Cranberry Pepper Jelly

Highlighted under: Seasonal & Festive

Elevate your holiday gatherings with this delightful Cranberry Pepper Jelly recipe. Sweet and spicy, this versatile condiment pairs perfectly with cream cheese for an easy appetizer or as a glaze for meats. Homemade and vibrant, it brings a burst of color and flavor to your cheese boards and festive spreads.

Emily

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2025-11-25T06:30:23.520Z

This Cranberry Pepper Jelly is not just a simple condiment; it’s a celebration of flavors that enhances any dish it accompanies. The sweet tartness of cranberries combined with the kick of peppers creates a delightful contrast that is sure to impress your guests.

Perfect for Holiday Celebrations

Cranberry Pepper Jelly is a stunning addition to any holiday table. Its vibrant red hue not only looks beautiful on a cheese board, but it also tantalizes the palate with its sweet and spicy flavors. Whether served alongside festive meats, piled onto crackers with cream cheese, or used as a glaze for roasted vegetables, this jelly transforms ordinary dishes into culinary delights. Your holiday gatherings will be elevated, making them memorable for all who partake.

Adding this jelly to your festive spread not only enhances the visual appeal of your food presentation but also offers a delightful contrast of flavors that guests will love. Its versatility allows it to shine in various settings, from casual family dinners to formal holiday parties, ensuring it will be a favorite during the season.

Easy to Make and Serve

Despite its gourmet-like flavor, Cranberry Pepper Jelly is surprisingly easy to prepare. With just a handful of ingredients and a straightforward cooking process, even novice cooks can achieve impressive results. The combination of fresh cranberries and vibrant bell peppers creates a beautiful mix of texture and taste, allowing you to impress your guests without spending hours in the kitchen. This jelly can be made in advance, making it an ideal choice for busy holiday planning.

Once bottled, the jelly can be stored for weeks, allowing the flavors to meld even further. This means you can prepare it ahead of time, leaving you more freedom to focus on other dishes and enjoy the festivities.

Health Benefits of Cranberries and Peppers

Beyond its delicious taste, this jelly is packed with health benefits. Cranberries are well known for their high antioxidant content, which supports immune health and can aid in preventing urinary tract infections. They are also a source of vitamin C, contributing to overall wellness during the cold winter months. Meanwhile, bell peppers are rich in vitamins A and C, as well as fiber, making this jelly not just a tasty treat but also a nutritious addition to your diet.

Including this jelly in your meals can provide an extra boost of nutrients while still satisfying your taste buds. It’s a guilt-free way to add a pop of flavor to your food, all while enjoying the health benefits of fresh ingredients.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 12 oz fresh cranberries
  • 1 cup chopped red bell pepper
  • 1 cup chopped green bell pepper
  • 1 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 5 cups sugar
  • 1 pouch pectin

Gather all of these ingredients before you start cooking for the best results!

Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients

Rinse the cranberries and remove any stems or damaged berries. Chop the bell peppers into small pieces.

Cook the Mixture

In a large pot, combine the cranberries, bell peppers, and apple cider vinegar. Bring to a boil over medium heat.

Add Sugar and Pectin

Stir in the sugar and continue to boil for about 5 minutes, then add the pectin and boil for an additional 1-2 minutes until it thickens.

Jar and Seal

Pour the hot jelly into sterilized jars and seal immediately. Allow to cool at room temperature before refrigerating.

Ensure the jars are stored in a cool, dark place for optimal preservation.

Storage Tips for Your Jelly

Once you’ve made your Cranberry Pepper Jelly, proper storage is essential to maintain its freshness and flavor. Ensure that you use sterilized jars and seals to prevent contamination. The jelly can be stored in a cool, dark place for up to a year if properly sealed. Once opened, keep it refrigerated and consume it within a month for the best taste.

To extend its shelf life even further, consider freezing any unopened jars of jelly. This preserves the flavor and texture for months, allowing you to enjoy this festive treat long after the holiday season has passed.

Serving Suggestions

Cranberry Pepper Jelly makes for an exquisite topping on a cheese platter. Pair it with seasoned cream cheese for a mouthwatering appetizer that will wow your guests. Additionally, this jelly can be used as a glaze on roasted meats, such as turkey or pork, enhancing the dish with its sweet and spicy notes.

Beyond cheese boards and glazes, get creative! Consider using the jelly as a sandwich spread or stir it into salad dressings for a fruity twist. Its versatility ensures you can find countless ways to incorporate this delightful condiment into your meals.

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Questions About Recipes

→ How long does Cranberry Pepper Jelly last?

When sealed properly, it can last up to a year in the pantry.

→ Can I use frozen cranberries?

Yes, frozen cranberries can be used, just ensure they are fully thawed.

Cranberry Pepper Jelly

Elevate your holiday gatherings with this delightful Cranberry Pepper Jelly recipe. Sweet and spicy, this versatile condiment pairs perfectly with cream cheese for an easy appetizer or as a glaze for meats. Homemade and vibrant, it brings a burst of color and flavor to your cheese boards and festive spreads.

Prep Time15.0
Cooking Duration20.0
Overall Time35.0

Created by: Emily

Recipe Type: Seasonal & Festive

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: Makes about 4 cups

What You'll Need

Main Ingredients

  1. 12 oz fresh cranberries
  2. 1 cup chopped red bell pepper
  3. 1 cup chopped green bell pepper
  4. 1 cup apple cider vinegar
  5. 5 cups sugar
  6. 1 pouch pectin

How-To Steps

Step 01

Rinse the cranberries and remove any stems or damaged berries. Chop the bell peppers into small pieces.

Step 02

In a large pot, combine the cranberries, bell peppers, and apple cider vinegar. Bring to a boil over medium heat.

Step 03

Stir in the sugar and continue to boil for about 5 minutes, then add the pectin and boil for an additional 1-2 minutes until it thickens.

Step 04

Pour the hot jelly into sterilized jars and seal immediately. Allow to cool at room temperature before refrigerating.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Total Fat: 0g
  • Sugars: 12g
  • Sodium: 0mg