Homemade Pepperoncini Relish: Spicy, Tangy, and Ready in 10 Minutes!

This homemade Pepperoncini Relish is a vibrant burst of flavor crafted from simple ingredients, taking just 10 minutes to prepare! Elevate your favorite hot dogs and brats, or explore the myriad of creative ways to enjoy this zesty condiment listed below.

Disclosure: This post has been sponsored by Mezzetta. As always, all opinions expressed are entirely my own.

If you’re anything like me, a true enthusiast of anything pickled, then you know the sheer joy a good relish can bring. My affection for pickled foods is a long-standing one, but during pregnancy, those cravings for tangy, briny flavors intensified tenfold! From crunchy dill pickles to an array of other pickled vegetables, I find myself constantly reaching for something with that distinctive piquant kick.

This is precisely where Mezzetta products truly shine. Their Greek pepperoncinis and sliced jalapeños are absolute staples in my pantry, perfect for topping sandwiches or adding a punch to salads. And honestly? I often find myself enjoying their hot peppers straight from the jar—that’s how irresistible they are! For me, there’s no other brand that delivers the consistently bold and authentic taste that Mezzetta offers.

One afternoon, while working at my desk, I started brainstorming new and exciting ways to incorporate these delightful little peppers into my cooking. Coincidentally, Mezzetta was also eager to collaborate, leading us to this exciting partnership! Today, we’re thrilled to show you how Mezzetta truly Makes It Betta with this incredible homemade relish recipe.

And the star of today’s show is none other than homemade RELISH.

Relish is often underestimated, typically reserved as a standard condiment for hot dogs fresh off the grill. But I’m here to challenge that notion and transform your perception of relish by bringing the vibrant flavors of Mezzetta pepperoncini and jalapeños to the forefront!

When it comes to effortlessly adding a unique, zesty twist to your everyday meals, this simple homemade pepperoncini relish is an absolute game-changer. It’s incredibly easy to prepare and remarkably versatile.

You might initially think this spicy relish is exclusively for hot dogs or brats, and while it’s undeniably perfect for those (it truly is the best pepperoncini relish for hot dogs and brats!), its potential extends far beyond. Pile this hot pepper relish high on a juicy bratwurst with a generous squeeze of ketchup and mustard for an experience that is truly amazing and unforgettable.

What Are Pepperoncini Made Of?

Pepperoncini are, quite simply, made from pepperoncini peppers! These delightful peppers are celebrated for their uniquely mild, slightly sweet, and subtly tangy flavor profile, often accompanied by a very gentle heat. They are most commonly found pickled in a vinegar brine, typically enhanced with a touch of salt and sometimes garlic or other aromatic spices, which can vary depending on the brand or specific recipe. Visually, pepperoncinis are characterized by their appealing yellow-green color and a soft, yielding texture. Their distinctive briny “pop” adds a refreshing brightness to an array of dishes, from hearty sandwiches and fresh salads to, of course, the most fantastic relish you’ll ever taste. For an even deeper dive into the fascinating world of these versatile peppers, you can explore more about pepperoncini here.

Key Ingredients for Pepperoncini Relish

Crafting this flavorful pepperoncini relish requires a selection of fresh, vibrant ingredients that come together to create a perfectly balanced condiment. Each component plays a vital role in achieving the relish’s signature tangy, sweet, and spicy character.

• Pepperoncini: The cornerstone of our relish! Choose your favorite brand of pepperoncini peppers. Be sure to carefully remove the stems before processing. You’ll also need some of the briny liquid directly from the jar – this precious juice adds an essential layer of tangy flavor to the relish.
• Jalapeño Peppers: We opt for sliced, tamed jalapeño peppers in this recipe. “Tamed” jalapeños are often milder, ensuring the relish delivers a pleasant warmth and a distinctive spicy kick without overwhelming your palate with excessive heat. They contribute a fresh, green pepper note that complements the pepperoncinis beautifully.
• Bell Peppers: To add natural sweetness, vibrant color, and a pleasant crunch, you’ll need two bell peppers – one red and one yellow. Remember to core and remove all seeds, then roughly chop them so they’re ready for the food processor.
• Onion: The sharpness of white onion provides a fantastic contrast to the pickled peppers and adds a pungent depth to the relish. If you prefer a slightly sweeter and less intense onion flavor, yellow onion can be a great alternative, adding a subtle caramelized sweetness when cooked down.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic is absolutely essential for its aromatic punch. Peel the cloves and cut them in half; this helps them to be more effectively processed and release their full flavor into the relish.
• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice is always recommended for its bright, zesty acidity that cuts through the richness and balances the flavors. If you must use store-bought lemon juice, start with a slightly smaller amount (around 1/4 teaspoon) as it tends to be more concentrated and sour.
• Red Pepper Flakes: A small amount of red pepper flakes is added to provide just the right amount of additional heat, perfectly complementing the inherent warmth of the peppers and tying all the spicy elements together.
• Parsley: Fresh parsley leaves are best for this recipe. Their herbaceous, slightly peppery notes add a fresh, vibrant finish and a beautiful green hue to the relish. Chop it finely for even distribution.
• Olive Oil: Use your preferred extra virgin olive oil. A good quality olive oil adds a silky texture and a touch of fruity richness, helping to meld all the flavors together and enhance the relish’s overall mouthfeel.

