Jersey Mike’s Cherry Pepper Relish Recipe

Relish is a common condiment that goes with every snack and grills. But believe me, Cherry pepper relish isn’t a common condiment at all. It’s a perfect relish for any snacks or grill.

Why? With a hint of sweetness from sugar, a touch of vinegar for that tangy kick, and the unique heat of cherry peppers, this relish packs a flavor punch.

I like it most with hot dogs, subs and grilled meats. My new favorite condiment is the cherry pepper relish from Jersey Mike.

If you also want to make your subs taste like WOW, you should definitely try this recipe out. I failed so many times before making the best and flavorful copycat version of Jersey Mike’s Cherry Pepper Relish Recipe.

You can have a fresh batch of relish in no time, ready to spread on sandwiches, dollop onto burgers, or spoon over grilled meats. Trust me, once you taste this, you’ll want to put it on everything.

What Is Cherry Pepper Relish?

Cherry pepper relish is a condiment made from cherry peppers, a type of pepper known for its vibrant red color, slight sweetness, and medium heat level (from 2,500 to 5,000 on the Scoville scale) which are milder than jalapeño peppers and with a sweeter profile. 

The peppers are combined with ingredients like onions, vinegar, and sugar to create a balance of tangy, sweet, and spicy flavors. Cherry pepper relish is perfect for adding zest to sandwiches, burgers, and hot dogs, or for serving alongside grilled meats.

What Makes This Jersey Mike’s Cherry Pepper Relish Unique?

What sets Jersey Mike’s cherry pepper relish apart is its perfect combination of sweetness and heat. The cherry peppers bring a mild spiciness that’s not overwhelming, while the addition of vinegar and sugar gives it a mouth-watering balance.

Unlike other relishes, it doesn’t have a harsh acidity or overpowering sweetness. This balance makes it a great addition to just about any sandwich or grilled item, bringing a delightful depth of flavor.

What Is in Jersey Mike’s Cherry Pepper Relish Recipe?

• 1 Medium Onion, Roughly Chopped: Onion adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the relish, balancing the spiciness of the cherry peppers.
• 1 (12 oz) Jar Cherry Peppers, Drained and Roughly Chopped: Cherry peppers are the star of the recipe, adding vibrant color, mild heat, and a hint of sweetness.
• 1/4 Cup Apple Cider Vinegar: This gives the relish its tangy flavor and enhances the overall taste.
• 2 Tablespoons Granulated Sugar: Sugar balances out the acidity of the vinegar and the heat of the peppers, giving the relish a slight sweetness.
• 1/2 Teaspoon Salt: Salt enhances all the other flavors and brings everything together.

Substitutions

• Cherry Peppers: For a milder taste, you can swap cherry peppers with bell peppers or banana peppers. This will give a similar texture with less heat.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Substitute with white vinegar if you prefer a slightly more neutral flavor.
• Sugar: For a refined-sugar-free version, use honey or agave syrup instead.

Kitchen Tools Needed

• Food processor or blender
• Small pot
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon

How to Make Jersey Mike’s Cherry Pepper Relish

STEP 01 | PROCESS THE INGREDIENTS:

Add the chopped onion and drained cherry peppers in the food processor or blender. Pulse the mixture a few times until it’s roughly chopped. If you prefer a chunkier relish, don’t over-process.

STEP 02 | ADD VINEGAR:

Pour in the white vinegar and give it another quick blitz to mix everything up.

STEP 03 | TRANSFER TO POT:

Carefully transfer the mixture into a medium pot.

STEP 04 | ADD SUGAR AND SALT:

Stir in the granulated sugar and salt until fully mixed.

STEP 05 | COOK THE RELISH:

Cover the pot and cook on medium heat for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally until the mixture thickens slightly.

STEP 06 | COOL AND STORE:

Once cooked, allow the relish to cool. Then, transfer it to a jar and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to two weeks.

Tips & Tricks

Taste and Adjust: Before you cook it, take a quick taste. This way, you can add a bit more sugar or salt if you want. Make it suit your taste!

Texture Control: If you like your relish smooth, just pulse it a bit longer in the food processor. If you prefer it chunkier, pulse it less. It’s all up to you!

Storage Tip: Once you’re done cooking, let the relish cool down completely before putting it in the fridge. This helps prevent extra moisture from building up, which keeps it fresh longer.

Recipe Variations and Additions

If you want to mix things up with your cherry pepper relish, here are a few simple ideas! First, I love adding a clove of minced garlic while cooking. It gives the relish a nice depth of flavor.

You can also toss in some fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro. They really add a fresh taste that brightens everything up.

And if you like a little heat, try adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes. It’s an easy way to spice things up and make the relish even more exciting.

Jersey Mike’s Cherry Pepper Relish Serving Suggestions

You can use this cherry pepper relish in so many delicious ways! Here are some of my favorite ideas:

• On Sandwiches/Brussel Sprouts: Just add a spoonful of this relish to any sandwich or Brussel Sprouts, and you’ll instantly give it a tasty kick.
• With Grilled Meats: It’s fantastic on burgers, grilled chicken, or steak. Trust me, it takes the flavor to the next level!
• With Hot Dogs: If you love hot dogs, this relish is a must-try. It really transforms a simple hot dog into something special.
• On Crackers: For a quick snack, spread some relish on crackers.

Storage Tips

To keep your cherry pepper relish fresh and full of flavor, here are some easy tips:

• Refrigerate: Make sure to store the relish in an airtight jar or container in the fridge. It will stay good for up to two weeks, so you can enjoy it whenever you want!
• Freeze for Later: If you want to make a big batch, you can freeze some in a tightly sealed container. Just remember to thaw it in the refrigerator before using.

Jersey Mike’s Cherry Pepper Relish FAQs

Why is my relish too watery?

This usually happens if you don’t drain the peppers well enough. Make sure to drain them really good. If it’s still watery, cook it a bit longer to thicken it up.

How long does homemade cherry pepper relish last?

When stored right in the fridge, it stays good for about 2 weeks. Watch for any odd smells or mold. Always use clean utensils when scooping it out.

Is this recipe good for canning?

This recipe isn’t tested for canning safety. Stick to keeping it in the fridge and making small batches.

Can I use white vinegar instead of apple cider vinegar?

Absolutely. White vinegar will give a slightly more neutral taste but works just as well.