Tangy Cranberry Pepper Jelly Recipe: Sweet-Spicy Magic

Spreading a vibrant cranberry pepper jelly across your morning toast, its ruby-red hue catching the sunlight.

Sweet meets spicy in this unexpected culinary adventure that dances between comfort and excitement.

Local farmers’ markets inspired this recipe, where seasonal cranberries beckon with their bright, tart promise.

Peppers add a surprising kick that transforms ordinary condiments into something extraordinary.

Home cooks will love how simple ingredients create such complex flavors.

Each spoonful promises a delightful surprise that tingles your taste buds and sparks conversation.

You can easily craft this condiment that bridges traditional preserves with modern taste sensibilities.

Let’s turn your kitchen into a playground of delicious experimentation.

Steps To Make Cranberry Pepper Jelly Recipe Easily

Step 1: Chop and Prepare Ingredients

• Bell peppers
• Jalapeno peppers (remove seeds if you prefer less spiciness)

Step 2: Create Flavor Base

• Cranberries
• Chopped bell peppers
• Chopped jalapeno peppers
• Sugar
• Apple cider vinegar
• Water

Crank up the heat to medium-high and stir occasionally. Watch the cranberries dance and burst open, creating a vibrant mixture that takes about 10 minutes.

Step 3: Smooth Out the Texture

Want a silky-smooth jelly? Grab an immersion blender and puree the mixture until it reaches your desired consistency. For crystal-clear jelly, strain through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove any solid bits.

Step 4: Activate the Pectin

Return the mixture to the saucepan if you strained it. Bring to a rolling boil and pour in liquid pectin. Stir constantly and let it bubble for one minute to help the jelly set perfectly.

Step 5: Seal in Jars

Carefully pour the hot jelly into sterilized glass jars, leaving a small quarter-inch space at the top. Wipe jar rims clean with a damp cloth. Secure lids tightly. For long-term storage, process jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes.

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy

Allow jars to cool completely at room temperature. Store unopened jars in a cool, dark pantry. Once opened, keep refrigerated and enjoy within two weeks. Spread on toast, use as a glaze, or serve with crackers and cheese!

Tips To Get The Right Texture In Cranberry Pepper Jelly Recipe

• Perfectly Sort Cranberries: Remove any soft, bruised, or discolored cranberries to ensure the highest quality and best flavor for your jelly.
• Control the Heat Level: Carefully remove jalapeno seeds to reduce spiciness, or keep them for an extra kick depending on your heat tolerance.
• Achieve Smooth Consistency: Use an immersion blender for a silky texture, or strain through cheesecloth for a crystal-clear jelly that looks as good as it tastes.
• Master Pectin Timing: Add liquid pectin at the right moment and boil exactly one minute to guarantee perfect jelly setting without overcooking.
• Smart Storage Strategy: Process jars in a water bath for long-term preservation, or keep refrigerated and enjoy within two weeks for maximum freshness and flavor.

How To Store Cranberry Pepper Jelly Recipe

• Refrigerate: Store your cranberry pepper jelly in an airtight container or sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor preservation.
• Freeze: Extend the jelly's shelf life by freezing in freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Frozen jelly can last up to 3 months without losing its vibrant taste.
• Reheat Gently: When ready to enjoy, thaw frozen jelly in the refrigerator overnight. Warm slightly at room temperature or with a quick microwave zap, stirring to restore smooth consistency.
• Check Quality: Before serving stored jelly, inspect for any signs of mold, off-odors, or unusual color changes. Discard if any questionable characteristics appear to ensure food safety.

Foods And Cheeses To Pair With Cranberry Pepper Jelly Recipe

• Pair with Creamy Cheese: Spread this spicy-sweet cranberry pepper jelly on a crisp cracker topped with creamy goat cheese or brie for a delightful flavor explosion that balances the jelly's tangy heat.
• Match with Roasted Meats: Glaze grilled chicken, pork tenderloin, or roasted turkey with this vibrant jelly to add a zesty kick that transforms ordinary proteins into something extraordinary.
• Complement with Sparkling Wines: Uncork a bottle of prosecco or dry champagne to cut through the jelly's sweetness and complement its peppery undertones, creating a sophisticated appetizer experience.
• Enhance Breakfast Favorites: Swirl this jelly into Greek yogurt, drizzle over pancakes, or use as a morning toast spread to wake up your taste buds with a bright, spicy-sweet morning treat.

Fun Mixes For Cranberry Pepper Jelly Recipe

• Spicy Tropical Fusion: Replace bell peppers with mango chunks and add a dash of habanero pepper for a vibrant, tropical-inspired heat kick.
• Herbal Garden Blend: Mix in fresh chopped rosemary or thyme during cooking to introduce an aromatic herbaceous dimension to the classic cranberry jelly.
• Apple Cinnamon Warmth: Swap apple cider vinegar with fresh apple juice and sprinkle ground cinnamon for a cozy, autumn-inspired flavor profile.
• Citrus Berry Sparkle: Incorporate orange zest and a splash of fresh orange juice to brighten the jelly's overall taste and add a tangy undertone.

