Who doesn’t love a little sweet heat in their life? Our bread and butter jalapeños bring together the perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and spicy flavors that’ll have your taste buds dancing. This recipe is a fun twist on the classic bread and butter pickles, swapping out cucumbers for bold, zesty jalapeños.
These pickled delights are incredibly versatile. Whether we’re topping burgers, adding a kick to sandwiches, or simply snacking straight from the jar, they never disappoint. Plus, they’re surprisingly simple to make at home, so we can enjoy that fresh, homemade touch anytime.
Ingredients
Let’s get everything ready for this deliciously sweet and spicy bread and butter jalapeños recipe. Ensure you have fresh ingredients and precise measurements for the best results!
Vegetables:
- 1 pound fresh jalapeños, thinly sliced into even rounds
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
Pickling Brine:
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon celery seeds
- 1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/4 teaspoon black peppercorns
Optional Add-ins:
- 1 garlic clove, peeled and smashed
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, for an extra kick
“Using fresh jalapeños ensures maximum flavor in every bite.”
Summary of Ingredients:
| Category | Ingredients | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Vegetables | Fresh jalapeños | 1 pound |
| Onion | 1 medium | |
| Pickling Brine | Apple cider vinegar | 1 cup |
| Granulated sugar | 1 cup | |
| Brown sugar | 1/4 cup | |
| Mustard seeds | 1 teaspoon | |
| Celery seeds | 1/2 teaspoon | |
| Ground turmeric | 1/4 teaspoon | |
| Black peppercorns | 1/4 teaspoon | |
| Optional Add-ins | Garlic clove | 1 clove |
| Red pepper flakes | 1/2 teaspoon |
“The combination of sugars with the spices creates that perfect sweet and tangy balance in our brine.”
Tools And Equipment
To prepare our Bread and Butter Jalapeños, having the right tools and equipment ensures ease and precision. Here’s everything we need to get started:
Essential Tools:
- Cutting board: For slicing fresh jalapeños and onions.
- Sharp knife: A high-quality knife for precise and clean cuts.
- Measuring cups and spoons: To measure the exact quantities of spices, sugars, and liquids for the brine.
- Large saucepan: For preparing the pickling brine and simmering it until the ingredients dissolve.
- Wooden or silicone spoon: Ideal for stirring the brine without scratching the cookware’s surface.
- Tongs: To handle the hot jalapeños and transfer them to jars safely.
Specific Equipment:
- Mason jars with lids: Use sterilized jars to store the jalapeños. Choose jars with a tight seal to preserve freshness.
- Funnel: A wide-mouth funnel to pour the brine into the jars without spills.
- Ladle: For transferring the hot brine from the saucepan to the jars.
- Gloves (optional but recommended): Jalapeño peppers release oils that can irritate the skin, so wearing gloves while slicing is helpful.
- Kitchen towels: To handle hot jars and clean up any spills.
Tool-Specific Insights:
- When selecting mason jars, consider their size. Pint jars are ideal for splitting the batch into smaller portions.
- A large saucepan with a thick bottom prevents burning the sugar in the brine, ensuring a smooth texture and flavor.
- Operating with measuring tools ensures the balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy notes, essential for the perfect Bread and Butter Jalapeños.
Tool Checklist Table:
| Tool/Equipment | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Cutting board | Slicing jalapeños and onions |
| Sharp knife | Precise cuts for even slicing |
| Measuring cups/spoons | Exact measurement of ingredients |
| Large saucepan | Preparing pickling brine |
| Wooden/silicone spoon | Stirring without scratching cookware |
| Tongs | Handling hot peppers and jars |
| Mason jars & lids | Preserving and storing jalapeños |
| Funnel | Spill-free brine transfer |
| Ladle | Pouring hot brine into jars |
| Gloves (optional) | Protecting hands from jalapeño oils |
| Kitchen towels | Managing spills and handling jars |
Directions
Here’s our step-by-step guide to make bread and butter jalapeños. Follow these instructions to enjoy tangy, sweet, and spicy perfection in every bite.
Prep
- Clean the jalapeños. Rinse 1 pound of fresh jalapeños under cold water. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.
- Slice the jalapeños and onion. Using a cutting board and sharp knife, slice the jalapeños into 1/4-inch rounds. Slice 1 medium onion into thin rings. For extra safety, wear gloves while handling the jalapeños to avoid skin irritation.
- Prepare the mason jars. Sterilize the mason jars by boiling them in water for 10 minutes, then set them aside to air-dry. Ensure the lids and rims are completely dry before use.
