Classic Southern Jezebel Sauce is a sweet and spicy combination of apple jelly, pineapple preserves, and tangy dry mustard with a kick of horseradish. Serve it alongside ham, pork, shrimp, or grilled chicken. You can also serve it with a block of cream cheese and crackers for an easy appetizer.
Jezebel Sauce is a very versatile recipe! It can be used as a condiment or glaze for ham or pork, a dipping sauce for shrimp or chicken, or a marinade. It also makes a phenomenal appetizer when spooned over cream cheese and served with crackers.
This interesting combination of sweet and spicy flavors that everyone loves is a part of traditional southern cuisine.
— This post was originally published on April 3, 2012. It has been updated with new photos and additional information.
Recipe Snapshot
Cuisine: Southern, Vintage
Cooking Method: None
Total Time: 5 Minutes
Servings: 16
Primary Ingredient(s): Apple jelly, pineapple preserves, horseradish, dry mustard
Skill Level: Easy
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING …
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Our family never serves ham without Jezebel Sauce! We like that it bites one back just enough to cause a bit of a stir.”
— Ginny
Why is it called Jezebel sauce?
There are a few theories about how this recipe got its name. One theory is that this hot, sweet, spicy condiment was named after the well-known Biblical queen. That Jezebel was something else. Causing havoc and stirring things up wherever she went. And you could say the same about the sauce that is her namesake. Sweet and spicy with a pungent kick of heat, yet really quite lovely.
What You’ll Like About This Recipe
- It’s easy to make with just a few simple ingredients.
- It’s perfect for holiday entertaining.
- It’s versatile and can be used as a glaze, dip, marinade, or appetizer.
- It’s the perfect combination of sweet and spicy flavors.
Ingredient Notes
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- Apple Jelly — Jezebel sauce is traditionally made with apple jelly, but other types may be substituted.
- Pineapple Preserves — These are widely available in southern grocery stores. You can also order pineapple preserves for delivery if you need to.
- Horseradish — Freshly grated is delicious, but certainly not the easiest! Prepared horseradish from your supermarket’s refrigerated section works perfectly well.
- Dry Mustard Powder — I recommend Colman’s brand.
The complete ingredient list with detailed measurements is included in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
You’ll also find this recipe in my cookbook!
You can see this recipe on page 314 of my cookbook, My Southern Table! Get your signed copy today.
How to Make Jezebel Sauce
⚠️ Caution ⚠️
Take care if you’re serving children. The combination of horseradish and dry mustard in this recipe makes this sauce an exceptionally spicy condiment.
- In a small mixing bowl, add the apple jelly, pineapple preserves, horseradish, and dry mustard.
- Stir vigorously until well blended.
- Refrigerate for a few hours to allow the flavors to blend.
How to Use Classic Southern Jezebel Sauce
- Drizzle on a chicken biscuit or as a dipping sauce for chicken fingers.
- Use as a glaze for ham or pork chops.
- Serve over a block of cream cheese with crackers for an easy appetizer.
- Make Jezebel shrimp by marinating shrimp in the sauce.
- Use as a basting sauce for grilled chicken wings or pork ribs.
- Serve as a dip for cocktail sausages.
- Include a small container of it on a charcuterie board.
Recipe Tips
- Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
- Let the sauce sit for a few hours to allow the flavors to meld together.
- If you prefer a smooth sauce, blend all the ingredients together in a food processor or blender.
Options and Variations
- Make different varieties of Jezebel sauce by substituting the apple jelly with whole cranberry sauce, peach preserves, orange marmalade, or apricot preserves.
- Add in some red pepper flakes if you like it extra spicy.
- Try adding a splash of apple cider vinegar, lemon, or white wine vinegar for a little tartness.
- Stir in a tablespoon or two of brandy, rum, or whiskey for a boozy Jezebel sauce.
- A few grinds of black pepper and a couple of tablespoons of chopped pecans make a nice alternate version.
Storage & Freezing Instructions
Jezebel sauce will keep in the fridge for up to two weeks. Be sure to store it in an airtight container so it doesn’t dry out. I like to use a mason jar with a tight fighting lid.
You can freeze Jezebel sauce for up to six months. Be sure to use a freezer-safe container and leave some headspace so it has room to expand.
More Recipes You’ll Like
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Easy Cranberry Orange Sauce
Tomato Jam
Have a question or thought to share?
