Candied Jalapeños (Cowboy Candy)

Do you love at little heat and sweet together? Then you are going to love Candied Jalapeños (Cowboy Candy). Packed with flavor and punch!

It’s pretty much the end of jalapeño season here in Massachusetts and I have too many to handle. One plant, (I have 5), grows approximately 35 jalapeños. So as you can see, I have a lot of them. In order to use them up we been creating a variety of jalapeño recipes. Just try our Green Jalapeño Sauce, Jalapeño Simple Syrup, and Easy Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers. Today, I am bringing you these Candied Jalapeños (Cowboy Candy) and you are going to love this recipe! A combination of heat and sweet and when put together you are going to be blown away!

What are Candied Jalapeños (Cowboy Candy)?

Candied Jalapeños aka Cowboy Candy are sliced jalapeño rings that are essentially sweetened with a spiced up simple syrup. They are a perfect combination of sweet and spicy and can be used in a variety of ways to enhance the flavor of your favorite foods.

How to use Candied Jalapeños (Cowboy Candy)

Serve Candied Jalapeños as an appetizer; use as a spread on crackers or just dip taco chips right in. Serve with cheese slices and crackers and place a teaspoon on top. Take a cream cheese block and pour it over the top and serve with crackers (like a pepper jelly). Try them on sandwiches, hamburgs or hot dogs. Spice up sauces; mix some of the candied jalapeños with ketchup, barbecue sauce or mustard. If you don’t want the whole jalapeño in your sauce, then use a blender to incorporate it fully. This will take your heat level up a notch! Endless possibilities!

How long do Candied Jalapeños last?

Candied Jalapeños will last about 3 months in the refrigerator once opened. If canned (as in the recipe below) they can last easily last up to a year or longer. Store in your panty or a cool spot. Signs of spoiling include a bad smell when opened and mold growth. Discard if your candied jalapeños have gone bad.

Fun Facts about Jalapeños

• The jalapeño was cultivated in Veracruz, the capital city of Mexico
• One of the most well-known chill peppers
• A mature jalapeño is about 2-4 inches in size
• Its growing period is about 70-90 days
• One plant can produce up to 35 jalapeños
• They love the heat and sun, ideal heat is around 80-85 degrees F
• As the growing season ends, jalapeños typically turn red
• After they are harvested, they have a shelf life of 3-5 weeks if kept at 45.5 degrees F
• It comes in at 2,500 to 8,000 heat units on the scoville heat scale 
• Jalapeños can be candied, dried, pickled, frozen and used in cocktails and sauces

Candied Jalapeños-Ingredients

• 20 jalapeños (cut into rings)
• 2 cups sugar
• 2/3 cups apple cider vinegar
• 2 tbsp mustard seeds
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1/4 tsp paprika
• 1/4 tsp celery seed
• 1/4 tsp tumeric

Instructions

• In a medium sized sauce pan, add all ingredients except the jalapeños. Bring to a boil, then lower and simmer for 5 minutes.
• Add in the jalapeño rings and simmer for an additional 5 minutes. Jalapeños will turn olive green. 
• Pour mixture into two pint-sized mason jars, leaving about a 1/4-1/2 inch of space from the top. Cover with airtight lids.
• To can, place the jars in a large boiling pot and fill with hot water. Drop the mason jars into the pot making sure the water is 2 inches above the tops of the jars.
• Turn heat on high and bring the water to a boil for 10 minutes. 
• Remove jars and set aside too cool. Once the jars are room temperature refrigerate.
• In order to let the flavors incorporate, refrigerate at least overnight before using. 
• Serve and enjoy!
• Once opened, keep refrigerated for up to 3 months. If unopened, keep in a cool place for up to one year or longer. Discard if the peppers smell bad or has signs of molding.

For additional jalapeño recipes try:

Easy Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers

Green Jalapeño Sauce

Jalapeño Simple Syrup

Spicy Paloma Cocktail