Cowboy Caviar with Jalapeños: An Easy Sweet & Spicy Recipe
PSA: if you love a little heat, you’re going to want a jar of these jalapeños in your fridge at all times.
This Cowboy Caviar is one of my favorite easy recipes to make. It’s one of those things that somehow makes just about everything better.
Usually, I make these with jalapeños from my garden. But since we moved to Tennessee and I haven’t gotten my garden going yet, I headed to the local farmers market instead.
And apparently, I got a little carried away. I’m pretty sure I bought them out because I needed 100 jalapeños.
Now, this recipe definitely does not require 100 jalapeños. I was making a whole bunch of these for the cutest little garden party my friend was hosting. Everyone brought a homemade gift, and I just loved the idea of giving something that was homemade.
So if you’re looking for an easy homemade gift for a party, the holidays, a hostess gift, or just a fun way to be the best neighbor on the block, these are it.
Or, if you’re like me and just need to restock your fridge with something that adds an extra kick to basically everything…make these.
You’ll need:
Ingredients:
Cowboy Caviar Jalapeños
- 30 jalapeños
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar
- 3 cups sugar
- ¼ teaspoon celery seed
- ¼ teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 5 (8-ounce) mason jars
How to Make Cowboy Caviar
1. Prep the Jalapeños
First, remove the stems from your jalapeños and slice the peppers into ¼-inch pieces. And this is where I highly recommend learning from my mistakes and putting on disposable gloves.
I love a spicy jalapeño, but I do not love accidentally touching my face after cutting 30 of them. Your future self will thank you.
2. Make the Syrup
Add the apple cider vinegar, sugar, celery seed, turmeric, and garlic powder to a large pot. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.
3. Add the Jalapeños
Next, turn the heat back up and bring the mixture to a boil again. Once it’s boiling, add your sliced jalapeños and bring everything back to a boil. Then reduce the heat and let it simmer for at least 30 minutes.
4. Fill the Jars
Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cooked jalapeños into your clean glass jars. Try to divide the peppers evenly between the jars.
5. Reduce the Syrup
Once all of your jalapeños are in the jars, bring the remaining syrup in the pot back to a rolling boil. Let it boil for about 10 minutes.
6. Add the Syrup
Carefully ladle the hot syrup into each jar, making sure the jalapeños are covered. Wipe the rims clean, add the lids, and let the jars cool.
The hardest part? Waiting two weeks.
I know. Two weeks feels like a very long time when you have a fridge full of spicy little jars just sitting there looking at you.
But trust me, let them sit for the full two weeks before eating them. Store the jars in the refrigerator.
Pro Tip
Wear disposable gloves when you’re cutting and working with jalapeños.
I know it sounds like a small thing, but when you’re working with a bunch of spicy peppers, it makes life so much easier. And unless you want your eyes burning later because you forgot you touched them, just put the gloves on.
You’re welcome.
These Make the Cutest Homemade Gift
If you’re bringing these to a party or giving them as a homemade gift, I love dressing up the jars a little bit. Just add a small piece of fabric over the lid and tie it with some twine.
That’s it.
It makes such a simple recipe feel extra special, and I love giving homemade gifts that people will actually use.These would be so cute for a hostess gift, holiday gift, neighbor gift, or even just to bring along to a backyard get-together.
What to Eat With Cowboy Caviar
The better question might be: what can’t you put these on?
Nachos? Yuppp.
Chili? Yes please.
Eggs? Absolutely.
Tacos, burgers, sandwiches…basically anything that could use a little extra kick is fair game.
I love having a jar in the fridge because it’s such an easy way to add big flavor without having to do anything extra. Just don’t forget to make enough to share. Although, if you buy 100 jalapeños at the farmers market like I did, you should be just fine.
And if you love spice and you’re a fellow jalapeño lover, you have to check out my Elk Jalapeño Popper recipe. It’s another one of those recipes that brings a little heat in the best possible way, and it’s especially good if you have some wild game in the freezer.
Cowboy Caviar Must-Haves:
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