Black Pepper Free Pepper Jelly

Pepper jelly is one of those condiments that earns a permanent spot in the fridge the moment you make your first batch. This version gets its heat from jalapeños and its bright sweetness from a combination of red and green bell peppers, all balanced with apple cider vinegar and a generous measure of sugar — the result is glossy, jewel-toned, and absolutely addictive. Because the recipe relies entirely on fresh peppers, vinegar, and pectin rather than any pre-mixed spice blends, it's naturally free from ground black pepper without any substitutions required. That matters more than you might think, since store-bought pepper jellies and seasoning-heavy preserves can sneak in dried spices that aren't always obvious on the label. The water bath canning process here is straightforward and well worth the effort, giving you shelf-stable jars you can gift, serve over cream cheese with crackers, or use as a glaze for roasted meats. You can dial the heat up or down simply by keeping or removing the jalapeño seeds and ribs, making this recipe genuinely flexible for different tables and tolerances. Once those lids pop as the jars cool, you'll understand why homemade jelly has such a devoted following.

About Fig

Fig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.

Learn more →