The pepper jelly that disappears in minutes! 🌶️🥭
Super easy to make, sweet with a little kick, and officially mother-in-law approved (she asks for a jar every time we visit!).
Pour it over cream cheese, grab some whole wheat crackers, and you’ve got the easiest appetizer for any party or charcuterie board. You’ve gotta try this one! 👇
Mango Jalapeno Pepper Jelly
Yield: Makes about 6 half-pint (8 oz) jars
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups white vinegar
- 2/3 cup finely chopped dried mango
- 6 cups sugar
- ½ cup finely chopped red bell pepper
- ½ cup finely chopped white onion
- 2/3 cup finely chopped, seeded jalapeno pepper
- 1 (3 oz.) pouch liquid pectin
Instructions:
1. Prepare Equipment & Sanitize Jars: Wash jars, lids, and screw bands in warm, soapy water and rinse well. To sterilize jars, place empty jars right-side up on the rack in your boiling-water canner, cover completely with water, and bring to a full boil for 10 minutes (add 1 minute for every 1,000 feet above sea level). Keep jars warm in simmering water until ready to use. Set prepared lids and bands aside.
2. Prepare Canner: Set up your boiling-water canner and heat water.
3. Soak Mango: Combine dried mango and white vinegar in a medium saucepan. Bring to a simmer, then remove from heat and let steep for 30 minutes to soften the mango.
4. Combine Main Ingredients: Stir sugar, red bell pepper, white onion, and seeded jalapeno pepper into the mango-vinegar mixture.
5. Bring to Boil: Bring to a full rolling boil that cannot be stirred down, over high heat, stirring frequently.
6. Add Pectin: Add liquid pectin, immediately squeezing the entire contents from the pouch.
7. Boil Hard: Continue to a hard boil for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
8. Finish Jelly: Remove from heat. Skim foam off top, if necessary.
9. Fill Jars: Ladle hot jelly into hot jars, leaving ¼-inch headspace.
10. Seal Jars: Wipe jar rims clean. Center lid on jar, apply band, and adjust until fingertip tight.
11. Process: Place jars into the boiling-water canner, ensuring they are fully submerged. Process jars in boiling water for 10 minutes (adjusting for altitude if needed).
12. Cool: Turn off heat, remove canner lid, and let jars stand in the water for 5 minutes. Remove jars and allow to cool upright for 12 to 24 hours.
13. Test Seals: Check lids for a proper seal (they should not flex when the center is pressed).
Recipe source: UA Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension
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Making homemade pepper jelly is a fantastic way to add a burst of flavor to your appetizer spread, and the mango jalapeno variation really brings a unique tropical sweetness paired with a spicy kick. From personal experience, soaking the dried mango in the white vinegar not only softens the fruit but also infuses the jelly base with a tangy undertone that balances the intense heat from the jalapenos. When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how simple the process was, especially with the detailed steps to prepare and sanitize your jars to ensure the jelly stays fresh for months. The key to getting that perfect gel consistency lies in boiling the mixture to a hard rolling boil before adding the liquid pectin, and stirring constantly to prevent sticking and burning. Skimming off the foam promptly helps to make the jelly visually appealing and improves shelf life. A great tip is to customize the heat level by adjusting the amount of jalapenos or leaving some seeds in if you prefer extra spice, but even the seeded and chopped jalapenos in this recipe provide just the right amount of warmth without overpowering the sweet mango flavor. I've also experimented with serving this pepper jelly beyond the traditional cream cheese and crackers; it makes a delightful glaze for roasted chicken or pork, and you can even stir a spoonful into salad dressings for a flavorful twist. Altogether, this mango jalapeno pepper jelly stands out as a versatile homemade treat that’s bound to impress guests and satisfy those who enjoy a balance of sweet and spicy. Plus, gifting a jar of this jelly to friends or family is always a hit—just like the author's mother-in-law who routinely asks for more!