Spicy Pickled Pineapple with Jalapeños
Introduction
Spicy Pickled Pineapple with Jalapeños transforms everyday ingredients into an irresistible condiment bursting with tang, heat, and sweetness. This recipe delivers a vibrant punch that’s perfect for tacos, grilled meats, salads, or even a cheese platter. The quick pickling process ensures every bite is saturated with bold, complex flavors, and the refreshing bite of pineapple perfectly offsets the fiery kick from jalapeños.
Deliciously Unique Spicy Pickled Pineapple
What sets this pickled treat apart is the unexpected harmony between tropical pineapple and snappy, spicy jalapeño slices. The result is a sweet-heat combo with just enough acidity to keep things bright and palate-cleansing. No complicated canning involved—just a quick homemade pickle ready in less than an hour, guaranteed to elevate every dish it graces.
Preparing the Pickling Brine
The brine is a critical component, infusing the pineapple and jalapeños with tangy, spicy notes. White vinegar creates the essential tartness, while just a bit of sugar amplifies the pineapple’s natural sweetness and balances the peppers’ heat. Garlic and peppercorns add earthy undertones, making this pickle nuanced and well-rounded in flavor. Make sure to heat the brine just enough to dissolve the sugar and salt without boiling out the bright vinegar flavor.
Assembling Your Pickled Pineapple Jars
Once your brine is ready, simply layer the fresh pineapple chunks and jalapeño slices in sterilized jars. Pour the hot brine over everything, letting the ingredients soak up those tangy, spicy flavors. Allow the jars to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate—pickled pineapple is best enjoyed after at least 30 minutes of marination, and it keeps well for up to two weeks.
Serving Suggestions for a Showstopping Spicy Pickled Pineapple
This pickled pineapple adds sparkle to tacos, pulled pork sandwiches, poke bowls, or pizza. Pile it atop grilled chicken, serve with carnitas, or scatter onto a fresh green salad for a surprising sweet-spicy note. For a crowd-pleasing appetizer, spoon it over goat cheese crostini, or pair with sharp cheddar and crackers.
Nutritional Information and Serving Size
Each batch yields about 2 pint-sized jars (roughly 8 servings). One serving (about ⅓ cup) contains approximately 70 calories, virtually no fat, and a nice dose of vitamin C. Enjoy as a flavorful garnish without guilt!
Spicy Pickled Pineapple with Jalapeños (Recap)
This quick and easy pickle offers a sensational combination of juicy pineapple and spicy jalapeños. It’s bold, versatile, and guaranteed to fire up any meal—an essential recipe for anyone who loves vibrant, contrasting flavors.
Ingredients
💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section—perfect for efficient grocery trips and stress-free meal prep.
Instructions
- Prepare two clean pint-sized jars (or one large quart jar) by washing and rinsing in hot water.
- Layer the pineapple chunks and sliced jalapeños evenly in the jars. Tuck in garlic cloves, peppercorns, and any optional herbs or spices.
- In a small saucepan, combine vinegar, water, sugar, salt, and red pepper flakes (if using). Warm over medium heat, stirring until the sugar and salt are fully dissolved—do not let it boil.
- Pour the hot brine over the pineapple and jalapeños, ensuring everything is submerged. Gently tap jars to release air bubbles and seal with tight-fitting lids.
- Let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving, preferably longer for deeper flavor.
Weekly Meal Planning
This recipe is a smart addition to your weekly meal plan, infusing multiple meals with vibrant flavor from one easy prep. Save and schedule this recipe to see exactly when to make it and generate a streamlined shopping list that combines all your planned ingredients.
Planning Benefits:
– Automatically calculates ingredient quantities if you scale up for multiple meals
– Organizes shopping lists by store sections (produce, pantry, etc.)
– Prevents duplicate or missed purchases
– Helps you use up ingredients for less food waste
When adding this recipe to your meal plan, schedule your recipes for the week so you can see if other meals need jalapeños, cilantro, or pineapple, helping you shop efficiently and avoid unnecessary leftovers.
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes (plus pickling/marination time)
