Jalapeño Strawberry Jam

Jalapeño Strawberry Jam: Your New Sweet-&-Spicy Obsession

Hey there, flavor adventurer! Ever stare at a basket of ripe strawberries and think, “What if we cranked this up a notch?” That’s exactly where this Jalapeño Strawberry Jam was born—in that beautiful, messy space between “sweet summer nostalgia” and “let’s light a tiny fire!” I’m Isla from BiteTide, and I live for those kitchen moments where curiosity wins over caution. This jam isn’t just a condiment; it’s a conversation starter, a cheese board hero, and your secret weapon for turning basic brunch into a *vibe*. Imagine plump strawberries slow-dancing with spicy jalapeños, all hugged by glossy, jewel-toned jam. It’s sweet, it’s sassy, and it whips up faster than your favorite playlist. Whether you’re slathering it on sourdough, glazing chicken, or sneaking spoonfuls straight from the jar (no judgment!), this recipe proves that bold flavors belong in your pantry. Ready to ride this flavor wave? Let’s jam!

That Time Grandma’s Jam Went Rogue

This recipe tastes like my favorite kitchen rebellion. Picture 8-year-old me, barefoot in my grandma’s coastal kitchen, “helping” her make classic strawberry jam. Her rule? “Don’t mess with perfection, Isla.” But one sweltering July day, Dad brought home a haul of jalapeños from our garden. Their bright, grassy scent hooked me. While Grandma napped, I diced one teeny pepper and stirred it into the simmering berries. The result? A jar of pink jam with attitude. Grandma’s first bite? She blinked, coughed, then burst out laughing. “Well, butter my biscuits—you’ve made fireworks!” That little act of delicious defiance stuck with me. Now, every time I make this jam, I taste sunshine, salt air, and the joy of breaking rules (gently!).

Jalapeño Strawberry Jam

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• Author: islamerrick
• Total Time: 25 mins
• Yield: ~48

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Description

This jam started as a kitchen experiment and quickly became a favorite. Sweet strawberries meet the gentle heat of jalapeños, creating a unique spread that’s as at home on toast as it is paired with cheese or grilled meats. It’s the perfect mix of fruity and fiery!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped

1–2 fresh jalapeños, seeds removed (use 2 for more heat)

3 cups sugar

¼ cup lemon juice

1 (1.75 oz) package fruit pectin (like Sure-Jell)

½ cup water

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Instructions

Blend Base: In a blender or food processor, pulse strawberries and jalapeños until finely chopped but not pureed.

Cook Pectin Mix: In a saucepan, combine pectin and water. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly for 1 minute. Remove from heat.

Combine & Boil: In a large pot, add strawberry-jalapeño mix, lemon juice, and sugar. Stir well and bring to a full rolling boil. Boil for 1 minute.

Add Pectin: Stir in the pectin mixture. Continue stirring and boil for another minute.

Jar & Cool: Pour jam into sterilized jars. Let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate or process in a water bath for long-term storage.

• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 10 mins
• Category: breakfast

Nutrition

• Calories: ~40
• Sugar: 9g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 10g

Gather Your Flavor Squad

Makes about 4 cups (enough for 2 pint jars)

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled + chopped – Look for deep red, fragrant berries! Frozen work in a pinch (thaw first), but fresh brings the brightest flavor.
• 1–2 fresh jalapeños, seeds removed + minced – Start with 1 for a warm hum; 2 for a spicy kick! Wear gloves while chopping—trust me, eyeballs don’t appreciate jalapeño oil. Swap with serranos for extra heat or poblano for mild smoke.
• 3 cups granulated sugar – The sweet backbone that balances the heat. For a less sweet jam, reduce to 2.5 cups, but know it might affect texture.
• ¼ cup lemon juice – Freshly squeezed is chef magic! It brightens the berries and helps with setting. In a pinch, bottled works.
• 1 (1.75 oz) package fruit pectin (like Sure-Jell) – Our jam’s bouncer—keeps things firm! Use powdered pectin, not liquid. Vegan? Check labels; some brands use apple pectin.
• ½ cup water – Just plain H2O to activate the pectin party.

Chef’s Whisper: Sugar amount seems wild? It’s key for preservation and texture. Don’t skimp unless you’re fridge-jamming (eat within 2 weeks)!

