Bread and Butter Jalapeño Pickles

If you’re someone who loves a little sweet, a little tangy, and just the right kick of heat, then Bread and Butter Jalapeño Pickles are going to rock your world. Think of them as your favorite bread and butter pickles—but with a spicy twist that adds a bold, zippy personality to every crunchy bite. These are the pickles you didn’t know you needed until you taste them. Pile them on burgers, sandwiches, or tacos—or just eat them straight from the jar. No judgment here!

Why You’ll Love Bread and Butter Jalapeño Pickles

These aren’t your average pickles. Here’s why they’ll become a staple in your fridge:

Sweet Meets Heat: They’ve got that classic bread and butter pickle sweetness, but with a bold jalapeño kick that makes each bite a flavor explosion.

Quick and Easy: No fancy equipment needed—just slice, simmer, and pour. You’ll be surprised how easy it is to make your own pickles at home!

Perfect for Snacking or Topping: These pickles are incredible on their own, but they also shine on burgers, hot dogs, grilled cheese, or even tossed into a salad.

Great for Gifting: Pop them in a cute jar, add a ribbon, and you’ve got a homemade gift that’s equal parts thoughtful and delicious.

Customizable: Like it extra hot? Add more jalapeños. Prefer a stronger vinegar tang? You can tweak the ratios to suit your taste perfectly.

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Ingredients in Bread and Butter Jalapeño Pickles

This small but mighty ingredient list is what makes the magic happen:

Jalapeños: Fresh, vibrant jalapeños bring that heat and crunch. Slice them into rings—you can keep the seeds for extra spice or remove them for a milder flavor.

Onion: Thinly sliced onions add a touch of sweetness and balance the spice. They also pickle beautifully and add more crunch and flavor.

Vinegar: White vinegar (or apple cider vinegar for extra depth) is the tangy base that gives the pickles their signature zip.

Sugar: Adds that sweet, bread-and-butter flavor. It balances out the acidity and heat perfectly.

Salt: Essential for seasoning and helping to preserve the pickles.

Mustard Seeds: These little seeds add a classic pickling spice and a mild, nutty flavor that complements the sweet-spicy combo.

Celery Seed: Tiny but mighty, celery seed adds that traditional old-school pickle flavor we all know and love.

Turmeric: Gives the pickles their signature golden hue and a subtle earthy warmth.

Instructions

Slice the Veggies

Start by slicing your jalapeños into thin rings—keep the seeds if you like it hot, or remove them for less heat. Thinly slice the onion as well. Set aside.

Prepare the Brine

In a medium saucepan, combine the vinegar, sugar, salt, mustard seeds, celery seed, and turmeric. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar and salt dissolve completely.

Add the Jalapeños and Onion

Once the brine is ready, add the sliced jalapeños and onion directly to the saucepan. Simmer them for 3–4 minutes, just until they begin to soften slightly but still keep their vibrant color and crunch.

Jar It Up

Using tongs or a slotted spoon, transfer the jalapeños and onions to clean jars. Then pour the hot brine over the top, making sure the veggies are fully submerged. Let the jars cool to room temperature.

Chill and Enjoy

Seal the jars and place them in the refrigerator. Let them sit for at least 24 hours before digging in—though the flavor only gets better after a couple of days!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 8–10 (depending on jar size)
Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes (plus chill time)

How to Serve Bread and Butter Jalapeño Pickles

These pickles are wildly versatile, so don’t be afraid to get creative:

On Burgers or Sandwiches: Add a few rings to your next burger or deli sandwich for that perfect sweet-heat-crunch combo.

With Cheese Boards: They’re fantastic paired with sharp cheddar, soft brie, or smoky gouda on a charcuterie board.

In Tacos: Add a little zing to fish tacos, pulled pork, or even breakfast tacos.

With Fried Foods: Serve them alongside fried chicken, onion rings, or even French fries. The tangy pickles cut through the richness like a dream.

Right from the Jar: No shame in your snacking game. These pickles are addicting, so don’t be surprised if the jar disappears fast.

Additional Tips

Use Gloves When Slicing Jalapeños: Especially if you’re working with a lot. The oils can linger on your skin and cause irritation—so glove up or wash your hands thoroughly afterward.

Try Different Vinegars: Apple cider vinegar adds a fruitier depth, while rice vinegar will give a milder, slightly sweet touch.

Make a Big Batch: These pickles are great for sharing. Just double (or triple) the recipe and store them in multiple jars.

Longer Storage: These are refrigerator pickles and will keep well for about 2–3 weeks. If you want to can them for longer storage, follow proper sterilization and canning procedures.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use other types of peppers?
A1: Definitely! Try banana peppers, serranos, or even sweet bell peppers for a milder version. Mix and match to your heart’s content.

Q2: Do I need to peel the jalapeños or onions?
A2: Nope! Just wash the jalapeños and slice. Onions can be peeled and sliced thin—no additional prep needed.

Q3: How long do these pickles last?
A3: They’ll last for about 2–3 weeks in the refrigerator. Always use a clean utensil to serve them to extend shelf life.

Q4: Can I make these sugar-free?
A4: Yes! You can substitute the sugar with a sweetener like erythritol or monk fruit for a lower-carb version. Just note that the texture and taste might vary slightly.

Q5: Are these pickles super spicy?
A5: They’ve got a kick, but the sugar and vinegar help mellow the heat. If you want it extra spicy, leave all the seeds in. For a milder version, remove most or all of the seeds before cooking.

Conclusion

Bread and Butter Jalapeño Pickles are everything you want in a pickle—sweet, spicy, tangy, and totally addictive. They’re the kind of condiment that elevates everything they touch, from burgers to tacos to grilled cheese. And since they’re so easy to make, you’ll always have a jar ready for whenever that pickle craving hits. Trust me, once you taste them, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them!

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Bread and Butter Jalapeño Pickles


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  • Author: Olivia
  • Total Time: 20 minutes (plus 24-hour chill)
  • Yield: 2 pint jars 1x
  • Diet: Vegan

Description

Bread and Butter Jalapeño Pickles offer a tangy-sweet twist on traditional pickled jalapeños. These crisp, flavorful slices are perfect for burgers, sandwiches, tacos, or snacking right out of the jar.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound fresh jalapeños, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 medium onion, thinly sliced (optional)
  • 1 cup white vinegar
  • 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon mustard seeds
  • 1 teaspoon celery seeds
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt

Instructions

  1. Wash and slice the jalapeños into thin rings (wear gloves to avoid skin irritation). If using, slice the onion thinly as well.
  2. In a medium saucepan, combine white vinegar, apple cider vinegar, sugar, mustard seeds, celery seeds, turmeric, ginger, and kosher salt. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves.
  3. Add the sliced jalapeños (and onions, if using) to the hot brine. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, just until the jalapeños turn a brighter green.
  4. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  5. Transfer the mixture to sterilized jars, making sure the jalapeños are fully submerged in the brine.
  6. Seal the jars and refrigerate for at least 24 hours before serving for best flavor. They’ll keep refrigerated for up to 1 month.

Notes

  • These are refrigerator pickles and not shelf-stable—store them in the fridge at all times.
  • For extra crunch, don’t overcook the jalapeños in the brine.
  • Try mixing in a few sweet mini bell peppers or banana peppers for a milder blend.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Category: Condiment, Snack
  • Method: Pickling (Stovetop)
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/4 cup
  • Calories: 60 kcal
  • Sugar: 12g
  • Sodium: 250mg
  • Fat: 0g
  • Saturated Fat: 0g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 14g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 0g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

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