Red Pepper Jelly

Sweet and spicy, Red Pepper Jelly is one seriously delicious multitasker. It's fantastic with any type of creamy cheese, works wonders as a glaze on salmon or pork, and adds a zesty kick to a sandwich or pizza.

Course Pantry

Cuisine American

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Chill time 12

Total Time 12 25

Servings servings

Calories 206kcal

Author Meggan Hill

Ingredients

3 large red bell peppers stems and seeds removed, coarsely chopped (see note 1)
2 habañero chilies stems removed, seeded and reserved, and coarsely chopped (see note 2)
5 cups granulated sugar
2 cups white vinegar (distilled)
1 (3-ounce) envelope liquid pectin (see note 3)

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

In a food processor, pulse bell peppers, habañeros and habañero seeds (if desired) until finely minced, about 12 to 15 pulses. On a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth over a bowl, transfer pepper mixture and squeeze to remove excess liquid.
In a dutch oven over medium heat, combine pepper mixture, sugar, and vinegar. Bring to a vigorous boil. Add pectin and return to vigorous boil and stir frequently until temperature reads 221 degrees, about 10 to 15 minutes. Skim foam from jelly using a large spoon (see note 5).
Transfer mixture to clean jars with tight-fitting lids. Allow to cool, uncovered, to room temperature then cover and refrigerate. Allow jelly to set, about 12 to 24 hours. Jelly can be refrigerated for up to 2 months (or see note 6 for canning instructions).

Video

Notes

Bell peppers: Red bell peppers make red pepper jelly, but you can substitute any color bell pepper.
Habañero chilies: These fiery peppers bring the heat. If you're a chile novice, use rubber gloves while cutting and seeding them, and don't touch your eyes or face. Or, for a milder jelly, substitute 2 jalapeño peppers.
Pectin: Liquid pectin is sold in boxes with 3-ounce pouches; Ball and Certo are good brands. Don't rush the boiling step: liquid pectin needs to boil and reach a certain temperature before it does its work. Usually pectin is stocked in the baking aisle of the grocery store, but sometimes you can find it in hardware stores and online.
Yield: Depending on the size of the peppers, the recipe makes about 5 cups, enough for five 8-ounce jars.
Skimming the foam: If you don't skim off the foam in Step 3, your pepper jelly will migrate to the top of your jar and you'll have an inch or more of clear, unflavored gelatin at the bottom of the jar.
Storage: Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 months. To can, quickly pour hot jelly into hot, sanitized jars, leaving 1/4-inch headspace. Wipe rim and center lid on jar. Screw band down until resistance is met, then increase to fingertip-tight. Place jars in canner, ensuring they are completely covered with water. Bring to a boil and process for 10 minutes. Remove canner lid. Wait 5 minutes, then remove jars, cool, and store.
Make ahead: Plan on making the jelly at least a day or two before you need it so the pectin has time to thicken.
Fun ways to use: Stir a spoonful into mayo for a sandwich. Add a dollop to a cheeseboard. Most importantly, spoon it over a block of cream cheese and eat it with crackers.

Nutrition