Pioneer Woman Texas Cowboy Candy Recipe (2024)

Texas Cowboy Candy is an ultimate mix of sweet and spicy that will become a family favorite since it works for nachos, burgers, and pretty much everything.

However, if you’re familiar with the Pioneer Woman, you know it would be a decisive win to pair it with the Pioneer Woman Ham and Potato Casserole.

This Texas Cowboy Candy is a potent condiment of spicy jalapeno pepper marinated in a sweet sugar glaze.

Pretty unique flavor if you ask us.

But the best part is that you can recreate this famous Pioneer Woman Texas Cowboy Candy Recipe at home!

How to Make Pioneer Woman Texas Cowboy Candy

What you need for this recipe is jalapeno peppers, sugar, and some seasoning.

The jalapenos are softened yet maintain their heat offset by the sugar-based glaze—a mouth-watering combination.

Although you need jalapenos for an original Pioneer Woman recipe, a variety of chili peppers work here too.

Just opt for the hotter peppers.

But no worries about the heat if you’re not a fan.

The best thing about this Texas Cowboy Candy is the heat is significantly reduced in the candying process.

They won’t be as fiery as you might imagine.

The process is super easy, but let’s see what ingredients we need first.

Ingredients:

(1 serving)

• 1 1/2 lbs fresh jalapenos
• 1 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 3 cups granulated sugar
• 1/4 tsp celery seed
• 1/4 tsp ground turmeric

Instructions:

Apart from requiring simple ingredients, this Pioneer Woman Texas Cowboy Candy recipe is ideal for making ahead of time and scaling up.

The jalapenos need a couple of weeks for the taste to mellow down and mingle.

So, you can easily double and triple the recipe, let it sit, and enjoy it when you feel like it.

But if you find it too tempting to wait before opening a jar, know that 1-2 weeks might be enough.

The other important thing to remember is only to use fresh peppers.

The skin of the jalapenos should be firm and free of blemishes.

And finally, there is the slicing.

You’ll be working with peppers that fluctuate in heat.

So, we recommend using disposable gloves so the oil released from cutting the peppers doesn’t burn your skin.

Now you’re ready to start cooking this perfect spicy mix of Texas Cowboy Candy.

Step 1:

Remove and discard pepper stems and cut the jalapenos into ¼-inch slices.

Then set them aside.

Step 2:

Next, mix apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, white sugar, celery seed, and turmeric, and bring it to a boil in a big saucepan.

Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for about 5 minutes.

Step 3:

Re-boil the mixture by raising the heat to medium-high.

Once the water is boiling, add your jalapeno slices.

Boil, decrease the heat to medium-low again, and simmer for about 4 minutes.

Step 4:

Transfer the peppers to a clean glass canning jar with the slotted spoon.

Fill the jars up to ¼ inch of the top rim.

Step 5:

Once you transfer the peppers to the jars, only the syrup should remain in the saucepan.

Raise the heat and bring the liquid to a rolling boil. Boil for about 6 minutes.

Step 6:

Pour the syrup over the jalapenos in the jars.

Fill the jars within ¼ to ½ inch of the top rim.

Note: if there are any air pockets, release the trapped air with a spoon.

Step 7:

Wipe the jar rims with a damp paper towel and put the lids on.

Label and store for a minimum of 1-2 weeks to let the flavors mingle.

Ingredient Substitution

Pioneer Woman Texas Cowboy Candy recipe is versatile, not only because it stores well but also because you can whip it up with any peppers you like.

Some other ingredients can be replaced too.

So, consider these alternatives for an equally delicious and spicy Cowboy Candy.

Anaheim peppers

Anaheim peppers are unique, so it’s not a surprise you might have never heard about them before.

However, they are also pretty easy to find and serve as the best jalapeno substitute for someone who cannot tolerate heat.

Anaheim pepper is two times milder than jalapenos.

So you can use them in the required quantity.

The only thing is that they are more significant than jalapenos; instead of slicing them, cut them into small pieces.

Red or white wine vinegar

Red and white wine vinegar are made from fermented wine, making them both a decent replacement for apple cider vinegar in various recipes, including the Cowboy Candy.

Although red wine vinegar is more pronounced than white wine vinegar, because of the more robust flavors, you can use both as a 1:1 replacement with no hesitations.

Just note that the red wine vinegar may affect the color of the syrup.

What to Serve with Pioneer Woman Texas Cowboy Candy

As we’ve mentioned at the beginning, Texas Cowboy Candy works well on various Pioneer Woman’s specials.

However, you can also use it for sipping, garnishing sandwiches, marinating meat, or topping off a pizza.

Opportunities are limitless. We’ve gathered the best pairings, so you don’t have to.

Pizza

If you’re a pizza fan, you might also like the Texas Cowboy Candy on your pizza, especially if you have the iconic papadia. Cowboy Candy brings a juicy sweetness when paired with grilled chicken and smoked bacon flavors.

It brings a spicy jalapeno kick and sweet flavors to the table and elevates your papadia to the next level.

However, it also works well on any other pizza.

Try the one with pineapples, and you’ll be surprised.

Shredded chicken burrito

A shredded chicken burrito is a filling meal packed with various flavors.

But you may miss some heat.

That’s why it is the best pairing to the Texas Cowboy Candy.

Not only will the jalapeno heat cut through the meat, but it enhances the texture of the burrito and adds a sweet complement to the taste.

More words aren’t necessary—you have to try it.

How to Store Pioneer Woman Texas Cowboy Candy

It must also store well if you have to wait about 1-4 weeks to enjoy the whole pack of Texas Cowboy Candy flavors. You’re right.

Pioneer Woman Texas Cowboy Candy stores well in the fridge, freezer, or even canned!

We’ll walk you through all these storing methods step by step.

Store Pioneer Woman Texas Cowboy Candy in the Fridge

If you plan on having Texas Cowboy Candy from time to time, it’s best to store it in the fridge for a few months.

Cowboy Candy should be refrigerated in an airtight container or a glass jar if not canned.

Storing it this way will help keep your jalapeno dish fresh for about 2-3 months.

Store Pioneer Woman Texas Cowboy Candy on the Shelf

Canning your Texas Cowboy Candy is valuable real estate.

Plus, it extends the shelf life of this condiment.

But don’t be intimidated by canning.

You need a simple water bath canning that is pretty easy and simple.

You only need to boil the jars filled with Texas Cowboy Candy for more than 10 minutes to destroy all the bacteria.

This method will keep the Texas Cowboy Candy shelf-stable for about a year.

Store Pioneer Woman Texas Cowboy Candy in the Freezer

Last but not least is freezing; if you don’t want to can the Cowboy Candy but aren’t sure you’ll finish it in months.

You can freeze it in jars or freezer-friendly containers.

But remember to leave some room for expansion if you decide to use jars.

You can keep your Texas Cowboy Candy in the freezer for up to 6 months.

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