This easy to make Christmas Pepper Jam Recipe combines bell peppers, jalapeños and red pepper flakes with cider vinegar and sugar. Resulting in a sweet and spicy jam that is so delicious!
Homemade Jam is easier to make than you think and it makes a great gift! Make it today, you'll love this jam! Another all time favorite is the Orange Jelly - it's sunshine in a jar!
Another great holiday gift, especially for teachers and scout leaders is the Snowman Soup, it's so fun and festive!
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Why you'll love this recipe
The jam combines red, green & yellow bell peppers, jalapenos peppers, and red pepper flakes - along with cider vinegar and sugar.
✔️ It's sweet and spicy.
✔️ Delicious on a bagel with cream cheese. Terrific over a block of cream cheese for an appetizer. As a glaze over bbq chicken or pork, this is a great recipe!
✔️ It makes great gifts! Perfect for homemade Christmas gifts.
Ingredients
This is an overview of the instructions. For the complete directions just scroll down to the bottom! It's a combination of spicy and sweet peppers.
- green bell peppers
- sweet red peppers
- yellow bell pepper
- jalepeno peppers, fresno peppers, really any hot peppers
- red pepper flakes
- teaspoon salt
- apple cider vinegar
- pure cane sugar
- low sugar Sure-Jell pectin pink package
Instructions
Even if this is the first time you've made jam, as long as you follow the instructions, you can do this!
- Step one - Most of the work is done by the food processor. Chop peppers, remove the membranes and seeds and put into your food processor and pulse to chop thoroughly. You may have to do this in a couple of batches.
When you're finished you'll want the peppers completely chopped. If there are any large pieces, remove them and save for a salad or chop them by hand and toss them back in the pot.
- Step two - Then add the cider vinegar and sugar to the pepper mixture, (check the recipe for complete directions) and stir to bring to a boil.
- Step three - Just follow the directions and after the jam is completely cooked, you will ladle it into jars within a ¼ inch of the top.
Before putting the lids on the jars wipe the top of the jars. This will ensure you get a good seal and takes just a moment.
- Step four - Then the jars are processed in a hot water bath or water bath canner for 10 minutes. When you are finished, carefully remove the jars from the water and allow them to cool.
- With this jam, I go a step further and every 20-30 minutes or so, flip the jars. This ensures the pieces of pepper will distribute evenly thru-out the jam. If you don't, they will all float to the top. Now there's nothing wrong with that, it's just an extra step that makes the jam look a little prettier when it's done.
This recipe makes six 8 ounce jars pepper jam.
Equipment
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Canning Essentials Kit – this contains the basic thing you’ll need to make this jelly!
FAQ's
Yes after opening/unsealing the jam it should be refrigerated. If the jam is properly sealed it does not need to be refrigerated. Store in a cool dry place like your pantry.
The flakes of peppers will automatically float to the top as the jam cools and jells. Though controversial I will flip the jam every half hour or so while it cools - upside-down, then right-side up.
This is controversial because some people say it will affect how the lids seal the jar. Frankly you can easily test if the jars are sealed by pressing on the lid.
I like how looks, plus the flavor is evenly distrusted thru the whole jar, which makes it that much better!
No, if you can read and follow directions, you got this!
After all that work the jars didn't seal! Why not? Because you didn't clean the tops of the jars well. If the jars aren't clean and the lids aren't hot it will not seal.
Tips
- Now this is not a terribly spicy jam, but fair warning, the last thing you'll want to do as this is coming to a boil is stick your face into all of that steam! Especially if you're wearing contacts. The contacts can easily absorb heat and spices and will make your eyes really sting!
- Don't use less sugar than the recipe calls for.
- Don't use less fruit than the recipe calls for.
- Use the brand of pectin the recipe calls for.
- when it says boil exactly one minute, set a timer and boil exactly one minute!
I know.... lots of do's and don't's but follow the recipe and you'll be set!
Be sure to check out this post - How to make Jam. It contains all my best tips and tricks to make homemade jam. Think of it as everything you wanted to know.... but we're afraid to ask!
Variations
Some people use just green peppers and add green food coloring to the jam, but I prefer to use different types of peppers and omit food coloring.
Click through for the most amazing Gourmet Jam Recipes!
The last word
Again, don't let all the instructions keep you from making this jam - you will love it I promise!
This jam is AMAZING. On a toasted bagel with some cream cheese and a spoonful of jam...delish! It also makes a terrific glaze on pork or chicken and you can also use it to spice up your homemade salad dressing!
The best time is now to start making jams and jellies! They are such terrific gifts during the holidays - who wouldn't love some homemade jam?
Related recipes
- Cranberry Jalapeño Jam - another sweet and spicy jam, perfect during the holidays.
- Bam Bam Pomegranate Jam - with just a touch of heat, made with fresh pomegranate juice.
- Everyone loves Homemade Strawberry Jam, it's always a favorite.
- Spiced Apricot Jam - rich and delicious with loads of fresh jam.
