Okay, listen up! If you’re anything like me, you *love* that little dance on your tongue when sweet meets spicy. It’s just addictive, right? But have you ever thought about throwing pineapple into that mix? Seriously, stay with me here!
For years, I was obsessed with regular cowboy candy – those candied jalapeños are just magic on everything. But then I had this crazy idea: what about the tropical sweetness of pineapple? Could it work with that fiery kick and syrupy goodness? Oh boy, did it *ever* work!
This Pineapple Cowboy Candy recipe? It’s my new obsession. It takes that classic sweet and spicy concept and gives it a bright, sunny twist that you just can’t get enough of. I’ve made batch after batch, and it disappears faster than I can jar it up!
It’s become a total go-to for everything from topping cream cheese (you HAVE to try that!) to jazzing up grilled chicken. Trust me, once you taste this sweet, tangy, spicy pickled pineapple, you’ll be hooked, just like I am. It’s unexpectedly amazing!
Why You’ll Love This Pineapple Cowboy Candy
Okay, so why should YOU make a batch of this Pineapple Cowboy Candy right away? Because it’s seriously a game-changer! Here’s the scoop:
- That perfect sweet heat: It’s not just spicy; it’s got that gorgeous pineapple sweetness that mellows the kick just right. Totally addictive!
- Goes with EVERYTHING: Seriously, cheese and crackers, burgers, tacos, pork, chicken… you name it. It’s the condiment you didn’t know you were missing.
- Surprisingly easy: Don’t be intimidated! It’s mostly just chopping, simmering, and jarring. You can totally do this!
It’s bright, it’s bold, and it brings a little bit of sunshine and spice to any dish. Get ready to fall in love!
Ingredients to Make Pineapple Cowboy Candy
Alright, let’s talk about what you’ll need to whip up this magic. The list is pretty straightforward, and you probably have most of the spices hanging out in your pantry already. Fresh pineapple is definitely the star here, so grab a good one!
What You Need for Pineapple Cowboy Candy
- 1 fresh pineapple, peeled, cored, and sliced into 1/4-inch rings
- 1 1/2 cups apple cider vinegar
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup sliced jalapeño peppers (adjust for how spicy you like it!)
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/4 teaspoon celery seed
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
See? Nothing too crazy! Just simple ingredients coming together to make something truly special.
How to Prepare Pineapple Cowboy Candy
Making this Pineapple Cowboy Candy is surprisingly simple, I promise! It’s mostly just following a few steps and letting that sweet and spicy goodness simmer together. Don’t overthink it; just follow along, and you’ll have jars of deliciousness in no time.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Pineapple Cowboy Candy
First things first, get your pineapple ready. You want to peel it, get rid of that tough core (a pineapple corer is a lifesaver here!), and then slice it into nice, even 1/4-inch rings. Try to keep them about the same thickness so they cook evenly.
Next, grab a big pot – one that can hold all that liquid and the pineapple later. Pour in the apple cider vinegar and the sugar. Toss in your sliced jalapeños (remember, more peppers, more heat!), and then add all those wonderful spices: turmeric, celery seed, red pepper flakes, ginger, and garlic powder. Give it a good stir over medium-high heat until the sugar is completely dissolved and the liquid starts bubbling.
Now, gently add those pineapple rings into the pot with the simmering liquid. Make sure they’re mostly submerged. Once they’re in, reduce the heat to a simmer. You want to let it bubble gently for about 15 to 20 minutes. The pineapple will soften slightly and soak up all that amazing flavor. Don’t let it turn to mush, though!
Okay, time to jar it up! Carefully use a slotted spoon to transfer the pineapple rings and the jalapeño slices into clean jars. Pack them in nicely, but don’t totally squish them. Then, carefully pour the hot liquid over the pineapple and peppers, leaving about a half-inch of space at the top of the jar (that’s called headspace, and it’s important!). Wipe the rims clean with a damp cloth to make sure you get a good seal.
If you’re planning on making these shelf-stable for later (which is great for gifting!), you’ll need to process them in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes. If you’re just planning to keep them in the fridge to enjoy over the next few weeks (which, let’s be real, is usually what happens at my house!), just pop the lids on tight and let them cool before storing them in the refrigerator. Easy peasy!
Tips for Delicious Pineapple Cowboy Candy
Making this Pineapple Cowboy Candy is pretty straightforward, but a few little tricks can make it absolutely perfect. Trust me, these small things make a big difference!
First off, the spice level! The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of jalapeños, but if you’re a heat-seeker, go ahead and add more! If you’re a little shy about spice, start with less and you can always add a pinch of extra red pepper flakes later if you’re feeling brave. It’s totally customizable!
