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Easy Sweet-Hot Pickled Banana Peppers Recipe Perfect for Sandwiches

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A quick and easy recipe for sweet-hot pickled banana peppers that add a tangy, crunchy, and flavorful kick to sandwiches, burgers, salads, and more.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound fresh banana peppers, washed and sliced into β…› inch (3 mm) rings
  • 1 cup (240 ml) apple cider vinegar
  • 1 cup (240 ml) water
  • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar (can substitute coconut sugar)
  • 1 tablespoon salt (kosher or pickling salt preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup/agave for vegan option)
  • 2 cloves garlic, smashed lightly
  • Β½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Β½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
  • Optional: a few sprigs of fresh dill or oregano

Instructions

  1. Rinse the banana peppers under cold water. Slice off the stems and cut into rings about β…› inch (3 mm) thick. Wear gloves if sensitive to heat. Place sliced peppers into a clean jar or bowl.
  2. In a small saucepan, combine apple cider vinegar, water, sugar, salt, honey, smashed garlic cloves, smoked paprika, crushed red pepper flakes, and black peppercorns. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally until sugar and salt dissolve.
  3. Carefully pour the hot brine over the sliced banana peppers, ensuring they are fully submerged. Leave about Β½ inch (1.25 cm) headspace at the top of the jar.
  4. Let the jar cool to room temperature before sealing with the lid. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight, to let flavors meld. Shake the jar gently every few hours on the first day to distribute spices.
  5. Use the pickled banana peppers as a topping on sandwiches, burgers, salads, or tacos. Drain excess brine for a less intense vinegar bite.

Notes

Use fresh, firm banana peppers for best texture. Let peppers sit at room temperature before pouring hot brine for better flavor absorption. Refrigerate promptly and keep sealed. Shake jar gently during first day. Adjust sugar or crushed red pepper flakes to balance sweetness and heat. For quicker pickling, soak peppers in hot brine for 1 hour before refrigerating.

Nutrition

Keywords: pickled banana peppers, sweet-hot pickled peppers, sandwich topping, quick pickles, easy pickled peppers, spicy pickled peppers