A Sweet-Heat Jelly Worthy of Grandma’s Canning Shelf
If you’ve ever opened a jar of homemade jelly and watched it sparkle in the sunlight, you already know—this stuff is special. And when it’s got that sweet-tart pineapple base with a little kick from fresh serrano peppers? Well, now we’re talkin’!
This pineapple pepper jelly walks that perfect line: sweet, spicy, and utterly addictive. Whether you spoon it over cream cheese with crackers, glaze pork chops, or spread it on a hot biscuit, this jelly brings flavor and personality.
So let me ask: Are you bold enough to leave all those seeds in the serranos, or do you tame the heat a little?
Ingredients for 8–9 Half-Pint Jars
Make a batch now, and you’ll have pantry gifts, party appetizers, and pork glazes ready all year long.
-
8 serrano peppers, chopped with seeds
-
2 cans crushed pineapple in juice (4½ cups total)
-
2 boxes of Sure-Jell (yellow box – standard pectin)
-
¼ cup lemon juice
-
5½ cups sugar
How to Make Pineapple Pepper Jelly
🫙 Canning Tools You’ll Need:
-
8–9 half-pint (8 oz.) jars
-
Water bath canner or large stock pot
-
Jar lifter & funnel
-
Clean towel & ladle
1. Prep the Jelly Mixture
In a large pot, combine:
-
Chopped serrano chiles (with seeds)
-
Crushed pineapple (with juice)
-
Lemon juice
-
2 boxes of Sure-Jell pectin
Bring this mixture to a rolling boil—one that doesn’t stop bubbling when stirred—for 1 full minute.
2. Add Sugar & Boil Again
-
Add 5½ cups of sugar, stirring often to dissolve.
-
Return to a rolling boil and cook for another 1 full minute, stirring constantly.
🍍 Tip: The jelly will foam a bit—skim with a spoon if you like, or stir in ½ tsp of butter to help prevent foaming.
3. Fill the Jars
-
Ladle hot jelly into sterilized jars, leaving ¼ inch headspace.
-
Wipe jar rims clean and apply sterilized lids and rings.
-
Tighten just finger-tight.
4. Water Bath Processing
-
Process jars in a boiling water bath for 5 minutes.
-
After processing, let them sit in the hot water for another 5 minutes before removing.
-
Cool overnight on a towel-lined counter.
✅ Don’t forget: Check for seals the next day, label your lids, and remove the rings for clean pantry storage.
Serving Ideas: From Snacks to Supper
This jelly isn’t just pretty—it’s crazy versatile. Here are a few favorite ways to use it:
🧀 Party Platter Perfection
-
Spoon over a block of cream cheese with buttery crackers
-
Pair with goat cheese or brie for an elevated cheese board
🍖 Glazes & Marinades
-
Brush onto grilled pork chops or chicken during the last 5 minutes
-
Swirl into BBQ sauce for a sweet-spicy twist
🍞 Spread It On Everything
-
Slather on warm biscuits or cornbread
-
Add to turkey or ham sandwiches for a flavorful punch
Sweet, Spicy, and Perfectly Preserved
Few things are as satisfying as hearing those lids pop after a successful canning session. Whether you’re gifting these golden jars or stashing them away for your own use, this pineapple pepper jelly is a true pantry gem.
So tell me—what’s your favorite way to enjoy pepper jelly? Ever tried mixing it into your stir-fry or salad dressing? Let’s swap ideas in the comments!
