Description A delightful combination of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors, these Bread And Butter Jalapeño Pickles are an easy way to add a zesty kick to your favorite dishes. Perfect for burgers, sandwiches, or enjoying straight from the jar!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups sliced fresh jalapeños 🌶 (about 1 pound)
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced onions 🧅 (yellow or white)
- 3/4 cup white vinegar 🍶 (5% acidity)
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar 🍏 (5% acidity)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar 🍬
- 1 teaspoon celery seed 🌱
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds 🌾
- 1/2 teaspoon salt 🧂 (sea salt or kosher salt)
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Jalapeños and Onions
- Wash the jalapeños thoroughly under cold running water. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice the jalapeños into rounds, about 1/4 inch thick. For milder pickles, remove the seeds and membranes before slicing. If you prefer extra heat, leave the seeds intact.
- Peel the onion and slice it thinly into half-moons. Thin slices ensure the onion flavor blends well with the other ingredients and provides a pleasant texture.
Step 2: Combine Jalapeños and Onions in a Jar
- Select a clean, sterilized glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. A quart-sized jar works well for this recipe. Ensure the jar is free from any cracks or chips.
- Place the sliced jalapeños and onions into the glass jar, alternating layers to ensure even distribution. Gently pack them down, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace at the top of the jar.
Step 3: Prepare the Brine
- In a medium-sized stainless steel saucepan, combine the white vinegar, apple cider vinegar, granulated sugar, celery seed, mustard seeds, and salt.
- Stir the mixture well to ensure the sugar and salt are evenly distributed.
Step 4: Heat the Brine
- Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly. Boiling the brine helps to dissolve the sugar completely and allows the flavors to meld together.
- Continue stirring until the sugar is fully dissolved, and the brine appears clear. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
Step 5: Pour Brine Over Jalapeños and Onions
- Carefully pour the hot liquid brine over the jalapeños and onions in the jar, ensuring they are fully submerged. Use a clean utensil to gently press down on the vegetables to remove any trapped air bubbles.
- Leave about 1/2 inch of headspace at the top of the jar. If necessary, add a little more vinegar to ensure the vegetables are completely covered.
Step 6: Cool and Refrigerate
- Let the jar sit at room temperature for 1 hour to allow the flavors to begin infusing.
- After 1 hour, seal the jar tightly with the lid.
- Refrigerate the jar for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, before enjoying. This allows the flavors to fully develop and the pickles to achieve their characteristic tangy and spicy taste.
Why you will love this recipe:
This recipe is a winner because it perfectly balances sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors in a simple and quick preparation. The Bread And Butter Jalapeño Pickles add a delightful kick to any dish, making them incredibly versatile. They are easy to make with readily available ingredients, require minimal effort, and offer a satisfying crunch and vibrant taste. Whether you’re a fan of heat or prefer a milder flavor, this recipe can be easily adjusted to suit your preferences. The homemade touch makes them far superior to store-bought versions, ensuring you get the freshest and most flavorful pickles every time.
Serving Suggestions:
- Burgers and Sandwiches: Add a layer of these pickles to your burgers or sandwiches for a tangy and spicy crunch.
- Tacos and Quesadillas: Chop them up and use as a topping for tacos or quesadillas.
- Salads: Include them in salads for a burst of flavor.
- Charcuterie Boards: Serve them as part of a charcuterie board alongside cheeses, meats, and crackers.
- Snacking: Enjoy them straight from the jar as a snack.
- Pizza Topping: Dice them and sprinkle over homemade or store-bought pizza for an unexpected twist.
- Deviled Eggs: Incorporate finely chopped pickles into your deviled egg filling for added tang.
- Bloody Marys: Use the pickle brine and a few pickles as a garnish for a spicy Bloody Mary.
- Grilled Cheese: Elevate your grilled cheese sandwich with a layer of these pickles for a sweet and spicy kick.
- Hot Dogs: Top your hot dogs with these pickles for a flavor-packed bite.
Tips:
- Adjust the Heat: For milder pickles, remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños before slicing. For extra heat, leave the seeds intact or use hotter varieties of peppers.
- Sterilize the Jar: To ensure your pickles stay fresh longer, sterilize the jar and lid before use. Wash them in hot, soapy water, rinse well, and then boil them for 10 minutes.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh jalapeños and onions will give you the best flavor and texture.
