Are you a fan of the sweet and spicy jelly? If you are, this Spicy Pineapple Habanero Jelly is the recipe for you.
What Makes This Pepper Jelly So Good?
There are several things, but let's start with the most important. The flavor. The pineapple and habanero are a dream team. Spicy, but also perfectly sweet.
You can use this jelly in so many ways! I am going to talk more about this in the section below, so keep reading.
Another thing, this jelly is really pretty simple to make! I mean, it takes a little time, but it isn't like our grandmothers who spent days slaving over their preserves. This comes together pretty quickly.
It stores well. If you are canning this, I will explain more below, this will hold for up to a year!
These also make the cutest gifts. I have never given a jar of this away without the recipients being extremely grateful!
Ingredients
- Fresh Pineapple- I haven't tried it with canned, but I imagine it is much better with fresh.
- Habaneros- You can sub these out for other peppers if you want, which I will discuss below, but my favorite is the habanero.
- Granulated Sugar- There are recipes that don't use refined sugars, this isn't one of those recipes. Not only does the sugar work to sweeten the recipe, but also to help the pectin to thicken.
- White Vinegar
- Salt- It only takes a touch, but it is necessary.
- Liquid Pectin- This is what we use to thicken the jelly.
How To Make The Pineapple Habanero Jelly
- Start by cutting up your pineapple into chunks. You can leave it in small chunks, but I like to pulse it down a little further. I throw it into a food processor so it is in very small chunks. Then place it in a strainer and drain out a lot of the liquid. This has helped me get better results.
- Next, prep your peppers. If you have never worked with hot peppers, there are a few things to know. Make sure and wear gloves. This is really important. next, DO NOT TOUCH your face. Avoid that area at all costs. Actually avoid touching any part of your body until you have washed you hands thoroughly, several times.
- You can remove the seeds and veins if you would like, or leave them in. The veins and seeds will make it much hotter. So, if you want it spicy, but not burn your face off, remove the seeds.
- I threw my peppers into the food processor to blend them up as well. It was just easier than cutting them up.
- Add the pineapple, habaneros, sugar, salt, and vinegar to your pan on medium heat.
- Cook, stirring occasionally until the sugar is dissolved and the liquid is right at a boil.
- Add in the pectin, mix well, then allow it to boil for 2 minutes.
- Remove from heat.
- Now, you just need to decide how to store the jelly! I will give you some options below.
Canning Your Pineapple Habanero Jelly In A Water Bath
Boil a couple of gallons of water in a tall pan. Make sure that it is high enough to cover the tops of your canning jars when they are added.
Make sure the jars are still hot when you add in the hot jam. Remember, hot jars, hot jam. Ladle in the jam from the pan to your jar. A funnel works best for curbing the mess this can create.
Leave about a quarter-inch at the top. You want to remove all air bubbles and then clean around the rim of the jar. You won’t get a proper seal if the rim isn’t clean. Then put the lid on, and the screw ring on top of that.
Next, lower your jars into the tall pan of boiling water. You can use a rack to put them in the boiling water, or a jar lifter like I use. Leave them in there for 15 minutes, and then turn off the heat and remove the jars.
Let them sit for 12 hours, and then check the seals. If any of the seals are broken just store those in the fridge and use them first.
How To Sterilize Your Canning Jars
The first step in canning is to sterilize your jars. This is not a step you want to skip. Yes, if your water bath time is long enough, they say you don’t need to sterilize, but it is a good habit to get into.
Do this by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Once it is boiling, add in your jars. Make sure they fully submerge. Boil them for about 10-15 minutes to remove any bacteria.
I am going to link to Spruce Eats for information on sterilizing jars, they note adjustments to altitude and I didn’t want to go into that in this post. There is plenty of misinformation out there, so again, be mindful!
Ways To Serve Your Pineapple Habanero Jelly
Our very favorite way to eat pepper jellies is with it over cream cheese and eaten with some type of crackers. Every time I serve this, it is like a party in our house!
We also love these pepper jellies on biscuits, cornbread, toast, etc.
It also makes a great glaze for grilling meats- pork is my favorite.
You can add it on top of yogurt or even ice cream.
I promise there are so many ways to eat this jelly! I usually don't even know it as we go through it so fast!
What other peppers can I use in this jelly?
There are so many other peppers you can use. It just depends on your tolerance for heat. Jalapenos would be milder, or even serranos. If you want something with a little more kick, how about ghost peppers or even Thai hot peppers? Just sub out the same amount of peppers.
Can I make this pepper jelly less spicy?
You can reduce the amount of habaneros to 5, or if you really don't like spicy food, reduce it to 2-3 peppers. The amount of sugar cuts the heat drastically though, you might be surprised about the kind of heat you can handle!
How long will this jelly hold for?
If you are holding it in the fridge, just make sure that it’s in an airtight container. As long as it’s in an airtight container this jam will hold great for 3 weeks but will hold for even longer than that. The only problem is it never lasts that long in my family! If it is canned, it will hold for about a year or maybe 2.
Related Recipes
- Strawberry habanero jam
- Cranberry habanero jelly
- Fresh mango salsa
- Habanero Ranch Dressing
- Peach jalapeno salsa
- Shrimp and avocado crostini
- Easy jalapeno ranch dressing
Pineapple Habanero Jelly
Ingredients
- 1 pineapple cubed, mine was about 4 cups
- 8-15 habanero peppers this is a large variable, it of course depends on your tolerance for heat.
- 3-5 cups sugar My original recipe called for 4 ½-5 cups. I used 4 this time, but could have easily gone for 3- 31/2 cups.
- 1 cup white distilled vinegar
- pinch salt
- 2-4 teaspoons crushed red pepper again a variable depending on your preferences.
- 2 pouches liquid pectin packets I prefer the liquid for this recipe.
Instructions
- Grind pineapple chunks in a food processor. I left a few chunks, but for the most part, it was very small chunks.
- Place the pineapple in a strainer and drain for about 5-10 minutes. I have found I get more consistent results draining some of the liquid off.
- Pour into a large heavy bottom pan.
- Now, to prep the peppers, cut off the top. Remove seeds and veins if you choose, there is plenty of heat stored in those seeds and veins, so this will be up to you. I have done it with and without. We love both ways
- Throw them in the same processor you pulsed the pineapple in. Make sure you pulse this into pretty small pieces. My husband likes the bigger chunks, but I like it smaller and more evenly distributed.
- Add to the same pan as the pineapple.
- Now, turn on medium heat. Add in the sugar, salt, and crushed red pepper and vinegar. Heat until sugar is dissolved, it should be either boiling or really close
- Add in pectin and bring to a boil. Boil for 2 minutes.
- Pour into sterilized jars or freezer containers. If you are going to freeze, simply allow the jelly to cool, then place in freezer. If you are canning. Pour into jars. Immediately process in a water bath.
- Just know, it took mine almost overnight to thicken. So, don't stress if it doesn't set up right away.
- Now, sit back and enjoy. You deserve it!
Leanne says
This sounds amazing. I have never tried canning. Could I freeze this instead?
admin says
You sure can. It isn't technically a freezer jam/jelly recipe, but it can be frozen.
Cathy McKinnon says
Can this be canned instead of a freezer jam? Looks really good.
admin says
It can! If you scroll down just a touch on the recipe, you will come to a section about water bath canning. You should be able to find everything you need there. Let me know if you need anything else!
Sheila says
I'm very excited about this recipe. I only had about 2 cups of pineapple so I only added 1/2 cup vinegar, almost 3 cups sugar and 1 pouch of liquid pectin. When I tasted it, it tasted very good. I got 3 pint jars. My son is disappointed as there wasn't a part jar for him to try. LoL. Thanks for the recipe.
admin says
Haha, one batch is NEVER enough in our house. I have to make multiples or someone gets left out. Our crew and friends love it!! Thank you for letting me know you guys do too.
Leanne Sullivan says
I made this today and it was amazing. It was thicker than I would like for jelly. Thinking I may have let it boil a bit too long? 🤷🏼♀️
Because I’m a wimp, I used only 5 habaneros, 1 generous tsp of cayenne red pepper flakes and 4 cups of sugar. Maybe next time I will be a little braver with the heat. 🙂
Tonight I spread it on baked chicken breast and put it under the broiler for a few minutes. So yummy!
Learning curve, but will definitely be making this again!!!
Amy Sandidge says
Haha, before marrying a southern man, my palate was a lot more sensitive. I think it has been burned off at this point. I am so glad you liked this jelly. It is one of my favorites! You can also leave it more of the pineapple juice if you want the jelly a little more runny! Although cooking time and heat certainly affect the thickness as well. Thank you for letting me know how much you loved it! I would love to hear when you make it again!
Angela says
have you ever subbed the vinegar for ACV ?
Amy Sandidge says
I have not, but I don't see any reason it wouldn't work? If you try it, let me know!
Debbie says
I just made this jam. Never used habanero's before. I put 6 habanero's in and oh my 😮
I know family and friends will love it. Will make it again for gifts.
Amy Sandidge says
Hahaha!! Don't you love that sweet and spicy kick! I hope they love it as much as we do. Thank you for letting me know how it turned out.
MaryLynn says
I'd love to try this! Was wondering if you can use canned pineapple instead of fresh?
Amy Sandidge says
Hi Mary Lynn! I have not tried this personally, so I cannot say for sure. I apologize for this. I have heard of other people using canned pineapple in jelly with success. If you try it, I would love to know how it turns out.
Barb says
I made this yesterday and it did not set up as well as I would have liked, how can I get it to be a little thicker. I did drain the pineapple for about 10 minutes - maybe ground it too much? You indicate two pouches of pectin - what size? What I had for pectin was 170 ml total for 2 pouches. I really enjoy this, received some from a friend and then asked for the recipe, but was not happy with my results.
Amy Sandidge says
The tricky thing about making this pineapple habanero jelly is that moisture content varies from fruit to fruit. You might have had a pineapple with a higher moisture content. Did you let it sit for at least 24 hours, or chill for 24 hours? Was it still too runny? Mine is always runny when it is still hot. Another thought, I don't grind my pineapple too fine. I leave smaller chunks. With this I have never had issues with it not setting. I am not sure if it was this or the pineapple you used. I hope this helps.
Bridget Mosholder says
This is my favorite recipe to use habaneros. Quick and easy. I did not use as much sugar as it calls for. I used 3 cups. I also cooked mine for 3 minutes instead of 2 and it set up nicely. I tried to send a picture but couldn’t.
Amy Sandidge says
I am so glad to hear you liked the recipe- it is one of my favorites as well. Thanks for commenting!
Marlene says
Making now. Using the last of the habaneros from the garden before it freezes. My husband took some before it was jam and added to left over stir fry. He said it was just what it needed. I will use it for appetizers with cheese/salami/cracker platters.
Amy Sandidge says
I hope you love it, Marlene! The added habaneros in the stir fry sounds yummy too!
Michelle Baros says
This recipe is perfect and so easy to follow! Thanks it is amazing and I will use it for Christmas gifts as well! ❤️
Amy Sandidge says
Whoever you are gifting it is going to love it!!
Lynda says
Can I use can pineapple and use jaleno peppers
Amy Sandidge says
I am not sure on the canned pineapple as I have never tried it with canned. The jalapenos are a yes though. I have made this jelly with just about every kind of pepper you can think of!