Jalapeño Strawberry Jam Recipe
If you’ve ever dreamed of a jam that bursts with the sweetness of ripe strawberries but surprises you with a cheeky kick of heat, then this Jalapeño Strawberry Jam Recipe is exactly what you need in your kitchen. It perfectly balances bright, juicy fruitiness with just the right amount of spicy warmth, making it a standout spread that will elevate your breakfast toast, cheese boards, or even grilled meats. Get ready to fall in love with a jam that’s bold, beautiful, and so easy to make at home!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is the first step to creating this unforgettable jam. Each component plays a vital role in delivering the perfect harmony of flavors, texture, and that stunning vibrant color.
- 2 cups fresh strawberries: Use ripe, hulled, and chopped strawberries to provide natural sweetness and juicy texture.
- 1-2 fresh jalapeños: Deseeded for milder heat, or keep seeds for a bolder punch; finely chopped to evenly distribute spiciness.
- 3 cups sugar: Essential to balance the tartness of the fruit and help the jam set properly.
- 1/4 cup lemon juice: Adds brightness and helps with natural preservation while enhancing flavor.
- 1 package (1.75 oz) fruit pectin: A key ingredient for thickening, ensuring your jam reaches that luscious, spreadable consistency.
- 1/2 cup water: Helps the cooking process by softening the fruit and dissolving pectin for the perfect texture.
How to Make Jalapeño Strawberry Jam Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by washing fresh strawberries thoroughly; then hull and chop them into bite-sized pieces so they’ll cook evenly. Remove the seeds from your jalapeños if you prefer less heat, then finely chop to distribute the spicy kick without overwhelming the jam.
Step 2: Cook Strawberries and Jalapeños
In a large saucepan, combine the chopped strawberries, jalapeños, and half a cup of water. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, allowing the fruit to soften and break down. A simmer for about 5 to 10 minutes will coax out deep flavors and create a juicy base.
Step 3: Sweeten and Add Pectin
Once the strawberries are tender, stir in the sugar and lemon juice until fully combined. Gradually sprinkle in the fruit pectin while stirring constantly — this step is crucial for achieving that perfect jam thickness without lumps.
Step 4: Boil to Thicken
Bring the jam mixture back to a rolling boil, cooking it for 5 to 7 minutes while stirring continuously. You’ll notice it thickening and the aroma intensifying — this is the magic moment where your jam transforms into a luscious, spreadable delight.
Step 5: Jar and Seal
Pour the hot jam carefully into sterilized jars, leaving about a quarter of an inch from the top to allow for expansion. Seal the jars tightly and process them in a hot water bath for 5 to 10 minutes to ensure safe preservation. If you’d rather use it fresh, simply refrigerate the jam and enjoy within a few weeks.
Step 6: Cool and Savor
Allow your jars to cool completely. Once the jam has set and cooled, it’s ready to impress your friends and family with that unique, vibrant blend of strawberry sweetness and jalapeño heat.
How to Serve Jalapeño Strawberry Jam Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle your favorite fresh herbs like mint or basil on top to add a fragrant, fresh note that complements the jam’s spicy-sweet profile beautifully. A light dusting of flaky sea salt can also amplify flavors in a surprising twist.
Side Dishes
This jam pairs wonderfully with soft cheeses such as brie or goat cheese, making it a fantastic addition to any cheese board. Also consider serving it alongside grilled chicken or pork for a sweet and spicy glaze that will delight your taste buds.
Creative Ways to Present
Try swirling the jam into plain yogurt or whipping it into butter to create an exciting spread with a pop of flavor. It’s also fabulous spooned over vanilla ice cream or mixed into cocktail syrups for a fun and flavorful twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your jam jars sealed tightly and store them in the refrigerator if you’ve chosen not to process them in a water bath. Properly refrigerated, your jalapeño strawberry jam will stay fresh for several weeks, ready to brighten up your meals.
Freezing
For longer storage, transfer the jam to freezer-safe containers, leaving a little headspace for expansion. Frozen jam will maintain its quality for up to six months and can be thawed overnight in the fridge whenever a tasty treat is needed.
Reheating
If the jam thickens too much after refrigeration or thawing, gently warm it over low heat while stirring continuously to restore a spreadable consistency. Avoid boiling it again to preserve fresh flavors and texture.
FAQs
Can I adjust the spiciness of the jam?
Absolutely! Removing the jalapeño seeds reduces the heat, while adding more jalapeños or keeping the seeds increases spice. Feel free to tweak the quantity to suit your taste buds perfectly.
Do I need to use fruit pectin?
Fruit pectin helps the jam set properly, giving it that classic jam texture. Without it, the jam may be runnier or require longer cooking times, so using pectin is recommended for the best results.
How long does the jam last once opened?
Once opened, refrigerate your jam and consume it within about 3 to 4 weeks for the freshest flavor and safety.
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, frozen strawberries work well too. Just thaw them before starting, and you may need to adjust cooking time slightly to achieve the desired thickness.
Is this jam suitable as a gift?
Definitely! Homemade jalapeño strawberry jam is a delightful, unexpected gift that friends and family will love, especially when nicely jarred with a personalized label.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the excitement of trying a new jam that challenges your taste buds in all the best ways. This Jalapeño Strawberry Jam Recipe offers that perfect blend of sweet and spicy, bringing homemade goodness right to your table. Don’t be shy—make a batch, share it around, and watch it become your new favorite kitchen staple.
Print
Jalapeño Strawberry Jam Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (approx. 2 cups jam) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This sweet and spicy Jalapeño Strawberry Jam combines fresh strawberries with a kick of jalapeño heat, creating a unique and flavorful spread perfect for toast, cheese boards, or as a glaze for meats. The jam is cooked on the stovetop and uses fruit pectin to ensure a deliciously thick and spreadable consistency.
Ingredients
Fruit Base
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
- 1–2 fresh jalapeños, seeds removed for less heat
Additional 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 fresh strawberries carefully to ensure a clean base for the jam. Then, remove seeds from the jalapeños for milder heat and finely chop them.
- Cook the Jam Base: In a large saucepan, combine the chopped strawberries, jalapeños, and water. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to simmer for 5 to 10 minutes, allowing the strawberries to break down.
- Add Sugar and Lemon Juice: Stir in the sugar and lemon juice thoroughly to help the jam set and balance the flavors.
- Incorporate Fruit Pectin: Gradually add the fruit pectin while stirring continuously to distribute it evenly and prevent clumping.
- Boil to Thicken: Bring the mixture back to a rolling boil and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring constantly until the jam thickens to the desired consistency.
- Jar the Jam: Pour the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace at the top. Seal the jars tightly.
- Process or Refrigerate: For longer storage, process the sealed jars in a hot water bath for 5 to 10 minutes to ensure preservation. If you prefer to consume sooner, refrigerate the jars and use within a few weeks.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the jars to cool completely before serving. Enjoy your homemade Jalapeño Strawberry Jam on toast, with cheese, or as a flavorful condiment.
Notes
- Removing jalapeño seeds reduces the heat level; keep seeds for spicier jam.
- Ensure jars are properly sterilized to prevent spoilage.
- If you don’t have fruit pectin, the jam may take longer to set or have a softer texture.
- Store unopened jars in a cool, dark place; refrigerate after opening.
- This jam pairs well with cream cheese, grilled meats, or as a topping for desserts.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