- The second most requested jam is Apricot Pineapple Jam
- Ja Makin Me Crazy Mango Jam - I love the fresh flavors in this tropical jam.
- Sweet and a little tart, this lovely preserve is perfect on a bagel - Lemon Marmalade
Serve with
- As an appetizer on a charcuterie board - spoon the hot pepper jelly recipe over a block of cream cheese and serve with crackers.
- Breakfast - toasted bagels topped with cream cheese, smoked salmon and jelly.
- A spoonful in homemade salad dressing adds so much flavor!
- Use as a glaze for grilled pork, chicken - this is a terrific glaze on shrimp or salmon also!!
Any questions about making jam please comment below or email me at debra@bowl-me-over.com. I'd love to hear from you!
Jalapeno Jelly Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 green peppers
- 2 red bell peppers
- 1 yellow bell pepper
- 4 jalapeño peppers or use a combination of fresno and jalapeno pepper.
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup cider vinegar
- 3 cups sugar
- 1 package low sugar Sure-Jell pectin PINK PACKAGE
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Instructions
- Measure 3 cups sugar into a large bowl. Remove ¼ cup sugar and in a separate bowl, mix it with the powered Sure-Jell. Set aside both mixtures; the sugar and Sure-Jell/sugar.
- Roughly chop all of the peppers. Carefully remove seeds and membranes. Add them all to the food processor and pulse until they are well chopped, not pulp, but chopped. You may need to do this in a couple of batches.
- Place the chopped peppers, red pepper flakes and salt in a heavy bottom pan. Add cider vinegar and water. Add the Sure-Jell/sugar mixture and stir thoroughly. Place mixture over high heat and bring to a boil stirring constantly. When it comes to a full rolling boil (one that you can't stir down add the remaining sugar and return to a boil, again stirring constantly.
- Bring to a hard boil and boil hard for exactly one minute and remove from heat. Using a ladle and while it is hot, pour jelly into hot sterile jars.
- Clean the tops of the jars carefully (so you get a good seal). Place lids on jars and screw bands on jars.
- Place jars in boiling water bath for 10 minutes - this will help seal the jars. Make sure the entire jar is submerged.
- Remove from heat and place them on a heatproof surface (I usually use a heavy cutting board. You'll hear the jars make a popping noise as they seal. You can check to see if the jars have sealed by pressing down in the center of each jar. If it is sealed, it will not move. If it didn't seal the "button" on the top will pop up & down.
- If desired, you may want to flip the jars over ever 20 minutes or so for the first hour. This ensures the pieces of pepper will distribute evenly thru-out the jam. If you don't, they will all float to the top. Now there's nothing wrong with that, it's just an extra step that makes the jam look a little prettier when it's done.
Notes
Nutrition
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Don't worry, we'll never share your email.Recipe backstory
In 2015 the theme for our family reunion was Christmas in July. It was held in a little town near the Oregon Coast called Siletz. My Uncle Bill and Aunt June hosted and we had about 35 in attendance!
They did it up right too with a Christmas Tree - filled with presents - two wrapped presents for everyone, Christmas cookies and tons and tons of GREAT food!
There were plenty of laughs, giggles and stories, lots of laughter and fun to share. Family is the best, wouldn't you agree?
We got into a bit of a Facebook exchange before the reunion. We were all supposed to dress up in Christmas attire (unfortunately I forgot mine...) One of the suggestions was that I was supposed to make eggnog.
Well knowing the forecast, I was pretty sure the weather was going to be hot, hot, hot and so instead I decided to make something at home that I could bring.
And since the theme was Christmas....I decided to bring a rainbow of jams for everyone - Peach Jam, Homemade Strawberry Jam, Orange Jelly; Sunshine in a Jar! and my newest Sweet and Spicy Christmas Pepper Jam!
Kally
Argh, I was just looking for ways to use peppers last week and didn't come across this and they are now frozen. Think I could make this with thawed peppers?
Bowl Me Over
I've never used frozen, but I would definitely give that a try Kally. I don't think you'd have any problem with the jam setting, just be sure to drain them well and blot the peppers dry after they unthaw.
Lauren
Do you have an estimate of the diced pepper in cups/oz/grams? Your final result says 7 pints, but not sure how accurately I can reverse engineer that.
Bowl Me Over
Hey Lauren, thanks for checking in! The amount of peppers you'll need are 2 green, 2 red and one yellow bell pepper and 4 jalepenos peppers - the 7 pints refers to the finished product. Does that answer your question?
Dana
I was wondering the same thing! I got 3 1/2 pint jars when finished. I didn’t get smaller jars.
Linda
Made this today. It is cooling and the family can't wait to try it. It looks beautiful just like yours.
Bowl Me Over
Thank you so much for sharing, I'd love to see pictures of your jam! It's so pretty, looks like stained glass huh? I know you'll enjoy it too!!
Ashley
I've made this and it's amazing! I can't find Sure-jell low sugar pectin this year, does a pack of Bernardin low sugar pectin work the same?
