Southern Pepper Jelly: Sweet Spicy and Unapologetically Southern
Introduction
I had just finished planting my jalapeno and bell peppers, and I knew immediately what my next blog post would be. Let’s talk about Southern Pepper Jelly, a staple as bold as your Aunt Betty’s church hat and as sweet as her tea—pepper jelly. This vibrant concoction is a delightful dance of sugar and spice, a condiment that can elevate any dish from mundane to memorable. Read on for a recipe that a beginner will master the first time.
This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
A Jar Full of Southern Charm
Imagine a jelly that brings together the sweetness of sugar, the kick of peppers, and a touch of salt, all held together in a pectin or vinegar base—that’s pepper jelly! Pepper jelly is a zesty condiment made by simmering peppers, sugar, and salt with pectin or vinegar to achieve a glossy, spreadable consistency of sweetness and heat. It is used for meats and as an ingredient in various food preparations. The product rose in popularity in the United States from the 1980s to the mid-1990s, and its history starts in Lake Jackson, Texas, with commercial sales beginning around the late 1970s.
The Classic Trio: Cream Cheese, Pepper Jelly, and Crackers
In the South, a classic appetizer involves just three ingredients: a block of cream cheese, a jar of pepper jelly, and a sleeve of crackers. It might be simple, but this Southern gem knows how to shine. Pepper jelly brings the sweet heat, while cream cheese keeps things smooth and mellow. Crackers like Saltines or Ritz are typically used to scoop up the delicious combination. This appetizer is not only quick to prepare but also serves as the perfect statement dish for any gathering.
Southern Pepper Jelly at its Finest
If you’ve never tried Southern Pepper Jelly, get ready to fall in love—sweet, spicy, and just the right amount of sass in a jar. Around here, it’s a kitchen staple, a party favorite, and the secret ingredient that turns everyday dishes into something worth talking about. Whether poured over cream cheese for a classic starter or brushed onto grilled meats for a bold, sticky glaze, this jelly brings serious flavor—and a whole lot of charm—to the table. And the best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make at home. Once you try the following recipe, you will be hooked on canning jellies and sauces to complement your favorite meals. This is an easy recipe to use to start your canning experience with. Go here to check out the perfect canning kit to make canning fun and easy. Now, let’s get started!
Pepper Jelly
Equipment
- 1 6 pack half pint jars with lids and rings if using the canned method
- 1 freezer containers if using the cook and freeze method.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups finely chopped bell peppers or sweet peppers Use a combination of different colored sweet peppers
- 1 lb jalapeno peppers (about 10) Split and remove the seeds and membranes before chopping. This is where you control the heat. If you want it hot leave some seeds. Wear gloves when cutting jalapeno peppers.
- 5 cups granualted sugar
- 1 ¼ cups white or apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup lime juice freshly squeezed
- 1 tsp salt
- 3 oz Certo liquid fruit pectin
Instructions
Chop Peppers
- Use a knife or a food processor to very finely chop the bell peppers. Place the chopped peppers on a paper towel and squeeze out excess liquid. This helps ensure the jelly sets. Measure out 1½ cups of chopped peppers. Do not pack the cup when measuring. Repeat this process for the jalapeno peppers.
Cook and Refrigerate/Freeze Method (Method 1)
- Add all the diced peppers into a large deep pot. Add sugar, vinegar, lime juice, and salt. Bring to a boil,, stirring often. Reduce the heat, but maintain the boil for 10 minutes.
- Add Certo liquid pectin, slowly stirring it in. Boil for another minute. Remove from the heat and allow to cool for 5 minutes. After 5 minutes, give a good stir to evenly stir the peppers. Pour jelly into the half-pint jars and add lids and rings. Flip the jars upside down and allow them to cool like this for 30 minutes or so. This prevents the pepper pieces from floating to the top of the jar. After 30 minutes, flip right side up and allow to cool to room temperature for 24 hours.
- Refrigerate pepper jelly and use within 10 days. Pepper jelly can be frozen, but should be put into freezer containers before placing them in the freezer. Freezer jelly can last about six months or so in the freezer.
Cook and Canning Pepper Jelly (Method 2)
- Once pepper jelly has cooked, pour into 6 sterilized half-pint jars. Leave a 1/4 inch free space between the jelly and the lid. Wipe the rim of each jar. Place and tighten each ring and lid. Note: the lid and ring should also be sterilized in hot water. Place the 6 half-pint jars in a water bath canning pot for ten minutes or longer, depending on low or high altitude. After 10 minutes, remove from the canning pot and place onto a towel on the counter to cool. Flip for 30 minutes to keep peppers from rising to the top. After 30 minutes, turn right side up and allow to cool for 24 hours. You will hear a popping sound as the jar’s lid seals. Place in a cool storage place., Should be used within 6-10 months.
Troubleshooting: If Pepper Jelly does not thicken
- If jelly does not thicken properly, pour each jar back into a saucepan and bring to a gentle boil for 2 or 3 minutes. Lastly, add another 1/2-1 full package of the Certo liquid fruit pectin. Stir slowly into the mixture. Allow the jelly to boil 1 more minute, then use the method of jarring you prefer. Freezer or Canning.
Notes
Nutrition
Beyond the Basics: Creative Culinary Uses for Southern Pepper Jelly
Pepper jelly isn’t just for party platters—it’s ready to shine in your everyday meals, too. Here are a few tasty ways to use it beyond the appetizer table:
Glaze for Meats: Brush pepper jelly over pork chops or chicken before grilling to add a sweet and tangy flavor.
Sandwich Spread: Use pepper jelly instead of mustard on ham or turkey sandwiches for a spicy kick.
Salad Dressing: Mix pepper jelly with olive oil and balsamic vinegar to create a unique vinaigrette for spinach salads or coleslaw.
Dessert Enhancer: Believe it or not, pepper jelly pairs well with desserts. Try it on vanilla ice cream or swirl it into brownie batter for a sweet and spicy twist.
A Southern Pepper Jelly Festival Worth Celebrating
The love for pepper jelly is so profound that it has its own festival. The Pepper Jelly Festival and Rural Heritage Day, commonly known as the Pepper Jelly Festival, is an annual event held on the last Saturday in April in Thomaston, Alabama. The festival celebrates rural life and traditions in western Alabama, featuring music, homemade food, art, crafts, and entertainment that reflect the culture of a rural Southern way of life.
Pepper Jelly: A Southern Staple with Endless Possibilities
Down South, we know a good thing when we taste it—and this little number, with its sweet-spicy pepper jelly over a cloud of cream cheese, proves it. Pepper jelly isn’t just something you spread—it’s a sweet and spicy reminder of Southern charm and creativity.
Born in busy kitchens and passed around porches, pepper jelly has long been a Southern favorite. It plays nicely with just about anything—perfect for gifting guests or for keeping things interesting at the dinner table.
So, the next time you’re in the kitchen, reach for that jar of pepper jelly and let your culinary creativity run wild. Your taste buds will thank you.
This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
Are you a beginner cook or maybe a novice cook and want a go-to guide for making your cooking experience a little less stressful as you build your confidence in the kitchen? Then my Kitchen Confidence Series is for you!
You May Also Like
Pigs Figs and Biscuits: A Southern Biscuit Delight
Irresistible Loaf Cakes That Will Turn Your Home into a Bakery
