Candied Jalapenos Recipe (Homemade Cowboy Candy)

Name: Candied Jalapenos Recipe (Homemade Cowboy Candy)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 lb Jalapenos peppers (thinly sliced); 2 cups sugar; 1 cup apple cider vinegar; 1 tsp garlic powder; ½ tsp turmeric; ½ tsp celery seed; Optional: ¼ tsp cayenne pepper for extra heat

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If you’re a fan of unique condiments, Candied Jalapenos—often referred to as “cowboy candy”—might just be your new go-to! This delicious mix of sweet and spicy is ideal for topping everything from burgers to cream cheese on crackers. Let’s dive into how to make these addictive candied jalapeños right at home!

Close-up of candied Jalapenos in a glass jar

For those who love a balance of sweet and spicy, these recipes bring bold flavors to any meal! The Best Cowboy Candy Recipe brings together sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors. These tasty Candied Jalapenos are great for burgers, charcuterie boards, and dips. Pair it with Cowboy Butter, a flavorful sauce made with butter, herbs, and garlic, ideal for dipping steak, shrimp, or grilled veggies.

For a tasty Asian twist, try the Japanese BBQ Sauce Recipe. It mixes soy sauce, mirin, and garlic. This savory glaze goes well with meats and vegetables.

If you want more heat, try Hot Honey. It adds a sweet kick with chili-infused honey. Drizzle it over pizza, fried chicken, or roasted veggies for a great flavor boost!

What do Candied Jalapenos taste like?

Candied Jalapenos are simply sliced jalapeño peppers simmered in a sweet and tangy syrup. This syrup mix combines sugar, apple cider vinegar, and optional spices like celery seed. It turns jalapeños into a tasty topping with a nice balance of sweetness and heat.

Why You’ll Love Cowboy Candy

These little sweet and spicy bites add a unique flavor to any dish. They’re great on burgers, sandwiches, charcuterie boards, or mixed into dips. And the best part? Making a large quantity means you’ll always have a jar ready to spice things up.

Fresh Jalapenos peppers sliced on a cutting board

Ingredients Needed

Essential Ingredients

Jalapenos Peppers – 1 pound, thinly sliced
Sugar – 2 cups
Apple Cider Vinegar – 1 cup
Garlic Powder – 1 teaspoon
Turmeric – ½ teaspoon
Celery Seed – ½ teaspoon
Cayenne Pepper – Optional, for added heat

Additional Supplies

Large Pot – For simmering the jalapeños
Pint Jars or Canning Jars – To store your cowboy candy
Damp Paper Towel – For wiping rims of the jars

Preparing the Jalapeños

Wear Gloves
Before you start, wear gloves to protect your skin from the capsaicin in jalapeños. It can be intense, and gloves make slicing easier and safer.
Remove the Stems
Start by washing the jalapeños and removing the stems.
Slice the Jalapenos
Slice the Jalapenos into thin rounds. For less heat, consider removing some of the seeds, but leaving them in will give a spicier kick.

Large pot with Jalapenos simmering in syrup

How to Make Cowboy Candy (Candied Jalapenos) – The Recipe Method

1. Prepare the Syrup

In a large pot, combine the sugar, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, turmeric, and celery seed. Accordingly, this creates a sweet and tangy base for the jalapeños. Also, bring the mixture to a full rolling boil over medium-high heat. But, make sure to stir continuously. This helps dissolve the sugar completely.

2. Add the Jalapeños

Once the syrup reaches a boil, carefully add the sliced jalapeños to the pot. Gently stir them to coat them in the syrup. Allow the mixture to reduce heat and simmer for about 10–15 minutes. This allows the jalapeños to soften slightly while absorbing the sweet and spicy flavors.

3. Jar the Candied Jalapenos

Use a slotted spoon to move the jalapeño slices into your prepared pint or canning jars. Also, make sure the jars are filled to about half an inch below the rim. But, don’t overfill. So, after adding the peppers, pour in the leftover syrup to finish filling each jar. Generally, this ensures the perfect syrup-to-pepper ratio.

4. Prepare the Jars for Canning

To ensure a proper seal, wipe the rims of the jars with a damp paper towel. This removes any residue that could prevent the lids from sealing properly. Then, secure the lids tightly.

How to Store and Preserve Candied Jalapenos

Short-Term Storage

If you plan to use your Candied Jalapenos in a few weeks, you can store them in the refrigerator. You do not need any further processing.

Long-Term Storage: Water Bath Canning

For longer storage, place the jars in a water bath. Process the jars in a large pot of boiling water for 10 minutes. The heat from the water bath helps create a vacuum seal, which keeps the cowboy candy fresh for up to a year when stored in a cool, dark place.

Creative Ways to Use Candied Jalapenos

1. On a Cheese Board with Cream Cheese

Candied Jalapenos make an incredible addition to a cheese board. Pair them with cream cheese for a simple but flavorful appetizer that’s perfect for parties.

2. Topping for Burgers and Sandwiches

Add a few slices to burgers, pulled pork sandwiches, or hot dogs. Accordingly, you’ll elevate the flavor with a sweet and spicy contrast. Also, these candied jalapeños work well as a versatile topping. But, be prepared for an extra kick! So, add them to bring out bold flavors.

3. Mixed into Tacos and Burritos

Add a few slices to tacos, burritos, or quesadillas. So, you’ll enjoy a delicious heat with each bite. Generally, this combination adds a unique sweet and spicy note to your favorite Mexican meals.

4. Stirred into Salads

Chop a few candied jalapeños and toss them into your salads. Accordingly, they add a sweet and spicy kick to leafy greens. Also, they bring a unique twist to your dressings. But, be cautious with quantity, as a little goes a long way.

Candied Jalapenos spread on a cheese board with cream cheese

Tips for the Perfect Candied Jalapenos

Achieve the Right Texture
Keep the mixture at a low simmer instead of a rolling boil. This will help the jalapeños soften without getting mushy.
Use Leftover Syrup
The leftover syrup is tasty. Also, it can be used as a drizzle on pizza or added to marinades. But, its uses don’t stop there. So, try adding it to roasted vegetables for more flavor. Generally, this syrup adds a sweet, tangy kick wherever you use it.
Avoid Crystallization
Stirring continuously when dissolving the sugar helps prevent crystallization, ensuring a smooth and sticky syrup.

Frequently Asked Questions about Candied Jalapenos

How Long Do Candied Jalapenos Last?

If stored in the fridge, they’ll stay fresh for up to three months. Properly canned cowboy candy can last up to a year.

Can You Make Them Less Spicy?

Yes! Removing the seeds or opting for milder peppers can create a gentler heat. Accordingly, you can adjust the spice level to your taste. Also, keep in mind that the sweetness balances the heat. But, if you prefer even less spice, try milder pepper varieties. So, you have options to customize the heat level.

Do You Need a Canning Jar?

For long-term storage, canning jars are best as they create an airtight seal during the water bath process.

Can You Use Other Peppers?

Absolutely! While jalapeños are classic, you can substitute with milder peppers or experiment with spicier varieties like serranos.

Is a Water Bath Necessary?

If you’re not consuming the peppers right away, a water bath ensures a safe, long-term preservation method.

Damp paper towel wiping the rim of a canning jar

Conclusion

Candied Jalapenos, or cowboy candy, bring a world of flavor with every bite. Whether enjoyed on a cheese board with cream cheese or added to your favorite dish, these sweet and spicy jalapeños are worth the effort. Store a few jars for yourself or gift them to friends—they’re sure to be a hit!

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