift to can and give away to friends and neighbors!
5 from 7 votes
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Canning Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6 Half Pint Jars
Calories: 670kcal
Author: Pretty Providence

Equipment

  • Water Bath Canner, Optional

Ingredients

  • 1 Red Bell Pepper Finely Chopped
  • 1 Yellow Bell Pepper Finely Chopped
  • 1 Green Bell Pepper Finely Chopped
  • 1/4 Cup Jalapeno Peppers Finely Chopped
  • 1 Cup Apple Cider Vinegar
  • 1 1.75 oz. Package Powdered Pectin
  • 5 Cups Sugar
  • 6 8 oz. Jars Cleaned (Lids must be new if canning.)

Instructions

  • Finely chop all your peppers and place them in a saucepan over medium high heat. Sitr in vinegar and pectin. Bring mixture to a boil stirring constantly.
  • Once boiling, add in sugar and stir to combine. Continue stirring as mixture returns to a rolling boil. Boil for one minute and remove from heat.
  • Use a funnel if you have one to pour jelly into sterile jars. Be sure to leave at least a fingers width of room at the top of jars for expansion. Cover with lids and screw bands on. If canning, the lids must be new, never used.
  • Freezer Hot Pepper Jam: If freezing, let jars cool to room temperature and store in the freezer for up to six months. When ready to use thaw in the fridge or in a warm water bath.
  • To Can Hot Pepper Jam: Heat water in a water bath or steam bath canner according to manufacturers instructions. Place jars on rack, and cover with lid. Bring water to a boil and begin process timing according to manufacturers directions.

Notes

I used my steam bath canner and at an altitude of 3,000 feet these processed for 15 minutes. 
Pro Tip: If stored in the freezer pepper jelly will last for up to 6 months. If process canned jelly will last on shelf for up to 18 months. If opened in the fridge jelly will last for 7-10 days. 

Nutrition

Calories: 670kcal | Carbohydrates: 171g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 6mg | Potassium: 160mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 168g | Vitamin A: 774IU | Vitamin C: 82mg | Calcium: 10mg | Iron: 1mg
Did you make this recipe?Mention @prettyprovidenceblog or tag #prettyprovidence!

an open jar of pepper jelly with a spoon sticking outPro Tip: If stored in the freezer pepper jelly will last for up to 6 months. If processed, canned jelly will last on pantry shelf for up to 18 months. If opened in the fridge jelly will last for 7-10 days. 

a jar of pepper jelly next to a plate of cream cheese with pepper jelly and crackers

As I mentioned, these make great gifts for neighbors and friends. The best part is, if you process them you can make them in advance and have holiday gifts ready to go! 

xo, 

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Comments

  1. Alice Morris

    December 17, 2022 at 7:07 pm

    5 stars
    This is my first time to make pepper jelly. This recipe was so easy to make. Everyone in my family couldn’t wait to try it. It is delicious!

    Reply
    • Jessica

      December 18, 2022 at 4:55 pm

      Oh my gosh I’m so glad! Thanks for sharing Alice!

      Reply
  2. AJ

    December 04, 2022 at 10:39 am

    I made today hoping for a success. I enjoy pepper jelly on sandwichs, hogs, burger and fresh greens

    Reply
    • Jessica

      December 06, 2022 at 11:37 am

      It is the best! Hope you love it.

      Reply
  3. Susan L

    November 23, 2022 at 12:03 pm

    5 stars
    I made this but substituted 1 small Tabasco pepper. Tangy but not overly hot.

    Reply
    • Jessica

      November 29, 2022 at 11:49 am

      Sounds yummy! Glad you liked it :)

      Reply
  4. Jane

    November 21, 2022 at 1:21 pm

    5 stars
    Terrific taste. Will make again.

    Reply
    • Jessica

      November 29, 2022 at 11:53 am

      Yay! So glad you loved it, thanks Jane!

      Reply
  5. Tonya Cummings

    October 19, 2022 at 10:56 am

    Love this recipe I whip cream cheese fold in jelly and add crushed pineapple that has been well drained. Serve with crackers makes a yummy dip.

    Reply
    • Jessica

      October 20, 2022 at 11:31 am

      That sounds amazing! Thanks for sharing Tonya.

      Reply
  6. Sheryl

    October 13, 2022 at 5:00 pm

    How long in the water bath canner? Did I miss this somewhere?

    Reply
    • Jessica

      October 20, 2022 at 1:39 pm

      Five minutes in the water bath canner. So sorry this comment got buried and I am just seeing it.

