We’ve always been fans of the sweet, tangy crunch in Bread and Butter Jalapenos, a twist on classic American pickling that adds a spicy kick to everyday meals. Originating from Southern traditions, this recipe transforms fresh jalapenos into a versatile condiment we reach for time and again.
It’s perfect for preserving summer’s bounty while delivering bold flavors that elevate burgers, salads or charcuterie boards. Join us as we explore this easy homemade favorite that’ll spice up your kitchen adventures.
Ingredients
In our Bread and Butter Jalapenos recipe, we gather fresh, high-quality ingredients to create a tangy, sweet, and spicy preserve that elevates any meal. Below, we list the ingredients in the order they are used, with specific prep notes for accuracy and ease.
- Fresh jalapenos: 1 pound, sliced into 1/4-inch rings (we recommend wearing gloves to handle the peppers and removing seeds for milder heat).
- White vinegar: 2 cups (this provides the acidic base for pickling, ensuring proper preservation).
- Granulated sugar: 2 cups (dissolved in the vinegar mixture to achieve the signature sweet balance).
- Sliced onions: 1 medium onion, thinly sliced (added after the jalapenos for layered flavor infusion).
- Mustard seeds: 1 tablespoon (whole seeds, toasted lightly if desired, for a subtle crunch and spice).
- Turmeric: 1 teaspoon (ground, to impart a vibrant yellow color and mild earthy note).
- Celery seeds: 1 teaspoon (for an aromatic, herbal undertone that complements the jalapenos).
- Salt: 2 tablespoons (kosher or pickling salt, dissolved to enhance flavors and aid in the curing process).
These ingredients combine to make our Bread and Butter Jalapenos a versatile, homemade staple that brings Southern flair to your table.
Tools and Equipment
To prepare our Bread and Butter Jalapenos successfully, we need the right tools and equipment. These essentials ensure safe handling, precise measurements, and proper preservation, building on the fresh ingredients we discussed earlier. Let’s break down what you’ll need for an efficient pickling process.
Essential Tools List
We recommend gathering these items before starting:
- Cutting board: A sturdy, non-slip board for safely slicing fresh jalapenos and onions. This prevents accidents and ensures even cuts for uniform pickling.
- Sharp knife: Use a high-quality chef’s knife or paring knife to achieve precise slices. Sharp blades make the prep work quicker and reduce the risk of injury when handling spicy peppers.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate stainless-steel sets for measuring granulated sugar, white vinegar, and spices like mustard seeds and celery seeds. Precision here guarantees the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors in our Bread and Butter Jalapenos.
- Large saucepan or pot: A 4- to 6-quart pot for boiling the brine mixture. Choose one with a heavy bottom to prevent scorching and ensure even heating.
- Mason jars with lids and rings: Wide-mouth quart or pint jars for storing the pickled jalapenos. We suggest using sterilized glass jars to maintain freshness and extend shelf life—aim for at least 4 jars depending on your batch size.
- Canning funnel and ladle: A wide-mouthed funnel paired with a heat-resistant ladle for filling jars without spills. This setup keeps our workspace clean and makes transferring the hot brine safer and more efficient.
- Heat-resistant tongs or jar lifter: Essential for handling hot jars during the sealing process. These tools help us avoid burns and ensure a proper seal for long-term storage.
By using these tools, we can streamline the recipe and achieve professional results right in our own kitchen. Always prioritize safety, such as wearing gloves when working with jalapenos, to enhance your experience with this versatile Southern favorite.
Instructions
Now that we have gathered our fresh ingredients and essential tools, let’s walk through the steps to create our tangy, sweet Bread and Butter Jalapenos. We’ll ensure each phase is straightforward and yields a flavorful preserve that’s perfect for adding a spicy kick to your meals.
Prep the Jalapenos
First, we start by preparing the fresh jalapenos and other vegetables. Begin by washing 1 pound of jalapenos under cold water to remove any dirt, then pat them dry with a clean towel. Using a sharp knife and cutting board, slice the jalapenos into even 1/4-inch rings—for a milder heat, remove the seeds and membranes with a small spoon before slicing. Next, peel and thinly slice 1 medium onion into rings, aiming for uniform pieces to ensure even pickling. This step sets the foundation for the crisp texture and vibrant flavors that make our Bread and Butter Jalapenos irresistible.
Make the Brine
With our vegetables prepped, we move on to crafting the aromatic brine that infuses the jalapenos with their signature sweet-and-spicy profile. In a large saucepan, combine 2 cups of white vinegar, 2 cups of granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of mustard seeds, 1 teaspoon of turmeric, 1 teaspoon of celery seeds, and 1 tablespoon of salt. Stir these ingredients over medium heat until the sugar fully dissolves, then bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Let it simmer for 5 minutes to allow the spices to release their warm, earthy aromas—picture the enticing scent of turmeric and mustard seeds filling your kitchen as the brine transforms into a glossy, golden liquid ready to preserve our jalapenos.
Assemble and Jar
We assemble everything to lock in the flavors. Using sterilized mason jars and a canning funnel, pack the sliced jalapenos and onions tightly into the jars, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace at the top for proper sealing. Carefully pour the hot brine over the vegetables using a ladle, ensuring they are fully submerged while maintaining that 1/2-inch headspace—this step is crucial for creating a airtight seal that keeps our Bread and Butter Jalapenos fresh and crunchy for months. Wipe the jar rims with a clean, damp cloth to remove any residue, then secure the lids and rings fingertip-tight for a safe, effective seal.
