If you’re craving a condiment that dances on your taste buds, the Sweet and Spicy Jalapeño Strawberry Jam Recipe will absolutely steal your heart. Imagine the sun-ripened sweetness of strawberries paired with that bold kick from fresh jalapeños, all bundled up into a glossy, jewel-toned jam you’ll want to slather on, well… everything. This jam is not just a spread but an experience, thanks to its vibrant flavor contrast and irresistible balance of heat and sweetness. Whether you smear it on morning toast, dollop onto creamy cheese and crackers, or brush it over sizzling grilled meats, this one’s destined to be a pantry staple you’ll brag about to your friends!
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
For the Jam:
- 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
- 2 jalapeños, finely chopped (seeds removed for less heat)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 (1.75 oz) package fruit pectin (powdered or liquid)
- 4 cups granulated sugar
How to Make Sweet and Spicy Jalapeño Strawberry Jam Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Fruit and Peppers
Wash, hull, and chop the strawberries, then finely dice up those bright green jalapeños. For a little less heat, be sure to remove all the seeds—putting on gloves will save your hands from any spicy surprises! This first step truly sets the stage for the zippy-sweet magic that’s coming.
Step 2: Begin the Jam Mix
In a large saucepan, add your strawberries, jalapeños, and lemon juice. Grab your trusty potato masher and give the fruit a gentle mash. You want chunky bits here to make each bite interesting, so don’t go overboard—rustic texture is what makes homemade jam special!
Step 3: Stir In Pectin and Bring to a Boil
Next, sprinkle your fruit pectin over the mixture and stir well. Set the pan over medium-high heat and start stirring. When your mixture comes to a big, rolling boil, you’ll notice the colors intensifying and the scent becoming irresistible.
Step 4: Add Sugar and Boil Again
Here comes the sugar rush—add all the granulated sugar at once, give it a thorough stir, and return your saucepan to a fierce rolling boil. Keep it going for exactly one minute, stirring the whole time to avoid burning (and to admire that gorgeous, jammy transformation).
Step 5: Finish and Jar Up
Take the saucepan off the heat and skim off any bubbly foam that floats to the top. Now, carefully ladle the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving a little headspace at the top. Wipe the rims, seal them up, and if you’re canning, give them a gentle water bath for ten minutes. If not, just let the jars cool and pop them into the fridge for almost-instant enjoyment!
How to Serve Sweet and Spicy Jalapeño Strawberry Jam Recipe
Garnishes
This jam beams with flavor, but a little finishing touch goes a long way—try a dusting of cracked black pepper, a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh mint, or a few extra strawberry slices atop your jam-topped treats. These simple garnishes add a dash of color and a hint of fresh aroma.
Side Dishes
Pair your Sweet and Spicy Jalapeño Strawberry Jam Recipe with creamy cheeses—think goat cheese, brie, or cream cheese—and stack on crisp crackers for an unforgettable appetizer. It’s equally lovely as a glaze with roasted pork, drizzled over grilled chicken, or nestled next to a big, beautiful charcuterie board.
Creative Ways to Present
Explore new territory by using this jam as a burger topping, spooning it between layers of a cake for a fusion dessert, or swirling through Greek yogurt for a sweet-and-spicy breakfast upgrade. Dress up jars with cute ribbons and handwritten labels for the ultimate homemade food gift.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once opened, keep your jam refrigerated in a tightly sealed jar. It’ll stay perfectly fresh, bright, and flavorful for up to three weeks. A clean spoon every time helps keep any pesky bacteria out and the flavor at its peak!
Freezing
If you’ve made enough Sweet and Spicy Jalapeño Strawberry Jam Recipe to last you all season, don’t hesitate to freeze the extras. Ladle cooled jam into freezer-safe containers, leaving a half inch at the top for expansion, and freeze for up to six months. Thaw overnight in the fridge when your craving strikes.
Reheating
No need for stovetops or microwaves here—just bring the stored jam to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving to restore its soft, spreadable texture. If you’ve frozen the jam, let it thaw in the fridge, then stir well to reincorporate any settled juices.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Thaw the berries first and drain any excess liquid. The Sweet and Spicy Jalapeño Strawberry Jam Recipe is forgiving and still delivers fresh flavor with good-quality frozen fruit.
How spicy will this jam be?
It’s all up to you. Removing the jalapeño seeds and membranes keeps things mild, while leaving some in brings the heat. Start with less if you’re cautious, then taste and adjust on your next batch.
Is it necessary to process the jam in a boiling water bath?
If you plan to store your jam unrefrigerated, yes, the water bath is important for safe canning. If you’ll be eating it within a few weeks and keeping it in the fridge, you can skip this step.
Can I reduce the sugar for a less sweet jam?
Traditional pectin needs the sugar to set properly, so reducing it can make the jam runny. If you want a lower-sugar jam, look for low-sugar pectin and adjust your recipe accordingly.
What can I use instead of lemon juice?
A splash of lime juice works beautifully and adds its own zesty twist to the Sweet and Spicy Jalapeño Strawberry Jam Recipe. Just be sure your substitute is acidic enough to help the jam set.
Final Thoughts
Ready to bring a little extra wow to your table? The Sweet and Spicy Jalapeño Strawberry Jam Recipe is unforgettable—trust me, one taste and you’ll want to make it again and again. Grab your berries and peppers, and let’s make some magic in a jar!
Print
Sweet and Spicy Jalapeño Strawberry Jam Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: About 5 cups
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy the perfect balance of sweetness and heat with this delightful Sweet and Spicy Jalapeño Strawberry Jam recipe. Fresh strawberries and jalapeños create a unique flavor profile that’s great for pairing with a variety of dishes.
Ingredients
For the Jam:
- 4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
- 2 jalapeños, finely chopped (seeds removed for less heat)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 (1.75 oz) package fruit pectin (powdered or liquid)
- 4 cups granulated sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the Jam: In a large saucepan, combine the strawberries, jalapeños, and lemon juice. Use a potato masher to slightly crush the strawberries. Stir in pectin and bring to a boil.
- Add Sugar: Once boiling, add sugar and return to a boil. Boil for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Jar the Jam: Remove from heat, skim off foam, and ladle the jam into sterilized jars. Process in a water bath or refrigerate.
Notes
- This jam pairs well with cream cheese, toast, or as a glaze for meats.
- Adjust spice level by modifying jalapeño quantity.
- Always wear gloves when handling jalapeños.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