- Don’t Skip Refrigeration: Refrigerating the pickles for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, is essential for the flavors to fully develop.
- Storage: Store the pickles in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 weeks.
- Experiment with Spices: Feel free to add other spices to the brine, such as garlic cloves, red pepper flakes, or cumin seeds, to customize the flavor.
- Vinegar Ratio: You can adjust the ratio of white vinegar to apple cider vinegar to suit your taste. More apple cider vinegar will give the pickles a slightly sweeter and more complex flavor.
- Sugar Level: Adjust the amount of sugar to your liking. Some people prefer a tangier pickle, while others prefer a sweeter one.
- Pickling Salt: If you have it on hand, pickling salt (also known as canning salt) is a great option as it doesn’t contain iodine or anti-caking agents that can cloud the brine.
- Crisp Pickles: For extra crisp pickles, add a grape leaf or a pinch of calcium chloride (Pickle Crisp) to the jar before adding the brine. These help prevent the pickles from becoming soft.
Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 10 minutes Total Time: 25 minutes (+ 4 hours refrigeration)
Nutritional Information: (Per serving, approximately 1/4 cup) Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
- Calories: Approximately 30-40
- Protein: Less than 1 gram
- Sodium: Approximately 100-150 mg
Conclusion:
These Bread And Butter Jalapeño Pickles are a fantastic addition to any kitchen. They’re incredibly versatile, easy to make, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re looking to add a spicy kick to your favorite dishes or simply enjoy a tangy snack, this recipe is sure to become a staple. Experiment with the ingredients and spices to create your own unique version, and enjoy the satisfaction of homemade pickles that are far superior to anything you can buy in a store. So, grab your jalapeños, onions, and spices, and get ready to enjoy a batch of these delightful pickles!
Questions and Answers about this recipe:
- Can I use different types of peppers instead of jalapeños? Yes, you can! Feel free to experiment with other types of peppers, such as serrano peppers for a similar level of heat or bell peppers for a milder, sweeter flavor. Keep in mind that the heat level of the pickles will vary depending on the type of pepper you use. For a spicier kick, consider using habaneros or Scotch bonnets, but use them sparingly as they are significantly hotter. Adjust the quantity of peppers based on your personal preference and the desired level of spiciness.
- How long will these pickles last in the refrigerator? When stored properly in a sealed jar in the refrigerator, these pickles can last for up to 2-3 weeks. Ensure that the pickles are always submerged in the brine to maintain their freshness and flavor. It’s a good practice to check the pickles periodically and discard them if you notice any signs of spoilage, such as a change in color, odor, or texture.
- Can I can these pickles for long-term storage? While this recipe is designed for refrigerator pickles, you can adapt it for canning if you follow proper canning procedures. To safely can these pickles, you’ll need to use a water bath canner and process the jars according to USDA guidelines for pickled vegetables. This typically involves heating the filled jars in boiling water for a specific amount of time, depending on your altitude. Always use sterilized jars and lids, and ensure a proper seal to prevent spoilage. If you’re new to canning, it’s recommended to consult a reliable canning resource or take a canning class to learn the proper techniques.
- What can I do to make the pickles extra crunchy? To ensure your pickles have a satisfying crunch, there are a few tricks you can try. First, use the freshest jalapeños and onions you can find, as they will naturally have a firmer texture. Another tip is to add a grape leaf or a pinch of calcium chloride (Pickle Crisp) to the jar before adding the brine. Grape leaves contain tannins that help prevent the pickles from becoming soft, while calcium chloride is a food-grade salt that helps maintain their crispness. Additionally, avoid overcooking the brine, as excessive heat can break down the vegetables’ cell structure.
- Can I reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe? Yes, you can adjust the amount of sugar to suit your taste. The sugar in this recipe helps to balance the acidity of the vinegar and create the signature “bread and butter” flavor. If you prefer a tangier pickle, you can reduce the amount of sugar by 1/4 cup or more. However, keep in mind that reducing the sugar too much may result in a more acidic flavor. You can also experiment with using alternative sweeteners, such as honey, maple syrup, or stevia, but be aware that these may slightly alter the flavor and texture of the pickles. Adjust the amount of sweetener to your liking and taste the brine before pouring it over the vegetables to ensure it meets your preferences.
