Sweet Red Peppers and Vidalia Onions, all in a bright, flavorful brine, are “quick pickled” and mouthwateringly delicious. You’ll love this tangy, crunchy taste of pickles when you add them to burgers, hot dogs, tacos, or alongside grilled chicken or pork.
If you love recipes that pack a punch of flavor, then Candied Jalapeños, Pickled Cucumbers And Onions, or Pickled Sweet Corn are must-make!
I must admit, I’m not a fan of red peppers, but I became a changed woman when I first tried sweet peppers that had been pickled. I became a fan of this “quick pickle” method with this recipe, then I moved on to pickled red onions. I know there are some things that you just can’t rush, but you CAN get that delicious pickle flavor without going to all the trouble of true canning.
How To Serve Sweet Pickled Peppers And Onions
- As a flavor-packed condiment for sandwiches, hot dogs, burgers, or tacos.
- Pickled mini sweet peppers and onions are some of my favorite toppings for salads, chili, soup, and pizza.
- I love serving them as a side for grilled veggies, fish, and meats.
- Sweet peppers and onions are a terrific addition to a charcuterie board, cheese plate, or served with hummus and chips.
What Is Quick Pickling?
Pickling is a wonderful way to preserve vegetables and fruits by marinating them in a brine that can be salty, sweet, or a combination of both. Quick pickling is a fast and easy method that does not require traditional canning equipment.
Ingredients And Tools To Make Sweet Pickled Peppers
- Sweet Red Peppers – found any time of year in the produce section of the grocery.
- Vidalia Onion – my favorite, but you can use any sweet onion.
- White Vinegar – apple cider vinegar can be substituted.
- Garlic Cloves
- Granulated Sugar
- Kosher Salt
- Red Pepper Flakes
- Bay Leaf
- Mustard Seeds
Scroll down for measurements and instructions
- Cutting Board and Chefs Knife
- Measuring Cups And Spoons
- Mason Jars – new or reused with lids
How To Make Quick Pickled Peppers And Onions
Pickling provides a balance of sweet, sour, and salty flavors, which can enhance the flavor of so many dishes. Plus, quickly pickling is super easy.
- Clean and slice the pepper and onions. Layer them in the clean mason jars.
- Make the brine by adding the vinegar, water, garlic, sugar, salt, mustard seeds, bay leaf, and red pepper flakes to a boil to a saucepan and bringing it to a boil.
- Pour the liquid over the peppers and onion. Let cool, screw on the lid, and store in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Frequently Asked Questions
They will last 1-2 weeks in the fridge stored in a jar with a lid.
Sure! Green, red, yellow and orange peppers are good substitutes for sweet red peppers.
More Great Recipes To Serve With Pickled Sweet Peppers and Onions
- Roast Beef And Cheese Sandwiches
- Slow Cooker Shredded Mexican Beef
- Air Fryer Hot Dogs
- 5-Ingredient Crock Pot Buffalo Chicken
- Carolina Slaw Dogs
Ingredients
- 1 lb sweet red peppers
- 1 medium vidalia onion
- 2 cups white vinegar
- ¾ cup water
- 3 cloves garlic – smashed
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 ½ tablespoon salt
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes more or less depending on how much heat you like
- 1 bay leaf
- ½ teaspoon mustard seeds
Instructions
- Slice peppers and onion very thin and place in jar.
- In a small sauce pan, bring vinegar, water, garlic, sugar, salt, mustard seeds, bay leaf and red pepper flakes to a boil.
- Discard garlic and pour pickling liquid over peppers. Seal jar. Let cool and store in fridge. Will keep for up to 1-2 weeks.
Video
Notes
- As a flavor-packed condiment for sandwiches, hot dogs, burgers, or tacos.
- Pickled pepper and onions are one of my favorite toppings for salads, chili, soup, and pizza.
- I love serving them as a side for grilled veggies, fish, and meats.
- Sweet peppers and onions are a terrific addition to a charcuterie board, cheese plate, or served with hummus and chips.
Nutrition
This post was originally published in May, 2017 and updated in March, 2023.
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made my first batch following your recipe – they are perfect! – and recipe was so EZ to follow – a topping for everything; Thank you.
Thank you so much! And I so appreciate the terrific rating.
~Donya
dear donya Ido like to pickle veg.s and these are great . will also try this brine with whole green beans.Thank you.
I really enjoy these peppers on hot dog, sausage and vegetables.
Sounds yummy! Thank you, Sharon, for the outstanding rating.
~Donya
Loved your recipe’s instructions on the pickled sweet peppers onions recipe. Thanks for such amazing words.
My husband love it! It’s a favorite now. Thanks!
Hey there Cintia!
Thank you so much for your kind words and this phenomenal rating! I am so happy to hear y’all enjoyed these pickled peppers and onions, it’s such an easy recipe it’s hard not to love!
~Donya
While I was bioling the vinegar mix, I wasn’t sure how this would taste after deeply putting my face near the pot. I passionately love vinegary things and these were amazing on sandwiches I made. I will be making these traditionally to store in my.fridge. I am a very picky person and I will give this 5/5 stars!! 🙂 thanks for the recipe!
Hi, I was wondering what pickled bell peppers taste like. You say they are hot. Are they spicy?
I’ve never had pickled bell peppers but I don’t think you’d get very much spice from them.
~Donya
This looks delicious, and I have a box of sweet red peppers and several sweet onions so I will have to try making some.
Thanks Simone!
This is a super easy recipe. Let me know how you like it and perfect to add to some of your yummy fall recipes.
XO,
~Donya
Just wondering if this recipe can be canned? : D I have a Christmas craft fair coming up in December that this would be perfect for.
Yes it sure can! This summer I was just too impatient to can them. I think this would be a great gift and perfect for a Christmas craft fair. Please send me some photos and let me know how it goes!
XO,
~Donya
Thanks for this!