Jalapeño Strawberry Jam Recipe

If you’re searching for a jam that’s full of summery brightness with a twist, Jalapeño Strawberry Jam absolutely delivers. This jarred wonder brings together juicy, sun-ripened strawberries and sassy jalapeños in a spread that’s as vibrant, sweet, and spicy as your favorite summer memory. It’s the kind of jam that wakes up your morning toast, makes cheese boards sing, and surprises you in savory dishes—all while capturing the colors and flavors of the season. Whether you’re a canning newbie or a jam fanatic, get ready to fall in love with this irresistible flavor combo.

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of ingredients, each one plays a starring role in shaping the taste and character of your Jalapeño Strawberry Jam. Every item in this lineup brings something important, from setting the texture to dialing up the sweet or spicy notes.

• Fresh strawberries: Choose bright, ripe berries for deep flavor and a gorgeous red hue.
• Jalapeños: Adjust the heat to your liking—remove the seeds for a tamer batch or leave a few in for extra fire!
• Sugar: Sweetens the jam and helps achieve that perfect spreadable consistency.
• Lemon juice: Adds brightness and balances the sweetness while helping the jam set.
• Fruit pectin (like Sure-Jell): This is your natural thickener for beautiful, jammy texture.
• Water: Just enough to keep things moving in the saucepan while mingling flavors during cooking.

How to Make Jalapeño Strawberry Jam

Step 1: Prep Your Produce

Start by washing, hulling, and chopping your strawberries into bite-sized pieces. Slice your jalapeños in half, scoop out the seeds (unless you love extra heat), and finely chop them. This prep work sets the stage for a smooth, well-blended texture and lets all those enticing flavors infuse every spoonful of your Jalapeño Strawberry Jam.

Step 2: Simmer the Flavors

In a large saucepan, toss in your strawberries, jalapeños, and water. Set the pan over medium heat and bring everything to a gentle boil. After a few minutes, reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer for about 5 to 10 minutes. At this point, the strawberries will start to break down and the kitchen will smell amazing, signaling that magic is happening.

Step 3: Sweeten and Set

Stir the sugar and lemon juice into your simmered fruit. Gradually sprinkle in the pectin, stirring continuously to help it dissolve without clumping. Bring the whole mixture back to a rolling boil, then cook for 5 to 7 more minutes. Watch as everything thickens up to that dreamy, spreadable consistency—this is when Jalapeño Strawberry Jam comes to life!

Step 4: Fill and Seal the Jars

Ladle your piping-hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving about a quarter-inch of space at the top. Wipe the rims clean, seal with lids, and process the jars in a hot water bath for 5 to 10 minutes. If you want to skip canning, pop the jars in the fridge and enjoy within a few weeks—it’s perfect for anyone new to preserving.

Step 5: Cool and Enjoy

Set your jars on a towel to cool completely. You’ll hear those classic “pings” as the lids seal—always a satisfying sound! Once cooled, your Jalapeño Strawberry Jam is ready to slather, spoon, and savor however you like.

How to Serve Jalapeño Strawberry Jam

Garnishes

A sprig of fresh basil or mint on top of your spread not only looks beautiful but adds a fragrant pop. A sprinkle of extra finely chopped jalapeño can also hint at the warmth within, especially when you’re serving this jam at a brunch or dinner gathering.

Side Dishes

This jam is a game-changer paired with creamy brie or goat cheese on a hearty cracker. Try it with warm, buttery biscuits, or swirl a bit into yogurt for a refreshing twist. It’s also right at home alongside roasted meats, bringing a vibrant sweetness that cuts through savory flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Spread Jalapeño Strawberry Jam on a grilled cheese sandwich for an unforgettable sweet-heat upgrade. Use a dollop as a glaze for chicken or pork, or layer it into parfaits and desserts for a surprise kick. If you’re hosting, serve mini jam jars as edible favors—cute, delicious, and always a hit.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, you can keep your opened jam jars in the fridge for two to three weeks. The flavor actually deepens as it sits, making those last few spoonfuls extra luscious. Keep the jar tightly sealed to maintain freshness and prevent any unwanted fridge flavors from sneaking in.

Freezing

Want to save some summer for later? Jalapeño Strawberry Jam freezes beautifully! Just allow it to cool completely, leave some headspace in your freezer-safe containers to allow for expansion, and freeze for up to 6 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Reheating

If your jam gets a bit too thick in the fridge, simply scoop out what you need and microwave it in short bursts, stirring between each one. This brings it back to the perfect spreadable texture without affecting the fresh flavors or vibrant color.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Just let them thaw and drain any excess liquid before using. Frozen strawberries work beautifully and let you enjoy Jalapeño Strawberry Jam any time of year.

How do I adjust the spice level?

You’re in control—remove all jalapeño seeds for a gentle tingle, or leave some in for extra kick. You can even add a third jalapeño if you’re after serious heat.

Can I use less sugar?

Reducing sugar will affect the jam’s set and shelf-life, but you can look for low-sugar pectin and follow those directions to keep things balanced and delicious.

Do I need to do a full canning process?

Nope! If you plan to eat it within a few weeks, storing Jalapeño Strawberry Jam in sterilized jars in the fridge is perfectly safe. Only process in a water bath for long-term, shelf-stable storage.

What if my jam doesn’t set?

If your jam is still runny after cooling, pour it back into the saucepan, stir in a bit more pectin, and bring it back to a boil for a few minutes. Don’t worry—everyone’s had a batch take a little extra love.

Final Thoughts

Few homemade recipes spark joy (and conversation) quite like Jalapeño Strawberry Jam. It’s a little sweet, a little spicy, and guaranteed to brighten up everything it touches. Give it a try—you might just discover your new favorite way to celebrate summer’s best ingredients, all year long.

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