Let’s Make Magic: Step-by-Step

1. Blitz Your Base: Toss strawberries and jalapeños into a blender or food processor. Pulse 5-6 times until finely chopped but not soupy—you want texture! (Tip: Pulse in short bursts and peek often. Over-blending = sad, thin jam!)
2. Wake Up the Pectin: Grab a small saucepan. Combine pectin and water. Bring to a full, rolling boil over medium-high heat, stirring nonstop with a silicone spatula for exactly 1 minute. Remove from heat. (Hack: Stir in tiny circles along the bottom to prevent scorching. It thickens FAST!)
3. Big Pot Energy: Pour your strawberry-jalapeño mix into a heavy-bottomed, 6-quart pot. Add lemon juice and sugar. Stir like you mean it until sugar looks semi-dissolved. Now crank heat to high and bring to a violent, can’t-be-stirred-down rolling boil. Boil hard for 1 full minute—set a timer! (Commentary: This step is loud and dramatic! The jam will foam up—don’t panic. Just keep stirring gently.)
4. Pectin Power-Up: Carefully stir in the hot pectin mixture. Return to that furious boil for another 60 seconds, stirring constantly. (Tip: Skim off any foam with a spoon for crystal-clear jam.)
5. Jar & Jubilate: Kill the heat. Quickly ladle jam into sterilized jars, leaving ¼-inch headspace. Screw lids on fingertip-tight. Let cool completely at room temp (it’ll thicken as it cools!), then refrigerate for up to 3 weeks. For pantry storage, process jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes. (Chef’s Confession: I always lick the spatula. The warm, spicy-sweet goo? Heavenly.)

Beyond the Toast: Serving Ideas

This jam is a social butterfly! Slather it on warm biscuits or croissants for breakfast that wakes you up. Pair it with sharp cheddar or creamy brie on a cheese board—watch guests’ eyes widen at the sweet-heat combo. Brushing it on grilled chicken or pork chops during the last 5 minutes creates a sticky, glossy glaze. Or my fave: swirl a spoonful into plain yogurt or vanilla ice cream. Instant gourmet!

Make It Your Own: 5 Flavor Twists

• Rosy Heat: Swap ½ cup strawberries for raspberries. Adds tartness and gorgeous color.
• Smoky Kiss: Add 1 tsp smoked paprika with the sugar. Hello, campfire vibes!
• Tropical Twist: Use pineapple instead of strawberries + 1 minced red chili. Vacation in a jar!
• Herb Garden: Stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil or mint after cooking. Bright & refreshing.
• Low-Sugar Fix: Use “low-sugar” pectin and reduce sugar to 1.5 cups. Texture will be softer.

Isla’s Insider Scoop

This recipe evolved from my “oops-I-added-jalapeños” moment into a BiteTide fan favorite. Test batch #3 involved my best friend running outside gasping, “Water! Fire! So good!” We now call it Dragon Jam. Pro tip: The heat mellows after 1-2 days in the fridge—patience pays! If your jam’s too spicy? Stir in 1 tsp honey when serving. Too mild? Add a pinch of cayenne next time. Remember, cooking’s an adventure: embrace the sticky counters and happy accidents!

Your Jam Questions, Answered!

Q: Why did my jam stay runny?
A: Did you reach a full rolling boil for the full time? Undercooking is the #1 culprit. Also, expired pectin fails. If runny, reboil with 1 tbsp lemon juice + ¼ cup sugar for 5 mins.

Q: Can I use frozen strawberries?
A: Absolutely! Thaw completely, drain excess liquid, and chop. You might need 2.5 cups since frozen berries pack down.

Q: How long does it last?
A: Fridge: 3 weeks. Water-bath canned: 1 year (store in a cool, dark place). Once opened, use within 3 weeks.

Q: Too spicy! Help!
A: Next time, scrape ALL jalapeño seeds/membranes—that’s where the heat lives! For this batch, pair with cream cheese or peanut butter to tame the flame.

Nutritional Nibble (Per 1 Tbsp)

Calories: ~40 | Sugar: 9g | Carbs: 10g | Fat: 0g
Note: Sugar is typical for preserves. A little goes a long way flavor-wise!

Jalapeño Strawberry Jam is the perfect combination of sweet and spicy that will elevate any dish. Whether you’re spreading it on toast, pairing it with cheese, glazing meats, or just eating it by the spoonful, this jam is your new go-to for bold, crave-worthy flavor. It’s easy to make, adaptable to your taste, and the ideal homemade gift. With its vibrant, fiery kick and sweet strawberry base, it’s guaranteed to be a hit in your kitchen. So, break a few rules, embrace the heat, and create a jar of sunshine with every batch!