Pickled Pepper and Onion Relish Recipe

Ready to take your sandwiches, hot dogs, and charcuterie boards to the next level? This Pickled Pepper and Onion Relish is your new go-to flavor booster. It’s tangy, sweet, and just a little zippy with a pop of crunch in every bite. You get the best of both worlds fresh, vibrant vegetables and that pickled punch that makes everything it touches instantly more exciting. It’s quick to make, super versatile, and honestly… you might end up eating it straight out of the jar. And that’s totally okay. This one’s a fridge staple, trust me.

Why You’ll Love Pickled Pepper and Onion Relish Recipe

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:

Versatile: Spoon it on burgers, fold it into wraps, top your tacos, or pile it onto grilled meats this relish works everywhere.

Budget-Friendly: Uses basic, affordable ingredients with big flavor payoff.

Quick and Easy: No canning required. Just slice, mix, and chill.

Customizable: Adjust the heat, the sweetness, or add extras like garlic or mustard seeds.

Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.

Ingredients in Pickled Pepper and Onion Relish Recipe

This relish comes together with bold but basic ingredients. Let’s break it down:

Bell Peppers: Bright, sweet, and full of crunch. Use a mix of red, yellow, and green for color and flavor contrast.

Onions: Add sharpness and depth. Red or yellow onions both work go with your favorite.

White Vinegar: Brings that signature pickled tang to balance out the sweetness.

Sugar: Adds just the right sweetness to balance the vinegar and enhance the natural flavor of the veggies.

Salt: Essential for flavor and for drawing moisture from the veggies.

Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Adds a gentle heat (optional, but highly recommended!).

Optional Extras: Garlic, mustard seeds, celery seeds, or even a touch of turmeric for color and extra dimension.

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:

Preheat Your Equipment: No need to preheat anything here this one’s a stovetop and fridge job. Just have a clean jar or container ready.

Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, bring the vinegar, sugar, and salt to a boil. Stir until the sugar is dissolved. Add crushed red pepper flakes and any optional spices you’re using.

Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Thinly slice your onions and bell peppers. Place them in a large bowl or directly in your clean jar.

Assemble the Dish: Pour the hot brine over the sliced vegetables. Stir gently to coat everything and make sure the veggies are fully submerged.

Cook to Perfection: Let everything sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then transfer to the fridge. The flavor deepens as it chills.

Finishing Touches: After a few hours (or better yet, overnight), your relish is ready to enjoy.

Serve and Enjoy: Spoon it over whatever needs a kick sandwiches, grilled meats, eggs, you name it.

Nutrition Facts: Servings: 12 Calories per serving: Approx. 25

Preparation Time Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 5 minutes Total Time: 15 minutes (plus chill time)

How to Serve Pickled Pepper and Onion Relish Recipe

This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:

• Top grilled burgers, sausages, or hot dogs for a tangy twist.
• Spoon onto cheese boards for a bright, sweet contrast.
• Stir into pasta salads or potato salads for extra zip.
• Use as a topping for tacos or pulled pork sandwiches.
• Mix into mayo or yogurt for a zesty sandwich spread or dip.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:

• Slice the veggies as thinly as possible for better texture and faster pickling.
• Use a mandoline for uniform slices if you have one.
• Let the relish chill overnight for the best flavor.
• Store in a glass jar with a tight lid it keeps for 2–3 weeks in the fridge.
• Want a milder onion flavor? Soak the slices in cold water for 10 minutes before pickling.

FAQ’s

1. Can I use apple cider vinegar instead of white vinegar?
Yes! It adds a slightly fruity flavor that works beautifully with the sweetness.

2. How spicy is this relish?
Mild to medium, depending on how much red pepper flakes you use. Start small and build to taste.

3. Can I use other types of peppers?
Absolutely. Try banana peppers, jalapeños, or poblano for a fun twist.

4. How long does it last in the fridge?
About 2–3 weeks if kept in a sealed jar or container.

5. Do I have to cook the vegetables?
Nope! The hot brine softens them just enough while keeping that perfect crunch.

6. Can I can this for shelf storage?
This recipe is meant for refrigerator storage only.

7. What onions work best?
Red onions are sweeter and more colorful, but yellow or white onions work great too.

8. Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes, but the sweetness helps balance the vinegar so reduce carefully.

9. Should I sterilize the jar?
Not necessary for fridge pickles, but always start with a clean jar.

10. Can I double the recipe?
Totally! Just make sure you have enough brine to cover all the veggies.

Conclusion

This Pickled Pepper and Onion Relish is the kind of simple, bold-flavored recipe that you’ll find yourself making again and again. It’s sweet, tangy, slightly spicy, and totally crave-worthy. Whether you’re layering it on a sandwich or spooning it onto grilled meat, it brings a bright, punchy twist to every bite. Keep a jar handy and get ready to impress this little relish packs a whole lot of flavor.

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