Sizzling Cowboy Candy Recipe: Sweet Heat for Your Table

Sweet meets heat in this amazing cowboy candy recipe that captures the essence of southern charm.

Jalapeño peppers dance with sugar, creating a condiment that sparks culinary imagination.

Crunchy, spicy, and impossibly addictive, these candied peppers will become your new kitchen obsession.

Slicing peppers transforms ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary, with a simple process anyone can master.

Each bite brings a perfect balance of fiery kick and sugary smoothness.

You’ll find yourself reaching for these zesty treats constantly.

Prepare to be amazed by how something so simple can revolutionize your snacking experience.

Storing And Rewarming Cowboy Candy

• Keep cowboy candy in sealed jars for up to 2 weeks, ensuring they stay chilled and maintain their crisp texture and vibrant flavor.
• Properly sealed jars can be stored in a cool, dark pantry for 12-18 months without refrigeration, perfect for long-term preservation.
• Transfer peppers and syrup to freezer-safe containers, allowing storage for 3-4 months while preserving their sweet and spicy profile.
• Gently warm refrigerated cowboy candy at room temperature or briefly in the microwave, avoiding high heat to prevent texture loss.

What Goes Well with Cowboy Candy

• Grill and Spice Fusion: Pair these sweet-hot pickled peppers with grilled ribeye steak, letting the tangy syrup cut through the rich meat's intensity.
• Cheese Board Excitement: Spread these candied jalapeños over creamy goat cheese or sharp cheddar, creating a vibrant appetizer that sparks conversation.
• Sandwich Revolution: Transform ordinary sandwiches by layering these peppers on pulled pork, turkey clubs, or bacon cheeseburgers for an unexpected flavor kick.
• Cocktail Companion: Muddle these peppers into margaritas or bloody marys, adding a zesty, sweet-hot twist that elevates your favorite cocktail.

Different Ways to Make Cowboy Candy

• Low-Sugar Cowboy Candy: Replace sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia for a diabetic-friendly version with reduced calories.
• Mild Pepper Variation: Substitute jalapeños with banana peppers or poblano peppers for a gentler heat profile perfect for sensitive palates.
• Herb-Infused Pickled Peppers: Add fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs during simmering to create an aromatic herbal undertone that elevates the classic recipe.
• Fermented Cowboy Candy: Allow jalapeños to ferment before pickling for enhanced probiotic benefits and deeper, more complex flavor.

FAQs

• How spicy are these pickled peppers?

The heat level depends on the jalapeños. Keep seeds for maximum spice or remove them for a milder version. Cayenne pepper in the syrup adds an extra kick.

• Can I use different peppers?

Absolutely! Serrano, banana peppers, or even mini bell peppers work great. Each pepper type will bring a unique flavor and heat profile to the cowboy candy.

• Is this a good condiment for other dishes?

Yes, these sweet and spicy pickled peppers are fantastic on burgers, sandwiches, pizzas, salads, and as a topping for cream cheese or charcuterie boards. They add a zesty punch to many recipes.

• How long do cowboy candies last?

When properly canned and sealed, these pickled peppers can last up to a year in a cool, dark pantry. Once opened, store in the refrigerator and consume within 2-3 weeks.

Reasons to Enjoy Cowboy Candy (Sweet & Hot Pickled Peppers)

• Spice Up Your Culinary Adventure: Create a bold, tangy condiment that transforms ordinary dishes into exciting flavor explosions with minimal kitchen skills required.
• Quick and Easy Preservation: Master the art of pickling peppers in just a few simple steps, turning fresh jalapeños into a versatile pantry staple that lasts for months.
• Customize Your Heat Level: Control the spiciness by removing seeds or choosing different pepper varieties, making this recipe adaptable for every taste bud from mild to wild.
• Multipurpose Flavor Booster: Elevate sandwiches, pizzas, salads, and charcuterie boards with these sweet and spicy pickled peppers that add a gourmet touch to any meal.

What You Need for Cowboy Candy (Sweet & Hot Pickled Peppers)

• Jalapeños: Fresh, green peppers with a spicy kick.

