Red Pepper Jelly

This Red Pepper Jelly is a vibrant and flavorful treat perfect for holiday gatherings, parties, or as a thoughtful homemade gift. Its sweet and spicy kick pairs wonderfully with cream cheese and crackers, making it an irresistible appetizer. Easy to prepare and visually appealing, this jelly stands out with its fresh flavors and festive colors, ensuring it will be a hit at any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple steps, you can whip up this jelly in no time.
• Flavorful Combination: The blend of sweet red bell peppers and zesty jalapeños creates a unique taste experience.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it over cream cheese or use it in various recipes for an added zing.
• Perfect for Gifting: Package jars beautifully for a thoughtful gift during the holiday season.
• Crowd-Pleasing Appetizer: This jelly is sure to impress guests at any gathering.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools and prepare your workspace. Proper equipment ensures that the jelly sets correctly and your canning process goes smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Canning jars (8-ounce)
• Canning lids
• Large saucepan
• Hot water canner
• Ladle
• Canning rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Canning jars: Necessary for storing the jelly safely while keeping it fresh.
• Large saucepan: Ideal for mixing the ingredients thoroughly without spills.
• Hot water canner: Ensures proper processing of jars to maintain freshness and safety.

Ingredients

To make this delicious Red Pepper Jelly, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Jelly

• 3 cups finely chopped red bell pepper
• 1 cup finely chopped green bell pepper
• 1/4 cup finely chopped jalapeño pepper
• 1 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 1/2 (1.75 ounce each) packages SURE-JELL powder pectin
• 5 cups white sugar

For Serving

• 8 ounces cream cheese
• 1 box crackers

How to Make Red Pepper Jelly

Step 1: Prepare Your Jars

Begin by sterilizing six 8-ounce canning jars and lids according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Start heating your water in a hot water canner for processing.

Step 2: Cook the Peppers

Place the red bell peppers, green bell peppers, and jalapeño peppers into a large saucepan over high heat. Mix in the apple cider vinegar and Sure-Jell pectin. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil while stirring constantly.

Step 3: Add Sugar

Quickly stir in the sugar once boiling resumes. Return to a rolling boil and boil for 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and skim off any foam on top.

Step 4: Jar the Jelly

Quickly ladle the jelly into your prepared jars, filling each jar to 1/4 inch from the top. Cover with flat lids; then screw on the bands tightly.

Step 5: Process the Jars

Place the jars into the canning rack, slowly lowering them into the canner. Ensure that water completely covers the jars but is not boiling yet. Bring water to a boil and process for five minutes.

Step 6: Cool Down

Remove the jars from the canner and allow them to cool completely on a clean towel or cooling rack.

Step 7: Serve It Up!

To serve your Red Pepper Jelly appetizer simply, place a block of cream cheese on a plate. Spoon the red pepper jelly over top of it, then serve with crackers for dipping. Enjoy!

How to Serve Red Pepper Jelly

Red Pepper Jelly is a versatile and flavorful addition to any gathering. It can elevate simple dishes into delightful appetizers or snacks. Here are some creative serving ideas that will impress your guests.

Over Cream Cheese

• Spread a generous layer of cream cheese on a platter and top it with Red Pepper Jelly. This combination creates a perfect balance of creamy and spicy flavors.

With Crackers

• Pair the jelly with an assortment of crispy crackers. The crunchiness complements the smooth texture of the jelly, making for a delightful snack.

On Grilled Chicken or Turkey

• Drizzle Red Pepper Jelly over grilled chicken or turkey for a sweet and tangy glaze. This adds a unique twist to your main course.

As a Glaze for Roasted Vegetables

• Brush the jelly onto roasted vegetables during the last few minutes of cooking. It enhances their natural sweetness and adds vibrant color.

In Sandwiches or Wraps

• Use Red Pepper Jelly as a spread in sandwiches or wraps. Its bold flavor pairs well with turkey, chicken, or even veggie options.

With Cheese Platters

• Include small bowls of Red Pepper Jelly on your cheese board. It pairs beautifully with sharp cheeses like cheddar or gouda, offering a balance of flavors.

How to Perfect Red Pepper Jelly

Creating the perfect Red Pepper Jelly requires attention to detail and technique. Here are some tips to ensure your jelly turns out just right.

• Use Fresh Peppers: Fresh peppers provide the best flavor and texture. Avoid using old or soft peppers for optimal results.

• Measure Ingredients Accurately: Precision is key in making jelly. Ensure you measure your sugar, vinegar, and pectin carefully for proper setting.

• Maintain a Rolling Boil: When cooking, ensure the mixture reaches a rolling boil before adding sugar. This helps achieve the right consistency.

• Skim Foam Thoroughly: After removing from heat, skim off any foam on top. This creates a clearer jelly without impurities.

• Store Properly: Once cooled, store jars in a cool, dark place for optimal shelf life. Proper sealing helps preserve freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Red Pepper Jelly

Red Pepper Jelly can be paired with various side dishes to enhance its flavor profile. Consider these delightful options:

1. Stuffed Mushrooms: Fill mushrooms with cream cheese and herbs, then bake until golden brown for an elegant bite.

2. Caprese Salad Skewers: Alternate cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil leaves on skewers for a fresh appetizer.

3. Mini Quiches: Bake individual quiches filled with vegetables and cheese for a savory complement to your jelly.

4. Vegetable Spring Rolls: Serve fresh spring rolls with peanut sauce alongside Red Pepper Jelly for an exciting fusion.

5. Savory Scones: Prepare cheesy scones that pair wonderfully with sweet jellies; they add richness alongside Red Pepper Jelly.

6. Garlic Breadsticks: These warm breadsticks create an excellent pairing when dipped into Red Pepper Jelly for added flavor.

7. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad can balance the spiciness of the jelly while providing refreshing flavors.

8. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Seasoned roasted sweet potatoes create a lovely contrast against the spicy sweetness of the jelly.

Enjoy experimenting with these suggestions!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Red Pepper Jelly is simple, but a few common mistakes can ruin your batch. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Not sterilizing jars properly: Ensure that your canning jars are correctly sterilized before use. This prevents contamination and spoilage.
• Skipping the boiling step: Failing to boil the mixture long enough can result in a jelly that doesn’t set correctly. Always return to a rolling boil after adding sugar.
• Overfilling jars: Fill your jars only to 1/4 inch from the top. Overfilling can cause jelly to spill during processing, leading to seal failures.
• Using incorrect pectin: Make sure you’re using SURE-JELL or another suitable pectin. Different pectins have different thickening properties, which can affect the texture of your jelly.
• Not checking seals: After cooling, always check that the lids have sealed properly. Unsealed jars need to be refrigerated and used quickly.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Red Pepper Jelly in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks once opened.
• Keep it in an airtight container or jar with a tight lid.

Freezing Red Pepper Jelly

• You can freeze Red Pepper Jelly for up to a year.
• Use freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving space for expansion.

Reheating Red Pepper Jelly

• Oven: Place in an oven-safe dish covered with foil at low heat until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals (15-20 seconds) until desired warmth is reached, stirring in between.
• Stovetop: Gently warm over low heat on the stovetop, stirring constantly to avoid burning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making and using Red Pepper Jelly:

What can I serve with Red Pepper Jelly?

Red Pepper Jelly pairs wonderfully with cream cheese and crackers. It also goes well with grilled meats or as a glaze for roasted vegetables.

How do I know if my Red Pepper Jelly has set?

To check if your jelly has set, you can perform the spoon test. Dip a spoon into the jelly; if it coats the back and holds its shape, it’s ready.

Can I adjust the spice level of my Red Pepper Jelly?

Absolutely! You can increase or decrease the amount of jalapeño pepper based on your preferred spice level.

How long does homemade Red Pepper Jelly last?

Homemade Red Pepper Jelly lasts about 3 weeks in the fridge once opened. If frozen, it can last up to a year!

Can I use other types of peppers?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with different peppers like yellow bell pepper or even add some heat by incorporating hotter varieties.

Final Thoughts

Red Pepper Jelly is not just delicious; it’s also versatile and easy to make at home! Perfect as an appetizer or gift idea, this recipe allows for customization based on your preferences. Whether you enjoy it over cream cheese or as part of another dish, give this delightful jelly a try!