Bread and Butter Jalapeño Pickles Recipe
If you are craving a tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy treat that brightens up any meal, the Bread and Butter Jalapeño Pickles Recipe is an absolute gem to have in your kitchen. These pickles strike the perfect balance between the heat of fresh jalapeños and the sweet, buttery flavors that make them irresistibly addictive. Whether you use them as a zesty topping or a flavorful snack, this recipe captures that classic bread and butter pickle charm with a fiery, savory kick you’ll love sharing with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this pickling adventure is key. Each item plays a crucial role, from the crunchy texture of the jalapeños to the vibrant warmth of the turmeric and the sweet-sour punch of the vinegars. Let’s break down the essentials that make the magic happen:
- Fresh jalapeño peppers (1 1/2 pounds): Thinly sliced rounds lend that signature spicy snap and beautiful color contrast.
- Small yellow onion (1, thinly sliced): Adds mild sweetness and crisp texture that complements the peppers perfectly.
- Apple cider vinegar (1 cup): Brings a fruity acidity that brightens and balances the sweetness.
- White vinegar (1 cup): The sharp, clean base helping preserve and punch up the pickling brine.
- Granulated sugar (1 1/2 cups): Sweetens and mellows the heat, making these pickles crave-worthy.
- Kosher salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances flavor while aiding in the pickling process.
- Mustard seeds (1 teaspoon): Adds subtle tang and a bit of crunch for textural interest.
- Celery seeds (1/2 teaspoon): Offers an earthy, slightly peppery flavor signature to bread and butter pickles.
- Turmeric (1/2 teaspoon): Provides color and a mild, warm undertone that deepens the flavor.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): For those who love a little extra heat kick beyond the jalapeños.
How to Make Bread and Butter Jalapeño Pickles Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Peppers and Onions
Start by slicing up 1 1/2 pounds of fresh jalapeño peppers into thin, 1/4-inch rounds. Be sure to wear gloves during this step to protect your hands from the fiery oils. Then, thinly slice one small yellow onion to add that crisp, sweet component that perfectly balances the peppers’ heat.
Step 2: Mix the Pickling Brine
Next, in a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup each of apple cider vinegar and white vinegar with 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, 1 teaspoon of mustard seeds, 1/2 teaspoon of celery seeds, 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric, and if you like, 1/4 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes for an extra zing. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, stirring often until the sugar completely dissolves. The result is a vibrant, aromatic brine that’s the heart and soul of this recipe.
Step 3: Pour the Hot Brine and Chill
Place your prepared jalapeño slices and onions in a large heatproof bowl or jar. Carefully pour the hot brine over the vegetables, making sure everything is fully submerged to soak up those irresistible flavors. Allow the mixture to cool quietly at room temperature before covering it and popping it into the refrigerator. Letting it chill for at least 24 hours is essential—it gives the flavors time to marry into that classic, crave-worthy Bread and Butter Jalapeño Pickles Recipe taste.
How to Serve Bread and Butter Jalapeño Pickles Recipe
Garnishes
These pickles make an eye-catching and flavorful garnish. Sprinkle slices atop burgers, hot dogs, or tacos to add a sweet and spicy crunch that elevates every bite. They also shine beautifully as a topping for creamy dips or on deviled eggs to bring a pop of color and flavor.
Side Dishes
Serving these pickles alongside grilled meats or sandwiches offers a delightful contrast—their sweet heat brightens rich or smoky dishes while cleansing the palate. They also pair wonderfully with charcuterie boards, adding a zesty, colorful note that guests will keep reaching for.
Creative Ways to Present
Step up your entertaining game by incorporating these pickles into appetizers like mini sliders or atop flatbreads. You can even chop them finely and mix them into creamy spreads or salads to introduce that signature Bread and Butter Jalapeño Pickles Recipe flavor in unexpected but delicious forms.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once made, these pickles keep superbly in the refrigerator for up to two months. Store them in a sealed jar or airtight container to maintain crunch and vibrancy. Because they’re refrigerator pickles, there’s no need to worry about canning – just tasty convenience ready whenever you want a little flavor lift.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for Bread and Butter Jalapeño Pickles Recipe, as the texture of the jalapeños and onions will suffer. The pickles will become mushy once thawed, so it’s best to enjoy them fresh from the fridge while they maintain their perfect crispness.
Reheating
These pickles are meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If you prefer, you can let them sit out for a few minutes before serving, but reheating is unnecessary and will soften their delightful crunch and alter their bright flavors.
FAQs
Do I have to wear gloves when slicing jalapeños?
While not absolutely required, it’s highly recommended to wear gloves to avoid skin irritation or accidentally transferring the spicy oils to your eyes or sensitive areas. Jalapeños contain capsaicin, which can cause a burning sensation, so gloves help keep you safe.
Can I use other types of peppers in this recipe?
Absolutely! If jalapeños are too spicy for your taste, try milder peppers like banana peppers or even bell peppers to create a sweeter, less fiery pickle with the same delicious bread and butter flavor profile.
How long does it take before the pickles are ready to eat?
For the best flavor, the pickles should chill in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours. This resting time allows the spices and sweetness to fully infuse and mellow the jalapeños’ heat.
Are these pickles suitable for a vegan diet?
Yes! This Bread and Butter Jalapeño Pickles Recipe uses only plant-based ingredients and contains no animal products, making it perfect for vegan and vegetarian diets.
Can I reduce the sugar if I want less sweetness?
You can adjust the sugar to your taste, but keep in mind that sugar helps balance the acidity and heat in the pickling process. Reducing it too much might change the classic bread and butter flavor and impact preservation.
Final Thoughts
This Bread and Butter Jalapeño Pickles Recipe is a delightful blend of sweet, spicy, and tangy notes that brings a lively burst of flavor to everything it touches. Once you’ve tried these, you’ll wonder how you ever did without them. Whether you’re a pickle aficionado or someone looking to spice up your condiment game, I highly encourage you to give this recipe a whirl. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Bread and Butter Jalapeño Pickles Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes plus 24 hours chilling
- Yield: 2 pint jars 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Sweet and tangy Bread and Butter Jalapeño Pickles made with fresh jalapeños, tangy vinegars, and a blend of spices. These refrigerator pickles are quick to prepare, featuring a crunchy texture and perfect balance of sweetness and heat. Ideal as a zesty condiment for burgers, sandwiches, or charcuterie boards.
Ingredients
Pickles
- 1 1/2 pounds fresh jalapeño peppers, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
- 1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced
Brine
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon celery seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Place the sliced jalapeños and thinly sliced yellow onion in a large heatproof bowl or jar, ensuring an even layer for quick absorption of the brine.
- Make the Brine: In a medium saucepan, combine the apple cider vinegar, white vinegar, granulated sugar, kosher salt, mustard seeds, celery seeds, turmeric, and optional crushed red pepper flakes. Heat over medium-high heat until the mixture reaches a boil, stirring frequently to dissolve the sugar completely.
- Combine and Submerge: Carefully pour the hot brine over the jalapeños and onions, making sure all vegetables are fully submerged in the liquid. This helps the flavors infuse thoroughly.
- Cool and Refrigerate: Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature uncovered, then cover the container tightly. Refrigerate for at least 24 hours to let the flavors develop and intensify.
- Serve and Store: After chilling, the pickles are ready to enjoy. Store in the refrigerator and consume within 2 months for optimal freshness and flavor.
Notes
- Wear gloves when slicing jalapeños to protect your hands from the capsaicin.
- Pickles keep well refrigerated for up to two months.
- These pickles add a great sweet-spicy kick to burgers, sandwiches, and charcuterie boards.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Pickling
- Cuisine: American
