Sweet and Spicy Jalapeno Pepper Jam (Small Batch)

This jalapeno pepper jam balances fresh chile heat, sugar, vinegar, and lime in one small refrigerator batch.

Jalapeno Pepper Jam for a Small Refrigerator Batch

The recipe makes a glossy, spoonable pepper jam for appetizers and glazes. It is refrigerator jam, not a shelf-stable canning recipe.

• Prep time: 15 minutes.
• Cook time: 12 minutes.
• Yield: About 1 1/2 cups.
• Heat control: Remove seeds and white ribs for a milder batch.
• Storage: Refrigerate up to 2 weeks.

Ingredients

• 1 cup finely chopped seeded jalapenos, about 5 oz
• 1 cup granulated sugar, 7 oz
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
• 1 3/4 tbsp powdered fruit pectin
• 1/8 tsp kosher salt

How to Make Jalapeno Pepper Jam

1. Wash one 16-oz glass jar and lid in hot soapy water; rinse and dry.
2. Pulse chopped jalapenos in a food processor 6 to 8 times until finely minced, not pureed.
3. Add jalapenos, sugar, vinegar, lime juice, and salt to a 2-quart saucepan.
4. Bring to a full boil over medium-high heat, stirring often.
5. Boil for 5 minutes, reducing heat slightly if the mixture threatens to foam over.
6. Whisk in powdered pectin and return to a full boil.
7. Boil exactly 1 minute while stirring constantly.
8. Remove from heat and cool 10 minutes before transferring to the clean jar.
9. Cool uncovered 30 minutes, seal, and refrigerate at least 4 hours before serving.

Serving and Storage

• Spoon 2 tbsp over an 8-oz block of cream cheese.
• Brush a thin layer over baked chicken during the final 5 minutes.
• Stir 1 tsp into a vinaigrette for sweet heat.
• Keep refrigerated at 40 degrees F or colder.
• Discard if mold, fermentation, or an off odor develops.
• Do not store this recipe at room temperature.

Explore more small batches with Spiced Peach Jam, Keto Blackberry Jam, and Raspberry Chia Seed Jam.

Jalapeno Pepper Jam FAQ

Does the jam thicken immediately?

No. It thickens as it cools and continues setting during the first 4 hours in the refrigerator.

Can I make it less spicy?

Remove all seeds and white ribs, then measure 1 cup of the prepared chopped peppers.