Red Pepper Jelly

This Red Pepper Jelly is not only a vibrant holiday appetizer but also an exciting addition to any gathering. It pairs beautifully with cream cheese and crackers, making it a perfect choice for festive occasions or as a thoughtful homemade gift. The sweet and spicy flavors of this jelly will surely impress your guests, offering them a unique taste experience that stands out.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this delightful jelly in no time.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it over cream cheese, use it in sandwiches, or enjoy it as a glaze for meats.
• Great for Gifting: Beautifully jarred, this jelly makes a lovely homemade gift for friends and family.
• Colorful Presentation: The bright red hue adds a pop of color to your appetizer table, making it visually appealing.
• Perfect Balance of Sweet and Spicy: The combination of bell peppers and jalapeños creates a flavorful experience that pleases the palate.

Tools and Preparation

Preparing your Red Pepper Jelly requires some essential tools to ensure everything goes smoothly. Having these items ready will help streamline the process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Canning jars
• Canning lids
• Large saucepan
• Hot water canner
• Ladle
• Measuring cups

Importance of Each Tool

• Canning jars: These are crucial for storing your jelly safely while ensuring freshness.
• Large saucepan: A spacious pan allows you to mix ingredients thoroughly and achieve a good boil.
• Hot water canner: This tool is essential for properly processing the jars, ensuring shelf stability.

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Ingredients

To create this delicious Red Pepper Jelly, gather the following ingredients:

Bell Peppers

• 3 cups finely chopped red bell pepper
• 1 cup finely chopped green bell pepper
• 1/4 cup finely chopped jalapeño pepper

Liquids

• 1 cup apple cider vinegar

Pectin and Sugar

• 1 1/2 (1.75 ounce each) packages SURE-JELL powder pectin
• 5 cups white sugar

For Serving

• 8 ounces cream cheese
• 1 box crackers

How to Make Red Pepper Jelly

Step 1: Prepare the Jars

Begin by sterilizing six 8-ounce canning jars and lids according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Heat your water in a hot water canner for processing.

Step 2: Cook the Peppers

Place the red bell peppers, green bell peppers, and jalapeño peppers into a large saucepan over high heat. Mix in the apple cider vinegar and Sure-Jell pectin. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil while stirring constantly.

Step 3: Add Sugar

Quickly stir in the sugar once boiling. Return to a rolling boil and boil for 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and skim off any foam.

Step 4: Jar the Jelly

Quickly ladle the jelly into your prepared jars, filling each to 1/4 inch from the top. Cover with flat lids; then screw on the bands tightly.

Step 5: Process the Jars

Place the jars into the canning rack, lowering them slowly into the canner. Ensure that hot water covers the jars completely. Bring water to a boil and process for five minutes.

Step 6: Cool Down

Remove the jars from the canner and allow them to cool completely.

Step 7: Serve

To serve your Red Pepper Jelly appetizer, place a block of cream cheese on a plate. Spoon the red pepper jelly on top of the cream cheese and serve with crackers.

This easy-to-follow recipe will yield around 24 servings of delectable Red Pepper Jelly! Enjoy sharing this delightful dish with friends and family during your next gathering.

How to Serve Red Pepper Jelly

Red Pepper Jelly is a versatile and vibrant dish that can elevate your holiday gatherings or casual get-togethers. Here are some serving suggestions to make the most of this delightful jelly.

On Cream Cheese

• Spread a generous layer of cream cheese on a platter and spoon the red pepper jelly over it for a tasty appetizer. Serve with your favorite crackers for an irresistible combination.

With Grilled Chicken

• Drizzle red pepper jelly over grilled chicken breasts to add a sweet and spicy kick. This pairing works well with both plain and marinated chicken.

As a Glaze for Meat

• Use red pepper jelly as a glaze for beef or turkey. Brush it on during the last few minutes of cooking to create a flavorful finish that caramelizes beautifully.

In Salad Dressings

• Mix red pepper jelly into your salad dressings for added sweetness and tang. Combine it with olive oil and vinegar for an easy and delicious dressing.

On Charcuterie Boards

• Include red pepper jelly on your charcuterie board for guests to enjoy with cheese, nuts, and dried fruits. Its vibrant color adds visual appeal to the spread.

As a Gift Idea

• Jarred red pepper jelly makes an excellent homemade gift. Present it in decorative jars with a ribbon and tag for a thoughtful treat during the holidays or special occasions.

