If you love that perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and a little bit of crunch, this Sweet Pickle Relish Recipe is going to become your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine a vibrant mix of finely chopped cucumbers, onions, and green bell peppers, soaked in a luscious blend of sugar and vinegar, sprinkled with fragrant celery and mustard seeds. It’s a classic condiment that brings so much life to burgers, sandwiches, and grilled meats. Simple to make but bursting with flavor, this recipe is ideal for anyone wanting to add that homemade touch to their meals with a relish that’s fresh and irresistibly tasty.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is half the fun, and the beauty of this Sweet Pickle Relish Recipe lies in its straightforward, fresh components. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving the final texture and vibrant flavor that makes this relish stand out.
- 4 cups cucumbers, finely chopped: The foundation of the relish, adding crispness and freshness.
- 2 cups onions, finely chopped: Provide a subtle sharpness and depth of flavor.
- 2 cups green bell peppers, finely chopped: Add a mild sweetness and vibrant green color.
- 1/4 cup salt: Essential for drawing out moisture and balancing flavors.
- 3 1/2 cups sugar: Creates the perfect sweet counterpoint to the tart vinegar.
- 2 cups white vinegar: The acid that gives the relish its signature tang and preserves it.
- 1 tablespoon celery seeds: Infuses the relish with a unique, slightly peppery spice.
- 1 tablespoon mustard seeds: Bring a subtle warmth and slight crunch to the mixture.
How to Make Sweet Pickle Relish Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Soak the Vegetables
Start by finely chopping your cucumbers, onions, and green bell peppers—it’s all about getting that perfect texture. Place them in a large bowl and sprinkle with the salt. Adding cold water to cover helps draw out excess moisture and enhances the crunchiness once the relish is cooked. Let this sit for around two hours to work its magic.
Step 2: Drain and Press the Vegetables
After soaking, it’s important to drain the vegetables thoroughly and press out as much moisture as possible. This step prevents your relish from becoming watery and keeps the flavors concentrated, ensuring each spoonful is packed with punchy, fresh taste and a nice zip.
Step 3: Make the Brine
In a large pot, combine the sugar, white vinegar, celery seeds, and mustard seeds. Bring the mixture just to a boil, stirring to dissolve the sugar completely. This sweet and tangy brine is what will transform the chopped veggies into that irresistible sweet pickle relish we’re aiming for.
Step 4: Cook the Relish
Add the well-drained vegetables to the boiling brine. Bring everything back to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer. Let it cook gently for about ten minutes, stirring occasionally so the flavors meld together beautifully without losing those delightful textures.
Step 5: Jar the Relish
Carefully spoon the hot relish into sterilized jars, leaving about a quarter-inch of space at the top. This gap is important to allow for expansion during processing without breaking the jars. Seal them tightly with clean lids to prepare for canning.
Step 6: Process the Jars
To make sure your jars are sealed properly and the relish stays safe for storage, process them in a boiling water bath for ten minutes. This step is key to preserving the relish’s freshness and flavor over time.
Step 7: Cool and Store
Once processed, set your jars down at room temperature and let them cool completely. After cooling, store them in a cool, dark spot where they will stay delicious for up to a year—ready to brighten your meals whenever you want.
How to Serve Sweet Pickle Relish Recipe
Garnishes
This sweet pickle relish shines as a colorful and flavorful garnish. Dollop it on top of juicy burgers, hot dogs, or even simple grilled chicken. It adds a beautiful crunch and a sweet-tart explosion that freshens up every bite.
Side Dishes
Pair this relish with classic summer sides like potato salad or coleslaw. It can elevate these dishes by cutting through their richness with its bright acidity and subtle sweetness, making your meal balanced and exciting.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress? Try serving the Sweet Pickle Relish Recipe as part of a cheese board alongside sharp cheddar and crackers. Or mix it into deviled eggs for a tangy twist. It also works wonders stirred into tuna or chicken salad for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftover relish after opening, store it in the refrigerator in a sealed container. It will stay fresh and delicious for about two to three weeks, giving you plenty of time to enjoy it in different dishes.
