My Cowboy Candy (Candied Jalapenos) is a sweet and spicy treat. Sliced jalapeños simmered in a sweet, tangy syrup until they’re glossy, sticky, and just the right kind of spicy. Whether you spoon it over cream cheese, tuck it into sandwiches, or serve it with grilled meats, it adds punch without overpowering.
I love easy to make snacks which I can use for gifts or parties, like my Fried Pickles and my Bread and Butter Refrigerator Pickles.
SAVE THIS RECIPE!
Enter your email below and we’ll send this recipe straight to your inbox.
Why this Cowboy Candy Recipe is a Keeper
I love this recipe because it’s a quick, easy and unique snack that’s super delicious. This recipe is perfect to add to your game day appetizer collection.
- Simplicity: It uses a straightforward method that is easy for beginners.
- Balanced Flavor: It achieves a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy.
- Unique Spice Blend: The addition of turmeric, mustard seeds, and celery seeds creates a distinctive, savory flavor.
- Versatility: The finished pickle like product and the leftover syrup are both incredibly versatile and can be used in numerous dishes and drinks.
Do I Have to Use a Water Bath Canning Method to Make Candied Jalapeños?
No, for my recipe you do not have to water bath can the jalapeno slices. You could if you want to but these are for immediate use. Canning this recipe will make it shelf stable.
Pro Tip for this Easy Recipe
Less Spice: Removing all the seeds and the white membrane from the jalapeños will significantly reduce the heat. The majority of a pepper’s heat is concentrated in the membrane.
Get 200 easy and delicious dinner recipes, so you'll never have to worry about what to make for dinner again.
Ingredient Notes for Candied Jalapenos Peppers
This recipe uses easy ingredients that pack a punch of flavor. This recipe is a great way to use up your jalapenos from your garden.
Get the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions in the recipe card below.
- Jalapeño Peppers: Use freshly sliced jalapenos.
- Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar acts as the base for the syrup, and adds to the sweet flavor.
- Spices: You will need mustard seed, celery seed, salt and turmeric.
Variations and Substitutions to Make Cowboy Candy
This recipe is so easy to change up. I like to experiment with ingredients to make different varieties.
- Sweetness: Substitute a portion of the white sugar with brown sugar for a richer, molasses-like flavor. You can also use honey or maple syrup for a more natural sweetness, but be aware it will change the flavor significantly.
- Spices: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for an extra kick. For a smoky flavor, a dash of smoked paprika works well. You can also experiment with different spices like cumin, garlic powder, or even a star anise for a licorice note.
- More Spice: Keep all the seeds and membrane in the peppers. For an even spicier batch, you can add a few slices of a hotter pepper, like a habanero, to the mix.
How to Make Candied Jalapenos Recipe
In just 3 steps, you can have your very own cowboy candy jalapenos. This recipe takes just a little bit of effort but the results are well worth it.
Get the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions in the recipe card below.
- Make Syrup: In a large pot, mix the apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, turmeric, mustard seeds and celery seeds. Bring to a boil, and let the full rolling boil for 4 minutes.
- Candy the Jalapenos: Add the jalapenos to the simmering sugar mix and cook at a simmer for 5 minutes. When done, use a slotted spoon to transfer the peppers to a mason jar.
- Fill the Jars and Let Cool: Let the sugar mixture boil for another 10 minutes, then pour boiling syrup into the jars. Let cool, wipe the rim of the jar, add the lids and refrigerate overnight.
Prep Ahead Suggestions for these Pepper Slices
Since this recipe is already super easy, there are only a couple things you can do ahead of time when you make this sliced peppers recipes.
- Slice the Jalapenos: This is the most time-consuming part of the prep. You can slice the jalapeños and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to a day in advance.
- Measure the Spices: Combine the sugar and all the dry spices in a bowl ahead of time so they are ready to heat and simmer.
Alternate Cooking Methods
This recipe is best on the stove, but there are a couple ways to switch it up.
