Pepper Jelly Recipe (Sweet or Hot)

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This Pepper Jelly recipe is extremely easy to make and it’s great to have in the pantry.

Jars of Pepper Jelly

What Kind of Peppers Should you Use for Pepper Jelly?

For this Pepper Jelly recipe, I used a hodgepodge of sweet peppers harvested from my garden. There are red and green shishito peppers, yellow banana peppers, and cute little red and orange mad hatters.

The result of all the colours are very pretty, confetti-like jelly. It looks sparkly and festive, perfect for holiday gift-giving.

A close up of a jar of jelly on a counter

What’s the Difference Between Jelly and Jam?

Jelly and Jam are both made with fruit. However, they are different products. Jelly is made with the juice of the fruit, while jam is made with the whole fruit. Although jams are thick, they aren’t as firm as jellies. Some examples of jelly recipes: Pear Jelly or Homemade Grape Jelly. And some jam recipes: Spiced Plum Jam With Cardamom and Cinnamon or Rhubarb Jam 

This pepper jelly is a little different from other fruit jellies because it does contain little pieces of the peppers.

Jars of Pepper Jelly, one with lid off.

Pectin: Liquid or Powdered?

I used liquid pectin in this jelly recipe. Simply because it’s how I learned to make it and it’s a very easy way to make jams & jellies. But if you are following a recipe for jam or jelly, always use the form of pectin that the recipe specifies.

The cooking methods used are different for the two different forms of pectin, so they are not interchangeable. Here’s more info on that: Liquid Pectin vs Powdered Pectin

A jar of pepper jelly with a spoon in it, with peppers

Can You Reduce the Amount of Sugar in this Jelly?

I don’t recommend reducing the amount of sugar in this recipe. For jellies and jams, sugar is more than just a sweetener. The sugar works with the pectin and fruit acids to form the gel, and it also acts as a preservative.

If you reduce the amount of sugar, you take the risk of your jelly not setting up. And there is nothing worse than putting in the effort, only to have un-jelled jelly. And besides, aren’t jams and jellies supposed to be sweet?

A wooden table topped with jars of jelly

Do You Like It Hot?

I often make hot pepper jelly, too. If you would like your jelly to pack some heat, simply replace some of the peppers with jalapeno or other hot peppers, depending on your desired heat level. And if you don’t have hot peppers, you can add a pinch or two of dried red pepper flakes in the cooking process.

I like to make this sweet pepper jelly for gift giving because not everyone likes spice, but everyone does love this jelly.

jar of pepper jelly with a spoon in it

How to Use Your Pepper Jelly

As I mentioned, these pretty jars make excellent homemade gifts, for holiday gifts or hostess gifts. This jelly is delicious on crackers with creamy cheese, such as brie, and a perfect addition to a charcuterie board. It’s great to have on hand for impromptu entertaining. Cheese and crackers get an instant upgrade when you add some pepper jelly.

Some other ways to use Pepper Jelly:

  • Glaze for grilling salmon, pork, or chicken
  • Glaze for baked ham
  • Topping for baked brie
  • Sauce for chicken wings or meatballs (toss the hot wings or meatballs in jelly for a restaurant-style appetizer)
  • Spread on a turkey sandwich (so good!)
  • Dip for egg rolls or spring rolls (Just heat in the microwave)
  • Spread on toast or biscuits
  • Topping for pancakes or waffles
  • Shake with a little vinegar for a delicious, tangy salad dressing

An open jar of pepper jelly with a spoon

Recipe

Jars of Pepper Jelly

Pepper Jelly Recipe

Pepper Jelly is easy to make, versatile, and makes a perfect and pretty home crafted gift.