Cherry–Red Pepper Sweet Heat Jam
A Bold, Juicy, Sweet-Spicy Jam for Cheese Boards & Beyond
This jam balances sweet cherries, mild red bell pepper, and a gentle chili heat. It’s glossy, spreadable, and incredibly versatile.
Yield
About 2 cups (1 medium jar)
Perfect for gifting or keeping in the fridge.
Ingredients
2 cups fresh cherries, pitted & roughly chopped
(Frozen cherries work too — thaw first)
1 large red bell pepper, deseeded & finely chopped
1 small red chili pepper, finely minced (adjust to taste)
1 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
Pinch of salt
Optional (but amazing):
½ tsp lemon zest
¼ tsp smoked paprika or cayenne
1 tsp lemon juice (for brightness)
Equipment Needed
Medium heavy-bottom saucepan
Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
Knife & cutting board
Immersion blender or regular blender (optional)
Clean glass jars with lids
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
Pit and chop the cherries.
Finely chop the red bell pepper.
Mince the chili pepper (remove seeds for milder heat).
Step 2: Combine Everything
In a saucepan, add:
Cherries
Bell pepper
Chili pepper
Sugar
Apple cider vinegar
Salt
(Any optional add-ins)
Stir well to coat everything evenly.
Step 3: Cook the Jam
Place saucepan over medium heat.
Bring to a gentle boil, stirring often.
Reduce to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 25–30 minutes.
Stir every few minutes to prevent sticking.
The mixture will thicken, darken, and become glossy.
Step 4: Check Thickness
The jam is ready when:
It coats the back of a spoon
A spoon dragged through leaves a clear path
It thickens more as it cools
(If too thin, simmer 5–10 more minutes.)
Step 5: Blend (Optional)
For texture:
Chunky: Leave as is
Smooth: Blend fully
Jammy: Pulse briefly for a rustic finish
Step 6: Cool & Jar
Let jam cool for 10–15 minutes.
Spoon into clean jars.
Seal and refrigerate.
Storage
Refrigerator: Up to 3–4 weeks
Freezer: Up to 3 months
(For shelf-stable canning, proper water-bath canning is required.)
How to Serve (So Many Ways!)
Cheese Boards – Brie, goat cheese, cream cheese, sharp cheddar
Crackers & Crostini
Grilled Chicken or Turkey glaze
Burgers & Sandwiches
Breakfast – Toast, biscuits, English muffins
Appetizer Hack: Warm over cream cheese & serve with crackers
Heat Level Control
Mild: Skip chili or use ½ chili
Medium: 1 small chili (recommended)
Spicy: Add extra chili or a pinch of cayenne
Flavor Variations
Cherry-Berry Jam: Add ½ cup strawberries
Extra Smoky: Add smoked paprika
Honey Swap: Replace ¼ cup sugar with honey
Citrus Twist: Add orange zest
Why You’ll Love It
Naturally sweet & spicy
No preservatives
Elevates simple foods instantly
Perfect homemade gift