• Sugar, Vinegar: Sweet and tangy base for pickling.
• Garlic Powder, Turmeric, Celery Seed, Cayenne Pepper: Spices that add depth and warmth to the flavor.

• Canning Jars, Water Bath Canner: Essential for preserving and sealing the cowboy candy.

Steps for Making Cowboy Candy (Pickled Peppers)

Step 1: Slice Peppers with Precision

Put on protective gloves to shield your hands. Carefully slice jalapeños into uniform rings, creating perfect pickled medallions that will pack a punch. Use a sharp knife and cut with consistent thickness to ensure even pickling.

Step 2: Craft Magical Flavor Syrup

• Sugar
• White vinegar
• Garlic powder
• Turmeric
• Celery seed
• Cayenne pepper

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer. Stir until sugar completely melts and transforms into a glossy, aromatic liquid.

Step 3: Bathe Peppers in Sweet Heat

Gently lower the pepper rings into the simmering syrup. Let them dance in the liquid for about 4 minutes. Watch carefully to maintain their crisp texture while allowing them to absorb the spicy-sweet goodness.

Step 4: Seal in the Deliciousness

Carefully transfer the peppers into clean, sterilized glass jars. Pour the hot syrup over the peppers, ensuring they’re completely covered. Seal the jars tightly with fresh lids. Process in a water bath canner for 10 minutes to lock in the flavor and ensure safe preservation.

Handy Tips for Cowboy Candy Pickled Peppers

• Wear Protective Gear: Always use disposable gloves when handling hot peppers to prevent skin irritation and accidental eye contact.
• Balance Spice Levels: Select jalapeños with varying heat intensities to create a customized sweet-hot flavor profile for different taste preferences.
• Master Consistent Slicing: Cut peppers into uniform rings using a sharp knife for even pickling and attractive presentation in jars.
• Preserve Safely: Sterilize jars thoroughly and follow water bath canning instructions precisely to ensure safe, long-lasting pickled peppers.
• Experiment with Variations: Try mixing different pepper types like serrano or habanero for unique flavor combinations and heat levels.

Cowboy Candy Recipe

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4.8 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes (excluding pickling time)
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Sweet and spicy jalapeño cowboy candy delivers a punch of homemade preserve magic that tantalizes taste buds with sugary heat. Southern-style candied peppers create an irresistible condiment perfect for sprinkling on sandwiches, tacos, or enjoying straight from the jar.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Peppers:

• 1 pound (454 grams) fresh jalapenos, sliced

Sweetener:

• 2 cups (400 grams) granulated sugar

Pickling Liquid and Spices:

• 1 cup (237 milliliters) apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon celery seed
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for an extra kick)

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Instructions

1. Safeguard hands with protective gloves and slice jalapeños into uniform rings for consistent pickling, creating precise, even medallions that will absorb flavors evenly.
2. Craft a vibrant syrup by combining sugar, vinegar, and aromatic spices like garlic powder, turmeric, celery seed, and cayenne pepper in a saucepan, heating until the mixture reaches a rolling boil and sugar completely dissolves.
3. Gently introduce sliced jalapeños into the simmering syrup, allowing them to bathe for approximately 4 minutes, which softens their texture while maintaining a delightful crisp bite.
4. Carefully ladle the peppered syrup and spicy jalapeño slices into sterilized glass jars, ensuring each container receives an equal distribution of peppers and aromatic liquid.
5. Seal jars tightly and process in a water bath canner, submerging containers completely to create a proper preservation environment that ensures long-lasting, shelf-stable sweet and spicy peppers.
6. Allow processed jars to cool completely at room temperature, listening for the satisfying pop of sealed lids, which indicates successful preservation of your cowboy candy.

Notes

• Wear protective gloves when slicing peppers to prevent skin irritation from capsaicin oils.
• Choose jalapeños with firm, smooth skin for the best texture and flavor in pickled peppers.
• Adjust heat levels by removing seeds and membranes for milder cowboy candy or keeping them for extra spiciness.
• Store jars in a cool, dark place to preserve flavor and maintain quality for several months.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Pickling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 35 g
• Sodium: 5 mg
• Fat: 0 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 53 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg