If you are looking to brighten your pantry with a delightful spread that dances perfectly between sweet and spicy, this Jalapeño Strawberry Jam Recipe is exactly what you need. Bursting with the natural sweetness of ripe strawberries and the lively kick of jalapeño peppers, this jam is a sensational way to elevate your breakfasts, snacks, and even savory dishes. The balance of fruity freshness and just enough heat will have you reaching for this jar again and again, whether you’re spooning it on toast, dolloping it on cheese, or adding a zingy twist to your favorite recipes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What’s truly amazing about this Jalapeño Strawberry Jam Recipe is that it relies on a handful of straightforward, everyday ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in developing the vibrant color, luscious texture, and mouth-tingling flavor that makes this jam so irresistible.
- 2 cups fresh strawberries: These provide the juicy sweetness and natural pectin that give the jam its classic fruity base and beautiful red color.
- 1-2 fresh jalapeños: Removing the seeds tames the heat, allowing you to adjust the spice level while adding a subtle smoky warmth.
- 3 cups sugar: Besides sweetening, sugar helps preserve the jam and contributes to its glossy finish.
- 1/4 cup lemon juice: The acidity balances sweetness and enhances the fruit flavors, while also helping the jam set.
- 1 package (1.75 oz) fruit pectin: This is essential for achieving that perfect gel-like consistency every jam lover dreams of.
- 1/2 cup water: Helps the fruit and pectin blend smoothly and aids in cooking down the mixture evenly.
How to Make Jalapeño Strawberry Jam Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by washing your strawberries thoroughly, then hull and chop them into bite-sized pieces. Removing the strawberries’ green tops ensures a smooth and sweet jam.
Step 2: Chop the Jalapeños
For those who prefer milder heat, remove the seeds from the jalapeños before finely chopping them. This step allows you to control the spice level while still capturing the pepper’s distinctive flavor.
Step 3: Combine and Cook the Fruit and Jalapeños
In a large saucepan, combine the chopped strawberries, jalapeños, and water. Place the pot over medium heat and bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 5 to 10 minutes until the strawberries begin to break down into a luscious, bubbling mix.
Step 4: Add Sugar and Lemon Juice
Add your sugar and lemon juice into the simmering fruit mixture. Stir well until all the sugar dissolves, ensuring the jam won’t be grainy later on.
Step 5: Incorporate the Fruit Pectin
Gradually stir in the fruit pectin, mixing continuously to prevent clumps. This vital step thickens your jam, giving it that irresistible gel texture.
Step 6: Boil Until Thickened
Bring the mixture back to a rolling boil and let it cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring frequently. You’ll notice the jam thickens beautifully and develops a rich, glossy sheen—this is the moment it’s nearly perfect.
Step 7: Can the Jam for Long-Term Storage
Carefully ladle the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace. Seal them tightly and process in a hot water bath for 5 to 10 minutes to ensure they’re shelf-stable. If you don’t want to can it immediately, simply refrigerate and use the jam within a few weeks.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the jars to cool completely at room temperature before storing. Once cooled, your homemade jalapeño strawberry jam is ready to add a pop of flavor to your favorite foods.
How to Serve Jalapeño Strawberry Jam Recipe
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of fresh mint leaves or a small wedge of lime when serving the jam on a cheese platter or breakfast toast. These subtle garnishes complement the jam’s vibrant flavors and brighten its presentation.
Side Dishes
This jam pairs exceptionally well with creamy cheeses such as brie, goat cheese, or cream cheese. Serve it alongside crusty bread, crackers, or even as a glaze on grilled meats for an inventive side dish that impresses every time.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond traditional slathering—use this Jalapeño Strawberry Jam Recipe as a topping for yogurt parfaits, stirred into cocktails for a sweet-spicy twist, or dolloped on grilled chicken or pork to elevate weeknight dinners into something truly special and memorable.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once opened, keep your jam refrigerated and tightly sealed. It will stay fresh and flavorful for about 3 to 4 weeks, allowing you to savor its wonderful taste long after making it.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy your jalapeño strawberry jam well into the future, consider freezing it in airtight containers. When frozen properly, it can last up to six months without losing its delicious flavor or texture.
