Sweet Heat: Homemade Cowboy Candy (Candied Jalapeños)

My easy Cowboy Candy recipe turns jalapeños into sweet & spicy bliss! Perfect on burgers, cheese boards, or straight from the jar. Get ready to giddy up!

May 27, 2025
By Ethan Navarro.

Jump to Recipe print

0 Out of 5 Based on: 0 Ratings.

Alright, let's dive into making some cowboy candy ! have you ever craved something sweet and spicy? honestly, these candied jalapeños are where it's at.

I always thought " salsa canning recipes " are very complex but, once i made cowboy candy, i was convinced that canning vegetables is quite fun.

Sweet Heat: Taming the Wild West (in a Jar!)

These babies are nicknamed cowboy candy for a reason. they've got that sweet, almost innocent taste that sneaks up on you with a kick like a bucking bronco.

We're talking sweet heat, folks. the kind that makes you go "yeehaw!" and reach for another one. they are a great addition to your repertoire of preserving recipes .

This cowboy candy recipe hails from the american southwest. think dusty trails, campfire cooking, and a whole lotta flavour. these canned jalapeños are surprisingly easy to make, too.

It takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes. this recipe makes around 2 pints. perfect for sharing, or not. wink, wink .

Sweet Heat: Homemade Cowboy Candy (Candied Jalapeños) Recipe Card

0.0 / 5 (0 Review)

Preparation time:20 Mins

Cooking time:01 Hrs 15 Mins

Servings:2 pints (4 cups)

Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454g) Jalapeño Peppers, fresh, green, firm, sliced into ¼-inch (6mm) rounds
• 1 cup (237 ml) White Vinegar
• 2 cups (400g) Granulated Sugar
• 1 teaspoon (5ml) Ground Turmeric
• 1 teaspoon (5ml) Garlic Powder
• ½ teaspoon (2.5ml) Celery Seed
• ½ teaspoon (2.5ml) Cayenne Pepper (optional, for extra heat)

Instructions:

• Wearing gloves, wash and slice jalapeños into uniform rounds.
• In the saucepan, combine vinegar, sugar, turmeric, garlic powder, celery seed, and cayenne pepper (if using).
• Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves.
• Gently add the sliced jalapeños to the boiling syrup.
• Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the peppers are slightly softened but still hold their shape.
• Increase the heat back to medium and simmer for another 35-45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the syrup has thickened slightly and coats the back of a spoon.
• Carefully ladle the hot jalapeños and syrup into the sterilized jars, leaving ¼-inch (6mm) headspace.
• Gently tap the jars on the counter to release any trapped air bubbles.
• Wipe the jar rims clean with a damp cloth. Place the lids on the jars and screw on the bands fingertip-tight.
• Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes. Alternatively, store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
• Remove the jars from the canner and let them cool completely on a towel-lined surface. Store in a cool, dark place.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:60 calories

Fat:<1g

Fiber:<1g

Recipe Info

Category:Condiment

Cuisine:American

Why You'll Be Hooked on This Jalapeño Jamboree

One of the best things about these candied jalapeños ? they're packed with vitamin c from the jalapeños, although the sugar content probably negates the health benefits a bit! they're fantastic for adding a zing to any dish.

Picture this: a dollop on your burger at your next barbeque. or maybe on your cheese board for a bit of sophistication.

Honestly, it's the sweet and spicy combo that gets me. this cowboy candy is unique because it's both unexpected and totally addictive.

It transforms humble jalapeños into glistening jewels. a batch of home canning recipes should definitely include this one. this is why it's the best of the garden canning recipes.

Right, let's get down to business! cowboy candy – those sweet and spicy candied jalapeños – are a real treat, and definitely having a moment.

They're perfect for everything from topping burgers to adding a kick to your charcuterie board. i reckon we can get this cowboy candy recipe sorted for folks of all skill levels.

Giddy up!

Sweet Heat: Ingredients Sorted

So, what do you need to whip up a batch of candied jalapeños ? Don't worry, it's mostly store cupboard stuff.

Main Ingredients for this Cowboy Candy Recipe

• Jalapeño Peppers: 1 pound (454g) , fresh, green, and firm. Slice them into ¼-inch (6mm) rounds. Seriously, wear gloves . I once skipped the gloves and oh my gosh, I regretted it for days!
• White Vinegar: 1 cup (237 ml) .
• Granulated Sugar: 2 cups (400g) .
• Ground Turmeric: 1 teaspoon (5ml) . This adds a lovely colour.
• Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon (5ml) .
• Celery Seed: ½ teaspoon (2.5ml) .
• Cayenne Pepper: ½ teaspoon (2.5ml) (optional, for extra heat). I like mine with a proper kick!

For the jalapeños, you want them nice and firm. Avoid the wrinkly ones. Good quality peppers will give you the best Cowboy Candy .

Seasoning Notes: Sweet, Spice, and Everything Nice!

This is where you can get creative with these canned jalapeños .

• Essential Spice Combo: Turmeric, garlic powder, and celery seed are the base. They add depth and balance the sweetness.
• Flavour Enhancers: A pinch of cayenne really elevates the heat.
• Quick Subs: Don't have celery seed? A pinch of ground coriander works okay in a pinch.

These preserving recipes are fun for experimenting.

Equipment: What You'll Need

Let's talk kit. For this garden canning adventure, you won't need anything too fancy.

• Cutting board and sharp knife. I prefer a chef's knife, but a paring knife will do.
• Gloves! (nitrile or vinyl).
• Large, heavy-bottomed saucepan or Dutch oven. Prevents scorching.
• Slotted spoon.
• Canning jars: 2 pint jars or 4 half-pint jars. Sterilized, obviously. If you plan Salsa Canning Recipes a good stock of jars are always handy.
• Canning funnel (optional). Makes life easier.
• Jar lifter (optional). But, trust me, your hands will thank you.