Freezing
While canning preserves it best for long-term, you can freeze the relish if needed. Use a freezer-safe container, leave some space for expansion, and thaw it slowly in the refrigerator when ready to use. Keep in mind the texture might soften slightly after freezing.
Reheating
This relish is typically served cold or at room temperature, but if you want to warm it gently to blend with a cooked dish, do so over low heat on the stove to maintain its integrity without breaking down the crunchy vegetables.
FAQs
Can I use different vegetables in this Sweet Pickle Relish Recipe?
Absolutely! While cucumbers, onions, and green bell peppers provide the classic combination, feel free to experiment with mild hot peppers or even shredded carrots to add color and a unique flavor twist.
How long does homemade sweet pickle relish last?
Properly canned and stored in a cool, dark place, it can last up to a year. Once opened, keep it refrigerated and use it within two to three weeks for the best taste and safety.
Do I need to sterilize jars for this recipe?
Yes, sterilizing jars is very important to prevent contamination and extend shelf life. You can do this by boiling jars in water or running them through a hot dishwasher cycle before filling.
Can I adjust the sweetness or acidity in the recipe?
Definitely! If you prefer a tangier relish, increase the vinegar slightly, or add more sugar if you want it sweeter. Just remember to keep the balance to maintain safety and flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
Yes, the Sweet Pickle Relish Recipe is straightforward and great for beginners who want to try canning and making homemade condiments without complicated steps.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about making your own Sweet Pickle Relish Recipe at home—every jar is packed with love, flavor, and a personal touch that store-bought versions just can’t match. Whether you’re adding it to your favorite sandwiches or exploring new culinary ideas, this relish is sure to brighten up your table. Give it a try and watch it become a staple in your kitchen!
Print
Sweet Pickle Relish Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 30m
- Cook Time: 0h 20m
- Total Time: 0h 50m
- Yield: Approximately 6-7 half-pint jars
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Sweet Pickle Relish recipe offers a tangy and sweet condiment made from finely chopped cucumbers, onions, and green bell peppers simmered in a spiced vinegar and sugar mixture. Perfectly balanced with celery and mustard seeds, this relish is ideal for adding a burst of flavor to sandwiches, hot dogs, and burgers. The relish is prepared by soaking the vegetables in saltwater, simmering the mixture, and then preserving it through boiling water bath canning for long-term storage.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 4 cups cucumbers, finely chopped
- 2 cups onions, finely chopped
- 2 cups green bell peppers, finely chopped
Seasonings and Liquids
- 1/4 cup salt
- 3 1/2 cups sugar
- 2 cups white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon celery seeds
- 1 tablespoon mustard seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables: Place the finely chopped cucumbers, onions, and green bell peppers in a large bowl. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup of salt and cover with cold water. Let it sit for about 2 hours to draw out excess moisture and enhance texture.
- Drain excess water: After 2 hours, drain the vegetables well, pressing out as much moisture as possible to prevent the relish from becoming watery.
- Make the brine: In a large pot, combine sugar, white vinegar, celery seeds, and mustard seeds. Bring this mixture to a boil while stirring to dissolve the sugar completely.
- Simmer the relish: Add the drained vegetables to the boiling brine. Return to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to blend flavors.
- Fill the jars: Carefully spoon the hot relish into sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace at the top. Seal the jars tightly with sterilized lids.
- Process the jars: Place the sealed jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes to ensure proper sealing and safe preservation.
- Cool and store: Allow the jars to cool completely at room temperature. Store them in a cool, dark place where the relish can keep for up to one year.
Notes
- Use fresh, firm vegetables for the best texture and flavor.
- Ensure jars and lids are properly sterilized to prevent spoilage.
- Adjust sugar levels slightly if you prefer a less sweet relish.
- This relish can be refrigerated and used within a few weeks if not canned.
- After opening, store the relish in the refrigerator and consume within a month.
