Is jezebel sauce spicy?

While this sauce does have a kick of heat from the horseradish and crushed red pepper, it's nicely balanced by the sweetness of the jelly and preserves.

Can I use other types of fruit preserves for jezebel sauce?

If needed, you can substitute the pineapple preserves with other types of fruit preserves, including apricot, peach, and more.

Can jezebel sauce be used as a marinade?

Yes, jezebel sauce can be used to marinate chicken, pork, shrimp, and other types of proteins. The sweetness and acidity can infuse flavor and help tenderize the meat at the same time.

Jezebel Sauce Recipe

Name: Jezebel Sauce
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 1 (5 oz). jar apple jelly; 1 (5 oz.) jar pineapple preserves; 1/3 cup prepared horseradish; 1 1/2 tsp. dry mustard; 1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper; 1/2 tsp. black pepper

Active Time:

10 mins

Total Time:

10 mins

Yield:

1 cup

Jezebel sauce is one of those Southern recipes that you might only know if you've visited certain restaurants or live in specific regions (like along the Gulf Coast). But once you try it, you'll always want a jar of this special Southern sauce in your fridge.

Jezebel sauce's primary ingredients—pineapple preserves, apple jelly, dry mustard, and prepared horseradish—provide a spicy kick and fruity sweetness. It's sharp and pungent, but the preserves and jelly take the edge off, so it's great for feeding a crowd.

Learn how to make jezebel sauce. We like to make a batch ahead of time—it's better after it's had a day for the flavors to meld—and then serve it over top a block of cream cheese, the same way you would pepper jelly.

What Is Jezebel Sauce?

Jezebel sauce is a Southern condiment that's tangy, sweet, and spicy, typically served as a dip, glaze, or spread. While it's exact origins are unclear, it most likely originated in the mid-20th century in the Southern states, as a way to add a punch of flavor to ham and other types of meats.

This sauce was commonly served at church potlucks, holiday dinners, or other large gatherings, as it was easy to prepare, and always a crowd-pleaser. "Jezebel" most likely stems from the biblical figure Jezebel, known for her fiery personality. It remains a popular condiment to this day, with its bold combination of flavors.

Ingredients for Jezebel Sauce

While it certainly packs a punch, this jezebel sauce is perfectly balanced—sweet, tangy, spicy, and just complex enough to keep your guests coming back for more. To make jezebel sauce, you'll need:

Apple jelly: A smooth, sweet base for the sauce.
Pineapple preserves: Adds a sweet, tropical touch, along with a bit of texture from the pineapple.
Prepared horseradish: For a sharp, pungent kick.
Dry mustard: Adds a tangy heat and complexity to the sauce.
Crushed red pepper: For additional heat.
Black pepper: Adds a peppery warmth.

How To Make Jezebel Sauce

Making this sauce couldn't be easier. Just whisk the ingredients together, cover, and refrigerate until ready to serve. That's it!

We like to prep it the night before to give the flavors time to meld and deepen, but there's no rule against throwing it together at the last minute when needed.

Our Tips for the Best Jezebel Sauce

For the best jezebel sauce, keep these tips in mind:

High-quality preserves: Use high-quality apple jelly and pineapple preserves for the most vibrant, fresh flavor, along with a balanced sweetness.
Spicy heat: The horseradish and dry mustard add a spicy heat to the mix. Feel free to adjust the level as desired—one reader commented that they use fresh horseradish for an even more pungent flavor.
Pepper: Black pepper and crushed red pepper add extra heat, along with a nice complexity. Feel free to increase or decrease the quantity as desired. Spices like ground ginger and cayenne pepper can also be added in.
Chill overnight: If you have the time, letting the sauce chill and rest in the refrigerator is a great way to give the flavors time to mingle before serving.

Ways To Use Jezebel Sauce

This sweet and spicy sauce is as versatile as it is delicious. Serve as a dip, to enjoy with cheese platters or charcuterie boards, with crudité or roasted potatoes, or spoon over cream cheese and serve with crackers (as you would with pepper jelly) for a quick and easy appetizer everyone will love.

Jezebel sauce can also be used as a glaze for ham, pork tenderloin, turkey, chicken, or chicken wings, whether used as a marinade, brushed on toward the end of cooking, or served on the side, or as a burger topping. Spread leftovers onto split biscuits and fill with ham for a savory sandwich you won't be able to get enough of.

How To Store Jezebel Sauce

Store jezebel sauce in a sealed jar or airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. You can also freeze the sauce for longer storage, or when making a big batch. Frozen in an airtight container or freezer-safe zip-top bag, it should last about three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before using. It can be heated on the stovetop or in the microwave if you'd like to serve it warm.

Why This Recipe Gets Rave Reviews

If you haven't whipped up Jezebel sauce before, you're in for a treat (and for requests to make it on repeat). But don't just take our word for it:

VIRGINIAH commented, "My nephew just sent me a text to please make him some more of this for Thanksgiving....we love this stuff!"

Susan Durney said, "I take issue with only one thing regarding your Jezebel sauce; I cannot stop eating it."

One Southern Living Community Member commented, "This CANNOT be beat!"

More Classic Southern Recipes You'll Love

You just can't go wrong with these beloved recipes, particularly when hosting a party:

Editorial contributions by Katie Rosenhouse.

Ingredients

1 (5 oz.) jar apple jelly
1 (5 oz.) jar pineapple preserves
1/3 cup prepared horseradish
1 1/2 tsp. dry mustard
1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper
1/2 tsp. black pepper

Directions

In a medium bowl, whisk together apple jelly, pineapple preserves, horseradish, dry mustard, black pepper and crushed red pepper until smooth. Refrigerate overnight or until ready to serve.
Store, refrigerated, in an airtight container or jar for up to two weeks.

Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Frequently Asked Questions

Is jezebel sauce spicy?

While this sauce does have a kick of heat from the horseradish and crushed red pepper, it's nicely balanced by the sweetness of the jelly and preserves.
Can I use other types of fruit preserves for jezebel sauce?

If needed, you can substitute the pineapple preserves with other types of fruit preserves, including apricot, peach, and more.
Can jezebel sauce be used as a marinade?

Yes, jezebel sauce can be used to marinate chicken, pork, shrimp, and other types of proteins. The sweetness and acidity can infuse flavor and help tenderize the meat at the same time.