Sweet & Spicy Jalapeño Strawberry Jam Recipe for Zesty Spreads

Stumbling upon a unique jalapeno strawberry jam that challenges every expectation of traditional preserve making.

Bright red berries mingle with spicy green peppers, creating a surprisingly harmonious blend of sweet and heat.

Local farmers markets often showcase unexpected flavor combinations like this culinary adventure.

Summer’s ripest strawberries paired with zesty jalapeños promise an extraordinary condiment that will spark conversation at any gathering.

Each batch tells a story of bold creativity and playful ingredient experimentation.

Unexpected flavor profiles can transform simple spreads into memorable taste experiences.

You will love how this recipe bridges comfort and excitement in one delightful jar.

How to Keep Jalapeno Strawberry Jam Fresh

• Refrigerate: Store unsealed or opened jam in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. Keep the container tightly sealed to maintain freshness and prevent contamination.
• Freeze: Transfer cooled jam to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags, leaving about 1/2 inch of space for expansion. Freeze for up to 6 months, thawing in the refrigerator overnight before use.
• Room Temperature: Sealed, properly processed jars can be stored in a cool, dark pantry for up to 1 year. Check the seal periodically and discard if any signs of spoilage appear.
• Reheat: Gently warm small portions in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or let the jam sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften before serving.

Great Pairings for Jalapeno Strawberry Jam

• Spice Up Your Cheese Board: Pair this jalapeno strawberry jam with a creamy brie or tangy goat cheese for a delightful sweet-and-spicy appetizer that will impress your guests.
• Toast and Breakfast Bliss: Spread this vibrant jam on crispy artisan toast or fluffy buttermilk biscuits for a morning treat that brings a zesty kick to your breakfast routine.
• Cocktail Companion: Mix this jam into a margarita or muddle it with gin for a sophisticated, spicy-sweet cocktail that transforms your happy hour into a flavor adventure.
• Grill Master's Secret Weapon: Brush this jam onto grilled chicken or pork during the last few minutes of cooking to create a caramelized, tangy glaze that elevates your barbecue game.

Creative Spins on Jalapeno Strawberry Jam

• Sweet Heat Blend: Reduce jalapeno quantity and add a splash of bourbon for a smoky, complex flavor profile that balances the strawberry's sweetness.
• Tropical Kick Fusion: Replace half the strawberries with fresh mango chunks and include a pinch of ground ginger for an exotic, vibrant jam experience.
• Garden Fresh Edition: Incorporate finely chopped fresh basil leaves during the cooking process to introduce a bright, herbal undertone that complements the fruity and spicy elements.
• Citrus Spark Variation: Swap lemon juice with fresh orange zest and a tablespoon of orange liqueur to create a zingier, more aromatic jam with deeper fruit notes.

Jalapeno Strawberry Jam FAQs

• Why add jalapenos to strawberry jam?

Jalapenos bring a spicy kick that balances the sweetness of strawberries, creating a complex and exciting flavor profile that transforms a classic jam into a gourmet experience.

• Is this jam too spicy for people who don't like heat?

You can control the spice level by removing the jalapeno seeds and membranes, which reduces the heat while still maintaining a subtle pepper flavor. Start with fewer peppers and adjust to taste.

• Can I make this jam if I've never canned before?

Absolutely! This recipe is beginner-friendly. Just follow the steps carefully, use clean equipment, and don’t be intimidated. Canning is easier than most people think, and the results are incredibly rewarding.

• What makes the jam set properly?

The pectin and lemon juice work together to help the jam thicken. The pectin creates the gel-like consistency, while the lemon juice helps activate the pectin and provides a bright, fresh flavor that complements the strawberries and jalapenos.

What’s Special About Jalapeno Strawberry Jam

• Spice Up Your Sweet Treat: This jam blends the sugary richness of strawberries with a surprising jalapeno kick, creating a flavor explosion that dances on your taste buds.
• Master Easy Gourmet Cooking: The recipe requires minimal skills and basic kitchen tools, making it perfect for home cooks wanting to craft professional-style condiments without complicated techniques.
• Customize Your Preservation Adventure: You can choose between refrigerator storage or traditional canning, offering flexibility for different preservation needs and personal preferences.
• Elevate Multiple Meal Moments: This versatile jam works brilliantly as a breakfast spread, cheese board companion, grilling glaze, or unique gift, transforming ordinary dishes into extraordinary culinary experiences.

Jalapeno Strawberry Jam Shopping List

• Strawberries: Sweet base of the jam with natural pectin and bright flavor. Fresh, ripe berries work best.
• Jalapenos: Adds a spicy kick and complexity to the jam. Choose green, firm peppers with vibrant color.

• Powdered Pectin: Helps jam set and achieve proper consistency. Commercial pectin ensures reliable results.

• Granulated Sugar, Lemon Juice: Balances flavors, helps preserve the jam, and enhances natural fruit pectin. Use fresh lemon juice for best results.

• Glass Jars, Lids, Bands: Essential for storing and preserving the jam. Clean and sterilize before use to prevent bacterial growth.

Making Jalapeno Strawberry Jam in Simple Steps

Step 1: Prep Your Cooking Station

Start by setting up a clean workspace with all necessary tools. Grab a large pot, potato masher, ladle, and sterilized jars. Line up your cutting board and sharp knife for chopping fresh ingredients.

