Spicy Pineapple Jalapeño Chutney

Sharing is caring!

This Spicy Pineapple Jalapeño Chutney is where tropical sweetness meets fiery heat. With its vibrant color and rich, jammy texture, it adds a lively punch to just about anything — from grilled meats to cheese boards. The pineapple gives it natural sweetness, while the jalapeños bring a balanced heat that doesn’t overpower. Aromatic spices and vinegar round everything out with deep flavor and zingy acidity.

It’s simple to make in one pot and stores beautifully, making it perfect for elevating weeknight meals or wowing guests at your next gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Bright tropical flavor – ripe pineapple brings natural sweetness

  • Perfect spice kick – jalapeños balance the sugar with heat

  • Easy one-pot prep – simmers down in 20 minutes

  • Super versatile – serve it with meats, tacos, cheese, or crackers

  • Make-ahead friendly – lasts up to 2 weeks in the fridge

Ingredients

  • 1 medium ripe pineapple, peeled, cored, and finely diced

  • 2 to 3 fresh jalapeño peppers, seeds removed and minced

  • 1 small red onion, finely chopped

  • ¼ cup apple cider vinegar

  • ¼ cup packed brown sugar

  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger

  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin

  • ½ teaspoon fine salt, or to taste

  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

  • Optional: 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Produce

  • Peel, core, and dice the pineapple.

  • Mince the jalapeños and chop the red onion. Set aside.

Step 2: Combine Everything in the Pot

  • In a saucepan, add pineapple, jalapeños, red onion, vinegar, brown sugar, ginger, cumin, salt, and pepper.

  • Stir to combine.

Step 3: Simmer and Thicken

  • Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.

  • Cook uncovered for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chutney thickens.

Step 4: Taste and Adjust

  • Taste the chutney. Add lime juice if desired for extra brightness.

  • Stir it in during the final few minutes.

Step 5: Cool and Store

  • Let the chutney cool for 10–15 minutes.

  • Transfer to a sterilized jar or airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.

Step 6: Serve Creatively

  • Use as a condiment for grilled chicken or pork.

  • Spoon over tacos, burgers, or serve with cheese and crackers.

Tips for Success

  • Use very ripe pineapple for the best sweetness.

  • Adjust the number of jalapeños based on your spice preference.

  • Let it cool before storing to help the flavors develop.

  • Excellent paired with aged cheddar, goat cheese, or on charcuterie boards.

Final Thoughts

This chutney is the perfect marriage of sweet, spicy, and savory. It takes only minutes to prepare but delivers bold flavor that can transform any dish. Whether you serve it at a backyard BBQ or spoon it over tacos on a weeknight, this chutney brings tropical heat and gourmet vibes with every bite.

Share Your Creations

Made this Spicy Pineapple Jalapeño Chutney?
Snap a pic and tag your creations — I’d love to see how you use it!
Do you serve it with tacos, cheese, or something totally unique? Drop a comment with your favorite pairings.

Spicy Pineapple Jalapeño Chutney

This spicy pineapple jalapeño chutney is the perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and tang. A one-pot tropical condiment that elevates meats, tacos, cheese, and more.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Appetizer, Side Dish
Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients
  

  • 1 medium ripe pineapple peeled, cored, and finely diced
  • 2 to 3 fresh jalapeño peppers seeds removed and minced
  • 1 small red onion finely chopped
  • ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
  • ¼ cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon fine salt or to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Optional: 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice

Method
 

Step 1: Prep the Produce
  1. Peel, core, and dice the pineapple.
  2. Mince the jalapeños and chop the red onion. Set aside.
Step 2: Combine Everything in the Pot
  1. In a saucepan, add pineapple, jalapeños, red onion, vinegar, brown sugar, ginger, cumin, salt, and pepper.
  2. Stir to combine.
Step 3: Simmer and Thicken
  1. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
  2. Cook uncovered for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chutney thickens.
Step 4: Taste and Adjust
  1. Taste the chutney. Add lime juice if desired for extra brightness.
  2. Stir it in during the final few minutes.
Step 5: Cool and Store
  1. Let the chutney cool for 10–15 minutes.
  2. Transfer to a sterilized jar or airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.
Step 6: Serve Creatively
  1. Use as a condiment for grilled chicken or pork.
  2. Spoon over tacos, burgers, or serve with cheese and crackers.