Spicy Pineapple Jalapeño Chutney

Published On: June 24, 2025
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Spicy pineapple jalapeño chutney in a glass jar

There’s something about summer grilling that begs for a condiment with personality. A plain barbecue sauce doesn’t always cut it — that’s how this spicy pineapple jalapeño chutney was born. It started as a quick way to dress up grilled chicken and turned into the one jar I now keep stocked in my fridge at all times.

This chutney is the perfect mix of sweet, heat, and tang. It’s bold enough to stand on its own yet versatile enough to sneak into wraps, burgers, tacos, and even cheese boards. Once you try it, you’ll find a dozen uses before the week is over. If you’re into unique flavor combos, you’ll love pairing this with our zucchini carrot muffins for an unexpected sweet-spicy bite.

spicy pineapple jalapeño chutney spooned over grilled meat

Why This Spicy Pineapple Jalapeño Chutney Is Next-Level

It’s All About Balance

  • Sweetness from pineapple mellows the heat
  • Spice from jalapeños gives it a bold kick
  • Acid from vinegar or lime brightens every bite

So Many Ways to Use It

  • Spoon it over grilled chicken, pork, or shrimp
  • Use it as a glaze for roasted veggies or kebabs
  • Spread on sandwiches or wraps
  • Serve with cream cheese as an appetizer

Stores Like a Dream

  • Lasts up to 2 weeks in the fridge
  • Freezes beautifully for future meals

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe comes together quickly with just a few bold, pantry-friendly ingredients. You can use fresh or canned pineapple depending on what’s available.

Fresh Produce

  • 2 cups pineapple – Fresh or canned, chopped small
  • 2–3 jalapeños – Seeded for mild, or leave seeds in for heat
  • 1/2 red onion – Finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic – Minced
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice – For brightness

Pantry Staples

  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar – Adds tang and preserves the chutney
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar – Balances out the heat
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
  • Salt to taste
Print
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Chopped pineapple, jalapeños, and onion on cutting board

Spicy Pineapple Jalapeño Chutney

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  • Author: Julie
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 1 ½ cups 1x
  • Category: Condiment
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Fusion

Description

This spicy pineapple jalapeño chutney is the ultimate sweet-heat condiment—perfect for grilled meats, sandwiches, tacos, or cheese boards. Bold, tangy, and totally addictive.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups pineapple (fresh or canned), chopped
  • 23 jalapeños, seeded for mild or with seeds for heat
  • 1/2 red onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/4 tsp ground ginger
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare pineapple, jalapeños, onion, and garlic by chopping and mincing.
  2. Add all ingredients to a medium saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
  3. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
  4. Taste and adjust with salt, lime juice, or sugar as desired.
  5. Let chutney cool completely before storing in jars or containers.

Notes

Use more or fewer jalapeños depending on your heat preference. For smoother chutney, pulse briefly in a food processor after cooking. Keeps well in the fridge and also freezer-friendly.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2 tbsp
  • Calories: 35
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 50mg
  • Fat: 0g
  • Saturated Fat: 0g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 8g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 0g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

How to Make Spicy Pineapple Jalapeño Chutney

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare the produce: Dice the pineapple, jalapeños, onion, and garlic.
  2. Combine in saucepan: Add all ingredients to a medium saucepan over medium heat.
  3. Simmer: Bring to a simmer and reduce heat. Stir occasionally and cook uncovered for 20–25 minutes until thickened.
  4. Taste and adjust: Add salt, more lime juice, or sugar to balance the flavor to your liking.
  5. Cool and store: Let it cool fully before transferring to jars or containers.

Pro Cooking Tips

  • Mild vs spicy: Remove seeds and membranes for less heat, or roast the jalapeños first for deeper flavor.
  • Texture tip: For a smoother chutney, pulse it a few times in a food processor once cooled.
  • Don’t skip acid: The vinegar and lime juice make the chutney pop and extend shelf life.

This chutney is a perfect make-ahead condiment for your next backyard meal. For more ideas that pair bold flavor with easy prep, check out our zucchini carrot bars.

Adjust the Heat & Sweetness to Your Taste

  • For more heat: Add extra jalapeños or include serrano peppers
  • Milder option: Use just one jalapeño, fully seeded and deveined
  • Sweeten it up: Add extra brown sugar, honey, or maple syrup
  • Brighten the flavor: Add chopped cilantro or extra lime juice at the end

Serving Ideas That Go Beyond the Basics

  • Grilled meats: Spoon over pork chops, shrimp, or chicken breasts
  • Burgers and sandwiches: Use as a spread or layer with cheese
  • Wraps and tacos: Add a tropical twist to pulled pork or grilled fish
  • Cheese boards: Serve in a small bowl with sharp cheddar or brie

Storage, Freezing & Make-Ahead Tips

  • Refrigerate: Store in an airtight jar or container for up to 2 weeks
  • Freeze: Freeze in small jars or silicone cubes up to 3 months
  • Make-ahead: Make a day or two ahead to allow flavors to deepen

If you’re all about prepping flavorful condiments in advance, our sourdough whoopie pies also freeze beautifully — just swap sweet for spicy.

Close-up of glossy chutney in a white bowl

FAQ: Pineapple, Jalapeños & Chutney Tips

How do you make pineapple jalapeño hot sauce?

Use roasted pineapple, jalapeños, garlic, vinegar, and salt. Blend until smooth and strain for a pourable sauce.

How to make your jalapeños spicy?

Use fully ripened (red) jalapeños, and leave in the seeds and membranes. Avoid overcooking, which can mute the heat.

What is in pineapple chutney?

Typically pineapple, onion, vinegar, sugar, and spices like ginger or cumin. Jalapeños add the kick.

Do jalapeño and pineapple go together?

Yes — sweet pineapple balances the sharp heat of jalapeños for a bold but balanced flavor combo.

What should you not mix with pineapple?

High-fat dairy (like cream sauces) can curdle. Also avoid pairing with bitter herbs unless balanced.

What fruit pairs best with jalapeños?

Mango, peach, strawberries, and pineapple all complement jalapeños in salsas, chutneys, and marinades.

The Chutney You Didn’t Know You Needed

This spicy pineapple jalapeño chutney is more than a condiment — it’s a secret weapon. It brings bold flavor to simple meals and adds depth without effort. Sweet, spicy, and surprisingly versatile, it’s one of those recipes that lives in your fridge because it just works with everything.

Once you’ve tried it, you’ll want to explore more ways to blend bold fruit flavors and spice. Start with our vanilla panna cotta for a completely different take on balancing flavor and simplicity.

Julie

I’m the voice behind Empirecipes, your ultimate destination for delicious, approachable recipes that bring people together. Cooking is my passion, and this blog is dedicated to celebrating flavors, cultures, and the joy of homemade meals. Let’s cook, create, and enjoy every bite!

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