Fresh red bell peppers and smoky chipotles in adobo team up to create a jelly that balances bright tang with deep, earthy heat. You'll love how the apple cider vinegar cuts through the sweetness, leaving a glossy, spreadable preserve with a serious kick. It's an absolute standout on a cheese board next to sharp cheddar, but don't stop there. Spoon it over warm buttermilk biscuits, glaze a roasted pork tenderloin, or pack it into jars for a homemade gift people will actually use.
Prep
15 min
Cook
15 min
Total
7 hr 0 min
Servings
96
Ingredients
4 large red bell peppers, roughly chopped (about 4 cups)
3 large canned chipotle chiles in adobo sauce (from 1 [7-oz.] can), seeded and chopped (about 1½ Tbsp.)
4½ cups granulated sugar
1⅓ cups apple cider vinegar
½ cup plus 1 Tbsp. liquid pectin (from 2 [3-oz.] pkg.)
¼ tsp. kosher salt
¼ tsp. garlic powder
Instructions
1Pulse the chopped red bell peppers and seeded chipotle chiles in a food processor about six times until finely chopped.
2Transfer the pepper mixture to a large saucepan and cook over medium-high heat for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the excess liquid evaporates. Removing this moisture helps the jelly set properly.
3Stir the granulated sugar and apple cider vinegar into the saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium and let it cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4Stir in the liquid pectin, kosher salt, and garlic powder until well combined. Let the jelly cook undisturbed for exactly 1 minute to activate the pectin, then remove the saucepan from the heat.
5Carefully spoon the hot jelly into six sterilized half-pint canning jars. Fill them all the way to the top, or leave half an inch of headspace if you plan to freeze them. Wipe the rims of the jars clean so the lids seal properly, and let them cool at room temperature for 30 minutes.
6Secure the lids tightly on the jars and refrigerate for about 6 hours until the jelly sets completely.
Notes
Storage: Keep the finished jelly in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks, or freeze it for up to 1 year.
Serving: Spoon this sweet and spicy jelly over warm buttermilk biscuits with sliced ham, or serve it over cream cheese with crackers.
Prep: Wear gloves when seeding the chipotle chiles to protect your hands from the spicy oils.