Canned Cherry Peppers Recipe for Easy Flavor Boost

Updated On: October 13, 2025

If you love a spicy kick and vibrant flavor in your dishes, canned cherry peppers are a pantry must-have. These small, bright red peppers pack a delightful punch of heat balanced with a subtle sweetness, making them perfect for adding zest to salads, sandwiches, pasta, or antipasto platters.

Whether you’re looking to spice up a simple meal or create a bold appetizer, canned cherry peppers can elevate your cooking with minimal effort.

In this post, we’ll explore a delicious canned cherry peppers recipe that you can whip up quickly and easily. The recipe highlights the natural tangy heat of the peppers, enhanced by a simple marinade that brings out their best qualities.

Plus, I’ll share tips on how to customize this recipe to your taste and some exciting serving suggestions. Ready to dive into the world of cherry peppers?

Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This canned cherry peppers recipe is a fantastic way to transform a simple ingredient into a flavorful delight. Here’s why it will become a staple in your kitchen:

  • Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy cooks who want to add flavor without fuss.
  • Versatile: Use these peppers as a condiment, mix them into pasta or rice dishes, or add them to your favorite sandwiches and salads.
  • Bold Flavor: The combination of vinegar, garlic, and herbs perfectly complements the natural heat of the cherry peppers, creating a balanced and vibrant taste.
  • Long Shelf Life: Once prepared, these peppers can be stored in the fridge for weeks, so you always have a spicy treat on hand.

Ingredients

  • 1 jar (12 oz) canned cherry peppers, drained
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, balances acidity)
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Measuring spoons
  • Small saucepan
  • Glass jar or airtight container for storage
  • Spoon or tongs for mixing

Instructions

  1. Drain the canned cherry peppers in a colander and gently pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess liquid.
  2. Slice the garlic cloves thinly to release their aroma and flavor more effectively during marination.
  3. In a small saucepan, combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and sugar. Warm the mixture over low heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Do not boil.
  4. Place the cherry peppers and sliced garlic in a mixing bowl. Pour the warm marinade over the peppers, making sure they are fully coated.
  5. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the peppers and marinade to an airtight glass jar. Let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.
  6. Before serving, give the peppers a good stir to distribute the marinade. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired for a burst of color and freshness.
  7. Store leftovers in the jar or container and refrigerate. These marinated cherry peppers will keep well for up to 3 weeks.

Tips & Variations

“For a smokier flavor, try adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika to the marinade.”

  • Adjust the heat: If you prefer milder peppers, rinse the canned cherry peppers under cold water before marinating to tone down the heat.
  • Add herbs: Fresh thyme or rosemary can be added to the marinade for an herbal twist.
  • Try different vinegars: Substitute red wine vinegar with apple cider vinegar or balsamic vinegar for a slightly different acidity and sweetness profile.
  • Spice it up: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a sliced fresh chili for extra heat.
  • Make it cheesy: Toss marinated cherry peppers with cubes of mozzarella or vegan cheese for a simple appetizer idea.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount per serving (approx. 1/4 cup)
Calories 80
Total Fat 8g
Saturated Fat 1g
Carbohydrates 2g
Fiber 0.5g
Sugar 1g
Protein 0.3g
Sodium 300mg

Serving Suggestions

Marinated canned cherry peppers are incredibly versatile. Here are some delicious ways to enjoy them:

  • Antipasto platter: Pair them with olives, cheeses, cured meats, and crusty bread for a flavorful starter.
  • Sandwich topping: Add a few peppers to your favorite sandwiches or wraps for a spicy, tangy crunch.
  • Salads: Chop and toss them into green salads, pasta salads, or grain bowls for an extra layer of flavor.
  • Pizza topping: Scatter marinated cherry peppers over homemade or store-bought pizza before baking.
  • Pasta dishes: Stir them into warm pasta with olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs for a quick meal.

Conclusion

Canned cherry peppers are a delightful ingredient that can bring bold, vibrant flavor to many dishes with minimal effort. This recipe for marinated cherry peppers is simple to prepare yet incredibly versatile, allowing you to enjoy the tangy heat of these little gems in a variety of ways.

Whether you add them to your antipasto platter, toss them in a salad, or use them as a sandwich topping, they are sure to brighten up your meals.

With just a few pantry staples like olive oil, garlic, and vinegar, you can create a flavorful condiment that lasts for weeks in your fridge. Plus, you can easily customize the marinade to suit your taste preferences.

If you’re interested in exploring more easy and delicious recipes, be sure to check out our Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious, Chinese Vegetarian Nasi Lemak Recipe Made Easy and Delicious, and Backpacking Dehydrated Vegan Meal Recipes for Easy Camping.

Happy cooking!

📖 Recipe Card: Canned Cherry Peppers

Description: A tangy and spicy preserved cherry pepper recipe perfect for snacking or adding to dishes. These pickled peppers balance heat with a subtle vinegar brine.

Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT10M
Total Time: PT25M

Servings: 4 cups

Ingredients

  • 1 pound fresh cherry peppers
  • 2 cups white vinegar
  • 1 cup water
  • 3 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 4 garlic cloves, peeled
  • 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 bay leaf

Instructions

  1. Wash and core the cherry peppers.
  2. In a pot, combine vinegar, water, sugar, and salt; bring to a boil.
  3. Pack peppers, garlic, peppercorns, oregano, and bay leaf into sterilized jars.
  4. Pour hot brine over peppers, leaving 1/2 inch headspace.
  5. Seal jars and process in boiling water bath for 10 minutes.
  6. Let jars cool and store in a cool, dark place for at least 1 week before use.

Nutrition: Calories: 25 kcal | Protein: 0.5 g | Fat: 0.1 g | Carbs: 5 g

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Photo of author

Marta K

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