Step 2: Chop and Combine Fruity Goodness

• Fresh strawberries (hulled and diced)
• Jalapeño peppers (seeds removed and finely chopped)
• Fresh lemon (juice extracted)

Toss the chopped fruits into the large pot and gently mash to release natural juices and create a vibrant, colorful mixture.

Step 3: Activate the Pectin Magic

Sprinkle powdered pectin over the fruit mixture, stirring carefully to distribute evenly. Crank up the heat to medium-high and bring the concoction to a vigorous boil. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure smooth consistency.

Step 4: Sweet Sugar Transformation

Pour in granulated sugar all at once, creating a quick and intense flavor boost. Keep stirring as the mixture returns to a rolling boil. Continue cooking for 1-2 minutes, watching the magical jam transformation happen before your eyes.

Step 5: Test Jam Perfection

Check the jam’s readiness with a simple plate test. Drop a small amount on a chilled plate and let it cool briefly. Gently push the dollop with your finger – if it wrinkles and holds its shape, you’ve nailed the perfect consistency.

Step 6: Jar the Delicious Creation

Carefully ladle the hot jam into clean jars, leaving a small space at the top. Wipe jar rims clean with a damp cloth to ensure a proper seal. Twist on lids and bands, creating an airtight home for your delicious creation.

Step 7: Preserve for Lasting Enjoyment

For long-term storage, process jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes. If you’re keeping the jam short-term, simply let the jars cool and pop them in the refrigerator.

Step 8: Cool and Store with Care

Allow jars to cool completely on a kitchen towel. Check for proper sealing by pressing the jar lid – it should not move. Store in a cool, dark place and enjoy your homemade jam for up to one year.

Pro Tips for Jalapeno Strawberry Jam Success

• Sterilize with Precision: Properly clean jars and lids by boiling them for exactly 10 minutes to eliminate bacteria and ensure food safety.
• Balance Heat and Sweetness: Adjust jalapeno quantity based on your spice tolerance, creating a perfect sweet-and-spicy flavor profile.
• Test Jam Thickness Smartly: Use the chilled plate method to check consistency, ensuring your jam sets perfectly without overcooking.
• Preserve Safely: Follow water bath canning steps carefully to extend shelf life and prevent potential spoilage.
• Storage Hack: Keep unsealed jam refrigerated and consume within 3 weeks for maximum freshness and flavor integrity.

Jalapeno Strawberry Jam Recipe

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4.9 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Spicy-sweet jalapeno strawberry jam brings summer’s wildest flavor dance to your breakfast table. Homemade preserves blend fresh strawberries and fiery peppers, inviting you to savor each deliciously unexpected spoonful.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 4 cups (800 g / 28.2 ounces) fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
• 2–3 jalapenos, finely diced (adjust for spice level)
• 3 cups (600 g / 21.2 ounces) granulated sugar

Flavor Enhancers:

• ¼ cup (60 ml / 2 fluid ounces) fresh lemon juice

Thickening Agent:

• 1 packet (1.75 oz / 49 g) powdered pectin

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Instructions

1. Sanitize glass containers thoroughly by immersing jars, lids, and bands in rapidly boiling water for 10 minutes, then arrange them on a pristine fabric towel to air dry completely.
2. Select ripe strawberries and fresh jalapenos, chopping them into uniform, small pieces. Transfer the diced produce into a robust, thick-bottomed cooking vessel.
3. Crush the fruit mixture gently using a potato masher to release natural juices and enhance flavor integration. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the mixture to brighten the overall taste profile.
4. Evenly distribute powdered pectin across the fruit mixture, stirring carefully to ensure comprehensive incorporation. Gradually elevate the temperature to medium-high, creating a vigorous, continuous boil while stirring frequently.
5. Introduce granulated sugar into the bubbling mixture all at once, maintaining an aggressive boil. Continue stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes to prevent potential scorching and ensure proper sugar dissolution.
6. Validate jam’s readiness through the chilled plate test: deposit a small portion onto a refrigerated surface and observe. If the sample wrinkles subtly when gently prodded, the jam has reached perfect consistency.
7. Using a clean ladle, transfer the piping hot jam into sterilized containers, preserving approximately 1/4 inch of headspace. Meticulously clean jar rims with a dampened cloth before securely fastening lids and bands.
8. For extended preservation, submerge sealed jars in rapidly boiling water for 10 minutes. Alternatively, allow jams to cool naturally and refrigerate, consuming within three weeks.
9. Position filled jars on a cooling rack, allowing them to reach ambient temperature. Confirm proper sealing by pressing jar centers; they should remain stationary. Store in a cool, dark environment for up to one year.

Notes

• Customize heat levels by adjusting jalapeno quantities, removing seeds for milder flavor or adding more for extra spiciness.
• Select ripe, deeply colored strawberries to ensure maximum natural sweetness and robust fruit flavor.
• Consider using low-sugar pectin for a healthier version that reduces overall sugar content without compromising jam’s texture.
• Experiment with alternative sweeteners like honey or maple syrup for unique flavor profiles and dietary adaptations.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Breakfast, Appetizer
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 163
• Sugar: 29 g
• Sodium: 2 mg
• Fat: 0 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg