Pineapple Habanero Hot Sauce

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Pineapple Habanero Hot Sauce

Let me tell you—this Pineapple Habanero Hot Sauce is the kind of recipe that happened almost by accident, but now I can’t imagine our fridge without a jar (or three) of it. One sunny afternoon, I had a leftover pineapple from a fruit salad, a handful of habaneros that were teetering on overripe, and the craving for something bold. The result? A sticky, sweet, fiery hot sauce that instantly became a household favorite.

What I love most about this sauce—besides how stunningly vibrant it looks—is how versatile it is. It’s amazing drizzled over grilled chicken, adds a fun kick to tacos, and yes, I’ve even swirled it into cream cheese as a dip (don’t knock it ‘til you try it!). The sweetness of the pineapple balances perfectly with the heat from the habaneros, and the texture is just chunky enough to feel homemade and hearty.

My husband says it tastes like it should be bottled and sold at a gourmet food market, and my kids, believe it or not, actually request it on their chicken nuggets. It’s one of those condiments that quietly turns a simple meal into something special—and honestly, that’s the kind of recipe I’m always chasing. If you’re a busy mom like me, trust me when I say: a spoonful of this sunshine-in-a-jar goes a long way.

Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe

Is it super spicy?
It has a definite kick, thanks to the habaneros, but the pineapple tames the heat. You can adjust the spice level by using fewer peppers or removing the seeds.

How long does it keep?
Stored in a sealed jar in the fridge, it lasts up to 3 weeks. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.

Can I use canned pineapple?
Fresh is best for flavor and texture, but canned (in juice, not syrup) works in a pinch.

Is this safe to can?
For shelf-stable canning, you’d need to check pH levels and follow proper canning procedures. I stick to refrigerating mine.

What can I serve it with?
Try it with grilled meats, tacos, egg rolls, over cream cheese with crackers, or even on pizza!

What You Need to Make Pineapple Habanero Hot Sauce

Ingredients:

2 cups fresh pineapple, diced

4 habanero peppers, seeds removed (or to taste)

1/2 cup white vinegar

1/4 cup water

2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup)

2 tablespoons lime juice

1/2 small onion, chopped

2 garlic cloves

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for extra kick)

Fresh chopped cilantro (for garnish, optional)

Tools & Equipment:

Medium saucepan

Blender or food processor

Glass jars with lids for storage

Cutting board & knife

How to Make Pineapple Habanero Hot Sauce

Prep your ingredients: Chop pineapple, onion, and garlic. Remove seeds from habaneros (wear gloves!).

Sauté the base: In a saucepan over medium heat, add a splash of oil and sauté onion and garlic until soft, about 3-4 minutes.

Simmer it all together: Add pineapple, habaneros, vinegar, water, honey, lime juice, salt, and red pepper flakes. Simmer uncovered for 10-15 minutes, until pineapple is soft and mixture slightly thickens.

Blend it up: Let cool slightly, then transfer to a blender. Blend until smooth or leave slightly chunky if you prefer texture.

Taste & adjust: Add more honey or lime juice if you want it sweeter or tangier.

Jar it: Pour into clean jars, let cool completely, and refrigerate. Garnish with cilantro before serving if desired.

Tips for Making the Best Pineapple Habanero Hot Sauce

Control the heat: Always start with fewer habaneros—you can add more, but you can’t take the heat out.

Wear gloves when handling hot peppers. Trust me, rubbing your eye later will not be fun!

Roast the pineapple beforehand for a smoky depth of flavor.

Add mango or peach for a twist on the classic pineapple version.

Use a glass blender jar if possible—hot liquids and plastic can get tricky.

Reader Reviews

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “So easy and flavorful! I served it with grilled shrimp, and my husband asked if I could bottle it!”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Loved it, but it was a bit too spicy for me. Next time I’ll cut down on the habaneros.”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Perfect balance of sweet and heat. We used it on tacos, and it totally elevated dinner!”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “This was a hit at our BBQ! Everyone kept asking what the sauce was. I’ll be making this often.”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Great for busy nights—kept a jar in the fridge and added it to stir fry for a fast flavor boost.”

Printable Recipe

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