Peach Pepper Jelly Recipe

If you love the idea of sweet, juicy peaches fused with the playful bite of colorful peppers, prepare to fall head over heels for this Peach Pepper Jelly Recipe. This homemade jelly captures summer in a jar—there’s brightness from ripe peaches, a gentle heat from a pepper medley, and tangy apple cider vinegar to keep the flavors perfectly balanced. Whether you’re spooning it over cheese, tucking it into sandwiches, or gifting a little jar to someone special, this sweet and spicy spread is pure joy from the very first bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes the Peach Pepper Jelly Recipe truly shine is how a handful of everyday ingredients can transform into something unique and irresistible. Each component plays a beautiful role, from color and zing to texture and that gorgeous shimmer jelly is known for.

• Peaches: Fresh, ripe peaches deliver sweetness and rich golden color—blanching makes peeling extra easy.
• Bell Pepper: Go for red, orange, or yellow for a pop of color and a subtle, mellow peppery flavor that plays well with the peaches.
• Hot Peppers: Jalapeño, poblano, and Anaheim bring layered heat; adjust the variety to your spice preference.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds tang and balances the sweetness, essential for setting the jelly’s flavor profile.
• Powdered Pectin: The crucial thickener—it helps the jelly set to that signature spreadable texture.
• White Sugar: Intensifies sweetness and works with the pectin for a glossy, firm finish.

How to Make Peach Pepper Jelly Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Peaches

Begin by thoroughly washing the peaches. To make peeling a breeze, blanch them quickly in boiling water or plunge them into a bowl of ice water—this loosens the skins, so they slip right off without any fuss.

Step 2: Chop the Produce

With the peaches peeled, finely chop them along with the bell pepper and your lineup of hot peppers. A food processor will make quick work of this, ensuring all the fruit and peppers are evenly diced so they meld beautifully in the finished jelly.

Step 3: Combine in Pot

Add your chopped peaches and peppers to a big, heavy-bottomed pot. This is where all the magic starts to happen—the colors alone are gorgeous already!

Step 4: Add Vinegar and Pectin

Pour in the apple cider vinegar and sprinkle in the powdered pectin. Give it a good stir and set the pot over high heat. Keep stirring and bring the mixture up to a full rolling boil—you’ll know it’s right when even a hearty stir can’t slow down those bubbles.

Step 5: Sweeten and Boil

Now it’s time for the sugar, which will turn everything glossy and jewel-like. Stir thoroughly, then bring the mixture back to a rolling boil and keep it there, stirring constantly, for one full minute. This step ensures your Peach Pepper Jelly Recipe sets up perfectly and evenly.

Step 6: Skim and Fill Jars

Take the pot off the heat, and skim off any foamy bubbles resting on top of your jelly. Grab a canning funnel and ladle the hot jelly into sterilized jars, leaving about a quarter-inch of headspace at the top for expansion.

Step 7: Prepare for Canning

Wipe the rims of the jars clean with a damp cloth. Remove any lingering air bubbles by gently tapping the jars or using a non-metallic utensil. Position the sterilized lids and rings, then get ready for the water bath.

Step 8: Process in Water Bath

Carefully lower the filled jars into a pot of boiling water, ensuring that water covers the lids by at least an inch. Process the Peach Pepper Jelly Recipe jars at a lively boil for 10 minutes—this ensures they’re shelf-stable and safe.

Step 9: Cool and Set

Using a jar lifter, gently transfer the hot jars onto a kitchen towel set on your counter. Leave them undisturbed for a full 24 hours as the jelly sets and the tops seal with that glorious little pop.

How to Serve Peach Pepper Jelly Recipe

Garnishes

Take your presentation up a notch by garnishing with fresh peach slices, a sprinkle of chopped herbs (like basil or mint), or even a few thinly sliced peppers for a pop of color—each little finishing touch makes the Peach Pepper Jelly Recipe feel extra special.

Side Dishes

This jelly shines alongside many dishes: try it on a cheese and charcuterie board, spooned over grilled chicken or pork, or as a sweet-spicy spread for biscuits and cornbread at brunch.

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful: swirl the jelly into cream cheese for a dip, brush it over roasted vegetables, or jar it up with a handwritten tag for an unforgettable homemade gift. This Peach Pepper Jelly Recipe is as versatile as your imagination allows!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once opened, keep your jelly stored in the refrigerator. It’ll stay delicious and fresh for up to three weeks—just make sure the jar is tightly sealed between uses to preserve its flavor and texture.

Freezing

If you’ve made a big batch, you can freeze jars of the Peach Pepper Jelly Recipe (just be sure to use freezer-safe containers and leave space for expansion). It’ll keep its bright flavor for up to a year—simply thaw in the fridge overnight before using.

Reheating

Jelly doesn’t typically require reheating, but if you’d like to loosen the texture for drizzling or mixing, gently warm it in the microwave in ten-second bursts, stirring in between, until it reaches your preferred consistency.

FAQs

Can I use frozen peaches for the Peach Pepper Jelly Recipe?

Absolutely! Thaw frozen peaches thoroughly before using. You may need to drain off any extra juices to ensure the jelly sets properly and isn’t too watery.

What can I do if my jelly doesn’t set right away?

Don’t worry—sometimes jelly takes up to 24 hours to fully set. If it stays runny, you can reheat it with a bit more pectin and boil again before re-canning.

How spicy is the finished jelly?

The heat depends entirely on the types and quantity of peppers you use. For a milder Peach Pepper Jelly Recipe, use more bell peppers and fewer hot peppers, or remove jalapeño seeds and membranes for less kick.

Is it necessary to use a water bath for canning?

Yes, the boiling water bath makes the jelly shelf-stable and safe to store at room temperature. Skipping this step risks spoilage and isn’t worth the shortcut!

Can I substitute liquid pectin for powdered pectin?

You can, but the method and timing will be a little different. Follow the package instructions for liquid pectin and adjust sugar amounts as needed for a perfect set.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a homemade treat with a little sass and lots of sweetness, it’s time to try the Peach Pepper Jelly Recipe. It’s a joyful way to capture the flavors of the season, and you’ll be amazed at how versatile—and absolutely addictive—it becomes in your kitchen. Give it a whirl and share the love, one jar at a time!

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