You may have enjoyed the sour kick of Jersey Mike’s cherry pepper sauce if you like their tasty subs. Their sandwiches get a flavor boost from this colorful condiment, which takes them to new gourmet heights.
As an expert cook who enjoys recreating menu items from restaurants, I’ve developed a recipe that is an exact replica of Jersey Mike’s Cherry Pepper Relish that will take your taste buds to their sub shops. Prepare to savor a homemade version of this famous Jersey Mike’s Cherry Pepper Relish Recipe that is full of flavors—tangy, spicy, and somewhat sweet.
What Does Cherry Pepper Relish Taste Like?
Cherry pepper relish is a harmonious blend of bold flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. The star ingredient, cherry peppers, provides a delightful kick of heat that’s perfectly balanced by the sweetness of sugar and the tangy notes of white wine vinegar.
This relish boasts a complex flavor profile that’s both fiery and refreshing, making it an irresistible addition to a wide range of dishes.
How to Make Jersey Mike’s Cherry Pepper Relish
Recreating this beloved relish at home is surprisingly simple, and I’ll guide you through the process step-by-step.
Ingredients
- 30 to 40 red cherry peppers
- 1 small onion
- 1 garlic clove
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1/2 cup white wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
Kitchen Tools
- Food processor
- Frying pan
- Mason jar or glass container
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Step 1. Prep the Cherry Peppers:
Remove the tops of all the cherry peppers, then remove and discard the seeds. Collect seeds from about four peppers (adjust to your preferred level of spiciness). Rinse the peppers under cold water.
Step 2. Prepare the Pepper Mixture:
In a food processor, combine the cherry peppers, 4 peppers seeds, onion, and garlic. Blitz until finely chopped.
Step 3. Cook the Mixture:
Heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the cherry pepper mixture to the pan and sauté for 1 minute. Stir in sugar and white wine vinegar. Cover and cook for 30 minutes, checking occasionally and adding water if needed to prevent drying out.
Step 4. Simmer and Thicken:
After 30 minutes, remove the lid and simmer for an additional 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 5. Cool and Store:
Remove the relish from heat and allow it to cool. Transfer the cooled relish to a mason jar or glass container.
Tips and Tricks to Make This Dish Special
- Adjust the heat level: If you prefer a milder or spicier relish, simply adjust the number of pepper seeds included in the mixture.
- Use a mix of red and green cherry peppers: For an even more vibrant and visually appealing relish, use a combination of red and green cherry peppers.
- Caramelize the onions: For an added depth of flavor, consider caramelizing the onions before adding them to the food processor.
- Experiment with different vinegars: While white wine vinegar is traditional, you can also try using apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar for a unique twist.
Recipe Substitutions
- Sugar substitute: If you prefer a less sweet relish or need to avoid sugar, you can substitute with a sugar alternative like stevia or monk fruit sweetener.
- Olive oil substitute: Instead of olive oil, you can use avocado oil or coconut oil for sautéing the pepper mixture.
- Vinegar substitute: If you don’t have white wine vinegar on hand, you can use apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar as a substitute.
What to Serve with This Jersey Mike’s Cherry Pepper Relish
This versatile relish can be served in a variety of ways, adding a burst of flavor to countless dishes. Here are some serving suggestions:
- Sandwiches and subs: Spread it generously on your favorite sandwiches or subs for a zesty kick.
- Grilled meats and vegetables: Use it as a topping for grilled chicken, steak, or vegetables for a refreshing and flavorful accompaniment.
- Cheese and charcuterie boards: Incorporate it into your charcuterie spreads for a vibrant and tangy addition.
- Eggs and breakfast dishes: Liven up your breakfast with a spoonful of cherry pepper relish on top of eggs, avocado toast, or breakfast burritos.
How to Store Leftover Jersey Mike’s Cherry Pepper Relish
This relish can be refrigerated for up to a week, allowing you to enjoy its fresh flavors all week long. Store it in an airtight container or mason jar in the refrigerator. For longer shelf life, consider canning or freezing the relish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common FAQs:
What type of pepper relish does Jersey Mike’s use?
Jersey Mike’s uses a cherry pepper relish made with red cherry peppers, onions, garlic, sugar, and vinegar.
Can I adjust the heat level of the relish?
Absolutely! The number of pepper seeds added to the mixture determines the heat level. Add more seeds for a spicier relish, or fewer seeds for a milder version.
Can I freeze the leftover relish?
Yes, you can freeze leftover cherry pepper relish for up to 6 months. Just make sure to store it in airtight containers or freezer-safe bags.
What other dishes can I use this relish with?
This versatile relish can be used as a topping for grilled meats, vegetables, eggs, avocado toast, and more. It also makes a great addition to charcuterie boards or as a spread for sandwiches and subs.
How spicy is cherry pepper relish?
The spice level of cherry pepper relish can vary depending on the number of pepper seeds included and the specific type of cherry peppers used. Generally, it has a moderate level of heat with a pleasant kick.
Can I make this relish ahead of time?
Yes, this relish can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week, making it a convenient condiment to have on hand.
Can I use fresh or dried cherry peppers for this recipe?
This recipe calls for fresh cherry peppers, but you can also use dried cherry peppers if that’s what you have available. Just be sure to rehydrate them before using.
Jersey Mike's Cherry Pepper Relish Recipe
Recreate Jersey Mike's signature Cherry Pepper Relish at home with this easy copycat recipe. Tangy, spicy, and bursting with vibrant flavors, this versatile relish elevates sandwiches, eggs, and more.
Ingredients
- 30 to 40 red cherry peppers
- 1 small onion
- 1 garlic clove
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1/2 cup white wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Prep the Cherry Peppers: Remove the tops of all the cherry peppers, then remove and discard the seeds. Collect seeds from about four peppers (adjust to your preferred level of spiciness). Rinse the peppers under cold water.
- Prepare the Pepper Mixture: In a food processor, combine the cherry peppers, 4 peppers seeds, onion, and garlic. Blitz until finely chopped.
- Cook the Mixture: Heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the cherry pepper mixture to the pan and sauté for 1 minute. Stir in sugar and white wine vinegar. Cover and cook for 30 minutes, checking occasionally and adding water if needed to prevent drying out.
- Simmer and Thicken: After 30 minutes, remove the lid and simmer for an additional 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Cool and Store: Remove the relish from heat and allow it to cool. Transfer the cooled relish to a mason jar or glass container.
Nutrition Information:
Serving Size: 1 tbspAmount Per Serving: Calories: 20Total Fat: 0.5gSaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 0mgCarbohydrates: 3gFiber: 0gSugar: 3gProtein: 0g
The nutrition information provided below is estimated using an online nutrition calculator and should not be considered medical advice or guaranteed to be accurate. Please consult a professional for any dietary needs or restrictions.
Conclusion
With this copycat Jersey Mike’s Cherry Pepper Relish recipe, you can enjoy the vibrant flavors of this iconic condiment in the comfort of your own home. This spicy sauce is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen, even if you use it to dress up sandwiches, grilled meats, or charcuterie boards.
Enjoy the sour, spicy, and slightly sweet flavors that make this relish so tasty, and remember that every bite tastes like Jersey Mike’s.