      Reply
  7. Lindsay Williams

    October 11, 2022 at 2:31 pm

    Hello! This recipe is amazing, a friend gave us some for a Christmas gift! I’m going to try and make my own! I was wondering instead of putting all the sugar in it, could I substitute honey or pure maple syrup? Thanks

    Reply
    • Sarah

      October 16, 2022 at 8:03 am

      I’m so glad you like it! You could try that, but we haven’t done it that way so can’t say whether it will work or not. If you do it, let us know how it works!

      Reply
  8. Debbie Turner

    September 27, 2022 at 4:47 pm

    How long after canning this before I can eat it

    Reply
    • Jessica

      October 02, 2022 at 11:42 am

      You can eat it immediately if you want to. It will be more firmly set after 24 hours.

      Reply
    • Jane

      November 21, 2022 at 1:23 pm

      If you have any left to can after tasting it, immediately.

      Reply
  9. Sharon Meinert

    September 22, 2022 at 9:33 am

    5 stars
    So many positive comments and request for more! I was wondering if anyone had made this with artifical sweetener?

    Reply
  10. Brenda

    September 15, 2022 at 6:49 am

    Made a double batch….only question is why do I have mini bubbles in my jelly? It still tastes so yummy…..1st time canner…

    Reply
    • Jessica

      September 22, 2022 at 9:43 am

      It will help you to get rid of bubbles if you skim foam before filling jars. Also fill your jars quickly to prevent partial gelling before jars are filled! I hope that helps.

      Reply
  11. Nancy Wesolowski

    September 12, 2022 at 1:25 pm

    I just finished making mine… hope it comes out! I made double batch and added raspberries to it. We are big campers and love it on cream cheese!

    Reply
    • Sarah

      September 13, 2022 at 10:20 am

      Ooh adding raspberries is a great idea, sounds delicious!

      Reply
  12. Ellenek

    September 03, 2022 at 7:54 am

    I make this all the time. Eat it on cream cheese with crackers. Yum@Ellen

    Reply
    • Jessica

      September 06, 2022 at 2:22 pm

      Yay! So glad you like it!

      Reply
  13. Sheila

    August 23, 2022 at 3:45 pm

    5 stars
    I love this I am making it again

    Reply
    • Jessica

      August 23, 2022 at 10:36 pm

      So glad you loved it, thanks Sheila!

      Reply
  14. Kim Smith

    August 22, 2022 at 6:40 pm

    When should I notice it to be the consistency of jelly. When hot bath finished it is still liquid .

    Reply
    • Jessica

      August 23, 2022 at 10:38 pm

      The next morning it should have firmed up to jelly consistency, if you eat it right away it will typically be a bit runnier.

      Reply
  15. Michele Jones

    August 20, 2022 at 11:58 am

    Hi! Brand new to this! So if I don’t use the water bath, do I have to store unopened jars in the fridge? If not, how long are they shelf-safe? Thanks!

    Reply
    • Jessica

      August 23, 2022 at 12:07 pm

      If you don’t use the water bath then you will need to store them in the freezer. Once opened, you store in the fridge. They will stay good in the fridge for 2-3 weeks.

      Reply
  16. Jennifer

    May 17, 2022 at 8:28 am

    5 stars
    This is exactly what I was looking for to replace my Trader Joe’s pepper jam that’s not “in season” right now. Very good! Thanks!

    Reply
    • Sarah

      May 20, 2022 at 7:41 am

      Yay! I’m so glad you like it!

      Reply
  17. Barbara

    March 16, 2022 at 3:03 pm

    5 stars
    I have made it twice. I love it

    Reply
  18. Mary

    February 11, 2022 at 3:20 pm

    Where do I find the powdered pectin? This sounds SO yummy!!! Thanks.

    Reply
    • Jessica

      February 15, 2022 at 10:57 am

      You can find it in any grocery store! I just got mine at Target pick up.

      Reply
    • Lorne Hoch

      September 22, 2022 at 5:56 pm

      In my grocery store it it with the sugars. Brand names are Certo or Sure Jell Pectin.

      Reply
  19. Henderson Deal

    November 07, 2021 at 8:30 pm

    My Daughter’s and I are planning on making it soon. Thanks So Much it Sounds Delicious. Take Care and Stay Safe Yummy

    Reply
    • Jessica

      November 14, 2021 at 4:37 pm

      Yay! I’m so glad you like it. Good luck!

      Reply

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Hey! We're Sarah and Jessica. We're BFF's and have known each other since we were 5 years old. This blog is our place to share all of our best recipes, tips, crafts and DIY projects.

You can read more about us on our about page and find us on instagram! We love making new friends.

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