FAQs For Cranberry Pepper Jelly Recipe

• What makes cranberry pepper jelly different from other jellies?

This jelly combines sweet cranberries with spicy peppers, creating a unique flavor profile that’s perfect for both savory and sweet dishes. The balance of tart cranberries and hot peppers makes it a versatile condiment.

• Is this jelly very spicy?

The heat level depends on how many jalapeno seeds you include. Removing the seeds significantly reduces the spiciness, allowing you to control the heat according to your preference.

• Can I use frozen cranberries for this recipe?

Yes, frozen cranberries work perfectly! Just thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before using. They’ll give the same great flavor and texture as fresh cranberries.

• What are some ways to use cranberry pepper jelly?

It’s fantastic as a glaze for meats, a spread on crackers, a topping for cream cheese, or a dipping sauce for appetizers. Chefs and home cooks love its versatility in both sweet and savory applications.

Why Cranberry Pepper Jelly Recipe Is Sweet, Tangy, And Spicy

• Burst with Bold Flavor: Cranberry pepper jelly delivers a mouthwatering explosion of sweet-spicy goodness that dances across your taste buds with each delightful bite.
• Craft a Quick Culinary Masterpiece: This recipe transforms simple ingredients into an elegant condiment in under 30 minutes, making gourmet cooking accessible for home chefs of all skill levels.
• Versatile Flavor Companion: Perfect for pairing with cheese boards, spreading on sandwiches, glazing meats, or serving as a vibrant appetizer dip, this jelly adds excitement to countless dishes.
• Easy Preservation Method: The straightforward canning process allows you to enjoy homemade jelly for months, creating a delicious homemade gift that showcases your culinary creativity.

Everything You Need For Cranberry Pepper Jelly Recipe

• Cranberries: Tart and vibrant base for the jelly, providing a bold red color and tangy flavor. Fresh, firm berries work best.
• Bell Pepper: Adds subtle sweetness and depth to the jelly. Red or green peppers are suitable.
• Jalapenos: Introduces spicy kick and complex heat to the preserve. Optional seed removal controls spice level.

• Sugar: Balances tartness and helps with jelly setting. Granulated white sugar recommended.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Enhances tanginess and helps preserve the jelly. Adds bright, acidic notes.
• Water: Provides necessary liquid for cooking and helps break down fruit.

• Liquid Pectin: Critical for achieving proper jelly consistency and helping the mixture set. Use commercial pectin for reliable results.

Cranberry Pepper Jelly Recipe

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• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Spicy-sweet cranberry pepper jelly brings festive holiday magic to appetizer spreads and cheese boards. Homemade condiment with tangy cranberries and zesty peppers delivers bold flavor that delights guests at gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Primary Ingredients:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) fresh cranberries
• 1 red bell pepper
• 12 jalapeños

Sweetening Ingredients:

• 2 cups granulated sugar

Liquid Ingredients:

• 1 cup apple cider vinegar
• ½ cup water

Thickening Ingredient:

• 1 (3 ounces / 85 grams) package liquid pectin

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Instructions

1. Meticulously inspect and cleanse the cranberries, discarding any blemished or deteriorating fruits. Carefully dice the bell pepper and jalapenos into fine, uniform pieces, removing seeds to moderate the spiciness.
2. Transfer the prepared cranberries, diced peppers, sugar, apple cider vinegar, and water into a spacious cooking vessel. Elevate the heat to medium-high, stirring intermittently, allowing the cranberries to rupture and release their vibrant juices (approximately 10-12 minutes).
3. For an ultra-smooth consistency, utilize an immersion blender to transform the mixture into a homogeneous liquid. Alternatively, for a crystal-clear jelly, carefully strain the concoction through a delicate mesh sieve or layers of cheesecloth, extracting all solids.
4. Reignite the heat, returning the refined mixture to a vigorous boil. Incorporate the liquid pectin, maintaining a constant stir and allowing the mixture to bubble intensely for precisely one minute.
5. Carefully ladle the molten jelly into sterilized glass containers, ensuring a modest quarter-inch gap at the top. Meticulously cleanse the jar rims, secure with pristine lids, and proceed with water bath processing for preservation.
6. Allow the sealed jars to rest and stabilize at ambient temperature. Preserve unopened containers in a cool, shadowy environment. Upon opening, refrigerate immediately and consume within a fortnight for optimal flavor and freshness.

Notes

• Customize heat levels by adjusting the number of jalapeno peppers, allowing spice-sensitive individuals to enjoy this vibrant jelly.
• Select firm, bright red cranberries for the most robust flavor and best texture in your final preserve.
• Use commercial pectin to ensure a consistent gel set, preventing runny or overly stiff jelly outcomes.
• Consider replacing water with fresh orange juice for added depth and subtle citrus undertones that complement the cranberry’s tartness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 166
• Sugar: 27 g
• Sodium: 4 mg
• Fat: 0 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 41 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg