If you’re ready to transform your jam game with something out-of-this-world, then this Sweet and Spicy Jalapeño Strawberry Jam Recipe is going to become your new obsession. Imagine juicy strawberries and lively jalapeños, mingling together in a glossy, ruby-red spread that’s just as much at home on your morning toast as it is drizzled over goat cheese crostini or sizzling pork chops. Each spoonful is a perfect balance of summer sweetness and gentle heat, making every bite an adventure. This jam recipe is simple enough for a beginner, yet bold enough to satisfy even the most adventurous food lovers.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Sweet and Spicy Jalapeño Strawberry Jam Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The best part about the Sweet and Spicy Jalapeño Strawberry Jam Recipe is how just a handful of ingredients create such unforgettable flavor. Each component does its own magic: strawberries provide that luscious base, jalapeños spark things up, and the rest ensures perfect sweetness, brightness, and texture. Here’s what you need, along with a little guidance for each:

Fresh strawberries (4 cups, hulled and chopped): Big, ripe, and juicy berries are key for vibrant color and intense fruity flavor.
Jalapeño peppers (2–3, seeded and finely chopped): Adjust the amount to your spice comfort level; more for a kick, less for a gentler zing.
Lemon juice (1 tbsp): Brings brightness and helps preserve the dazzling color of your jam.
Apple cider vinegar (1 tbsp): Adds a subtle tang and rounds out the sweetness so the flavors really pop.
Fruit pectin (1 package, 1.75 oz): Ensures your jam thickens perfectly every time—no runny results here!
Granulated sugar (5 cups): Balances out the spice and brings out the best in your strawberries.
Salt (1/4 tsp): Just a pinch to enhance all the flavors and bring harmony to the jam.

How to Make Sweet and Spicy Jalapeño Strawberry Jam Recipe

Step 1: Mash and Mix

Start by placing your hulled and chopped strawberries, jalapeños, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, and salt in a large heavy-bottomed saucepan. Take a moment to inhale those fresh, fragrant aromas! Use a potato masher or a sturdy spoon to gently mash the strawberries—leave some little chunky bits for lovely texture. Once mashed, sprinkle in the fruit pectin and stir thoroughly, ensuring every last bit is dissolved and mingling with the berries.

Step 2: Bring It to a Boil

With everything nicely combined, set your saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir the mixture frequently as it warms—the sweet strawberry scent will fill your kitchen and make you impatient for that first taste! Once you see bubbles burst across the surface and the mixture is at a rolling boil, you’re ready for the showstopper: the sugar.

Step 3: Sugar Rush

Now, pour in all the granulated sugar at once. Stir immediately, making sure it dissolves completely into that liquid ruby goodness. Bring the mixture back to a full, robust boil (one that doesn’t stir down with a spoon), and boil exactly one minute while stirring constantly. This stage locks in the consistency and prevents your jam from being too loose or overly thick.

Step 4: Skim and Jar

Remove the pot from heat and skim off any foam that might have formed on the surface. This bit is important for a shiny, clear finish. While the jam is still piping hot, ladle it carefully into sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace for expansion and sealing. Take your time wiping the rims clean—each detail ensures your jam stores perfectly.

Step 5: Seal and Store

Seal the jars with their lids. If you’re canning, pop them into a boiling water bath for 10 minutes to safely preserve them for months to come. If you’re skipping the canning process, just let the jars cool completely and stash them in your fridge for up to three weeks. Now comes the hardest part—waiting until the jam cools enough to sneak that very first taste!

How to Serve Sweet and Spicy Jalapeño Strawberry Jam Recipe

Garnishes

For a flourish of color and even more flavor, try topping your Sweet and Spicy Jalapeño Strawberry Jam Recipe with finely chopped fresh basil or a delicate sprinkle of sea salt. A grating of lemon zest can really brighten up its flavor, too. These finishing touches transform an ordinary dollop of jam into a showstopper treat!

Side Dishes

This jam shines on a warm, buttery biscuit or croissant, but don’t stop there. Spread it generously over creamy Brie or tangy goat cheese for a sophisticated appetizer, or swirl a spoonful into a bowl of Greek yogurt for a sweet-and-spicy breakfast. It’s also fantastic as a glaze for roasted chicken or pork—trust me, you’ll be dreaming up new combinations!

