If you’re looking to add a burst of flavor to your favorite dishes, this Pickled Pepper and Onion Relish is exactly what you need. Packed with the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy notes, it’s a versatile condiment that elevates everything from burgers and hot dogs to salads, sandwiches, and grilled meats.
Whether you’re a home cook or an experienced chef, this relish brings a gourmet touch to any meal — and it’s surprisingly easy to make!
🌶️ Why You’ll Love This Pickled Relish
- Flavor-packed – A perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and spicy in every bite.
- Versatile – Delicious on sandwiches, meats, tacos, and cheese boards.
- Easy to make – Simple ingredients, straightforward steps.
- Great for gifting – Homemade relish in a jar makes a thoughtful food gift.
- Long shelf life – Canned properly, it lasts up to a year!
🧅 Ingredients
To make this delicious relish, you’ll need:
- 3 cups mixed bell peppers (red, yellow, and green), finely chopped
- 2 cups onions, finely chopped
- 1 cup white vinegar
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp mustard seeds
- 1 tbsp celery seeds
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Wash the peppers and onions thoroughly. Remove the seeds and stems, then finely chop both for even pickling.
Step 2: Make the Pickling Brine
In a large pot, combine white vinegar, apple cider vinegar, sugar, mustard seeds, celery seeds, salt, and red pepper flakes.
Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring until the sugar fully dissolves.
Step 3: Cook the Relish
Add the chopped peppers and onions to the pot. Stir well, then reduce heat to medium-low.
Simmer for 10 minutes, until the veggies are tender but still slightly crisp.
Step 4: Sterilize the Jars
While the relish simmers, sterilize your jars and lids by boiling them in water for 10 minutes. This step is key for long-term storage.
Step 5: Fill the Jars
Carefully ladle the hot relish into the jars, leaving about ½ inch of headspace. Wipe the rims clean and seal with sterilized lids.
Step 6: Process the Jars
Place the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes, making sure they’re fully submerged. Remove carefully and cool completely on a towel-lined counter.
Step 7: Store and Enjoy
Once cooled, check the seals by pressing down on the lid — if it doesn’t pop, it’s sealed.
Store sealed jars in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year. Refrigerate after opening and use within 1 month.
🍔 Serving Ideas
This relish is so versatile — here are a few tasty ways to use it:
- On sandwiches and burgers: Adds a tangy-sweet crunch that elevates every bite.
- With grilled meats: Perfect alongside steak, pork, or chicken for a pop of acidity.
- In salads: Mix into potato salad, coleslaw, or pasta salad for extra flavor.
- For tacos or nachos: Adds a zesty kick to any Mexican-inspired dish.
- On cheese platters: Sweet and tangy relish pairs beautifully with rich, creamy cheeses.
- With hot dogs and sausages: A flavor-packed upgrade to a classic.
- In dips: Stir into cream cheese or yogurt-based dips for a unique twist.
🫙 Storage Tips
- Check the seal: Make sure the jars are sealed before storing.
- Cool, dark place: Store sealed jars in a pantry (50–70°F).
- Refrigerate after opening: Use within one month.
- Avoid contamination: Always use clean utensils when serving.
- Label your jars: Add the prep date to track freshness.
🌶️ Recipe Variations
Want to experiment? Try these flavorful twists:
Sweet & Spicy Relish
- Add ½ cup chopped jalapeños or serrano peppers.
- Increase sugar to 1½ cups for balance.
Herbed Relish
- Add 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill, basil, or cilantro.
- Include 1 tsp dried oregano or thyme for depth.
Citrus Zest Relish
- Add zest of 1 lemon or orange.
- Replace ¼ cup white vinegar with citrus juice.
Smoky Relish
- Add 1 tsp smoked paprika and ½ cup roasted red peppers.
Ginger-Garlic Relish
- Add 2 tbsp grated fresh ginger and 4 minced garlic cloves.
Tropical Relish
- Add 1 cup finely chopped pineapple or mango.
- Substitute ½ cup sugar with brown sugar for a richer taste.
❓ FAQs
Q: What peppers work best?
Use red, yellow, and green bell peppers for color and balance. For spice, add jalapeños or serranos.
Q: How long does it last?
Sealed jars last up to 1 year. Once opened, refrigerate and use within a month.
Q: Can I use only apple cider vinegar?
Yes! It’ll add a slightly fruitier flavor.
Q: Is sterilizing jars necessary?
Absolutely. It prevents spoilage and ensures safe storage.
Q: Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes, but keep enough to balance the vinegar and help preserve the relish.
Q: Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Carrots, cucumbers, or cabbage make great additions.
🥄 Conclusion
This Pickled Pepper and Onion Relish is more than just a condiment — it’s a flavor booster for every meal.
Sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy, it transforms ordinary dishes into something extraordinary. Whether you spread it on burgers, stir it into salads, or spoon it over grilled meats, this relish will quickly become a kitchen favorite.