Sweet, spicy, and totally addictive, this Tomato Jalapeño Jam is a summer must for grazing boards, burgers, and sandwiches.

Why We Love Tomato Jalapeño Jam
Tomato Jalapeño Jam is our favorite way to level up a summer grazing board. Sweet and spicy with a touch of heat, it’s the kind of easy recipe that turns everyday cheese and crackers into something unforgettable. We always have mild cheeses, artisan crackers (like our Homemade Cheese Crackers or La Panzanella Croccantini), and something homemade like this jam, spicy Black Bean Hummus, or creamy Artichoke Dip to round out the spread.
It’s also great to make ahead and keep in the fridge for those last-minute hangouts. Whether you’re pulling together a weekend board or hosting impromptu cocktails, this Jalapeño Jam is always a hit. Add fruit, honey, and a few flowers, and you’ve got a board that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
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Ingredients
- TOMATOES: we like Roma tomatoes, plum tomatoes or vine-ripened tomatoes
- GREEN ONIONS: (scallions)
- JALAPEÑOS: fresh jalapeño peppers
- GARLIC: fresh garlic cloves
- CILANTRO: fresh cilantro, chopped
- VEGETABLE OIL: vegetable oil or neutral oil
- SUGAR: granulated sugar
- WATER: filtered water
- CUMIN SEEDS: whole cumin seeds
- SMOKED PAPRIKA: smoked paprika adds depth of flavor
- PEPPERCORNS: whole peppercorns (we like rainbow peppercorns)
*see recipe card for quantities.
🔪Top tip
Don’t rush the simmer! Letting the jam cook down slowly brings out that rich, caramelized flavor we love so much.
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Instructions
- Cut peppers in quarters lengthwise and remove seeds for a milder heat profile.
- Cook Jalapeños: In a medium sauce pan, place sugar and water and heat over medium heat until sugar is dissolved. Add pepper strips and continue to cook for 10 minutes on medium-low.
- Crush spices: While peppers are cooking, use a mortar and pestle to crush the garlic, peppercorns, and cumin seeds.
- Remove Peppers: After the jalapeño mixture has cooked, remove peppers, save for later, and transfer liquid to a dish. Refrigerate until cool.
- Add Tomatoes and Simmer: In the same pan, add oil and chopped green onions, tomatoes and spice mixture and cook 10-15 minutes over medium until mixture has thickened slightly. Remove from heat and add cilantro and reserved liquid.
- Add Back Peppers: Mix and then add chopped pepper strips.
- Refrigerate in covered container for at least 1 hour before serving.
Storage
- Store: Once cooled, transfer the jam to an airtight jar or container and keep it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for 2 to 3 weeks.
- Freeze: You can also freeze jalapeño jam. Let it cool completely, then place it in a freezer-safe container. It will last for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
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FAQ
Tomato jalapeño jam is typically made with fresh tomatoes, jalapeño peppers, sugar, vinegar, and a pinch of salt. The combination of sweet, tangy, and spicy makes it a perfect pairing for cheese boards, sandwiches, and more.
Jalapeño jam has a mild to moderate heat, depending on how many seeds you include. Removing the seeds will keep it on the sweeter side, while leaving them in adds more kick.
It’s delicious with soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese, spread on toast or crostini, or served alongside crackers and homemade hummus on a grazing board. It also works great as a burger or sandwich topping.
Yes! Fresh cherry tomatoes add a burst of sweetness, and canned tomatoes work in a pinch. Just make sure to drain them well and adjust the cooking time slightly.
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Tomato Jalapeno Jam recipe
Sweet, spicy, and totally addictive, this Tomato Jalapeño Jam is a summer must for grazing boards, burgers, and sandwiches.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 2 cups 1x
Ingredients
- 2 C chopped tomatoes (fresh)
- 2 green onions
- 3 jalapeños
- 2 garlic cloves
- ½ C chopped cilantro
- ¼ C vegetable oil
- ¼ C sugar
- ½ C water
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp whole peppercorns (we like rainbow peppercorns)
Instructions
- Cut peppers in quarters lengthwise and remove seeds for a milder heat profile.
- In a medium sauce pan, place sugar and water and heat over medium heat until sugar is dissolved.
- Add pepper strips and continue to cook for 10 minutes on medium-low.
- While peppers are cooking, use a mortar and pestle to crush the garlic, peppercorns, and cumin seeds.
- After the jalapeño mixture has cooked, remove peppers, save for later, and transfer liquid to a dish and refrigerate until cool.
- In your same pan, add oil and chopped green onions, tomatoes and spice mixture and cook 10-15 minutes over medium until mixture has thickened slightly.
- Remove from heat and add cilantro and reserved liquid.
- Mix and then add chopped pepper strips.
- Refrigerate in covered container for at least 1 hour before serving.
Notes
- Don’t rush the simmer! Letting the jam cook down slowly brings out that rich, caramelized flavor we love so much.
- Leave a few jalapeño seeds in for extra heat—just enough to make your guests say, “Ooh, what is that?” (in a good way).
- Store: Once cooled, transfer the jam to an airtight jar or container and keep it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for 2 to 3 weeks.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 min
- Category: appetizers
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ¼ cup
- Calories: 53
- Sugar: 1.7 g
- Sodium: 3.3 mg
- Fat: 4.8 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Protein: 0.6 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Jackie says
This jam is a party favorite! It's a great way to use those homegrown tomatoes!