Name: Sweet and Spicy Candied Habaneros
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 cup granulated sugar (I like to use white but any will do); 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar; 1/4 cup water; 1/8 teaspoon salt; 1 tsp mustard seeds; 1/4-inch slice fresh ginger root; 8 habanero peppers (thinly sliced)

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Candied habaneros are a delicious treat for fans of sweet and spicy things! They offer the perfect balance of fiery heat and sticky goodness in every bite. With just a few ingredients, you can easily make a tasty batch at home to add to any of your favorite dishes that could use a little kick and syrupy heat.

A jar of chili oil with visible seeds, red chili pieces, and candied habaneros, with a fork resting inside the jar, photographed from above on a light surface.

A Note From Kristen

Sweet, spicy, and full of flavor, these candied habanero peppers strike that perfect balance between heat and sweetness. I often reach for them instead of hot sauce when I want something with more texture and punch. A spoonful on tacos, sandwiches, or even cheese and crackers instantly takes things up a notch. Enjoy!
~Kristen

A glass jar filled with red chili sauce containing visible seeds and candied habaneros, with a black fork scooping some out.

Ingredient Notes

Please keep in mind that this is just a quick overview. Visit the full recipe for amounts and instructions!

Granulated Sugar: Provides the sweetness and helps create the sticky, glossy texture. I prefer to use white sugar for this recipe, but any sugar will work. Just keep in mind that brown or coconut sugar will change the color of the finished product.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Intensifies the overall flavor by cutting through the sweetness and adding some tang and acidity. If you do not have ACV, regular white or red wine vinegar will do.
Water: Dissolves the sugar to create a gooey syrup.
Salt: Sharpens and enhances the natural flavor of the ingredients.
Mustard Seeds: Adds a wonderful tangy, earthy flavor tone as well as some texture.
Fresh Ginger Root: Gives warmth and depth that pairs well with the sweet and spicy flavors of this recipe. If you aren’t fond of ginger simply omit it.
Habanero Peppers: Impart intense heat that, when candied, becomes chewy while still packing a punch.

A fork lifts a portion of chili crisp with candied habaneros from an open glass jar filled with spicy oil, chili flakes, and seeds, set on a light-colored surface.

Serving Ideas

As a topping for avocado toast, nachos or tacos.
As part of a charcuterie board with cheese, crackers, and fruit.
Stirred into mac and cheese or rice bowls.
As a filling for grilled cheese, veggie sandwiches, plant-based burgers, or burritos.
Drizzle the syrup over pizza slices, potato salads, or crispy tofu.

A jar of chili oil with floating seeds and candied habaneros, with a fork holding a portion of chili oil above the jar, photographed on a light surface.

Expert Tips

Wear gloves when handling habanero chiles as they contain capsaicin, which can irritate the skin and eyes.
Slice the habaneros evenly so they cook and absorb the syrup evenly.
Don’t cook the peppers on high heat, as a quick boil can burn the sugar and ruin the candied habaneros in the process.
To make a milder batch of candied peppers, simply remove some, most, or all of the white membranes from the peppers before cooking.
For a more complex flavor, consider adding sliced jalapeños, grated orange or lime zest, or some warm spices like clove or cinnamon.

A glass jar of chili crisp with candied habaneros, with a spoon holding a portion above the open jar, placed on a light textured surface.

More Delicious Habanero Pepper Recipes

Easy Habanero Salsa with Real Heat and Flavor

Fermented Habanero Hot Sauce

Lentejas (Mexican Lentil Soup)

Homemade Fermented Bajan Pepper Sauce (Barbados Hot Sauce)