Get ready to fall in love with the irresistible blend of sweet summer fruit and a little kick of heat—this Peach Jalapeño Jam is the ultimate spread for anyone craving bright, tangy preserves with a hint of something special. Bursting with juicy peaches and just the right sprinkle of jalapeño, this playful jam transforms everything from ordinary toast to artisan cheese platters. Whether you’re an avid canner or just dipping your toes into the world of homemade preserving, this recipe balances simplicity with unforgettable flavor, making it a must-have in your kitchen repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Peach Jalapeño Jam works double duty, ensuring you don’t just get a sweet spread, but a complex balance of bold flavors and lovely textures. Simple as this list may be, each element brings its unique magic to the jar. Let’s see what you’ll need and why!
- Fresh peaches (4 cups, peeled, pitted, finely chopped): Choose ripe peaches, as they offer natural sweetness, vibrant color, and a smooth texture to the finished jam.
- Jalapeño peppers (2–3, seeded and finely minced): These add the perfect smoky heat—use more or less based on your heat tolerance for a truly customized jam experience.
- Lemon juice (1/4 cup): Don’t skip this! It brings bright acidity and helps the fruit retain its color, while also aiding the setting of the jam.
- Fruit pectin (1 box, 1.75 oz, such as Sure-Jell): The jam’s secret to that spreadable, jelly-like texture—abc of any quick-set preserve.
- Granulated sugar (5 cups): This isn’t just for sweetness; sugar works with pectin to help the jam set and preserves the beautiful color and flavor of the peaches.
How to Make Peach Jalapeño Jam
Step 1: Prep Your Canning Jars
Start by making sure your jars and lids are thoroughly clean. The easiest way is to simmer them in boiling water for several minutes or run them through a hot dishwasher cycle. Properly sterilized jars keep your Peach Jalapeño Jam safe and shelf-stable, so don’t skip this step!
Step 2: Cook the Peach and Jalapeño Mixture
In your largest pot, combine the finely chopped peaches, minced jalapeños, and all that tangy lemon juice. Stir in the pectin to dissolve, then place the pot over medium-high heat. Keep that spoon moving occasionally as you bring everything to a confident rolling boil—you want the mixture bubbling energetically all over the surface before moving on.
Step 3: Add the Sugar and Boil Hard
Once your fruit and pepper medley is boiling, pour in all the sugar at once. Stir vigorously! Bring the jam back to a robust, rolling boil and let it go for 1–2 full minutes. This is when the Peach Jalapeño Jam really comes together—watch it thicken and become activated by the sugar. When the time’s up, remove the pot from the heat and skim off any foam for a pretty, glossy finish.
Step 4: Fill the Jars
While the jam is piping hot, ladle it carefully into your sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4-inch of headspace at the top. This gap helps create a proper seal later. Wipe the rims clean to prevent sticky mishaps, then top each jar with its lid and twist on the rings until just fingertip-tight.
Step 5: Process and Seal
Set your filled jars into a simmering water bath and ensure they’re covered by at least an inch of water. Process them at a gentle boil for 10 minutes; longer if you live at higher altitude. Remove the jars with tongs and let them cool undisturbed on a towel or wire rack. After 24 hours, check that the lids have sealed—you’ll hear that satisfying “pop!” and the center of each lid should not flex up and down.
How to Serve Peach Jalapeño Jam
Garnishes
A jar as beautiful as this deserves an equally gorgeous garnish! Sprinkle fresh mint leaves or a few extra minced jalapeños on top of the jam when serving—it’s a subtle nod to what’s inside and adds a fresh pop of color to every spoonful.
Side Dishes
Peach Jalapeño Jam pairs incredibly well with soft cheeses (think brie or goat cheese), crispy crackers, or warm buttermilk biscuits for breakfast. It also turns a simple sandwich into something truly memorable—try it slathered on grilled cheese or turkey sliders for a fusion of sweet, spicy, and savory.
Creative Ways to Present
Don’t just hide your Peach Jalapeño Jam in the fridge! Swirl it atop vanilla ice cream, glaze roasted chicken, or spoon it over pancakes for a bold brunch twist. For a party-ready appetizer, serve it in mini pastry shells topped with creamy cheese and a hint of lime zest. This jam is all about versatility—let your imagination lead the way!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once opened, keep any leftover Peach Jalapeño Jam in the refrigerator and use within 3 weeks for the freshest flavor. Make sure jars are tightly sealed after each use, and always use a clean spoon to prevent introducing any unwanted bacteria.
Freezing
If you’ve made a big batch, you can absolutely freeze extra jars! Just be sure you’ve left headspace in your containers to allow for expansion. Chill completely before freezing and enjoy jammy sunshine even in the middle of winter—simply thaw in the fridge before using.
Reheating
Peach Jalapeño Jam is typically enjoyed straight from the jar, but if you need a pourable sauce or glaze, gently warm it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring until smooth. This works wonders for drizzling over grilled meats or desserts!
FAQs
Can I use frozen peaches instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Thaw your frozen peaches first and drain off any excess liquid before measuring. The flavor remains vibrant and the texture stays suitable for this jam recipe.
How can I make the jam spicier or milder?
To customize the heat, adjust the number of jalapeños used and decide if you want to include the seeds (for more spice) or leave them out (for less). Taste as you go—remember, it’s your Peach Jalapeño Jam masterpiece!
Is it necessary to use pectin?
For a reliable set and that classic, glossy jam consistency, commercial fruit pectin is your friend. Peaches are naturally low in pectin, so skipping it could result in a looser, more syrupy spread.
How do I know if my jars are properly sealed?
After 24 hours at room temperature, each lid should be concave (slightly indented) and should not move up and down when lightly pressed. If a jar hasn’t sealed, refrigerate and use that one first.
Can I use less sugar in this jam?
This recipe is balanced for both safety and consistency, but you can experiment with low-sugar pectin if you wish to reduce sweetness. Always follow package directions to ensure your Peach Jalapeño Jam sets properly and stays safe for storage.
Final Thoughts
May your kitchen always be stocked with a jar or two of Peach Jalapeño Jam! With its sunny sweetness and playful bite, it’s sure to charm your guests, elevate your appetizers, and make everyday breakfasts something to look forward to. Give it a try—once you taste the homemade difference, you’ll find countless delicious reasons to keep making it all season long!
Print
Peach Jalapeño Jam Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 half-pint jars
- Diet: Gluten-Free, Vegan
Description
Learn how to make delicious Peach Jalapeño Jam at home with this easy recipe. This sweet and spicy jam is perfect for spreading on toast, pairing with cheese, or gifting to friends and family.
Ingredients
Fresh Peaches:
4 cups peeled, pitted, and finely chopped peaches
Jalapeño Peppers:
2-3 seeded and finely minced
Lemon Juice:
1/4 cup
Fruit Pectin:
1 box (1.75 oz)
Granulated Sugar:
5 cups
Instructions
- Sterilize Jars: Prepare jars and lids by sterilizing them in boiling water or running them through a hot dishwasher cycle.
- Cook Fruit: In a large pot, combine peaches, jalapeños, lemon juice, and pectin. Bring to a boil, then add sugar and boil for 1-2 minutes.
- Jar Jam: Ladle hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving space at the top. Seal jars and process in boiling water for 10 minutes.
- Cool and Store: Once cooled, check seals and store in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year.
Notes
- Adjust jalapeños for desired heat level.
- Pulse peaches and peppers for a smoother jam.
- Store sealed jars in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year. Refrigerate after opening.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Stovetop, Canning
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 45
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
