Cherry Peppers Pickled Recipe Easy and Flavorful Guide

Updated On: October 13, 2025

Pickled cherry peppers are a delightful way to add a burst of tangy, spicy flavor to your meals. These vibrant little peppers, when pickled, develop a perfect balance of heat and sweetness that can brighten up sandwiches, salads, charcuterie boards, or even pizza toppings.

If you love experimenting in the kitchen and enjoy homemade preserves, this cherry peppers pickled recipe will become a staple in your pantry. The process is straightforward, requiring fresh cherry peppers and a few simple pantry staples to create a flavorful brine that preserves the peppers while enhancing their natural taste.

Whether you’re preserving a summer harvest or looking to try a new condiment, pickled cherry peppers offer a versatile and tasty addition to your culinary repertoire. Plus, making your own pickles means you can customize the spice level and flavor profile exactly to your liking.

Let’s dive into this delicious recipe that will bring zing and color to your dishes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This pickled cherry peppers recipe is quick, easy, and incredibly rewarding. You don’t need any fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients, just fresh cherry peppers and a few staples.

The brine is perfectly balanced with vinegar, sugar, and spices, giving you that classic tang and a hint of sweetness. Plus, the peppers maintain a satisfying crunch even after pickling.

Making your own pickles means you avoid preservatives and control the salt and sugar levels, making it a healthier alternative to store-bought options. These pickled cherry peppers are also versatile — use them as a spicy garnish, mix them into salads, or serve alongside your favorite cheese board.

If you’re interested in other easy and delicious vegan recipes, check out Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious or explore more wholesome meals like Backpacking Dehydrated Vegan Meal Recipes for Easy Camping.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound fresh cherry peppers, washed and stems removed
  • 2 cups white vinegar (5% acidity)
  • 2 cups water
  • 3 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • 4 garlic cloves, peeled and lightly crushed
  • 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
  • 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
  • 2 sprigs fresh oregano or 1 teaspoon dried oregano

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl for washing and prepping peppers
  • Medium saucepan for heating brine
  • Clean glass jars with lids (2 pint-sized jars work well)
  • Tongs or slotted spoon for handling peppers
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Funnel (optional, for easier jar filling)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the peppers: Rinse the cherry peppers thoroughly under cold water. Using a small knife, remove the stems and slice each pepper in half lengthwise. If you prefer less heat, carefully remove the seeds as well.
  2. Make the brine: In a medium saucepan, combine the white vinegar, water, sugar, and kosher salt. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar and salt have completely dissolved. Remove from heat.
  3. Sterilize jars: While the brine is heating, sterilize your glass jars by washing them in hot soapy water and rinsing well. Optionally, place the jars and lids in a pot of boiling water for 10 minutes to ensure they are sanitized.
  4. Pack the jars: Place the garlic cloves, black peppercorns, mustard seeds, red pepper flakes (if using), and oregano into the bottom of each jar. Then use tongs or a slotted spoon to pack the halved cherry peppers tightly into the jars, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace.
  5. Pour the brine: Carefully pour the hot brine over the peppers in each jar, ensuring the peppers are fully submerged. Leave approximately 1/2 inch of headspace at the top.
  6. Seal and cool: Wipe the rims of the jars clean with a damp cloth. Seal the jars tightly with their lids. Let them cool down to room temperature before refrigerating.
  7. Wait for flavor: For best flavor, allow the pickled cherry peppers to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 3 days. They will continue to develop flavor after that and can be stored for up to 2 months refrigerated.

Tips & Variations

For a milder pickle, remove the seeds before pickling. If you want your pickled cherry peppers extra spicy, leave the seeds in or add extra red pepper flakes.

  • Customize your brine: Swap white vinegar for apple cider vinegar for a slightly fruity tang.
  • Add herbs: Try adding fresh dill, thyme, or bay leaves for different flavor notes.
  • Fermented version: Skip the vinegar and ferment peppers naturally with salt and water for several days for a probiotic-rich pickle.
  • Use whole peppers: If you prefer, pickle the cherry peppers whole by poking a small hole in each with a toothpick to allow the brine to penetrate.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount per 1/4 cup (pickled peppers)
Calories 15
Carbohydrates 3 g
Sugar 2 g
Fiber 1 g
Protein 0.3 g
Fat 0 g
Sodium 400 mg
Vitamin C 15% of Daily Value

Serving Suggestions

Pickled cherry peppers are incredibly versatile and can enhance a variety of dishes. Here are some ideas to get you started:

  • Add to sandwiches, burgers, or wraps for a spicy, tangy crunch.
  • Chop and mix into salads or grain bowls for extra flavor and color.
  • Use as a topping for pizzas or flatbreads.
  • Serve alongside cheese and charcuterie boards as a zesty accompaniment.
  • Incorporate into pasta salads or cold antipasto platters.

For more creative ways to enjoy pickled veggies, be sure to explore A Cold Vegetable Soup Recipe to Refresh Your Summer Meals or try your hand at Black Bean Sauce Recipe Vegetarian: Easy & Delicious Guide for a flavorful twist.

Conclusion

Making your own pickled cherry peppers is a simple, rewarding process that adds a burst of flavor and color to your kitchen. With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a jar full of tangy, spicy delights that will elevate everyday meals.

Whether you enjoy them as a snack, a topping, or part of a larger dish, these pickled peppers bring a bright, zesty punch that’s sure to impress friends and family alike.

Plus, pickling is a fantastic way to preserve seasonal produce and enjoy it year-round. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different spices and herbs to make this recipe truly your own.

If you’re looking for more delicious and easy recipes to complement your pickled creation, check out Best Indian Vegetarian Starter Recipes for Every Occasion or Baked Enchilada Recipe Vegetarian Style Made Easy for tasty meal ideas.

Happy pickling and happy eating!

📖 Recipe Card: Cherry Peppers Pickled Recipe

Description: A tangy and spicy pickled cherry peppers recipe perfect for snacking or adding to sandwiches. Quick to prepare and great for preserving fresh peppers.

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

Servings: 4 cups

Ingredients

  • 1 pound cherry peppers
  • 2 cups white vinegar
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 4 garlic cloves, peeled
  • 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 2 bay leaves

Instructions

  1. Wash and dry cherry peppers, then prick each pepper with a fork.
  2. In a saucepan, combine vinegar, water, sugar, and salt; bring to a boil.
  3. Add garlic, peppercorns, oregano, red pepper flakes, and bay leaves to the brine.
  4. Place cherry peppers in sterilized jars.
  5. Pour hot brine over peppers, leaving 1/2 inch headspace.
  6. Seal jars and let cool to room temperature.
  7. Refrigerate for at least 48 hours before serving.

Nutrition: Calories: 20 kcal | Protein: 0.5 g | Fat: 0.1 g | Carbs: 4 g

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Photo of author

Marta K

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