Name: Pineapple-Cowboy Candy Pepper Jelly Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1½ cups; 1 cup, drained; 1 cup; 1/4 cup; 1 package (1.75 oz); 5 cups

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If you’re searching for a zingy, vibrant spread that brings bold flavors to everything from cheese boards to barbecue, look no further than Pineapple-Cowboy Candy Pepper Jelly. This irresistible condiment delivers a delightful balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy notes—thanks to juicy pineapple, fiery candied jalapeños, and a bright splash of lemon. Whether you dollop it on crackers, slather it over pork chops, or swirl it into vinaigrettes, Pineapple-Cowboy Candy Pepper Jelly is the secret weapon you’ll want in your fridge year-round!

Pineapple-Cowboy Candy Pepper Jelly Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Diced Pineapple:
- 1½ cups
Candied Jalapeños (Cowboy Candy):
- 1 cup, drained
Apple Cider Vinegar:
- 1 cup
Lemon Juice:
- 1/4 cup
Fruit Pectin (Sure-Jell):
- 1 package (1.75 oz)
Granulated Sugar:
- 5 cups

How to Make Pineapple-Cowboy Candy Pepper Jelly

Step 1: Gather and Prep the Ingredients

Dice the fresh pineapple into small, even pieces to ensure they blend seamlessly into the jelly. Slice and drain your candied jalapeños (also called cowboy candy), taking care to save just the tender rings or chunks. Having all your prep done first keeps the process smooth once you turn up the heat.

Step 2: Start the Mix

In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the diced pineapple, cowboy candy, apple cider vinegar, and lemon juice. These powerhouse flavors meld together as they warm, infusing the jelly with depth and a touch of heat. Bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally to prevent any sticking or scorching.

Step 3: Add the Pectin

Stir in the fruit pectin with care, watching as it dissolves into the bubbling mixture. Continue boiling for 1 minute, stirring constantly. This is your magic moment—the pectin is working to create that luscious, spreadable texture Pineapple-Cowboy Candy Pepper Jelly is famous for.

Step 4: Sweeten and Boil Hard

Dump in all five cups of sugar in one go, and stir well. Once the sugar has dissolved completely, crank up the heat until you reach a rolling boil that you can’t stir down. Let it boil hard for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Your jelly should thicken slightly and reach the gel stage, or 220 degrees Fahrenheit on a candy thermometer. Watching it transform from a simmer to a glossy, bubbling treasure is always the most exciting part!

Step 5: Jar and Seal

Remove the pot from heat and carefully skim off any foam from the surface for a clear, sparkling finish. Using a ladle, fill sterilized half-pint jars, leaving 1/4 inch of headspace. Wipe the rims clean and seal them tightly with sterilized lids and rings. Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes to ensure shelf-stable safety. Once cool, check that the lids have sealed before you store or share your Pineapple-Cowboy Candy Pepper Jelly.

How to Serve Pineapple-Cowboy Candy Pepper Jelly

Garnishes

For extra flair, top your jelly with a sprinkle of finely minced fresh parsley or cilantro. A few delicate rings of candied jalapeño perched atop the jelly make every jar look as dazzling as it tastes. A squeeze of lime over the jar before serving can also add a fun, citrusy spark.

Side Dishes

This jelly is a rockstar with more than just crackers. Pair it with creamy cheeses like goat cheese or brie, spoon it over roasted chicken or pork, or even use it as a glaze on grilled shrimp. It also plays beautifully with cornbread, making a sweet-and-spicy spread that’s impossible to resist.

Creative Ways to Present

Gift your Pineapple-Cowboy Candy Pepper Jelly in decorated jars wrapped with ribbon for a delightful homemade present. Pour it into a decorative bowl as part of an appetizer platter, or swirl a few spoonfuls into homemade vinaigrettes and sauces. It also works wonders as a sandwich spread or dolloped on warm, buttery biscuits.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After you’ve popped open a jar, keep it in the refrigerator with the lid tightly sealed. It stays fresh and delicious for up to a month, making it ready to transform last-minute snacks or quick weeknight meals.

Freezing

Pineapple-Cowboy Candy Pepper Jelly actually freezes beautifully. Transfer the cooled jelly into freezer-safe containers, leaving a bit of room for expansion. It’ll keep its flavor perfectly for up to a year—just thaw overnight in the fridge whenever the craving hits.

Reheating

If your jelly firms up more than you like in the fridge, simply scoop out what you need and let it sit at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes, or give it a gentle stir after just a few seconds in the microwave. It will loosen right up and be spoonable again in no time.

FAQs

Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?

Yes! While fresh pineapple gives the brightest flavor and the best texture, canned pineapple (drained and chopped small) is a great substitute and still results in a delicious Pineapple-Cowboy Candy Pepper Jelly.

Is there a way to make this jelly less spicy?

Absolutely. If you prefer a milder jelly, simply reduce the amount of cowboy candy or carefully remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños before candying. You can also blend the jalapeños and pineapple for a smoother, tamer spread.

Why didn’t my jelly set properly?

The most common reason is not boiling hard enough after adding the sugar, or not reaching the correct temperature (220°F). Be sure to use a candy thermometer if you’re unsure, and avoid doubling or halving the recipe, as that can affect gel formation.

Can I use liquid pectin instead of powdered?

For best results, stick to powdered pectin as called for—liquid pectin requires a slightly different method and quantities. If you need to substitute, check the instructions specific to your pectin brand and adjust accordingly for Pineapple-Cowboy Candy Pepper Jelly.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, Pineapple-Cowboy Candy Pepper Jelly contains no gluten-containing ingredients, making it a wonderful choice for gluten-free diets. Always check your pectin and candied jalapeños to double-check for unexpected additives.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something special about opening a jar of homemade Pineapple-Cowboy Candy Pepper Jelly and experiencing all that sweet heat and tropical tang. Every batch brings new ways to brighten your meals and impress your friends. Give this recipe a try and let it spark some culinary creativity in your kitchen—you might just find it becomes your new signature preserve!

Pineapple-Cowboy Candy Pepper Jelly Recipe

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4.8 from 8 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 half-pint jars 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Learn how to make a delicious Pineapple-Cowboy Candy Pepper Jelly that’s sweet, tangy, and spicy. Perfect for pairing with cream cheese and crackers or as a glaze for grilled meats.

Ingredients

Scale

Diced Pineapple:

1½ cups

Candied Jalapeños (Cowboy Candy):

1 cup, drained

Apple Cider Vinegar:

1 cup

Lemon Juice:

1/4 cup

Fruit Pectin (Sure-Jell):

1 package (1.75 oz)

Granulated Sugar:

5 cups

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Instructions

Combine Ingredients: In a large saucepan, mix pineapple, cowboy candy, vinegar, and lemon juice. Bring to a boil.
Add Pectin and Sugar: Stir in fruit pectin, then add sugar. Boil until it thickens.
Jar the Jelly: Ladle hot jelly into jars, leaving space at the top. Process jars in a water bath.