Process the Jars
Finally, we process the jars to ensure long-term preservation and safety. Fill a large pot with water, place a rack at the bottom, and bring it to a boil. Gently lower the jars into the boiling water using heat-resistant tongs, making sure they are fully submerged with at least 1 inch of water above them. Process the jars for 10 minutes to create a vacuum seal—adjust processing time based on your altitude: add 1 minute per 1,000 feet above sea level. Once done, remove the jars and let them cool undisturbed on a clean towel, listening for the satisfying pop of the lids as they seal, indicating your homemade Bread and Butter Jalapenos are ready for storage.
Make-Ahead and Storage
One of the joys of our Bread and Butter Jalapenos recipe is how well it lends itself to preparation in advance, allowing the flavors to deepen and making it a convenient staple in our pantry. We recommend planning ahead to enhance the taste and ensure you always have this spicy-sweet condiment on hand for burgers, salads, or charcuterie boards.
Make-Ahead Tips
To streamline your cooking process, we suggest preparing components of Bread and Butter Jalapenos ahead of time without compromising quality:
- Prep the vegetables early: Slice the fresh jalapenos and onions up to 24 hours in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them crisp and ready for pickling.
- Mix the brine in advance: Combine the vinegar, sugar, mustard seeds, turmeric, celery seeds, and salt up to 48 hours ahead. Keep the mixture in a sealed jar in the fridge, then heat it when you’re ready to proceed with the recipe. This allows the spices to infuse the liquid for even more aromatic results.
- Assemble the full recipe: If you’re batch-cooking, make the entire Bread and Butter Jalapenos recipe and process the jars as described. You can prepare multiple batches and store them for future use, ensuring the pickled jalapenos reach their peak tangy and spicy flavor after a week of resting.
Storage Instructions
Proper storage is key to preserving the crunch and vibrant flavors of our Bread and Butter Jalapenos, extending their shelf life while maintaining safety and quality.
- Cool and seal the jars: After processing the jars in boiling water, let them cool completely on a clean towel at room temperature. Once cooled, check that the lids have sealed by pressing the center— it should not pop up. If a jar doesn’t seal, refrigerate it immediately and use within a week.
- Store sealed jars: Place the sealed jars in a cool, dark pantry. The vacuum seal locks in the fresh, spicy essence of the jalapenos, allowing the sweet and tangy notes to mature over time.
- Label for easy tracking: Always label each jar with the date of preparation to monitor freshness and avoid waste.
For a quick reference on shelf life, we’ve compiled the details below:
| Storage Method | Shelf Life | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sealed jars (pantry) | Up to 1 year | Ideal for long-term storage; flavors intensify for optimal taste after 2 weeks. |
| Opened jars (refrigerator) | Up to 2 months | Keep refrigerated to preserve crunch and prevent spoilage; the spicy-sweet profile remains vivid. |
Remember, always inspect for signs of spoilage like off odors or mold before use to ensure a safe, enjoyable experience with our Bread and Butter Jalapenos.
Conclusion
We’re thrilled you’ve joined us on this pickling journey with Bread and Butter Jalapenos.
It’s a simple way to elevate everyday dishes and bring bold flavors to our tables.
Give it a try and let’s make our meals even more exciting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Bread and Butter Jalapenos?
Bread and Butter Jalapenos are a tangy, sweet, and spicy pickled treat from Southern traditions. They transform fresh jalapenos into a versatile condiment that enhances dishes like burgers, salads, and charcuterie boards, adding a flavorful kick while preserving the peppers for long-term use.
What ingredients do I need for Bread and Butter Jalapenos?
You’ll need fresh jalapenos, white vinegar, granulated sugar, sliced onions, mustard seeds, turmeric, celery seeds, and salt. These high-quality ingredients create a balanced mix of tang, sweetness, and spice, making the preserve easy to prepare and perfect for everyday meals.
What tools are required to make Bread and Butter Jalapenos?
Essential tools include a cutting board, sharp knife, measuring cups and spoons, large saucepan, sterilized mason jars, canning funnel, ladle, and heat-resistant tongs. These items ensure safe, precise preparation and proper sealing to maintain freshness and crunch.
How do you make Bread and Butter Jalapenos?
Start by washing and slicing jalapenos and onions. Make a brine with vinegar, sugar, and spices, then bring it to a boil. Pack the veggies into sterilized jars, cover with hot brine, seal, and process in boiling water for a vacuum seal. This simple process takes about 30-45 minutes.
Can you make Bread and Butter Jalapenos ahead of time?
Yes, preparing them in advance lets flavors deepen, making it a convenient pantry staple. Prep veggies and brine separately, then assemble and process. Batch-cooking allows for easy storage, enhancing taste over time while saving effort for future meals.
How should you store Bread and Butter Jalapenos?
Store sealed jars in a cool, dark place for up to a year. Once opened, refrigerate and use within two months. Always label jars with dates, and ensure they cool completely before storing to keep the jalapenos crunchy and flavorful.