Get ready to meet your new favorite sweet-and-spicy spread: Jalapeño Strawberry Jam. This isn’t your average jam—it’s a vibrant blend of juicy sun-ripened strawberries and lively jalapeño peppers that adds a spark to your breakfast, brunch, or charcuterie board. Whether you’re slathering it over warm toast, swirling it into yogurt, or elevating a cheese platter, every spoonful delivers bold flavor with a touch of heat. Making it at home is both simple and rewarding, giving you a jar full of color and personality to brighten any meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Jalapeño Strawberry Jam Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Behind all the flavor-packed complexity of Jalapeño Strawberry Jam are a handful of humble, honest ingredients. Each one does an important job—so keep them fresh and follow the simple ratios for foolproof results and memorable taste!

Strawberries: The star of the show—look for ripe, sweet berries for the best texture and color.
Jalapeños: Add anywhere from 2 to 3, depending on your preferred heat level. Always seed and chop them finely.
Lemon Juice: Just a tablespoon brightens the jam and helps it set beautifully.
Fruit Pectin: One box (like Sure-Jell) is essential for getting that perfect jammy consistency.
Granulated Sugar: Five cups may sound like a lot, but it balances the peppers and preserves the fruit—don’t skimp!

How to Make Jalapeño Strawberry Jam

Step 1: Prepare Your Jars

Before you dive into the jam-making magic, get your jars and lids ready. Sterilize everything by boiling them in hot water or running them through a full dishwasher cycle. This ensures your Jalapeño Strawberry Jam stays fresh and safe, whether you’re going for a shelf-stable batch or simply refrigerating.

Step 2: Combine the Key Ingredients

In a big, heavy-bottomed saucepan, toss in your mashed strawberries, finely chopped jalapeños (don’t forget to seed them for milder heat), and the bright squeeze of lemon juice. Give everything a good stir and take a moment to appreciate the vibrant colors—this mix will set the stage for all that fantastic flavor.

Step 3: Add the Pectin

Gradually sprinkle in the fruit pectin, stirring constantly so it dissolves evenly. This little packet might seem unassuming, but it’s what will transform your mixture from a loose fruit sauce into a glossy, spreadable Jalapeño Strawberry Jam.

Step 4: Boil the Fruit Mixture

Turn the heat up high and bring the mixture to a rolling boil, stirring nonstop. The aroma will be absolutely irresistible—sweet strawberries and green jalapeños mingling together. This is the moment where your jam’s base comes alive, so don’t leave it unattended!

Step 5: Add Sugar and Boil Again

Pour in all the sugar at once (don’t add it gradually!) and stir until you can’t feel any gritty grains at the bottom. Bring the jam back to a furious, hard boil—one that doesn’t settle while you stir—and time it for exactly 1 minute. Keep whisking so nothing sticks to the bottom or scorches.

Step 6: Skim and Jar Your Jam

Take the pot off the heat and quickly skim off any bubbly foam that’s gathered on top. Working fast, ladle the piping-hot Jalapeño Strawberry Jam into your sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4-inch headspace at the top. Wipe the rims, seal with lids, and process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes—or simply cool and refrigerate if you’ll eat it soon.

How to Serve Jalapeño Strawberry Jam

Garnishes

A little garnish goes a long way! Sprinkle fresh chopped mint or basil across the top of your Jalapeño Strawberry Jam for an extra pop of color on a cheese board. You can also top biscuits and scones with a dollop of whipped cream or crème fraîche to balance out the heat.

Side Dishes

This jam is the ultimate sidekick to countless dishes. Try it alongside a sharp cheddar grilled cheese, as a topping for pancakes or waffles, or paired with tangy goat cheese on crostini. For brunches and gatherings, a jar of Jalapeño Strawberry Jam is always a conversation starter.

Creative Ways to Present

Think beyond the toast! Swirl Jalapeño Strawberry Jam into yogurt parfaits or ice cream, use it as a glaze for grilled chicken or pork, or layer it in thumbprint cookies. For an extra-special touch, fill mini mason jars and gift them as stylish, homemade party favors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once opened, keep your Jalapeño Strawberry Jam in a clean, airtight jar in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh and vibrant for up to three weeks, making it a perfect make-ahead treat to have ready anytime you want a surprise kick of flavor.

Freezing

Jam freezes beautifully! Just ladle the cooled Jalapeño Strawberry Jam into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little room at the top for expansion, and store for up to one year. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight whenever you crave a taste of summer spice.

Reheating

If your jam thickens a bit too much after chilling or freezing, just spoon out what you need and warm it gently in the microwave in short bursts, or in a small saucepan on the stove. Stir well and it’ll return to its luscious, spreadable glory in no time.

FAQs

How spicy is Jalapeño Strawberry Jam?

The heat level depends on how many jalapeños you add and whether you include the seeds. Using 2 peppers without seeds results in a mild warmth, while 3 with some seeds brings more excitement. Taste as you go and tailor it to your own preferences!

Can I make Jalapeño Strawberry Jam without pectin?

While pectin guarantees a reliable set, you can technically cook the mixture longer to thicken it naturally—just know the jam will be softer and might not last quite as long. For classic texture and better storage, stick to commercial fruit pectin.

What if I want a smoother jam?

Simply blend the mashed strawberries and jalapeños before you start cooking. This gives you a more uniform consistency, perfect for glazing meats or spreading smoothly on pastries.

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Absolutely! Thaw and drain them before mashing to avoid excess liquid, and proceed with the recipe as written. Frozen berries make it easy to enjoy Jalapeño Strawberry Jam, even when strawberries are out of season.

Is Jalapeño Strawberry Jam vegan and gluten-free?

Yes! None of the ingredients contain animal products or gluten, so it’s safe for both vegan and gluten-free diets. It’s a wonderfully inclusive addition to any gathering or brunch spread.

Final Thoughts

Once you’ve made a batch of your own Jalapeño Strawberry Jam, it’s impossible to go back to plain old preserves. The combination of sweet, tart, and subtle heat makes every meal brighter. Give it a try and watch your friends and family swoon over that perfect twist of flavor!

Jalapeño Strawberry Jam Recipe

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4.6 from 8 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 6 half-pint jars 1x
Diet: Gluten-Free, Vegan

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Description

This Jalapeño Strawberry Jam recipe strikes the perfect balance between sweet and spicy, making it a versatile condiment that pairs well with both savory and sweet dishes. The fresh strawberries provide a fruity base, while the jalapeños add a subtle kick of heat to elevate the flavor profile.

Ingredients

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Fresh Strawberry Jam:

4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and mashed
2–3 jalapeños, seeded and finely chopped
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 box (1.75 oz) fruit pectin (such as Sure-Jell)
5 cups granulated sugar

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Instructions

Sterilize Jars and Lids: Prepare jars and lids by sterilizing in hot water or dishwasher.
Combine Ingredients: In a saucepan, combine strawberries, jalapeños, and lemon juice. Stir in pectin.
Boil Mixture: Bring to a boil, add sugar, and boil for 1 minute.
Jar the Jam: Ladle hot jam into jars, leaving space. Process in a water bath or refrigerate.