- Slow Cooker: While not a traditional method, you can make a large batch in a slow cooker. Combine all ingredients (except the jalapeños) and cook on low for 1-2 hours until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is hot. Add the jalapeños and cook for another 30-60 minutes, then use a ladle to transfer to jars. The syrup won’t get as thick as with the stovetop method, but it’s great for a hands-off approach.
- Microwave: For a small, single-serving batch, you can combine the ingredients in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in short bursts, stirring frequently. However, this method makes it difficult to achieve the desired syrup reduction and is not recommended for a full recipe.
How to Store, Reheat and Use Leftovers
- Store: Store the canning jar of cowboy candy in the refrigerator. It will last for several weeks, if not months. The flavors will continue to meld and deepen over time.
- Reheat: Cowboy candy is typically served cold or at room temperature. It doesn’t need to be reheated.
- Use Leftovers:
- The Syrup: Don’t throw away the leftover syrup! It’s a gold mine of flavor. Use it as a glaze for chicken, pork, or ham. Drizzle it over cream cheese for a quick and easy party dip. It’s also fantastic in cocktails, like a spicy margarita or a unique old-fashioned.
- The Jalapeños: The candied jalapeños are incredibly versatile. Use them as a topping for tacos, nachos, burritos, hot dogs, burgers, pizza or omelets.
Common Questions About This Condiment Recipe
It’s called cowboy candy because it’s spicy from the jalapenos, yet sweet from the sugar dissolved in vinegar.
It depends on the jalapeños and whether you remove the seeds. The syrup tones down the heat, but it still packs a punch. For less spice, deseed the peppers or swap in milder varieties like banana peppers.
Pickled jalapeños are sour and vinegary. Cowboy candy is sweet, sticky, and spicy, with a thicker syrup and more complex flavor.
Expert Tips for Making Jalapeno Cowboy Candy
- Wear Gloves: When slicing the jalapeños, it’s highly recommended to wear gloves to prevent the capsaicin from getting on your skin, as it can cause a burning sensation. Be especially careful not to touch your eyes.
- Mind the Syrup Reduction: The most critical step for this recipe is reducing the syrup. The 10-minute time is a guideline; the key is that the syrup reduces by about half. Watch for the consistency to change, it should look noticeably thicker and more syrupy.
- Patience is a Virtue: The flavor of the cowboy candy is significantly better after it has had time to rest and for the flavors to meld. Refrigerating it overnight is essential for the best taste and texture.
- Serve this Recipe: Serve candied jalapeno relish with Rodeo Burger, Easy Potato Salad or Cowboy Stew.
More Recipes You Might Like
SAVE THIS RECIPE!
Enter your email below and we’ll send this recipe straight to your inbox.
Cowboy Candy (Candied Jalapenos)
Equipment
SAVE THIS RECIPE!
Enter your email and we’ll send this recipe to your inbox.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces Jalapenos, sliced*
- 1 cup White sugar
- ½ cup Apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Turmeric
- 1 teaspoon Mustard seeds
- ½ teaspoon Celery seed
Instructions
- Place white sugar, apple cider vinegar and spice in a medium-size saucepan over medium-high heat.
- Bring to a boil and boil for 4 minutes
- Add the jalapenos and cook for 4-5 minutes.
- Remove the jalapenos to a large mason jar. Set aside.
- Continue boiling the sugar-vinegar mixture for about 10 minutes, until reduced by half.
- Pour the syrup into the jar over the jalapenos.
- Let cool and then refrigerate overnight before enjoying.
Christina’s Notes
- Seeds: Remove the seeds, if desired, for a less spicy recipe
- Slice Uniformly: Thin, even jalapeño rings ensure consistent texture and flavor. Watch the knife work in Cowboy Candy Recipe | Easy Candied Jalapeños for BBQ for slicing tips.
- Simmer the Syrup Separately: Reduce the syrup before adding jalapeños to intensify flavor. Best Cowboy Candy Recipe | How to Make Candied … shows how to boil and reduce properly.
- Use Clean, Sterilized Jars: Essential for safe canning. How to Make Cowboy Candy at Home! walks through prepping jars and brine.
For more helpful information about this recipe, such as variations, substitutions and other pro-tips, scroll up on the page.