Cowboy Candy is a sweet and spicy candied jalapeño condiment made by simmering fresh peppers in a honey-vinegar syrup. It's a versatile topping that works equally well spooned over cream cheese, served alongside pork loin, or stirred into margaritas.
Delivery in as fast as one hour.*
Prices vary by store
*Service fees apply. Instacart® and the Instacart logo are registered trademarks of Maplebear Inc. d/b/a Instacart.
Wash and thinly slice the peppers into rounds. You can remove some of the seeds if you prefer less heat, but it's optional.
In a saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the apple cider vinegar, onion powder, red pepper flakes, celery seed, granulated sugar, and honey. Whisk to combine.
Bring the mixture to a rolling boil and let it cook for 5 minutes.
Add the sliced peppers to the saucepan and stir. Let the peppers simmer until they become soft and their color darkens slightly.
Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cooked peppers to a clean mason jar, leaving the liquid in the pot.
Continue to boil the remaining liquid in the saucepan for about 15 more minutes, allowing it to reduce and thicken into a sticky syrup.
Carefully pour the hot syrup over the peppers in the mason jar.
Let cool, then seal the jar and refrigerate. Serve as desired.
Store Cowboy Candy in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks, or process in a boiling water bath for shelf-stable storage up to 1 year.
large stainless steel saucepan or pot · sharp knife for slicing peppers · sterilized glass jars (if canning)
Yes. Pour the hot candy and syrup into sterilized jars, leaving ½-inch headspace, then process in a boiling water bath for 10–15 minutes for shelf-stable storage.
Jalapeños provide heat and structure, while red peppers add sweetness and mild spice. Use a mix of both for balanced flavor and color.
It's sweet-forward with a moderate, lingering heat. The honey and sugar temper the pepper burn while red pepper flakes add subtle kick.
Yes. Keep ingredient ratios consistent: 1 lb peppers to 2 cups vinegar, 2 cups sugar, and 1 cup honey. Adjust spices proportionally.
Sturdy, neutral crackers like water crackers or wheat rounds work well. Avoid heavily seasoned varieties that compete with the sweet-spicy flavor.
Tuna Macaroni Salad
27 min · britscookin
French Bread Pizza
30 min · britscookin
Lasagna Ravioli Skillet
30 min · britscookin
Stove Top Stuffing Meatloaf
85 min
Cajun Spaghetti With Creole Meat Sauce
55 min
BBQ Pork Sandwich
35 min
Creamy Corn Chowder
45 min
Mexican-Style Shrimp Cocktail With Tajín
5 min
Chunky Chili
490 min
Easy Shrimp Etouffee
Crawfish Etouffee