Essential Equipment for This Recipe

To ensure a smooth and efficient preparation process for this pepperoncini relish, having the right kitchen tools at hand is key. While the recipe is straightforward, these items will make your life much easier:

• Food Processor: This is arguably the most crucial piece of equipment for this recipe. A food processor effortlessly takes on the task of finely chopping all the ingredients, ensuring a consistent texture for your relish in mere seconds. If you don’t have a food processor, a high-powered blender like a Vitamix can also achieve a similar result, though you might need to pulse more carefully to avoid over-puréeing.
• Saucepan: You’ll need a medium-sized saucepan to gently simmer the chopped vegetables. This step helps to soften them slightly, allowing their flavors to meld and deepen without overcooking. Choose a saucepan with a heavy bottom to ensure even heat distribution.
• Fine Mesh Sieve/Strainer: After simmering, you’ll use a fine mesh sieve to drain any excess liquid from the relish. This step is important for achieving the perfect consistency – not too watery, but still moist and flavorful.
• Mason Jar or Airtight Container: For proper storage and to keep your relish fresh for as long as possible, a mason jar or any other airtight food storage container is essential. This will protect your relish from air exposure and maintain its vibrant flavors.

How to Make Pepperoncini Relish: Step by Step!

Creating this zesty pepperoncini relish is surprisingly simple and quick. Follow these straightforward steps to whip up a batch of homemade goodness in no time!

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients for Chopping

Forget tedious knife work on a cutting board – your trusty food processor is about to do all the heavy lifting! Start by adding all the core ingredients to the bowl of your large food processor. This includes the Mezzetta Golden Greek pepperoncini (remember to remove their stems), the Mezzetta sliced tamed jalapeño peppers, both the red and yellow bell peppers (seeded and roughly chopped), the roughly chopped white onion, and the halved garlic cloves. Once all the ingredients are in, pulse the food processor until everything is finely and uniformly chopped. You’re looking for a texture that’s small and consistent, similar to a traditional relish, not a paste.

Step 2: Simmer to Perfection

Next, transfer this vibrant pepper and onion mixture from the food processor into a small saucepan. Stir in the crucial flavor enhancers: the extra liquid from the Mezzetta pepperoncini jar, fresh lemon juice, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for an added layer of warmth. Place the saucepan over medium heat and allow the mixture to gently simmer for approximately 3 to 5 minutes. The goal here is not to boil vigorously, but rather to gently soften the vegetables and encourage them to release their delicious juices. This simmering process allows the flavors to marry and intensify, creating a more cohesive relish. Keep a watchful eye to ensure it doesn’t dry out, stirring occasionally.

Step 3: Drain, Cool, and Season

Once the relish has simmered and the vegetables are slightly softened, it’s time to drain off any excess liquid. Use a fine mesh sieve for this step to separate the relish from any unwanted brine. Allow the relish to cool completely – this is a critical step to preserve the fresh flavors and texture of the herbs you’ll add next. Once cooled, transfer the relish to a medium bowl and stir in the freshly chopped parsley, a drizzle of olive oil, and season with salt and pepper to taste. The oil adds a lovely richness and helps distribute the flavors. Serve your delicious homemade pepperoncini relish immediately as desired, or transfer it to an airtight container (a mason jar works wonderfully!) and store it in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, ready to elevate your next meal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I Can and Preserve This Relish Recipe?

While I am not an expert in the intricate process of home canning, the basic principles suggest that this relish could potentially be canned for longer-term preservation. From my limited knowledge, it seems quite doable! If you’re familiar with canning, you would likely follow standard practices: ensure your jars and lids are properly sterilized, then carefully add the prepared relish, leaving about 1/4-inch headspace at the top of each jar. To ensure adequate acidity for safe canning, I would recommend topping off any remaining space with additional brine directly from the pepperoncini jar. This helps maintain the acidic environment necessary for safe preservation. However, because canning requires precise methods and attention to detail to prevent spoilage, I strongly advise consulting reputable canning guides or resources specific to relish or acidified vegetables if you plan to extend its shelf life this way. Safety is paramount!

If any experienced canners out there try preserving this recipe, I would absolutely love to hear about your results and any tips you might have in the comments section below!

Are Banana Peppers and Pepperoncinis the Same Thing?

It’s a common misconception, but while banana peppers and pepperoncinis are quite similar and often confused, they are not exactly the same. Both peppers share a similar yellowish-green hue, are frequently pickled, and possess a subtle, mild heat, making them close cousins in the culinary world. However, there are distinct differences to note. Pepperoncinis typically have a slightly more wrinkled or crinkled skin and tend to offer a tangier, brinier flavor profile that is generally less sweet than banana peppers. Banana peppers, on the other hand, are often smoother-skinned and can lean a bit sweeter. While you can certainly use them interchangeably in a pinch, be aware that swapping one for the other will introduce a subtle shift in the relish’s overall flavor. For this recipe, the specific tang and mild bite of pepperoncinis are truly integral to the relish’s authentic taste.

What Are the Best Substitutes for Pepperoncini in Relish?

Don’t fret if you find yourself without pepperoncinis! There are several excellent substitutes that can still yield a delicious relish, though with slight variations in flavor intensity. The easiest swap is banana peppers; they offer a very similar mild heat and slightly sweet tang, making them an ideal stand-in if you want to maintain a familiar profile. If you’re looking to turn up the heat, pickled jalapeños are a fantastic choice, but be prepared for a significantly spicier relish! Their vibrant, hot flavor will dominate, so adjust to your preference. For a different, often sweeter, and more complex flavor, consider using finely chopped giardiniera (Italian pickled vegetable mix) or even pickled cherry peppers. Giardiniera will introduce a mix of pickled vegetables and a slightly sweet-sour profile, while cherry peppers will add a bolder, fruitier heat. Each substitute offers a unique twist, allowing you to customize your relish to your taste preferences.

Do Pepperoncinis Contain Probiotics?

This is a great question often associated with pickled foods! The presence of probiotics in pepperoncinis depends entirely on how they were prepared. Most common store-bought pepperoncinis, including the ones typically used in this recipe (like Mezzetta), are preserved through a pickling process that uses vinegar. While vinegar gives them their delicious tang and extends their shelf life, the acetic acid in vinegar generally kills off any beneficial bacteria that might have been present. Therefore, vinegar-pickled pepperoncinis do not typically contain probiotics.

However, if pepperoncinis have undergone a natural fermentation process—meaning they’ve been brined without vinegar and allowed to ferment over time, with beneficial bacteria doing the work to create that tangy flavor—then yes, they can indeed contain live and active probiotics. These naturally fermented versions are less common in standard grocery stores but can often be found in the refrigerated sections of health food stores, specialty markets, or directly from local farmers’ markets. Always check the label for terms like “fermented,” “raw,” or “live cultures.” Alternatively, for a guaranteed gut-friendly boost, you could venture into making your own fermented pepperoncinis at home!

Versatile Variations for Your Relish

This pepperoncini relish recipe is a fantastic starting point, but it’s also wonderfully adaptable! Don’t hesitate to experiment with these variations to tailor the flavor and heat to your personal preferences:

• Sweeter Tang with Banana Peppers: For a milder, slightly sweeter relish, you can substitute a portion or all of the pepperoncinis with banana peppers. This will result in a less intense tang and a gentler heat, appealing to those who prefer a more mellow flavor profile.
• Make it Vegan-Friendly: This recipe is naturally very close to being vegan. To ensure it fits all dietary needs, simply ensure your olive oil is plant-based and confirm all other ingredients are suitable. The relish is vibrant and flavorful on its own, so minimal adjustments are typically needed.
• Turn Up the Heat with Extra Spice: If you crave a more intense fiery kick, there are several ways to amplify the heat. You can increase the amount of red pepper flakes, or for a bolder, fresh heat, add extra chopped pickled jalapeños. For an even more adventurous spice, consider incorporating finely chopped hot cherry peppers or a touch of cayenne pepper to taste.
• Herbaceous Twist: While parsley is classic, try adding other fresh herbs like cilantro for a Mexican-inspired twist, or dill for an extra layer of classic pickling flavor.
• Sweet & Spicy: For a touch more sweetness to balance the tang, consider adding a very small amount of sugar or a natural sweetener like agave nectar during the simmering process. Start with a quarter teaspoon and adjust to your liking.

Creative Ways to Use Pepperoncini Relish

The versatility of this homemade pepperoncini relish extends far beyond simply topping a hot dog. Its tangy, spicy, and savory notes make it a fantastic flavor enhancer for a wide array of dishes. Here are some of my absolute favorite and most creative ways to incorporate this delicious relish into your culinary repertoire:

• Gourmet Appetizer: Create an effortlessly elegant appetizer by piling a generous spoonful of this relish onto a block of softened cream cheese. Serve it with your favorite crackers or slices of crusty bread, such as ciabatta, for a delightful spread that’s sure to impress your guests.
• Elevate Sandwiches and Burgers: Forget plain old pickles! Use this relish generously on top of all your favorite burgers, grilled chicken sandwiches, or deli-style sandwiches. It adds an incredible depth of flavor and a zesty kick that transforms an ordinary meal into something special.
• Custom Sandwich Spread: Whisk together a creamy, flavorful sandwich spread by combining this pepperoncini relish with mustard and mayonnaise. This homemade spread is perfect for slathering on rolls, wraps, or even sneaking into a grilled cheese sandwich for an unexpected burst of flavor.
• Enhance Classic Salads: Stir the relish into your favorite potato salad, egg salad, or tuna salad recipes. The bright, briny notes will cut through the richness, adding a refreshing zing and a new dimension of flavor that elevates these picnic staples.
• Flavorful Meat Patties: For an incredible boost of flavor, mix a few spoonfuls of the relish directly into your ground turkey, beef, or even vegetarian burger patties before cooking. It infuses the meat with a tangy, spicy depth that makes for a truly memorable burger.
• Reinvent Sauces and Dressings: Swap out traditional pickle relish for this pepperoncini relish in recipes like tartar sauce or Thousand Island dressing. This simple substitution will introduce a whole new tangy and subtly spicy character to these classic condiments, offering a delightful twist on familiar flavors.

Finally, if you decide to try this fantastic pepperoncini relish recipe, I would be absolutely thrilled if you could take a moment to give it a star rating on the recipe card below and/or leave a comment sharing your experience! I genuinely love hearing from all of you when you make my recipes, and I make it a point to respond to every single comment. Your feedback truly means the world to me.

And of course, please feel free to drop any questions you might have about the recipe below – I’m always here to help!

Oh, and be sure to tag me on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest if you whip up a batch! Seeing these recipes come to life in your homes is genuinely my favorite thing to see. I cherish looking through those photos!

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Pepperoncini Relish

This quick and flavorful homemade relish, ready in just 10 minutes, is the perfect tangy and spicy condiment for everything from hot dogs and brats to sandwiches and appetizers!

Prep Time:

5 minutes
mins

Cook Time:

10 minutes
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Total Time:

15 minutes
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Servings:
10

4.9 from 145 votes

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Equipment Needed

• Mason Jars
• Fine Mesh Strainers
• Wooden Spoon & Scraper
• Saucepan
• 9-Cup Food Processor

Ingredients

• 1 cup Mezzetta Golden Greek Pepperoncini stems removed
• 1/3 cup Mezzetta Sliced Tamed Jalapeño Peppers
• 1/2 red bell pepper seeded and roughly chopped
• 1/2 yellow bell pepper seeded and roughly chopped
• 1/4 white onion roughly chopped
• 3 cloves garlic halved
• 2 Tbsp Mezzetta Golden Greek Pepperoncini juice
• 1/2 tsp fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1/4 cup freshly chopped parsley
• 2 tsp olive oil
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

• Chop Ingredients: Add pepperoncini (stems removed), jalapeños, bell peppers, onion, and garlic to a food processor. Pulse until everything is finely chopped to a consistent relish-like texture.
• Simmer Flavors: Transfer the chopped mixture to a saucepan. Stir in the pepperoncini juice, fresh lemon juice, and red pepper flakes. Cook over medium heat for 3 to 5 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften slightly and the flavors to meld. Do not boil vigorously.
• Finish and Season: Drain any excess liquid from the relish using a fine mesh sieve. Let the relish cool completely in a medium bowl. Once cooled, stir in the freshly chopped parsley, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine.
• Serve & Store: Serve the relish immediately with your favorite dishes, or transfer it to an airtight container (a mason jar is ideal) and store it in the refrigerator for up to 1 to 2 weeks for optimal freshness and flavor.

Nutrition

Calories: 19kcal

|

Carbohydrates: 3g

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Protein: 1g

|

Fat: 1g

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Saturated Fat: 0.1g

|

Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g

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Monounsaturated Fat: 1g

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Sodium: 182mg

|

Potassium: 84mg

|

Fiber: 1g

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Sugar: 1g

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Vitamin A: 459IU

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Vitamin C: 32mg

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Calcium: 9mg

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Iron: 0.3mg

Calories:

19
kcal

Cuisine:
American