Peach Jalapeno Jam Recipe: Sweet Heat in Every Bite
Presentation
Peach Jalapeno Jam is one of those recipes that beautifully balances the best of two worlds: the sweetness of ripe peaches and the gentle fire of fresh jalapenos. It’s not your average fruit preserve; instead, it’s a spread that brings character to your table. Whether you’re serving it on warm toast, pairing it with a creamy cheese board, or glazing it over grilled chicken, this jam adds a unique twist to any meal. The golden-orange color flecked with bits of green jalapeno makes it as stunning to look at as it is to taste.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
To prepare this jam, you’ll need:
- 5 to 6 medium peaches, peeled, pitted, and finely chopped
- 4 to 5 small jalapenos, seeded and finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 cups granulated sugar
Instructions
- Begin by peeling and pitting your peaches. Chop them finely until they are ready to be cooked down.
- Prepare the jalapenos by washing, seeding, and finely chopping them. For more heat, leave some seeds in.
- In a large saucepan, combine the peaches, jalapenos, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
- Heat the mixture over medium-high heat, stirring regularly, until it starts to bubble gently.
- Add the sugar gradually, stirring constantly until dissolved. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil and cook for 15–20 minutes until it thickens into a jam-like consistency.
- Test by dipping a spoon into the mixture; if it coats the back of the spoon without running off, it’s ready.
- Sterilize your jars by washing them in hot, soapy water and drying them thoroughly.
- Fill the jars with hot jam, leaving about ¼ inch of headspace.
- Wipe jar rims clean, seal with lids, and allow to cool at room temperature.
This simple process creates jars of golden jam that are sweet, spicy, and perfectly spreadable.
Benefits of This Craft
Homemade jam-making is not just about the final product—it’s also about the process. By preparing Peach Jalapeno Jam yourself, you control the quality of ingredients and avoid unnecessary preservatives. This craft allows you to preserve the freshness of seasonal peaches while giving your pantry a touch of creativity. The small batch process is satisfying and can also make wonderful edible gifts for family and friends. Making this jam also connects you to the tradition of home preservation, a practice that has been part of kitchens for generations.
Tips
- Choose ripe but firm peaches for the best texture and flavor. Overripe peaches can make the jam too watery.
- For more heat, leave some jalapeno seeds in the mixture. For a milder spread, remove them all.
- Stir frequently while cooking to prevent the jam from sticking to the pan.
- If you prefer a smoother texture, blend the mixture slightly with an immersion blender before adding sugar.
- To extend shelf life, process the sealed jars in a boiling water bath for about 10 minutes.
What Does It Taste Like?
Peach Jalapeno Jam delivers a delightful contrast of flavors. At first taste, you’re met with the natural sweetness of ripe peaches, which is comforting and familiar. Then, the jalapeno makes its entrance—not overwhelming but adding a subtle, lingering warmth that balances the fruit’s sweetness. The lemon zest and juice brighten the overall flavor, giving the jam a lively and fresh finish. The result is a jam that’s sweet, slightly tangy, and pleasantly spicy—a combination that keeps you coming back for more.
How to Store
After filling and sealing the jars, let them cool completely at room temperature. Once sealed properly, the jam can be stored in a cool, dark pantry for up to one year. Once a jar is opened, refrigerate it and consume within three to four weeks for the best flavor. If you’ve chosen not to do a water bath processing step, keep your jars in the refrigerator immediately and use them within a month. Always make sure the jars are sealed properly before storing to avoid spoilage.
Peach Jalapeno Jam is more than just a spread—it’s an experience. From breakfast toast to charcuterie boards and even as a glaze for savory dishes, it transforms simple meals into something memorable. By making it at home, you ensure that every jar is filled with natural sweetness, a touch of spice, and a whole lot of care. Whether you’re preserving summer’s bounty of peaches or experimenting with new flavor profiles, this jam is a recipe worth keeping on hand.
For more cooking inspiration, be sure to check out More DAILY RECIPE ideas where you’ll find delicious meals to enjoy every day.
You can also explore visual inspiration for this recipe by browsing related creations on Pinterest, where creative cooks share their unique spins on homemade jams and spreads.
FAQ
Can I use frozen peaches instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen peaches can be used, but make sure they are thawed and drained well to avoid excess liquid.
How spicy is this jam?
The spice level depends on how many jalapenos you use and whether you include the seeds. Removing seeds makes the jam much milder.
Do I need to sterilize the jars if I’m keeping the jam in the fridge?
If storing in the refrigerator, jars should be clean and dry, but they don’t need full sterilization. For pantry storage, sterilization is essential.
Can I reduce the sugar?
Sugar not only sweetens but also helps preserve the jam. Reducing it may affect texture and shelf life. If you want a lower-sugar version, consider a recipe that uses pectin designed for low-sugar jams.
What are the best pairings for this jam?
This jam is excellent with cream cheese and crackers, as a topping on grilled meats, or spread on warm bread.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but keep in mind that larger batches may take longer to thicken. Stir constantly to prevent burning.
Is this recipe suitable for gifting?
Absolutely. A jar of homemade Peach Jalapeno Jam makes a thoughtful, flavorful gift for any occasion.
Peach Jalapeno Jam Recipe: Sweet Heat in Every Bite
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Yield: Approximately 4–5 half-pint jars
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A sweet and spicy Peach Jalapeño Jam that’s perfect for toast, cheese boards, or gifting in jars.
Ingredients
To prepare this jam, you’ll need: – 5 to 6 medium peaches, peeled, pitted, and finely chopped – 4 to 5 small jalapenos, seeded and finely chopped – 1 tablespoon lemon zest – 2 tablespoons lemon juice – 3 cups granulated sugar These ingredients combine sweet peaches with a spicy kick from jalapeños, balanced with lemon for brightness.
Instructions
1. Peel and pit the peaches, then finely chop them. 2. Wash, seed, and finely chop the jalapeños. Leave some seeds in if you want extra heat. 3. In a large saucepan, combine peaches, jalapeños, lemon zest, and lemon juice. 4. Heat over medium-high, stirring regularly, until the mixture begins to bubble. 5. Gradually add sugar while stirring until fully dissolved. 6. Bring to a rolling boil and cook 15–20 minutes until thickened. 7. Test thickness by dipping a spoon; the jam should coat the back without running. 8. Sterilize jars by washing and drying thoroughly. 9. Fill jars with hot jam, leaving ¼ inch headspace, wipe rims, and seal with lids. 10. Allow jars to cool at room temperature.
Notes
For spicier jam, leave more seeds in the jalapeños. Store in the refrigerator after opening. Can be given as gifts in sterilized jars.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Jam/Preserves
- Method: Cooking/Canning
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: peach jalapeno jam, sweet and spicy jam, homemade preserves, fruit jam, peach recipe
