Description
A savory, crisp, and low-sugar recipe for pickled cherry peppers with just enough heat and tang. Great for snacking or stuffing.
Ingredients
1 lb fresh cherry peppers (red or mixed)
2 cups white vinegar
1 cup water
1 tbsp kosher salt
2 tsp sugar (optional, for balance)
4 garlic cloves (smashed)
1 tbsp peppercorns
1 tsp mustard seeds
2 bay leaves (or grape leaves for crispness)
Optional: red pepper flakes or calcium chloride for added crunch
Instructions
1. Wash and dry your cherry peppers thoroughly.
2. Trim stems and remove seeds/membranes (optional for milder flavor).
3. Pack peppers tightly into sterilized jars.
4. In a saucepan, bring vinegar, water, salt, and sugar to a boil.
5. Add garlic, peppercorns, mustard seeds, bay leaves to jars.
6. Carefully pour hot brine into jars, fully submerging peppers.
7. Let cool completely before sealing jars.
8. Store in refrigerator for 5 days before using for best flavor.
9. Keep refrigerated and consume within 2–3 months.
Notes
For spicier pickles, leave peppers whole and unseeded.
Always keep peppers fully submerged to prevent spoilage.
Add calcium chloride (Pickle Crisp) for max crunch.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Condiments
- Method: Pickling
- Cuisine: American