- Measure all ingredients. Use measuring cups and spoons to precisely measure all brine components, including:
- 2 cups apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon celery seeds
- Optional: 1 clove garlic (minced), 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
### Quick Prep Summary:
| Step | Tools Needed | Action |
|--------------------|-------------------|---------------------------|
| Clean jalapeños | Clean hands, towel| Rinse, pat dry |
| Slice jalapeños/onion | Knife, board | Cut into rings |
| Sterilize jars | Pot, boiling water| Boil for 10 minutes |
| Measure ingredients| Cups, spoons | Accurately measure brine |
Cook
Now that the ingredients and tools are prepped, it’s time to bring everything together. Cooking the bread and butter jalapeños involves crafting a flavorful pickling brine and combining it with the sliced jalapeños and onions. Follow these steps carefully to achieve the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy goodness.
Make The Pickling Brine
In a large saucepan, combine the following ingredients for the brine. This mixture will serve as the base for our bread and butter jalapeños:
- 2 cups of apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup of brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon of mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon of celery seeds
- 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger
- Optional: 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes for extra heat
Steps to prepare the brine:
- Place the saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the apple cider vinegar and both sugars. Stir continuously to dissolve the sugars completely.
- Once dissolved, incorporate the spices—mustard seeds, celery seeds, turmeric, and ground ginger. Stir until everything is well combined.
- If using red pepper flakes for added heat, stir them in now.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, letting the spices release their aromas. This should take about 5 minutes. Keep an eye on it to avoid boiling.
You’ll know the brine is ready when it’s clear and fragrant, with all the spices evenly distributed.
Add Jalapeños To The Brine
Once the pickling brine is ready, it’s time to cook the sliced jalapeños and onions:
- Add the sliced jalapeños (1 pound) and onion slices (1 medium onion) directly into the simmering brine.
- Use a spoon to gently stir the jalapeños and onions, ensuring they’re fully submerged in the liquid.
- Let the mixture return to a simmer. Cook for about 4-5 minutes or until the jalapeños turn a vibrant green and soften slightly. Avoid overcooking to maintain their crunch.
- While the jalapeños cook, prepare your sterilized mason jars and funnel for transferring the mixture.
Quick Tip: Be cautious during this step as the brine will be hot, and the aroma can be quite strong due to the vinegar and spices. Ventilate the kitchen if necessary.
Here’s a summary table of the cooking timings for clarity:
| Step | Timing | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dissolve sugars in vinegar | 2-3 minutes | Stir constantly for smooth brine |
| Simmer with spices | 5 minutes | Aroma should be rich and balanced |
| Cook jalapeños in brine | 4-5 minutes | Jalapeños soften and turn vibrant |
Assemble
Now that our bread and butter jalapeños are cooked to perfection, it’s time to transfer them to jars to preserve their sweet, tangy, and spicy goodness. Let’s carefully complete the assembly for proper storage and long-term enjoyment.
Jar The Jalapeños
- Place the sterilized mason jars on a heat-proof surface, ensuring they’re completely dry before use.
- Using tongs, fill each jar with the softened jalapeños and onions, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace at the top. Be sure to pack them tightly but not so much that brine can’t seep through.
- Position a funnel over the jar mouths, and use a ladle to carefully pour the hot brine over the jalapeños and onions. The brine should fully cover the vegetables while still leaving the 1/2 inch of headspace.
- If any air bubbles are present, gently tap the jars on the counter or use a non-metallic utensil to remove them. Top up with additional brine if needed to maintain full coverage.
- Wipe the jar rims with a damp paper towel to remove any brine residue, ensuring the lids will seal properly.
- Secure the lids and bands tightly, but avoid over-tightening to allow for a proper vacuum seal during cooling.
Here’s a quick reference for jar assembly:
| Step | Tools Required |
|---|---|
| Fill jars with jalapeños | Tongs |
| Pour hot brine | Funnel, Ladle |
| Remove air bubbles | Counter or non-metal utensil |
| Wipe rims & seal jars | Paper towel, Lids, Bands |
Cool And Seal
- Once all jars are filled and sealed, allow them to cool undisturbed at room temperature. Place them on a towel or wooden surface to avoid sudden temperature changes that might crack the glass.
- Listen for the unmistakable pop of the lids as they seal—a sign that vacuum-sealing is complete. If any jars fail to seal, refrigerate them and consume within two weeks instead of storing them long-term.
