Sweet Pickled Banana Peppers Recipe for Sandwiches and Snacks

Sweet, tangy, and just the right amount of heat, these Candied Banana Peppers make an irresistible topping for burgers, hot dogs, grilled sausages, or straight from the jar. With bold flavor and a subtle Southern BBQ twist, this easy recipe belongs in your fridge.

Jar of candied banana peppers with fork.

Quick Snapshot

Ready in: 45 minutes
Makes: 3–4 pint jars
Perfect for: BBQ toppings, charcuterie boards, edible gifts

Why You’ll Love These Peppers

  • Sweet + Spicy Combo: A balanced blend of sugar and vinegar with a gentle kick.
  • Great for Grilling Season: A flavor boost for grilled meats, burgers, and sandwiches.
  • Easy to Preserve: Store in the fridge for weeks or process in a water bath to make them shelf-stable.

Ingredients for Candied Banana Peppers

  • Fresh banana peppers (sliced)
  • Apple cider vinegar
  • Granulated sugar
  • Granulated garlic
  • Turmeric
  • Celery seed

Step-by-Step Directions for Candied Banana Peppers

Colander full of banana peppers.
Bowl of sliced banana peppers.
  1. Slice the peppers: Cut into rings about 1/4 inch thick. Rinse in a colander to remove most seeds if you want a milder result.
Brine for candied banana peppers in a pan - boiling.
Sliced banana peppers in a pan with brine.
Banana pepper rings cooked in sweet brine.
  1. Make the brine: In a large pot or Dutch oven combine apple cider vinegar, sugar, granulated garlic, turmeric, and celery seed. Heat over high, whisking occasionally until it reaches a full rolling boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
  2. Add the peppers: Return the brine to a boil, add the sliced banana peppers, then cook at a full rolling boil for 4 minutes.
Jar of banana peppers, peppers on the side.
Jar of candied peppers with fork.
  1. Pack into jars while hot: Use a slotted spoon to fill sterilized canning jars with the pepper rings.
  2. Boil the syrup: Return the apple cider mixture to a rolling boil and cook for 6 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent boiling over.
  3. Fill jars with brine: Remove from heat and carefully ladle the hot brine over the peppers in each jar, leaving about 1/4 inch headspace.
  4. Seal the jars: Release any trapped air by sliding a knife around the inside edge of the jar, wipe rims clean, and seal with two-piece canning lids without over-tightening.
  5. Cool and store: Let jars cool, then refrigerate for immediate use. For shelf-stable preservation, process jars in a hot water bath for 10 minutes.

Recipe Tips & Variations

  • Substitute jalapenos for a spicier version.
  • Flavors deepen after about 2 weeks—patience pays off.
  • Coarsely chop the finished peppers to use as a relish.
Banana peppers in a jar with fork, small bowl, bowl of celery seeds.

These Candied Banana Peppers are a small but mighty addition that lifts grilled meals and sandwiches. They’re simple to prepare, store well, and are a great way to enjoy fresh garden produce year-round.

If you try this recipe, leave a comment and a rating to share how it turned out.

Jar of candied banana peppers.

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Candied Banana Peppers

Candied Banana Peppers are a sweet-and-spicy condiment for burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, and more. Easy to make and full of bold flavor.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Course: Sauces
Cuisine: American
Keyword: condiments
Servings: 60 1/2 pints
Calories: 85kcal

Ingredients

  • 10 cups banana peppers sliced (about 3 pounds)
  • 2 cups apple cider vinegar
  • 6 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon granulated garlic
  • ½ teaspoon turmeric
  • ½ teaspoon celery seeds

Instructions

  • Slice the peppers into rings, about 1/4 inch thick. Rinse in a colander to remove seeds if preferred.
  • Combine vinegar, sugar, garlic, turmeric, and celery seed in a large pot. Bring to a rolling boil, then reduce and simmer 5 minutes.
  • Return the brine to a boil, add sliced peppers, and cook at a full boil for 4 minutes.
  • Fill sterilized jars with the hot peppers using a slotted spoon.
  • Boil the syrup again for 6 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Ladle hot brine over the peppers in each jar, leaving 1/4 inch headspace.
  • Remove air bubbles with a knife, wipe rims, and apply two-piece canning lids without over-tightening.
  • Cool, then refrigerate. For shelf-stable jars, process in a hot water bath for 10 minutes.

Notes

  • Use jalapeños for a spicier variation.
  • Flavor improves after about 2 weeks of resting in the jar.
  • Chop the peppers to use as a relish or sandwich spread.

Nutrition

Serving: 2g | Calories: 85kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 0.4g | Fat: 0.2g | Sugar: 20g