Description: These Bread and Butter Jalapeño Pickles offer a delightful combination of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors, making them a versatile condiment for a variety of dishes. They’re easy to make and require no canning, just a bit of patience while they chill in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen. The perfect balance of sweet and spicy, these pickles are an absolute game-changer for your burgers, tacos, charcuterie boards, and more!
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups jalapeños, sliced ¼ inch thick (about 8-10 jalapeños, depending on size)
- ¼ cup onion, thinly sliced (yellow or red onion works well)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar (5% acidity)
- ½ teaspoon celery seed
- ¾ teaspoon salt (sea salt or kosher salt)
- Optional add-ins for variation:
- 2-3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds (yellow or brown)
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Jalapeños Thoroughly wash the jalapeños under cool running water. Using a sharp vegetable slicer or chef’s knife, carefully slice the jalapeños into ¼-inch thick rounds. For a milder pickle, remove the seeds and inner membranes from the jalapeño slices before proceeding. This step significantly reduces the heat level. Remember that the capsaicin, which is responsible for the heat, is concentrated in the seeds and membranes. Consider wearing gloves during this step to prevent skin irritation from the capsaicin.
Step 2: Slice the Onion Peel the onion and slice it thinly. Use a mandoline or a sharp knife for consistent slices. Thinly sliced onions will better absorb the brine and soften to a pleasant texture in the finished pickles.
Step 3: Mix the Brine In a medium to large mixing bowl, combine the sliced jalapeños, sliced onions, granulated sugar, apple cider vinegar, celery seed, and salt. Stir all the ingredients together thoroughly until they are well combined.
Step 4: Marinate at Room Temperature Let the mixture sit at room temperature for 30–60 minutes, stirring occasionally every 15 minutes. This allows the sugar to dissolve completely, and the salt to begin drawing out moisture from the jalapeños and onions. As the sugar dissolves, you will notice that the liquid starts to cover the jalapeños, forming a light brine.
Step 5: Jar and Refrigerate Transfer the jalapeño mixture and the accumulated brine into a clean glass jar or a food-safe container with a tight-fitting lid. Ensure that the jalapeños are submerged in the brine. If necessary, add a small amount of extra apple cider vinegar to completely cover them. Refrigerate the jar for at least 48 hours to allow the flavors to meld and fully develop. These pickles are at their best after 2–3 days, as the sweetness, tanginess, and spiciness become more balanced. They keep well in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
These Bread and Butter Jalapeño Pickles are incredibly addictive for several reasons. First and foremost, they offer a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors that tickle your taste buds and keep you coming back for more. The sweetness from the sugar mellows the intense heat of the jalapeños, while the apple cider vinegar adds a delightful tang that brightens the overall flavor profile. The celery seed contributes a subtle herbal note that complements the other ingredients.
Secondly, this recipe is exceptionally easy to make. With just a few simple steps and readily available ingredients, you can create a delicious condiment that will elevate your meals. There is no canning involved, making it a quick and convenient option for home cooks of all skill levels.
Thirdly, these pickles are incredibly versatile. They can be used in countless ways, from topping burgers and tacos to adding a zesty touch to sandwiches and charcuterie boards. Their unique flavor profile makes them a perfect accompaniment to a wide range of dishes.
Finally, the ability to customize the recipe with optional add-ins like garlic, mustard seeds, and crushed red pepper flakes allows you to tailor the flavors to your preferences. Whether you like your pickles extra spicy or with a hint of garlic, you can easily adjust the recipe to suit your taste.
COOKING Rating:
Easy
Serving Suggestions:
- Burgers: Add a gourmet kick to your burgers by topping them with these sweet and spicy jalapeño rings. They provide a perfect contrast to the richness of the beef.
- Tacos: Use as a zesty topping on fish or veggie tacos. Their tangy sweetness complements the flavors of the fillings.
- Charcuterie boards: Pair well with aged cheddar and smoked meats. The pickles offer a refreshing and palate-cleansing counterpoint to the rich and savory flavors.
- Sandwiches: Swap regular pickles for these Bread and Butter Jalapeño Pickles for an unexpected twist. They add a burst of flavor and a hint of heat.
- Bloody Mary garnish: Add a spicy touch to your brunch cocktails by using these pickles as a garnish for Bloody Marys.
- Pizza Topping: Dice them up and sprinkle them on your pizza for a sweet and spicy kick.
- Egg Dishes: Add them to scrambled eggs, omelets, or breakfast burritos for a flavorful start to your day.
- Salads: Chop them up and add them to salads for a sweet and spicy element.
Tips:
- Wear gloves while slicing the jalapeños to avoid skin irritation from the capsaicin.
- Adjust the amount of sugar to your preference. If you prefer a less sweet pickle, reduce the amount of sugar slightly.
- For a milder pickle, remove the seeds and inner membranes from the jalapeños before slicing.
- Make sure to use a clean glass jar or food-safe container with a tight-fitting lid to prevent contamination.
- Allow the pickles to chill for at least 48 hours to allow the flavors to fully meld.
- Store the pickles in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- Experiment with different vinegars, such as white vinegar or rice vinegar, for a different flavor profile.
- Add other vegetables, such as carrots or bell peppers, for a more colorful and flavorful pickle.
Prep Time:
15 minutes
Cook Time:
0 minutes (excluding chilling time)
Total Time:
15 minutes (plus 48 hours chilling time)
Nutritional Information (estimated, per serving):
(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and serving size.)
- Calories: Approximately 30-40
- Protein: Less than 1 gram
- Sodium: Approximately 150-200 mg
Conclusion:
These Bread and Butter Jalapeño Pickles are a delightful addition to any kitchen. Their unique combination of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors makes them a versatile condiment that can elevate a wide range of dishes. Easy to make and customizable to your preferences, these pickles are sure to become a favorite. Whether you’re looking to add a kick to your burgers, tacos, or charcuterie boards, these pickles are the perfect choice.
Questions and Answers About This Recipe:
Q1: How can I make these pickles less spicy?
A1: To reduce the spiciness, remove the seeds and inner membranes from the jalapeños before slicing them. Capsaicin, the compound responsible for the heat, is concentrated in these parts of the pepper. Additionally, you can increase the amount of sugar slightly to further balance the spiciness.
Q2: Can I use a different type of vinegar?
A2: Yes, you can experiment with different types of vinegar to achieve a slightly different flavor profile. White vinegar or rice vinegar can be used as substitutes for apple cider vinegar. Keep in mind that each type of vinegar will impart a unique taste to the pickles.
Q3: How long do these pickles last in the refrigerator?
A3: These Bread and Butter Jalapeño Pickles can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Ensure they are stored in a clean, airtight container to maintain their freshness and flavor.
Q4: Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
A4: Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables such as carrots, bell peppers, or cucumbers to this recipe. Slice them thinly and add them to the mixture along with the jalapeños and onions. This will add more color, texture, and flavor to the pickles.
Q5: Do I need to sterilize the jars before using them?
A5: Since this recipe is for refrigerator pickles and not canned pickles, sterilizing the jars is not necessary. However, it is important to use clean jars and lids to prevent contamination and ensure the pickles stay fresh for longer. Wash the jars and lids thoroughly with soap and hot water before using them.
