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Zesty Banana Pepper Relish Recipe Easy Homemade Hot Dog Topping

banana pepper relish - featured image

A quick and easy homemade banana pepper relish that adds a tangy, slightly sweet, and mildly spicy crunch to hot dogs, sandwiches, and grilled chicken.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup sliced banana peppers (fresh or jarred, drained if using jarred)
  • ½ cup finely diced yellow bell pepper
  • ¼ cup finely chopped white onion
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • ¼ cup white vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • A pinch of freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon mustard seeds (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon celery seed (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the vegetables: Wash fresh banana peppers if using fresh. Slice them thinly (about ¼-inch slices). Dice the yellow bell pepper into small pieces and finely chop the white onion. Mince the garlic.
  2. Toast the mustard and celery seeds in a dry small skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn them.
  3. Make the pickling liquid: In a small saucepan, combine white vinegar, sugar, and salt. Warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves completely (about 3-5 minutes). Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  4. Combine the ingredients: In a mixing bowl, add the sliced banana peppers, diced bell pepper, chopped onion, minced garlic, and toasted seeds. Pour the warm vinegar mixture over the veggies. Add olive oil and freshly ground black pepper. Stir gently to mix well.
  5. Marinate: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the relish to a clean jar with a tight lid. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, ideally overnight, to let flavors meld and peppers soften slightly.
  6. Serve: Stir the relish before serving and spoon generously over hot dogs. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Notes

If the relish tastes too sharp after chilling, add a tiny pinch more sugar to balance it. For a smoother texture, pulse the mixture briefly in a food processor before marinating, but keep it chunky for best crunch. Toasting the mustard and celery seeds is important for flavor. Marinate at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, for best taste. Use fresh, firm banana peppers for crunch or well-drained jarred peppers. Can substitute apple cider vinegar for a fruitier tang. Add jalapeño or red pepper flakes for heat. Store refrigerated up to two weeks. Freezing is not recommended as texture softens.

Nutrition

Keywords: banana pepper relish, hot dog topping, homemade relish, easy relish recipe, summer BBQ condiment, tangy relish, sweet and spicy relish