Hot Cherry Pepper Jelly (Easy Recipe)

I am so excited to share with you one of my favorite recipes, hot cherry pepper jelly!

This sweet and spicy jelly is perfect for adding a bit of flavor and heat to any dish.

It pairs perfectly with sharp cheeses or grilled meats, but I also love to use it as a glaze for roasted vegetables or as a condiment on sandwiches.

Plus, it’s easy to make and perfect for gifting to friends and family.

Get ready to impress everyone with this delicious and versatile jelly!

5 Reasons You’ll Love This Hot Cherry Pepper Jelly Recipe

1. Unique flavor: This jelly has the perfect balance of sweet cherries and spicy peppers, making it a unique and addicting flavor combination.
2. Versatility: Use it as a condiment, glaze, or dip, this jelly can be used in a variety of ways to add flavor to different dishes.
3. Easy to make: With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, anyone can make this amazing jelly at home.
4. Perfect for gifting: Impress your friends and family with homemade hot cherry pepper jelly, it makes a perfect gift for any occasion.
5. Long shelf life: The jelly can be stored for up to a year, making it a convenient and delicious pantry staple.

Essential Equipment

• Stockpot: You will need a deep pot to cook the jelly, so make sure your pot is large enough to hold all the ingredients.
• Food Processor: To chop the cherries and peppers, you will need a food processor.
• Canning kit: You will need a canner, jars, lids, bands, funnel, and jar lifter to properly store the jelly.
• Oven: To sterilize the jars, you will need an oven.
• Rubber Spatula: A rubber spatula can make it easier for you to remove any air bubbles while filling up the jars.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Sweet Cherries (1 cup): They add sweetness to the jelly and a beautiful color.
• Red Bell Pepper (1 large): It adds depth and flavor to the jelly.
• Jalapeno Peppers (2 seeded and diced): It adds heat to the jelly.
• Apple Cider Vinegar (2 cups divided): It acts as a preservative and adds a tangy flavor.
• Sugar (6 cups): It balances the sweet and heat.
• Liquid Pectin (2 3-oz pkgs.): It’s a gelling agent that helps the jelly to set.

How To Make Hot Cherry Pepper Jelly

1. Sterilize the Jars: Properly clean and sterilize the jars, lids, and bands. Preheat the oven to 250 degrees and place clean jars on the rack to keep warm and sterilized.
2. Prepare the Canner: As you prepare the jelly, place the canner filled half full with water on the stove and allow it to come to a slow simmer.
3. Process the Cherries and Peppers: In the bowl of a food processor, place the pitted cherries, red bell pepper, diced jalapeno peppers, and 1 cup of apple cider vinegar. Chop the mixture by pulsing until the desired consistency is reached.
4. Boil the Mixture: Pour the chopped mixture into a deep stock pot and stir in the remaining 1 cup of apple cider vinegar and sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring often.
5. Add the Pectin: Once the mixture reaches a rolling boil, stir constantly for 5 minutes (stirring will keep it from boiling over). Remove the pot from the heat and skim off any foam. Cool for 2 minutes, then whisk in the liquid pectin. Ladle the jelly into the sterilized jars, wiping the lips with a clean cloth to remove any drips. Cover with a lid and band and place in the rack of the canner.

5 Expert Tips and Tricks for The BEST Jelly

• Use a candy thermometer: Using a candy thermometer can help you make sure the jelly reaches the adequate temperature to ensure a good texture.
• Remove the seeds and veins from the peppers: This will help reduce the heat level in the jelly without sacrificing flavor.
• Skim off any foam: Removing the foam while cooking the jelly will result in a clearer final product.
• Sterilize all equipment: Properly sterilizing all equipment, including jars and utensils, will help prevent bacteria growth and increase the jelly’s shelf-life.
• Let the jelly set: Allow the jelly to set for at least 12 to 24 hours before moving or disturbing it, as this will help it achieve the desired consistency.

Uses For Hot Cherry Pepper Jelly

1. Cheese board: Serve it with a cheese board alongside your favorite cheeses and crackers.
2. BBQ season: Use it as a glaze for grilled meats, like chicken or pork.
3. Sandwiches: Add a dollop of the jelly to a sandwich in place of traditional condiments like ketchup or mustard.
4. Dipping sauce: Mix it with cream cheese or sour cream to make a unique dipping sauce.
5. Salad dressing: Mix it with olive oil and vinegar to create a flavorful salad dressing.
6. Pizza topping: Drizzle it on top of pizza to add an extra punch of flavor.
7. Appetizer: Spread it on a piece of toasted bread, and top it with goat cheese to create an easy appetizer.
8. Snack: Spread it on toast or crackers for a quick and delicious snack.
9. Stir fry sauce: Add it to stir-fry to add a sweet and spicy flavor.
10. Gift: Give it to friends and family as a thoughtful and delicious gift.

Recipe Variations

• Peach and Habanero: Substitute the cherries with peaches and jalapenos with habaneros for a different flavor combination.
• Blueberry and Ghost Pepper: Switch the cherries with blueberries, and add ghost peppers for a hotter flavor.
• Cranberry and Serrano: Substitute cherries with cranberries and jalapenos with serrano peppers for a festive flavor.
• Apricot and Chipotle: Use apricots in place of cherries and chipotle peppers for a smoky and sweet jelly.
• Pineapple and Scotch Bonnet: Substitute cherries for pineapple and jalapenos for Scotch Bonnet peppers for a tropical flavor.

Substitutions

• White Vinegar: You can substitute apple cider vinegar with white vinegar.
• Xylitol or Stevia: You can replace sugar with xylitol or stevia for a lower-calorie version of the jelly.
• Different Types of Peppers: You can experiment with different types of peppers for a unique flavor. Use caution when substituting peppers as some are much hotter than others.

Storing, Freezing, and Reheating

• Storing: Store the jars in a cool and dark place for up to a year.
• Freezing: The jelly can be frozen for up to 6 months.
• Reheating: Place the jelly in a saucepan over low heat and stir until it’s melted and heated through.