- After cooling, check that the lids are concave and do not flex when pressed. This is your confirmation of a successful seal.
- Label each jar with the preparation date using a marker or label stickers, so we can track their freshness.
Make-Ahead Instructions
Making bread and butter jalapeños ahead of time is a convenient way to streamline your food preparation. These sweet and tangy pickled jalapeños develop even more flavor as they rest, making them perfect for planning in advance. Let’s break down the steps to successfully prepare this recipe ahead of time.
Preparing in Advance
- Sterilize the Mason Jars Ahead: Ensure your mason jars are properly sterilized beforehand. This step can be done a day or two in advance to save time. Store the sterilized jars sealed and in a clean, dry area until ready for use.
- Pre-Slice Your Vegetables: Wash and slice the jalapeños and onions in advance. Keep them stored in airtight containers or resealable plastic bags in the refrigerator. Ensure the containers are dry to avoid introducing extra moisture.
- Measure and Mix Dry Ingredients: Combine the dry spices (e.g., mustard seeds, celery seeds, turmeric) in a small container. This ensures they’re ready to add to the brine without any fumbling during the cooking process.
- Make the Brine Early: The sweet-tangy brine, made with apple cider vinegar, granulated sugar, and brown sugar, can also be prepared ahead of time. Refrigerate the brine in a covered container once cooled. Reheat it gently before use to dissolve any sugar that may have crystallized.
Storage Tips for Prepared Ingredients
| Ingredient | Storage Method | Shelf Life |
|---|---|---|
| Sliced Jalapeños | Airtight container, refrigerated | Up to 1 day |
| Sliced Onions | Airtight container, refrigerated | Up to 1 day |
| Spice Blend | Sealed container, at room temperature | Up to 1 week |
| Prepared Brine | Covered container, refrigerated | Up to 2 days |
Day-of Assembly Suggestions
When it’s time to assemble, having everything prepped will simplify the process exponentially. Simply heat the pre-prepared brine, add your sliced jalapeños and onions, simmer briefly, and proceed to fill the sterilized jars. This ensures you can focus on precision and avoid unnecessary last-minute stress.
Storage Tips
Proper storage is key to enjoying our bread and butter jalapeños for weeks or even months. Here’s how to keep them fresh and flavorful:
1. Sealing the Jars Correctly
Ensure all mason jars are properly sealed before storing. After filling and sealing the jars, let them cool completely. Press down on the center of each lid; it should not pop back. A non-flexing lid indicates a successful seal. Any jar that doesn’t seal should be refrigerated and consumed within two weeks.
2. Ideal Storage Conditions
Store sealed jars in a cool, dark place such as a pantry or cupboard. Exposure to direct sunlight or heat can affect the flavor and quality of the pickled jalapeños.
3. Refrigeration After Opening
Once opened, always store the jars in the refrigerator. The jalapeños should remain submerged in the brine to maintain their flavor and texture.
4. Tracking Freshness
Use labels to mark each jar with the preparation date. Generally, unopened jars last up to 12 months if stored in proper conditions. Opened jars should be consumed within 1-2 months for the best taste and quality.
| Storage Stage | Environment | Shelf Life |
|---|---|---|
| Unopened jars | Cool, dark pantry | Up to 12 months |
| Opened jars | Refrigerator | 1-2 months |
| Improperly sealed jars | Refrigerator | Up to 2 weeks |
5. Troubleshooting Signs of Spoilage
Inspect your jalapeños regularly for signs of spoilage. If you notice any of the following issues, discard the contents immediately:
- Bubbling in the brine
- Off-putting smell
- Cloudy brine or mold spots
By following these tips, we can extend the longevity of our homemade bread and butter jalapeños while preserving their tangy-sweet-spicy perfection.
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to enjoying our bread and butter jalapeños, the possibilities are practically endless. These sweet, tangy, and spicy slices can add a punch of flavor to a variety of dishes and snacks. Here are some creative and practical serving ideas to incorporate these flavorful treats into your meals:
1. Toppings for Sandwiches and Burgers
Place a few slices of these jalapeños on your favorite burger or sandwich. They pair particularly well with cheeseburgers, crispy chicken sandwiches, or turkey melts, adding a hint of spice and a touch of sweetness. Don’t forget to use the spiced onions for an extra layer of flavor.
2. Charcuterie Boards
Add a jar of these homemade jalapeños to your next charcuterie or cheese board. They complement rich, creamy cheeses such as brie, gouda, or sharp cheddar beautifully, balancing out the richness with their tangy-sweet notes.