Don't have a jar lifter? Use tongs with rubber bands around the ends to get a good grip.

The Benefits of Making Cowboy Candy

Cowboy candy isn't just delicious; it's a fantastic way to preserve your canning vegetables ! it is shelf stable for longer periods if canning them.

It lets you enjoy the taste of summer long after the season ends. plus, homemade always tastes better. trust me, once you’ve tried your own, you'll never go back to the store-bought stuff.

Right then, let's have a crack at this cowboy candy recipe lark! honestly, candied jalapeños are the business. you know, sweet and spicy – proper moreish! perfect for livening up everything.

They are also a brilliant garden canning project if you have lots of chillies to spare. let's dive in.

Sweet Heat: Homemade Cowboy Candy

These aren't your typical pickled chillies, mate. cowboy candy , or candied jalapeños , are a surprising mix of sweet and spicy.

Great on burgers, pizzas, even a cheeky cheeseboard. inspired by the wild west (well, sort of!), these will become a staple.

Prep Steps: Let's Get Sorted

Essential mise en place ? Wash, slice, and glove up! Slicing one pound (454g) of fresh jalapeños into ¼-inch (6mm) rounds. Gloves are non-negotiable, trust me. I learned that the hard way.

Time-saving tip? get everything measured out before you start. vinegar, sugar, spices. it makes life much easier. two cups (400g) of sugar is needed, so use kitchen scales for a more accurate measure.

Safety reminder: Those jalapeño oils are sneaky devils. Even a little bit on your skin can burn like mad. Wear gloves. Seriously. Do it.

Step-by-Step: The Cowboy Candy Dance

1. Pop on those gloves! Slice up one pound of jalapeños .
2. Chuck one cup (237ml) of white vinegar, two cups (400g) of granulated sugar, one teaspoon (5ml) of turmeric, one teaspoon (5ml) of garlic powder, half a teaspoon (2.5ml) of celery seed, and optional half a teaspoon (2.5ml) of cayenne into a pan.
3. Give it a good stir over medium-high heat until the sugar dissolves.
4. Gently drop in the sliced jalapeños.
5. Simmer on low for about 10- 15 minutes .
6. Turn up the heat to medium and simmer for another 35- 45 minutes . The syrup should thicken, coating the back of a spoon .
7. Ladle into sterilized jars, leaving ¼-inch (6mm) of headspace.
8. Cool and store. You might want to try canning vegetables this way, too.

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Candy

Expert technique? Don’t overcrowd the pan. Give those chillies room to breathe. You might be surprised how easy preserving recipes are.

Common mistake? Overcooking. You want a slight snap to the jalapeños, not mush. So keep a careful eye on it.

Make-ahead option? absolutely. these keep well in the fridge for up to two weeks. or you can properly can them for longer.

Home canning recipes are so rewarding, and this is a nice and easy recipe to get started with.

These sweet and spicy treats will take your culinary creations to the next level.

So there you have it: Cowboy Candy perfection. You know, the kind of salsa canning recipes dreams are made of. Give it a go, and let me know what you think!

Right, let's talk recipe notes for our cowboy candy recipe , shall we? this isn't just about canning vegetables, this is about taking something simple – the humble jalapeno – and turning it into something amazing .

Honestly, the best preserving recipes are the ones you can tweak and make your own.

Serving Up Some Sweet Heat

Okay, so you've got your candied jalapenos all jarred up. Now what?

Plating and Presentation Ideas

Think about it: these aren't just for eating straight out of the jar – though i won't judge if you do.

Scatter them on a cheese board with some mature cheddar and crackers. they look stunning! i use a fancy serving platter, you know, something with a bit of rustic charm.

Oh my gosh, they also make a surprisingly great pizza topping.

Complementary Sides or Beverages

Picture this: a juicy burger topped with cowboy candy , a side of crispy onion rings, and an ice-cold beer.

That’s living, isn't it? for a slightly fancier affair, try pairing them with a crisp, dry white wine. the sweetness of the wine cuts through the heat perfectly.

Storing your Canned Jalapenos Like a Pro

Nobody wants to waste precious Cowboy Candy . Here's how to keep them at their best.

Refrigeration Guidelines

If you skipped the water bath process, these babies need to live in the fridge. They'll happily sit there for up to two weeks. Just make sure the lid is on tight.

Freezing Options (if applicable)

Freezing Canned Jalapenos ? Not really recommended. The texture can get a bit wonky. It's best to stick to refrigerating.

Reheating Instructions

These are usually eaten cold or at room temp. But if you're adding them to a cooked dish, chuck them in towards the end to warm through.

Cowboy Candy – Your Way

One of the best things about Home Canning Recipes is how easy they are to adapt.

Dietary Adaptations

Want to make these vegan? Just double check your sugar is vegan-friendly (some are processed with bone char).

Seasonal Ingredient Swaps

Come autumn, think about adding a pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the syrup for a warmer, more festive flavour. It's a game changer, honestly!

Nutrition Nuggets

Alright, a quick heads-up on what you’re getting with this tasty treat.

Simplified Nutrition Information

Look, these are candied jalapenos . They have sugar. But, hey, everything in moderation, right? Each serving has roughly 60 calories, most of which are from sugar.

Key Health Benefits

Jalapenos themselves are a good source of vitamins A and C. Plus, that kick of spice can give your metabolism a little boost. Just don't go overboard, you know?

So there you have it. With these tips and tricks, you're well on your way to becoming a Cowboy Candy master. Get your Garden Canning kit out, and get creative! Enjoy!