If you’re looking to add a bright and tangy kick to your snacks or meals, this Bread and Butter Jalapeño Pickles Recipe is exactly what you need. Combining the heat of fresh jalapeños with the sweetness of a classic bread and butter pickle brine, this recipe delivers a perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and tangy flavors. It’s quick to prepare, requires simple ingredients, and turns ordinary peppers into a vibrant condiment that will elevate everything from sandwiches to charcuterie boards.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward yet play crucial roles in crafting the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color in your pickles. Each element, from the crisp jalapeños to the fragrant mustard seeds, works together to create a deliciously addictive treat.
- 1 pound fresh jalapeños, sliced into ¼-inch rounds: Choose firm, bright green peppers for the best crunch and heat.
- 1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced: Adds sweetness and a subtle bite that complements the peppers.
- 1½ cups apple cider vinegar: Provides the tangy base that preserves and balances the flavors.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the brine to achieve that classic bread and butter pickle taste.
- ½ cup brown sugar: Adds a rich, caramel note to deepen the sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon mustard seeds: Brings a mild spicy warmth and mild crunch.
- 1 teaspoon celery seeds: Infuses a subtle herbal hint that elevates the flavor complexity.
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric: Gives a lovely golden hue and earthy undertone.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors while helping with preservation.
How to Make Bread and Butter Jalapeño Pickles Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Start by slicing those fresh jalapeños into ¼-inch rounds — don’t forget to wear gloves to protect your hands from the heat! Thinly slice the yellow onion so it mingles beautifully with the peppers later for that classic pickle texture and flavor.
Step 2: Create the Pickling Brine
In a medium saucepan, whisk together apple cider vinegar, granulated sugar, brown sugar, mustard seeds, celery seeds, ground turmeric, and salt. Warm it over medium heat, stirring frequently until the sugars dissolve and the mixture reaches a gentle simmer. This is where the magic happens, as the brine comes together with its sweet, tangy, and aromatic notes.
Step 3: Combine and Let Sit
Place your sliced jalapeños and onions in a large heatproof bowl. Carefully pour the hot brine over the vegetables, ensuring everything is evenly covered. Let the mixture sit at room temperature for 30 to 45 minutes — this allows the peppers and onions to soak up the flavors and soften slightly without losing their crispness.
Step 4: Jar and Chill
Transfer your flavorful jalapeños and onions along with the brine into sterilized glass jars with tight-fitting lids. Pop those jars into the refrigerator and let them chill for at least 24 hours to fully develop the iconic sweet-spicy taste that defines this Bread and Butter Jalapeño Pickles Recipe.
How to Serve Bread and Butter Jalapeño Pickles Recipe
Garnishes
These pickles make a fantastic topping to brighten up burgers, sandwiches, and hot dogs with a pop of color and heat. You can also scatter them on tacos or burrito bowls to add that extra layer of complexity and freshness everyone will love.
Side Dishes
Pair your jalapeño pickles with creamy dishes that benefit from a little contrast — think coleslaw, potato salad, or grilled meats. They add a vibrant zing that perfectly cuts through richer flavors, helping balance out your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fancy twist, serve these pickles alongside a charcuterie board with cheeses, cured meats, and crusty bread. The sweet and spicy kick complements savory bites and invites your guests to explore exciting flavor combinations.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Bread and Butter Jalapeño Pickles refrigerated in sealed jars. They’ll stay fresh and flavorful for up to one month, and the flavors will deepen over time, making them even more delicious the longer they sit.
Freezing
Because of the vinegar base and texture of the peppers, freezing isn’t recommended as it can alter the crunch and flavor profile. Stick to refrigeration for the best results and freshest taste.
Reheating
Typically, these pickles are enjoyed cold or at room temperature, which preserves their crispness and bright flavors perfectly. If you want to warm them lightly, do so briefly, but know that it may soften their wonderful crunch.
FAQs
Can I adjust the heat level of this Bread and Butter Jalapeño Pickles Recipe?
Absolutely! For a milder kick, remove the seeds from half or all of the jalapeños before slicing. This reduces the heat while keeping all the vibrant flavor intact.
How long do these pickles need to marinate before eating?
For the best flavor, chilling your pickles for at least 24 hours is ideal. This resting period allows the brine to fully infuse the jalapeños and onions with that perfect sweet-spicy balance.
Do I need special jars to store these pickles?
Using sterilized glass jars with tight-fitting lids is important to keep your pickles fresh and safe in the refrigerator. Mason jars or any clean, sealable glass containers work perfectly.
Can I use other types of peppers if I don’t have jalapeños?
You can experiment with other peppers like serranos or banana peppers, but keep in mind the heat and texture will vary. Jalapeños remain the perfect balance for this classic Bread and Butter Jalapeño Pickles Recipe.
Are these pickles vegan and gluten-free?
Yes! This Bread and Butter Jalapeño Pickles Recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it a great condiment choice for many dietary needs.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly irresistible about the sweet heat and tangy crunch of this Bread and Butter Jalapeño Pickles Recipe that can transform any ordinary meal into a flavor celebration. I hope you enjoy making and sharing these vibrant pickles as much as I do — once you try them, they’ll quickly become a favorite go-to addition in your kitchen!
Print
Bread and Butter Jalapeño Pickles Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes (plus 24 hours chilling)
- Yield: 2 pints
- Category: Condiment
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan, Gluten Free
Description
Delight your taste buds with these tangy and sweet Bread and Butter Jalapeño Pickles. Combining spicy jalapeños and crunchy onions in a vibrant apple cider vinegar brine flavored with mustard seeds, turmeric, and celery seeds, these refrigerator pickles are perfect for adding a zesty kick to burgers, sandwiches, or charcuterie boards. Easy to prepare and naturally vegan and gluten-free, they are a flavorful condiment that will keep your pantry stocked with a spicy-sweet punch.
Ingredients
Pickling Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh jalapeños, sliced into ¼-inch rounds
- 1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 1½ cups apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon celery seeds
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables: In a large heatproof bowl, combine the sliced jalapeños and thinly sliced yellow onion, ensuring they are evenly mixed.
- Make the brine: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the apple cider vinegar, granulated sugar, brown sugar, mustard seeds, celery seeds, ground turmeric, and salt. Stir continuously until the sugars dissolve and the mixture gently simmers.
- Pour brine over vegetables: Once the brine reaches a low boil, carefully pour the hot liquid over the jalapeños and onion mixture, ensuring all pieces are well submerged.
- Let it sit: Allow the pickles to sit at room temperature for 30 to 45 minutes, enabling the flavors to meld and the jalapeños to soften slightly.
- Jar and chill: Transfer the mixture into sterilized glass jars with tight-fitting lids. Seal and refrigerate for at least 24 hours to develop the full flavor.
- Storage: Keep chilled and consume within one month for best freshness and taste.
Notes
- Wear gloves when slicing jalapeños to prevent skin irritation.
- For a milder pickle, remove the seeds from half the jalapeños.
- These pickles are ideal for enhancing burgers, sandwiches, or charcuterie boards with a sweet and spicy twist.