My biggest tip? Be patient! I know it’s tempting to dig in right away, but this cowboy candy is SO much better if you let it sit for at least 24 hours, or even a couple of days, in the fridge before you eat it. That time lets all those amazing sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors really get to know each other and meld together into pure deliciousness.
And if you are canning these for the pantry, make sure those jar rims are super clean before you put the lids on. Any little bit of sugar or liquid can prevent a proper seal, and you definitely want those jars to be sealed tight for safety and freshness!
Serving Suggestions for Pineapple Cowboy Candy
Okay, you’ve made the Pineapple Cowboy Candy, and now you’ve got these gorgeous jars of sweet and spicy goodness. So, what do you *do* with it? Oh, the possibilities are endless!
My absolute favorite way to eat it is just plopped right on top of a block of cream cheese with some crackers. It’s the easiest, most impressive appetizer ever! But it’s also fantastic on grilled meats – think pork chops, chicken, or even fish. It adds this amazing bright, tangy, and spicy kick. It’s also killer on burgers or pulled pork sandwiches. Basically, anywhere you want a little sweet heat and a burst of tropical flavor, this Pineapple Cowboy Candy is your new best friend!
Frequently Asked Questions About Pineapple Cowboy Candy
Got questions about making this Pineapple Cowboy Candy? Totally understandable! Here are some of the most common things people ask me:
Can I Make Pineapple Cowboy Candy Less Spicy?
Absolutely! The amount of jalapeños is totally up to you. If you’re worried about too much heat, start with half the amount listed (1/4 cup) or even remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños before slicing them – that’s where a lot of the spice lives. You can always add a tiny pinch more red pepper flakes later if you decide you want a little extra kick!
How Long Does Pineapple Cowboy Candy Last?
If you’re storing it in the refrigerator, your Pineapple Cowboy Candy should last for about 3 weeks. Make sure it’s in a tightly sealed jar. If you properly process it in a boiling water bath, it can be shelf-stable for up to a year, just like other canned goods. Once a jar is opened, though, keep it in the fridge and use it within those 3 weeks.
What Kind of Pineapple is Best for Pineapple Cowboy Candy?
Honestly, using fresh pineapple makes a big difference in this recipe! It has the best texture and brightest flavor. Canned pineapple tends to be softer and already packed in syrup, which can change the final texture and sweetness. So, grab a nice ripe fresh one if you can!
Estimated Nutritional Information
Okay, so while I’m usually focused on how amazing something TASTES, I know some of you like to have an idea of the nutritional stuff too. Just a heads-up, these numbers are estimates! They can totally change depending on the exact ingredients you use and the brands you buy.
Based on the recipe, a serving (about 1/4 cup) of this Pineapple Cowboy Candy is roughly around 120 calories. It’s got about 28g of sugar (it *is* candy, after all!), just 5mg of sodium, and pretty much no fat or protein. It’s mostly carbs from the fruit and sugar. Think of it as a delicious, spicy-sweet treat or condiment, not a health food!
Share Your Pineapple Cowboy Candy Experience
So, are you going to give this Pineapple Cowboy Candy a try? I really hope you do! If you make it, please come back and let me know how it turned out in the comments below. Did you add extra jalapeños? How did you serve it? I’d absolutely love to see pictures too!
Print
Incredible Pineapple Cowboy Candy Secret Revealed
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 pints 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Spicy and sweet pickled pineapple rings with a kick.
Ingredients
- 1 fresh pineapple, peeled, cored, and sliced into 1/4-inch rings
- 1 1/2 cups apple cider vinegar
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup sliced jalapeño peppers
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/4 teaspoon celery seed
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Cut pineapple into 1/4-inch rings.
- In a large pot, combine apple cider vinegar, sugar, jalapeño peppers, turmeric, celery seed, red pepper flakes, ground ginger, and garlic powder.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
- Add the pineapple rings to the pot.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, until the pineapple is slightly softened.
- Using a slotted spoon, transfer the pineapple and jalapeños to clean jars.
- Pour the hot liquid over the pineapple and jalapeños, leaving 1/2 inch headspace.
- Wipe the rims clean and seal with lids and rings.
- Process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes if canning for shelf stability. Alternatively, store in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of jalapeño peppers to control the spice level.
- For a sweeter candy, increase the amount of sugar.
- Allow the cowboy candy to sit for at least 24 hours before serving for the flavors to meld.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Pickling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: pickled pineapple, spicy pineapple, sweet and spicy, cowboy candy, pineapple rings, canning, condiment