Reheating
Rewarm refrigerated or frozen jam gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until it returns to a spreadable consistency. Avoid overheating to maintain the fresh strawberry flavor and the subtle jalapeño kick.
FAQs
Can I adjust the level of spiciness in this jam?
Absolutely! The heat comes mainly from the jalapeño seeds and membranes, so removing them results in a milder jam. You can also add more peppers if you prefer extra heat or reduce the jalapeño quantity altogether for just a subtle hint.
Do I need special equipment to make this jam?
No special tools are necessary beyond a large saucepan and sterilized jars for canning or storing. Basic kitchen utensils, such as a knife, cutting board, and stirring spoon, are all you need to create this incredible jalapeño strawberry jam.
Is fruit pectin necessary? Can I make jam without it?
Fruit pectin helps the jam set and achieve that perfect jelly consistency, especially when using fresh fruit. While you can make jam without it, the texture may be softer and more syrupy rather than firm.
What if I want to make this jam with frozen strawberries?
You can use frozen strawberries, but thaw and drain excess liquid first for best results. Since frozen fruit tends to be softer and more watery, the jam might require a slightly longer cooking time or a bit more pectin to thicken properly.
How long does homemade jam last once canned?
Properly canned and sealed jars of jam can last up to one year stored in a cool, dark place. Always check the seals before consuming, and refrigerate after opening to maintain freshness and safety.
Final Thoughts
Making this Jalapeño Strawberry Jam Recipe is an absolute joy that rewards you with a jam full of vibrant sweetness and exciting spice. Its versatility makes it a standout addition to your homemade preserves collection, guaranteed to impress friends and family. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try it yourself and enjoy every delicious, tangy, and spicy spoonful!
Print
Jalapeño Strawberry Jam Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (approximately 2 cups of jam)
- Category: Jam
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A vibrant and tangy Jalapeño Strawberry Jam combining the sweetness of fresh strawberries with a spicy kick from jalapeños. Perfect for adding a unique twist to toast, cheese platters, or grilled meats, this homemade jam is easy to prepare with simple ingredients and cooked on the stovetop.
Ingredients
Jam Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
- 1–2 fresh jalapeños, seeds removed for less heat
- 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 to ensure they cook evenly and break down properly.
- Prepare the Jalapeños: Remove the seeds from 1-2 jalapeños to control the heat level, then finely chop them to blend well with the fruit.
- Cook the Base: Combine chopped strawberries, jalapeños, and 1/2 cup water in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer for 5-10 minutes until the strawberries start to break down and soften.
- Add Sweetness and Pectin: Stir in 3 cups of sugar and 1/4 cup lemon juice thoroughly into the fruit mixture.
- Incorporate the Fruit Pectin: Gradually add the fruit pectin packet while stirring continuously to avoid clumping and ensure an even consistency.
- Boil to Thicken: Bring the entire mixture to a rolling boil and maintain for 5-7 minutes, stirring often, until the jam thickens and reaches the desired gel stage.
- Jar the Jam: Pour the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace at the top to allow for expansion.
- Seal and Process: Secure the jar lids and process in a hot water bath for 5-10 minutes to preserve the jam safely, or alternatively refrigerate and use within a few weeks.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the jars to cool completely before storing. Enjoy your jalapeño strawberry jam on toast, with cheese, or as a spicy-sweet condiment!
Notes
- Adjust the number of jalapeños or leave seeds in if you prefer a spicier jam.
- Use sterilized jars to ensure safe preservation and prevent spoilage.
- This jam can be refrigerated for up to 3 weeks if not canned.
- The lemon juice helps with both flavor balance and preservation by adding acidity.
- Be sure to stir continuously when adding pectin to avoid lumps.
- If jam doesn’t set after cooling, try re-boiling with a little more pectin according to package instructions.
