How to Make Pickled JalapeƱos (5-ingredients!)


My all-time favorite pizza toppings include tomato sauce, onion, black olives, pineapple, jalapeƱos, fresh mozzarella, and red chili pepper flakes, and once I tried it with pickled jalapeƱos it was a match made in heaven. In case you missed it, I’m pregnant with baby #4 (!!), and I shared a clip on Instagram where I was sipping pickled jalapeƱo juice straight from the jar because, well, the cravings have been REAL.

Pickling jalapeƱos gives them an incredible sweet, salty, briny flavor that’s truly irresistible. The process is SO easy and 100% worth it, so get your jars ready for deliciousness.

I’ve included simple instructions, tips & tricks to learn exactly how to pickle jalapeƱos in just a few steps with super simple ingredients. You’ll want to soak your sliced jalapeƱos in the pickling liquid for a full day, so remember to prep ahead of time so that you can enjoy them on pizza, nachos, sandwiches, etc. all week long. Truly the best condiment ever.

pickled jalapeƱos in a jar

Everything you’ll need to make homemade pickled jalapeƱos

The best part about this pickled jalapeƱo recipe? You only need 5 simple ingredients! Here’s what you’ll need to make them:

  • JalapeƱos: we’re using about 4-5 fresh jalapeƱo peppers for this recipe tutorial.
  • Garlic: you’ll add peeled, smashed garlic to the jar to give the jalapeƱos extra flavor.
  • For the liquid: the jalapeƱo slices will soak in a mixture of filtered water and distilled vinegar or white vinegar.
  • Sugar: you’ll want to add a couple tablespoons of sugar to help cut the heat.
  • Salt: a little salt adds extra flavor to the jalapeƱos.

jalapeƱo slices on a cutting boardjalapeƱo slices on a cutting board

Make these peppers your own

I love this recipe just the way it is, but there are other fun add-ins you can try to really make these quick-pickled jalapeƱos your own! Feel free to experiment by adding:

  • Black peppercorns
  • More garlic cloves
  • A bay leaf
  • Cumin seeds or mustard seeds
  • Or extra herbs and spices like oregano or coriander

Are they really spicy?

The addition of water, vinegar, and sugar will help cut the heat of the jalapeƱos and give them more of a tangy, salty and sweet flavor. They’ll become a bit milder as they soak in the refrigerator.

jalapeƱo slices in a jarjalapeƱo slices in a jar

How to pickle jalapeƱos

  1. Prep your jar. Start by adding your sliced jalapeƱos and smashed garlic to a 16 ounce mason jar.
  2. Cook the liquid. Boil the water, vinegar, sugar, and salt in a small pot or saucepan over medium-high heat, and whisk or stir until the salt and sugar are completely dissolved.
  3. Top the jalapeƱos. Carefully pour the hot brine into your mason jar so it completely covers the jalapeƱo slices, let the jar cool to room temperature, then seal it and transfer it to the refrigerator for 24 hours.

pouring pickling liquid into a jar of sliced jalapeƱospouring pickling liquid into a jar of sliced jalapeƱos

Our favorite ways to use pickled jalapeƱos

Besides serving them with nachos (or eating them straight from the jar like I do), try serving pickled jalapeƱos:

Why do they have to soak for so long?

Allowing the jalapeƱo slices to soak in the pickling liquid for 24 hours will help them to break down a bit and absorb all of the flavors. Otherwise, they’ll taste as though they were just dipped in the liquid. Have patience — it’s worth it!

pickled jalapeƱos in a jarpickled jalapeƱos in a jar

Storing tips

Store your quick-pickled jalapeƱos in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Can I can them?

Unfortunately, no, this pickled jalapeƱo recipe is not meant for canning, so you’ll want to store them in the fridge.

spooning easy pickled jalapeƱos out of a jar with a forkspooning easy pickled jalapeƱos out of a jar with a fork

More how-to guides

Get all of my how-to guides here!

If you make these pickled jalapeƱos be sure to leave a comment and a rating so I know how you liked it. Enjoy, xo!

cover of the ambitious kitchen cookbookcover of the ambitious kitchen cookbook

The
Ambitious Kitchen
Cookbook

125 Ridiculously Good For You, Sometimes Indulgent, and Absolutely Never Boring Recipes for Every Meal of the Day

The Best Pickled JalapeƱo Recipe

pickled jalapeƱos in a jarpickled jalapeƱos in a jar

Prep Time 1 day

Cook Time 5 minutes

Total Time 1 day 5 minutes

Serves20 servings

Learn how to make pickled jalapeƱos with 5 simple ingredients in 3 easy steps! This pickled jalapeƱo recipe is one you’ll come back to time and time again. Enjoy this sweet, spicy, briny topping on nachos, sandwiches, pizza, and so much more.

Ingredients

  • 4-5 jalapeƱos, washed and thinly sliced (about ā…› inch)
  • 1 clove garlic, peeled and smashed
  • ¾ cup filtered water
  • ¾ cup distilled vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons cane sugar or granulated white sugar
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt

Instructions

  • Add sliced jalapeƱos and smashed garlic clove to a 16 ounce mason jar.

  • Add water, vinegar, sugar, and salt to a small pot over medium heat. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat, whisking to ensure the sugar and salt completely dissolve.

  • Pour the liquid into the jar so that it completely covers the jalapeƱos. Let cool on the counter for about 15 minutes, then screw on the jar lid and refrigerate for 24 hours.

  • Enjoy with nachos, on pizza, in sandwiches, and more! Pickled jalapeƱos will keep refrigerated for about 2 weeks.

Recipe Notes

The pickled jalapenos are not made for canning, therefore you should keep them refrigerated.

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