If you are craving that perfect balance of sweet and spicy with a little tangy crunch, this Bread and Butter Jalapeño Pickles Recipe is an absolute game changer. It beautifully combines fresh, crisp jalapeños with a luscious, buttery-sweet brine that elevates any dish it accompanies. Whether you’re looking to jazz up your sandwiches, tacos, or charcuterie boards, these pickles deliver an irresistible flavor punch with every bite. Trust me, once you make these, you’ll be reaching for them at every meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients may seem simple, but each one plays a crucial role in creating that signature sweet-spicy harmony and vibrant color that make this recipe unforgettable.
- 1 pound fresh jalapeños, sliced into 1/4-inch rings: Fresh jalapeños bring the essential spicy kick and crunch.
- 1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced: Adds mild sweetness and a lovely texture contrast.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens and balances the heat from the peppers.
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar: Provides the rich, tangy base that softens and preserves the pickles.
- 1/2 cup white vinegar: Adds sharpness and enhances the pickle’s crispness.
- 1/2 cup water: Lightens the vinegar blend so it’s not overpowering.
- 1 tablespoon mustard seeds: Adds subtle warmth and a bit of crunch.
- 1 teaspoon celery seeds: Infuses a faint, aromatic earthiness.
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric: Gives a brilliant yellow hue and a gentle depth of flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and helps with the pickling process.
How to Make Bread and Butter Jalapeño Pickles Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Peppers and Onions
Start by slicing your jalapeños into uniform 1/4-inch rings. Thinly slice the yellow onion as well. Combining them in a large heatproof bowl at this stage ensures that when you pour over the hot brine, every slice gets coated and infused with flavor.
Step 2: Make the Pickling Brine
In a medium saucepan, mix together the sugar, apple cider vinegar, white vinegar, water, mustard seeds, celery seeds, turmeric, and salt. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar completely dissolves. This bubbly, aromatic brine is the heart of our Bread and Butter Jalapeño Pickles Recipe and it wakes up all the spices beautifully.
Step 3: Combine and Cool
Carefully pour the hot brine over the jalapeños and onions in the bowl. Let them sit at room temperature for about an hour. This cooling period lets the juice soak into the vegetables just right, softening them while keeping that satisfying crunch.
Step 4: Jar and Refrigerate
Once cooled, transfer your pickles and brine into glass jars. Seal them up tightly and refrigerate for at least 24 hours before digging in. Giving the flavors time to marry is what makes these pickles truly sing. They’ll stay vibrant and delicious in the fridge for up to two months, so you have plenty of time to enjoy.
How to Serve Bread and Butter Jalapeño Pickles Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro or a few whole mustard seeds on top can enhance the look and flavor of your pickles when serving. These little touches add visual appeal and a boost of aromatic freshness.
Side Dishes
These pickles shine alongside rich and savory dishes. Try them on your next burger, layered in sandwiches, or as a spicy-sweet topping for tacos. They also make a fantastic accompaniment to creamy cheeses and cured meats on charcuterie boards, bringing brightness and zing.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hosting, serve your Bread and Butter Jalapeño Pickles Recipe in small decorative bowls with toothpicks for easy snacking. You might even chop them finely to mix into dips, salsas, or as an unexpected twist stirred into potato salad.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your pickles in airtight glass jars stored in the refrigerator. They will maintain their flavor and crunch for up to two months. Because this is a refrigerator pickle, no special canning equipment is necessary, making it super simple and convenient.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for these pickles as it can affect their texture and cause them to become mushy. The crispness is part of their charm, so stick to refrigerating for best results.
Reheating
These pickles are best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. Reheating is unnecessary and can diminish their crispness and bright flavors.
FAQs
Can I adjust the heat level in the Bread and Butter Jalapeño Pickles Recipe?
Absolutely! If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of jalapeños or remove some seeds before slicing, as those contain most of the spice. For more heat, use fresher, thicker-walled jalapeños or add a supplemental hot pepper.
How long do I need to wait before eating the pickles?
While you can taste them after an hour of sitting at room temperature, it’s best to refrigerate the pickles for at least 24 hours to let the flavors deepen fully.
Can I use green or red jalapeños instead of fresh ones?
Green jalapeños are ideal for this recipe, but if you find red jalapeños, feel free to use them too. They will create a slightly sweeter and more colorful pickle.
Is this Bread and Butter Jalapeño Pickles Recipe vegan and gluten-free?
Yes! All the ingredients are plant-based and naturally gluten-free, making this recipe friendly for a variety of diets.
What are some common mistakes to avoid?
Slice your jalapeños evenly to ensure consistent pickling, avoid over-soaking in hot brine which can soften them too much, and definitely refrigerate before slicing if you want extra crunch. Following these tips keeps the pickles perfectly crisp and flavorful.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to brighten up your meals with a punch of sweet, tangy, and spicy goodness, this Bread and Butter Jalapeño Pickles Recipe is a must-try. It’s simple to make, wonderfully flavorful, and versatile enough to complement so many dishes. Once you try these pickles, they’ll quickly become a well-loved staple in your kitchen, just like they are in mine.
Print
Bread and Butter Jalapeño Pickles Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes (plus 24 hours pickling)
- Yield: 2 pint jars
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Pickling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan, Gluten Free
Description
These Bread and Butter Jalapeño Pickles combine the perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors. Thinly sliced jalapeños and onions soak in a tangy brine made from apple cider vinegar, white vinegar, sugar, and spices to create a delightful refrigerator pickle that’s easy to prepare and bursts with fresh flavor after just 24 hours. Ideal as a zesty topping for burgers, sandwiches, tacos, or charcuterie boards, these pickles also keep well in the fridge for up to two months.
Ingredients
Pickling Vegetables
- 1 pound fresh jalapeños, sliced into 1/4-inch rings
- 1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced
Pickling Brine
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup white vinegar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon celery seeds
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare Vegetables: In a large heatproof bowl, combine the sliced jalapeños and thinly sliced yellow onion, ensuring an even mix of spicy and sweet elements.
- Make Brine: In a medium saucepan, add granulated sugar, apple cider vinegar, white vinegar, water, mustard seeds, celery seeds, ground turmeric, and salt. Heat over medium-high, stirring occasionally until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture reaches a boil.
- Combine Vegetables and Brine: Carefully pour the hot brine over the jalapeños and onions in the bowl. Stir gently to coat all slices evenly and allow the mixture to sit at room temperature for 1 hour. This step chills the brine and starts the pickling process.
- Jar and Refrigerate: Transfer the jalapeño and onion mixture along with the brine into sterilized glass jars with lids. Seal tightly and refrigerate for at least 24 hours to develop the characteristic tangy and sweet flavor.
- Storage and Serving: Keep the pickles refrigerated where they will stay fresh for up to 2 months. Enjoy them as a spicy, sweet topping on burgers, sandwiches, tacos, or alongside your favorite charcuterie.
Notes
- For extra crunch, refrigerate the jalapeños before slicing.
- Avoid over-soaking in hot brine to maintain texture.
- These pickles add a delicious sweet and spicy zing to a variety of dishes including burgers, sandwiches, tacos, and charcuterie boards.
- Always use sterilized jars to ensure longer shelf life and food safety.