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress, try layering the jam in mini mason jars for party favors or charcuterie boards. Dollop it over vanilla ice cream for a dessert with attitude, or use it as a vibrant layer in a trifle or parfait. The Sweet and Spicy Jalapeño Strawberry Jam Recipe is so pretty, you’ll want to let its gorgeous color and shine take center stage.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’ve made more jam than you can eat right away (not a bad problem!), simply seal the jars tightly and store them in the refrigerator. Homemade Sweet and Spicy Jalapeño Strawberry Jam Recipe will stay fresh and vibrant for up to three weeks. Always use a clean spoon to avoid introducing bacteria, and keep the jar lids on tight for the best flavor.

Freezing

Want to save a taste of summer for much later? You can absolutely freeze this jam. Make sure to use freezer-safe containers or jars, leaving a little headspace for expansion. Stored this way, your Sweet and Spicy Jalapeño Strawberry Jam Recipe can last up to one year. Thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying.

Reheating

Jam is best enjoyed at room temperature, but if you like yours a little warmer (maybe for glazing meats), simply spoon out the amount you need and gently warm it in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir occasionally and don’t let it boil—it’ll be perfectly spreadable and glossy in no time.

FAQs

How spicy is this Sweet and Spicy Jalapeño Strawberry Jam Recipe?

The beauty of this jam is that you control the heat! Using 2 jalapeños gives you just a gentle warmth, while 3 (or leaving in a few seeds) brings the fire. Taste as you go, and remember you can always serve it alongside cool cheese or yogurt to temper the spice.

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Absolutely! If strawberries aren’t in season, frozen berries work fabulously. Just thaw and drain them for best results; this helps avoid excess water, which can thin your jam.

Is this jam suitable for canning?

Yes, the Sweet and Spicy Jalapeño Strawberry Jam Recipe is perfect for water bath canning. Follow the instructions for sterilizing jars and processing in boiling water for 10 minutes to safely store your jam at room temperature.

What kind of pectin should I use?

A standard powdered fruit pectin (like Sure-Jell) works great in this recipe. Just be sure to dissolve it fully before adding the sugar for the perfect set and consistency.

How can I use this jam beyond toast?

The possibilities are endless! Slather it on grilled cheese, use it as a glaze for salmon or pork tenderloin, spoon it over vanilla or chocolate ice cream, or serve it as a unique addition to a cheese board. It’s a true multipurpose jam!

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a jam that truly stands out and impresses everyone at the table, you must give this Sweet and Spicy Jalapeño Strawberry Jam Recipe a try. It’s easy, a little bit daring, and guaranteed to spark smiles. Whether you gift a jar or keep it all to yourself, you’ll never look at strawberries (or jalapeños) the same way again!

Sweet and Spicy Jalapeño Strawberry Jam Recipe

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4.6 from 29 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: About 6 half-pint jars 1x
Diet: Gluten-Free, Vegetarian

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Description

Enjoy the perfect balance of sweetness and heat with this Sweet and Spicy Jalapeño Strawberry Jam recipe. Fresh strawberries and jalapeños come together with a hint of tangy lemon juice and apple cider vinegar to create a versatile jam that pairs beautifully with both sweet and savory dishes.

Ingredients

Scale

Fresh Strawberry Mixture:

4 cups fresh strawberries (hulled and chopped)
2–3 jalapeño peppers (seeded and finely chopped)
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
¼ tsp salt

Jam Base:

1 package (1.75 oz) fruit pectin (such as Sure-Jell)
5 cups granulated sugar

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Instructions

Prepare the Strawberry Mixture: In a large saucepan, combine the strawberries, jalapeños, lemon juice, vinegar, and salt. Gently mash the strawberries, leaving some texture.
Dissolve Pectin: Stir in the pectin until fully dissolved.
Boil the Jam: Bring the mixture to a boil, then add sugar and return to a boil. Boil for 1 minute.
Jar the Jam: Remove from heat, skim foam, ladle into jars, and seal.
Canning (Optional): Process jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes.