Sweet Pepper Relish Recipe (That's Sweet, Tangy, and Easy!)

Name: Sweet Pepper Relish Recipe (That's Sweet, Tangy, and Easy!)
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 60 min
Ingredients: 4 cups finely diced mixed bell peppers (about 4 medium peppers, red, yellow, and orange recommended); 1 cup finely diced yellow onion (about 1 large onion); 1 1/2 cups apple cider vinegar; 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar; 1 tsp mustard seed; 1 tsp celery seed; 1/2 tsp salt

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There’s nothing quite like the vibrant, jewel-toned appearance and zesty flavor of homemade sweet pepper relish. This Sweet Pepper Relish Recipe is the perfect way to preserve the bounty of summer peppers, transforming them into a versatile condiment you’ll want to put on everything. Forget the overly sweet store-bought versions; this recipe strikes the perfect balance between sweet and tangy, with a satisfyingly chunky texture. It’s incredibly simple to make a batch to keep in the fridge or to can for enjoying all year long.

Whether you’re new to canning or a seasoned pro, this guide will walk you through every step, ensuring a delicious and successful result. Get ready to elevate your burgers, hot dogs, and cheese boards with a condiment that truly tastes like sunshine in a jar.

Why You’ll Love This Sweet Pepper Relish Recipe

This isn’t just another relish recipe; it’s a game-changer for your pantry. Here’s why you’ll find yourself making it again and again:

Incredibly Versatile: This relish is the ultimate utility player in the kitchen. It’s a classic topping but also a fantastic glaze for chicken or pork and a secret ingredient in dips and dressings.
Perfectly Balanced Flavor: We carefully balance the sugar and vinegar to create a relish that is tangy and bright, not cloyingly sweet.

*Simple, Everyday Ingredients: No need to hunt for specialty items. This recipe uses bell peppers, onions, and pantry staples you likely already have.

Customizable Heat: You control the spice! Keep it mild with bell peppers or add a few hot peppers for a spicy kick.
Great for Gifting: A beautiful jar of homemade pepper relish makes a thoughtful and delicious gift for holidays, housewarmings, or just because.

The Perfect Peppers for Relish

The beauty of this Sweet Pepper Relish Recipe lies in its flexibility. A combination of colorful bell peppers not only makes the relish visually stunning but also adds layers of subtle sweetness. I recommend using a mix of red, yellow, and orange bell peppers for the best flavor and color. Green bell peppers can be used, but they have a more vegetal, less sweet flavor, so use them in smaller quantities if desired.

For a touch of heat, feel free to add a jalapeño or a habanero pepper. Just be sure to remove the seeds and membranes if you want to keep the spice level in check. If you love spicy condiments, you might also enjoy making your own pickled habaneros to have on hand.

A spoonful of sweet pepper relish being lifted from a bowl, showing its glossy, syrupy consistency and vibrant color. — The perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and delicious.

Key Ingredients

The magic of this relish comes from a few simple, high-quality ingredients working in harmony.

Bell Peppers: The star of the show. A colorful mix of red, yellow, and orange bell peppers provides the sweet base.
Onion: Adds a savory depth and texture that complements the sweetness of the peppers.
Apple Cider Vinegar: This provides the essential tang and acts as a preserving agent. Its fruity notes are perfect with the peppers.
Granulated Sugar: For sweetness and to help create that classic relish consistency.
Spices: A simple mix of mustard seed, celery seed, and salt is all you need to enhance the flavors.

How to Make Sweet Pepper Relish: A Step-by-Step Guide

Making this homemade sweet pepper relish is a straightforward process. Just follow these simple steps for a perfect batch every time.

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Finely dice the bell peppers and onion. Aim for a uniform 1/4-inch dice. A food processor can make quick work of this, but be careful not to over-process; pulse gently to maintain some texture. You don’t want a puree. Once chopped, transfer the vegetables to a large, non-reactive pot like a Dutch oven or stainless steel stockpot.

An extreme close-up macro shot of chunky sweet pepper relish, highlighting the texture of the finely diced peppers and onions. — Look at that texture! The perfect blend of sweet peppers and onions.

Step 2: Combine and Simmer

Add the apple cider vinegar, sugar, mustard seed, celery seed, and salt to the pot with the chopped vegetables. Stir everything together until well combined. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to maintain a steady simmer.

Step 3: Thicken the Relish

Let the relish simmer for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The relish is ready when the liquid has reduced and thickened to a syrupy consistency, and the peppers are tender. It will continue to thicken slightly as it cools.

Step 4: Prepare for Storing

Once the relish has reached the desired consistency, it’s ready to be stored. You can let it cool and transfer it to jars to keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks, or you can proceed with canning for long-term shelf storage.

Canning for Long-Term Storage (Optional)

Water bath canning is a simple method for preserving this pepper and onion relish, making it shelf-stable for up to a year. If you’re new to canning, this is a great recipe to start with.

Preparing Jars and Lids

While the relish simmers, prepare your canning jars. Wash half-pint (8-ounce) jars, lids, and rings in hot, soapy water. To sterilize, place the jars in your water bath canner, cover with water, and bring to a boil for 10 minutes. Turn off the heat and keep the jars in the hot water until you’re ready to fill them.

Water Bath Canning Process

Ladle the hot relish into the sterilized jars, leaving 1/2-inch of headspace at the top. Wipe the jar rims with a clean, damp cloth to ensure a good seal. Place the lids and screw on the rings until they are fingertip-tight. Carefully lower the jars into the boiling water canner. Ensure the jars are covered by at least 1-2 inches of water. Process the jars in the boiling water for 10 minutes. After processing, turn off the heat and let the jars sit in the canner for 5 minutes before removing them to a towel-lined countertop to cool completely.

Tips for the Best Homemade Relish

Uniform Dice is Key: A consistent chop ensures even cooking and the best possible texture.
Don’t Rush the Simmer: Allowing the relish to simmer properly is crucial for developing flavor and achieving the right syrupy consistency.
Taste and Adjust: Before canning, give your relish a taste. You can adjust the sweetness or tanginess by adding a bit more sugar or vinegar if needed.
Let it Mellow: While delicious right away, the flavors of the relish will meld and deepen after a week or two in the jar.

Creative Ways to Use Your Relish

This easy pepper relish is for so much more than just topping hot dogs. Get creative with these serving suggestions:

Elevate Your Appetizers: Spoon it over a block of cream cheese and serve with crackers. It’s a perfect addition to a classic cheese ball recipe.
Mix into Dips: Stir a few tablespoons into a sour cream or yogurt base for an incredible vegetable dip. It’s a great way to spice up a creamy chip dip.
Glaze for Meats: Use it as a glaze for baked chicken, pork chops, or even meatballs during the last few minutes of cooking. It would be amazing on our 30-minute baked chicken breast.
Sandwich and Burger Spread: It’s a must-have for burgers, grilled cheese, and any deli-style sandwich.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does homemade pepper relish last?

If stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, the relish will last for up to 3 weeks. If you follow the water bath canning instructions, the sealed jars will be shelf-stable in a cool, dark place for up to one year.

Why is my relish watery?

If your relish is watery, it likely needs to be simmered longer. The simmering process allows the liquid to evaporate and the mixture to thicken. Continue to simmer, stirring occasionally, until it reaches a thick, syrupy consistency. Remember, it will thicken more as it cools.

What is pepper relish good on?

Sweet pepper relish is incredibly versatile! It’s a classic topping for burgers, hot dogs, and sausages. It’s also fantastic spooned over cream cheese with crackers, mixed into dips, used as a glaze for chicken or pork, or added to sandwiches for a sweet and tangy kick.

Can I use different colored peppers for this recipe?

Absolutely! We recommend a mix of red, yellow, and orange bell peppers for the best color and sweet flavor. You can use green bell peppers as well, but they have a more savory, grassy flavor, so use them in combination with other colors.

Do I need to use pectin in this sweet pepper relish recipe?

No, this recipe does not require pectin. The relish thickens naturally by simmering and reducing the liquid, creating a wonderful syrupy consistency without the need for added thickeners.

Enjoy Your Homemade Creation!

This Sweet Pepper Relish Recipe is a simple, delicious way to add a burst of flavor to your meals. It’s a pantry staple you’ll be proud to share. We hope you love making and eating it as much as we do. If you try it, let us know how it turned out in the comments below and don’t forget to save it to Pinterest!