Bowl Me Over
Shoot! I just LOVE that jam, I'm sorry you can't find Sure Jell. I'm not familiar with the product you mentioned. The sure-jell product is 1.75 oz. Is that the same? If not, you can order it here from Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Sure-Jell-Sugar-Pectin-1-75/dp/B00MMHRR8W/ref=sr_1_4_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1505942919&sr=8-4&keywords=surejell Without using that product I just don't know how it will work in the jam, I'm sorry! 🙁
Kate
So excited I found this recipe. My grandfather use to make this for us and gift us jars at the holidays. Nothing beats it spread over cream cheese and served with crackers. I just picked a crop of peppers this evening from the garden! Can't wait to make some this weekend 🙂 thanks and blessings!
Bowl Me Over
I hope you really enjoy it Kate! We love this jam and you're right, perfect over cream cheese w/crackers - YUM!! We've also enjoyed it w/pork tenderloin - super yummy! Thanks so much for taking the time to comment and let me know!!
Nevada
Hi there! Just made this recipe and my peppers are all floating to the top. I’ve taken them out of the water bath canner and lids have now sealed. Do you flip the jars every 20-30 minutes for a full 24 hours as they sit? Thanks!
Bowl Me Over
I would flip the jars for the 3-4 hours. Once the jam begins to jell and cool the bell peppers begin to distribute and won't float to the top. Enjoy the jam, this is one of my favorite jams!
April J Harris
What a fun theme for a family reunion, Deb! Your Pepper Jam sounds like it would be lovely all year round. Thank you so much for bringing it to the Hearth and Soul hop. Pinned and shared!
Bowl Me Over
Thanks so much April!!!
Healing Tomato
I LOOOVE Christmas in July, almost as much as Christmas in December. That pepper jam looks so very very delicious.
Bowl Me Over
Thanks Rini - I bet you'd really enjoy it!
Sabrina @ Dinner, then Dessert
I absolutely LOVE pepper jam. One of my favorite things to do with it is make grilled cheese sandwiches. Pepper jam and cream cheese on potato bread. SO GOOD.
Bowl Me Over
ooooh!!!! That sounds delicious - what a GREAT idea!!! Definitely trying - thanks Sabrina!!!
Kimberly Ann @ Bake Lovve Give
What a fun family reunion idea! We love jalapeño jam during the holidays, can't wait to give this bell pepper version a try!
Bowl Me Over
Definitely Kimberly Ann - I hope you do try & let me know what you think!
Marye
That Jam sounds amazing! It is definitely prettier with all the pepper pieces mixed in rather than sitting on top.
Bowl Me Over
Thanks Marye! I'm with you, I like the peppers spread thru-out the jam.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
I've always been so interested in making a pepper jam! It sounds so cool!
Bowl Me Over
Give it a try Rebecca, this is a really easy jam to make, the food processor does all the work!
Joanne T Ferguson
What a great recipe! I have always wanted to make pepper jam! Pinned and shared!
Bowl Me Over
You ROCK Joanne! 😀 Thanks so much for the share!!
Debi @ Life Currents
This looks stunning. I adore savory jams like this, especially served over cream cheese with some crackers. Yum! I can't wait to try this one. Pinning to make soon!
Bowl Me Over
Nailed it - jam, cream cheese & crackers, too yummy!
Camilla
Absolutely love this tangy jam - perfect with cheese at Christmas:-)
Bowl Me Over
Oh yes!!!
Lauren @ Wicked Spatula
I adore pepper jam! I could eat it on just about anything.
Bowl Me Over
Me too - so yummy! Thanks Lauren for stopping by!
Laura
I love pepper jam and this one looks wonderful! I also love the idea of a theme for reunions--I might attend more if mine ever did that!
Bowl Me Over
I love the themes too Laura - makes it a bit more fun! And thanks for the kudos on the jam! 😀
Melissa
What a fun way to keep the Christmas spirit all year long. I love pepper jelly!
Bowl Me Over
Thanks Melissa, it was a blast!!
Michelle @ The Complete Savorist
Ha, Christmas in July, perfect way to feel cool in the summer heat, particularly with this pepper jam. It looks wonderful and I bet it is fantastic against the cool, creamy cream cheese.
Bowl Me Over
Definitely a great combo Michelle - I also used it over goat cheese with a raspberry as an appetizer...YUM!
Alice
I dont know if I'll be brave enough to try making this myself but it sounds divine! 🙂
Bowl Me Over
You could do it Alice, it's really an easy jam!!!
mimi
that looks absolutely delicious!!! love that you have a reunion theme!
Bowl Me Over
Thank you Mimi, it's such a yummy jam! The reunions are always fun, I don't think anyone takes themselves too seriously - great group of family!
Kim
Is the really watery until it cools
Bowl Me Over
Yes! Until it's completely cooled down it will be watery and the peppers will float to the top. The pectin can take up to a week to firm up completely. If I'm trying to make it look extra special I will keep flipping them about every half hour (upside-down then right-side up) for the first 2 to 2 1/2 hours or so. That way the peppers will distribute evenly thru the jam, rather than just float on top.