3. Taco Nights
Use them as a zesty topping for your tacos, burritos, or nachos. Whether you’re making fish tacos or bean burritos, the spicy-sweet profile of the jalapeños can elevate your dish. For nachos, sprinkle the slices over melted cheese and refried beans for an indulgent touch.
4. Salads and Grain Bowls
Include the jalapeños in fresh salads or hearty grain bowls. Toss a few slices with mixed greens, quinoa, or brown rice, along with grilled vegetables and your favorite dressing for a layered flavor profile.
5. Snacking with Crackers and Cream Cheese
Spread cream cheese on a cracker and top it with a slice of jalapeño. The creamy-spicy combination makes for an irresistible, quick snack or appetizer.
6. Pizza Perfection
Level up your pizza by scattering sliced bread and butter jalapeños over your toppings before baking. They bring an exciting edge to classics like pepperoni as well as gourmet pizzas with prosciutto or goat cheese.
7. Cocktail Garnish
Use these jalapeños as a garnish for Bloody Marys or other savory cocktails. Their unique flavor can complement the drink’s spiced undertones while giving it a striking visual appeal.
Quick Serving Ideas:
| Dish/Occasion | Bread and Butter Jalapeños Use Case |
|---|---|
| Burgers/Sandwiches | Enhance with a sweet-spicy crunch |
| Charcuterie Board | Pair with creamy cheeses and crackers |
| Tacos/Nachos | Sprinkle on top for a sweet, tangy heat |
| Salads/Grain Bowls | Toss them into greens or hearty grains for depth |
| Pizza | Scatter jalapeños for a bold flavor twist |
| Snacks/Appetizers | Combine with cream cheese for a quick, delicious bite |
| Cocktails | Use as garnish to elevate the drink’s appearance and taste |
A Final Tip
For the ultimate experience, serve these homemade bread and butter jalapeños chilled for a refreshing contrast to hot dishes, or warm them up slightly for topping comfort foods like burgers and nachos.
Conclusion
Bread and butter jalapeños bring a delightful mix of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors to the table, making them a must-have for any kitchen. Their versatility and ease of preparation mean anyone can enjoy a homemade batch packed with freshness and flavor. Whether you’re adding them to your favorite dishes or enjoying them as a snack, they’re sure to impress. With proper storage and a little creativity, these jalapeños can elevate everyday meals into something truly special. Let’s savor the bold flavors and endless possibilities they offer!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are bread and butter jalapeños?
Bread and butter jalapeños are sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy pickled jalapeños made with a flavorful brine of apple cider vinegar, sugars, and spices. They are a versatile condiment that can be used as toppings, snacks, or additions to a variety of dishes.
How long do homemade bread and butter jalapeños last?
When stored in sterilized, sealed jars in a cool, dark place, unopened jars can last up to one year. Once opened, refrigerate the jars, and consume the jalapeños within 1-2 months.
Can I adjust the sweetness or spice level?
Yes! You can customize the brine by adding more or less sugar for sweetness or including extra spices like red pepper flakes for additional heat, depending on your preference.
Are bread and butter jalapeños difficult to make at home?
No. Making them at home is simple with basic kitchen tools, fresh jalapeños, and readily available ingredients. The article provides a step-by-step guide to ensure ease and success.
What can I serve with bread and butter jalapeños?
They pair well as burger and sandwich toppings, additions to tacos and salads, or garnishes for cocktails. You can also serve them on charcuterie boards or enjoy them as a snack.
Do I need special equipment to make bread and butter jalapeños?
Essential tools include sterilized mason jars, a cutting board, a sharp knife, a saucepan, measuring cups, a funnel, and tongs. These help ensure safe and efficient preparation and storage.
Why is sterilizing mason jars important?
Sterilizing jars prevents bacteria and ensures long-term preservation of the bread and butter jalapeños, keeping them safe and fresh for consumption.
How can I ensure the jalapeños are sealed properly in jars?
After jarring, check for proper seals by pressing down on the lid. If it doesn’t pop back, the jar is sealed correctly. Unsealed jars should be refrigerated and consumed quickly.
Can I prepare the ingredients ahead of time?
Yes, you can sterilize jars, slice the vegetables, and measure the dry ingredients in advance. This prep work simplifies the process and saves time on the day of assembly.
How do I know if my jalapeños have spoiled?
Signs of spoilage include off smells, discoloration, mold, or a broken seal. If you notice any of these, discard the jar immediately to ensure safety.