If you have a question about the recipe or if you’ve made it and want to share how it turned out, I would truly enjoy hearing from you. Just scroll down to leave a comment or add your star rating.
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Classic Southern Jezebel Sauce
Ingredients
- ½ cup apple jelly
- ½ cup pineapple preserves
- 3 tablespoons prepared horseradish
- 1 ½ teaspoons dry mustard recommend: Colman’s
Instructions
- In a small mixing bowl, add the apple jelly, pineapple preserves, horseradish, and dry mustard.½ cup apple jelly, ½ cup pineapple preserves, 3 tablespoons prepared horseradish, 1 ½ teaspoons dry mustard
- Stir vigorously until well blended.
- Refrigerate for a few hours to allow the flavors to blend.
Notes
- Keep in the fridge for up to two weeks in an airtight container.
- May be frozen for up to six months. Be sure to use a freezer-safe container and leave some headspace, so it has room to expand.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information is calculated by software based on the ingredients in each recipe. It is an estimate only and is provided for informational purposes. You should consult your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian if precise nutrition calculations are needed for health reasons.
I’m Lana Stuart, an award-winning cookbook author, food blogger, and lifelong cook raised deep in Southwest Georgia. I started Lana’s Cooking in 2009 to share the tried-and-true recipes I grew up with. Around here, the food is full of flavor, the traditions run deep, and there’s always room at the table.
Haven’t had or made in years…. gave as part of Christmas basket gifts. I was so surprised none of the people gifted to had even heard of it! I want to hear what they think of it …. it has quite a “snap” to it, and explained they can tone it down with more apple jelly or preserves. I’ve never found pineapple preserves and have always used apricot preserves. Thank you for posting the recipe for it! :)
My pleasure! I hope your gift recipients enjoyed it.
Someone gave me a jar several years ago at Christmas – it is now a Holiday Tradition at our house….it is delicious over cream cheese with crackers.
We enjoy it that way, also!
I would like to give this as little Christmas gifts. Do you think I could can it so I don’t have to do it at the last minute?
Hi Sandy. Jezebel sauce would make really lovely gifts! However, this is not a canning recipe so I can’t say whether it would be safe to can it.
Walmart sell pineapple jelly and apple jelly.I found it in the smaller Walmart neighborhood grocery store
I could not find Pineapple preserves. I guess there’s not anything else I could use?
You can actually substitute apricot or peach preserves. But, of course, the result will be different.
Our family never serves ham without Jezebel Sauce! We like that it bites one back just enough to cause a bit of a stir. And, on occasions, we have substituted it in our deviled eggs recipe for .the customary mustard.
I’d have never thought of using it in deviled eggs, but it sounds delicious! Thanks for the idea.
My husband’s Aunt always serves ham with jezabel sauce at our big Christmas get-togethers. She makes hers the same way as yours, only her recipe doesn’t call for dry mustard. She also adds poppyseeds to her sauce. We’ve used her recipe several times, but we’ll add the dry mustard this year. I think that will give it the extra oomph we’ve been wanting. Thanks!
I’ve never had this sauce, but I like the sounds and looks of it. Thank you.
It’s one of those oldie-goodie recipes, Liz. We really enjoy it!
That sauce sounds so good. I have heard the name, but in NYC, never have had it. I am not sure I can find pineapple preserves…I will look. Thank you for sharing…I am making ham and know I will have it for days…
Seems to be my day for finding out how truly limited my culinary education has been since I’ve NEVER heard of this sauce… clearly I need to get myself down to the south to commence my education!!
This sauce sounds exactly like something I would love – adding it to my bookmarks as we speak!
What a cheeky name…never heard of it but that fab combo of sweet and spicy is right up my alley
Oh this is right up my alley!! I am a total sauce girl. Mmm……..
Hope you’ll try it, Denise! We enjoy it so much.
such a versitale relish – keep a jar in the fridge for many things…. we make ours the same only momma added a few grinds of black pepper, sometimes chopped pecans when company was coming…
Yes, I do add some pepper sometimes, but I’ve not had Jezebel Sauce with nuts. It sounds like a great option!
The Chop House in Madison, Georgia serves a wonderful grilled pork chop with Jezebel sauce. It’s a fantastic sauce with any pork or poultry. And, if you happen to have a head cold, knock yourself out. You will be well in no time.
Happy Easter.
Miss P
I have not had the pleasure of dining at the Chop House, but if I do I’ll be sure to try the pork chop!!