Pepper jelly is a sweet-and-spicy condiment similar to pepper jam, but strained clear and set with pectin into a smooth, translucent gel rather than left chunky with pepper pulp. Like pepper jam, it's rooted in Southern US home preserving, typically made from bell peppers and hot peppers such as jalapeño or habanero cooked down with sugar, vinegar, and pectin. It's most often served over cream cheese as a quick appetizer, alongside crackers and charcuterie, or used as a glaze for grilled meats and a stir-in for sauces and marinades.