How to Perfect Red Pepper Jelly

To achieve the best results when making red pepper jelly, consider these helpful tips:

• Choose fresh peppers – Fresh, ripe peppers will yield the best flavor and texture in your jelly.
• Measure ingredients accurately – Precision in measuring sugar and pectin is crucial for achieving the right consistency.
• Stir constantly – Keep stirring while boiling to prevent sticking, which can affect the final product.
• Skim off foam – Removing foam after boiling improves the clarity and appearance of your jelly.
• Use sterilized jars – Properly sterilized jars ensure longer shelf life and prevent contamination.
• Adjust sweetness – If you prefer a less sweet jelly, you can reduce the sugar slightly without compromising too much on texture.

Best Side Dishes for Red Pepper Jelly

Red Pepper Jelly pairs wonderfully with various side dishes that complement its sweet and spicy flavors. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Bread – Crispy garlic bread offers a savory contrast that balances well with the sweetness of the jelly.
2. Roasted Vegetables – A mix of seasonal roasted vegetables adds earthy flavors that enhance your overall meal experience.
3. Quinoa Salad – A refreshing quinoa salad with herbs provides lightness that contrasts with rich appetizers.
4. Coleslaw – A tangy coleslaw offers crunchiness that pairs nicely with creamy elements like cream cheese.
5. Stuffed Mushrooms – Savory stuffed mushrooms create a delightful bite-size treat alongside red pepper jelly appetizers.
6. Potato Wedges – Crispy potato wedges can be dipped into the jelly for an unexpected yet delicious flavor combo.
7. Caprese Salad – Fresh mozzarella and tomatoes drizzled with balsamic offer brightness alongside sweet red pepper flavors.
8. Cauliflower Rice – Light cauliflower rice serves as a low-carb side dish that lets the flavors of the jelly shine through without overwhelming them.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Red Pepper Jelly, it’s easy to make a few common errors. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Using unsterilized jars – Always sterilize your jars before canning to prevent spoilage. Boil them in water for at least 10 minutes or run them through a dishwasher cycle.

• Not measuring ingredients accurately – Precision is key in jelly-making. Use proper measuring tools for both liquid and dry ingredients to ensure the right consistency.

• Skipping the boiling step – Failing to bring your mixture to a rolling boil can result in a jelly that doesn’t set properly. Make sure you boil it vigorously for the required time.

• Overfilling jars – Fill jars only up to 1/4 inch from the top. Overfilling can cause bubbling during processing, leading to seal failure.

• Not allowing jars to cool properly – After processing, let your jars cool completely at room temperature before storing them. This helps ensure a good seal.

• Ignoring storage guidelines – Store your jelly in a cool, dark place. Improper storage can affect its flavor and shelf life.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store your Red Pepper Jelly in the refrigerator after opening.
• Use airtight containers or keep it in the original jar with a tight lid.
• It will last for about 3 weeks once opened.

Freezing Red Pepper Jelly

• You can freeze Red Pepper Jelly for longer storage.
• Use freezer-safe containers or freezer bags, leaving space for expansion.
• It will maintain its best quality for up to 6 months in the freezer.

Reheating Red Pepper Jelly

• Oven – Preheat the oven to low heat (around 200°F). Place the jelly in an oven-safe dish and warm gently until heated through.

• Microwave – Place jelly in a microwave-safe bowl and heat on medium power for 15-30 seconds at a time, stirring in between until warmed.

• Stovetop – Use a small saucepan over low heat. Stir occasionally until the jelly melts and becomes warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about making Red Pepper Jelly, you’re not alone! Here are some frequently asked questions:

Can I substitute other peppers?

Yes, you can use different types of peppers like yellow or orange bell peppers for varying flavors and colors.

How do I know if my jelly has set?

Perform the spoon test: drop some jelly on a cold plate; if it holds its shape and doesn’t run off, it’s set correctly.

What recipes can I use Red Pepper Jelly in?

Red Pepper Jelly is versatile! Use it as a glaze for meats, spread it on sandwiches, or serve it over cream cheese with crackers as an appetizer.

Can I make this recipe spicy?

Absolutely! Increase the amount of jalapeño pepper or add other hot peppers to suit your spice preference.

How long does homemade Red Pepper Jelly last?

Unopened jars of homemade Red Pepper Jelly can last up to a year when stored correctly in a cool, dark place.

Final Thoughts

This Red Pepper Jelly recipe is not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile. It’s perfect as an appetizer when served over cream cheese with crackers or as a unique gift idea. Feel free to customize the recipe by adjusting spice levels or experimenting with different pepper varieties. Try making this delightful treat today!