Jalapeño Strawberry Jam Recipe
If you love the vibrant sweetness of strawberries with a playful kick of heat, this Jalapeño Strawberry Jam Recipe is an absolute must-try. It brings together the juicy, sun-ripened strawberries and the bold zest of fresh jalapeños for a unique jam that dances on your taste buds. Whether you’re slathering it on toast, stirring it into yogurt, or elevating a cheese board, this jam manages to be both comforting and exciting in every spoonful. Trust me, once you make this, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s something wonderful about using simple, fresh ingredients that come together to create such a memorable flavor. Each item in this recipe plays an important role, whether adding sweetness, tartness, spice, or helping the jam reach that perfect spreadable texture.
- Fresh strawberries: Use ripe, juicy strawberries for the best natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- Fresh jalapeños: Removing the seeds helps control the heat level while keeping that signature jalapeño zing.
- Sugar: Balances the tartness and acts as a natural preservative.
- Lemon juice: Adds brightness and helps the jam gel properly with the pectin.
- Fruit pectin: Essential for giving your jam that perfect thickness and gel texture.
- Water: Helps meld the flavors and prevents the mixture from burning during cooking.
How to Make Jalapeño Strawberry Jam Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries and Jalapeños
Start by washing the strawberries thoroughly, then hull and chop them into bite-sized pieces. For the jalapeños, remove the seeds if you prefer a milder heat, and finely chop them so the spicy notes distribute evenly without overwhelming any single bite.
Step 2: Cook the Fruit Mixture
Combine the chopped strawberries, jalapeños, and water in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 5 to 10 minutes until the strawberries soften and start to break down. This is where those flavors begin to meld beautifully.
Step 3: Add Sugar, Lemon Juice, and Pectin
Now stir in the sugar and lemon juice, which balance the sweet and tart elements perfectly. Gradually add the fruit pectin while stirring continuously to avoid lumps. The pectin is the magic ingredient that helps your jam set just right.
Step 4: Boil to Thicken
Bring the entire mixture to a rolling boil and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring frequently. You’ll notice the jam thickening and becoming glossy—this is the sign that your Jalapeño Strawberry Jam Recipe is almost ready to be jarred.
Step 5: Can or Store the Jam
Pour the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of space at the top. Seal the jars tightly and either process them in a hot water bath for 5 to 10 minutes to preserve them long-term or simply refrigerate and plan to enjoy within a few weeks. Allow the jars to cool completely before serving.
How to Serve Jalapeño Strawberry Jam Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your jam presentation by adding a fresh strawberry or a thin jalapeño slice on top of your serving dish. A sprinkle of fresh mint leaves can also add a lovely, refreshing contrast to the sweet-spicy flavors.
Side Dishes
This jam pairs wonderfully with warm, buttery toast or crispy crackers. It’s also incredible alongside creamy cheeses like goat cheese, cream cheese, or sharp cheddar, making it perfect for a cheese platter or charcuterie board.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful by swirling this Jalapeño Strawberry Jam Recipe into plain yogurt or cottage cheese for a flavorful snack. Use it as a glaze for grilled meats or a topping on pancakes and waffles, adding a surprising and satisfying spice twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you haven’t canned the jam, store any leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator. It will keep well for about three weeks, allowing plenty of time to savor all those vibrant flavors.
Freezing
To enjoy this jam beyond the usual timeframe, you can freeze it in freezer-safe containers. Make sure to leave space at the top for expansion. Frozen jam retains its flavor, though the texture may change slightly once thawed.
Reheating
If you want to loosen the jam’s texture after freezing or refrigeration, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally until it reaches your preferred consistency. Avoid boiling as it may affect the texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I adjust the heat level in this Jalapeño Strawberry Jam Recipe?
Absolutely! Removing the seeds from jalapeños reduces the heat, while leaving them in increases spiciness. You can also adjust the number of jalapeños used according to your spice tolerance.
What type of pectin should I use?
Regular fruit pectin, like Sure-Jell, works best for this recipe. It helps the jam set quickly and gives you that perfect gel-like consistency without added bitterness.
How long does the jam last once opened?
Once opened, keep the jam refrigerated and use it within three weeks for the best flavor and freshness.
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen strawberries can work in a pinch, but fresh berries will give you brighter flavor and better texture. If using frozen, thaw them first and drain any excess liquid before cooking.
Is this jam suitable for gift-giving?
Definitely! Jarred Jalapeño Strawberry Jam makes a thoughtful and delicious homemade gift. Just be sure to properly sterilize jars and process in a water bath for long-term storage.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re just as excited as I am to give this Jalapeño Strawberry Jam Recipe a try. There’s something truly special about the blend of sweet and spicy flavors that can brighten your breakfasts, snacks, and even dinner. Once you make it, I promise it will quickly become a staple in your kitchen—one that you’ll be eager to share with friends and family. Happy cooking, and enjoy every delicious bite!
Print
Jalapeño Strawberry Jam Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (approximately 2 cups of jam) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This vibrant Jalapeño Strawberry Jam combines the sweetness of fresh strawberries with the spicy kick of jalapeños, creating a unique and flavorful preserve perfect for spreading on toast, glazing meats, or adding a zesty twist to desserts. Made with simple ingredients and fruit pectin for the perfect consistency, this jam is a delightful balance of sweet and heat.
Ingredients
Fruits and Vegetables
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
- 1–2 fresh jalapeños, seeds removed for less heat, finely chopped
Other Ingredients
- 3 cups sugar
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 package (1.75 oz) fruit pectin (like Sure-Jell)
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Wash, hull, and chop the strawberries into small pieces to help them break down easily during cooking.
- Prepare Jalapeños: Remove seeds from jalapeños if you prefer milder heat, then finely chop them to disperse the spicy flavor evenly throughout the jam.
- Cook the Jam Base: In a large saucepan, combine chopped strawberries, jalapeños, and water. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 5-10 minutes until the strawberries begin to break down.
- Add Sugar and Lemon Juice: Stir in the sugar and lemon juice thoroughly. The lemon juice helps with setting the jam and preserves flavor.
- Incorporate Pectin: Gradually add the fruit pectin while stirring continuously to avoid lumps, ensuring it fully dissolves into the mixture.
- Boil to Thicken: Bring the mixture back to a full rolling boil and cook for 5-7 minutes while stirring constantly. This step activates the pectin and thickens the jam.
- Can the Jam: Pour the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace. Seal the jars with lids immediately.
- Process the Jars: To preserve the jam for longer storage, process the sealed jars in a boiling water bath for 5-10 minutes. Alternatively, you can refrigerate the jam and use within a few weeks.
- Cool and Store: Allow the jars to cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, store them in a cool, dark place or in the refrigerator.
- Enjoy: Serve your Jalapeño Strawberry Jam on toast, crackers, or use it as a condiment to add a flavorful kick to your meals.
Notes
- Adjust the number of jalapeños according to your heat preference.
- Ensure jars are sterilized properly to prevent spoilage.
- Use fresh and ripe strawberries for the best flavor and natural sweetness.
- You can reuse the jam in sauces or as a glaze for meats for an extra dimension of taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
