These tangy and crunchy Italian pickled peppers (or peperoni sotto aceto in Italian) are a colorful addition to any summer sandwich or pizza, and is a quick and easy way to preserve your summer produce! With just 7 ingredients and 20 minutes of prep time, these pickled peppers are easy to make, and add a zesty, colorful touch to almost anything.
Sterilize the canning jars and have them ready to use. Cut peppers and set aside until ready to use.
Cooking the Peppers
Place half of the vinegar in a large pot, add cold water, garlic, and bay leaves. Set on medium-high heat and bring to a boil then add the salt. Add sliced peppers and stir for 1-2 minutes.
Turn off heat and cover the pot, then allow it to sit for about 10-12 minutes. The peppers will soften a little bit with still a nice crunch too.
Place a clean kitchen towel on a working surface. Drain the peppers from the water with a colander, then place them on a single layer on the towel. Pat peppers dry as much as possible with clean paper towels.
Assembling & Pickling
Fill the sterilized jars with the peppers, adding some peppercorns, bay leaves, and garlic to each jar.
Fill the jars with the remaining vinegar and press the peppers down with a clean spoon to ensure they are covered by the vinegar. Use a toothpick to burst the bubbles in the liquid and prevent the peppers from spoiling. Tightly screw on the lids.
Place the jars in a dry, cool and dark place for 30 days before consuming. You can eat them 2 weeks after making, but the longer they sit the better they will taste. Refrigerate the jars after opening and consume within 30 days of opening.
Notes
Any variety of peppers work well in this recipe. Use sweet and/or spicy peppers of all colors and sizes; just cut them in equal-sized pieces.
Keep the peppers in a cool, dry, dark place for 30 days before eating, or for a minimum of 1-2 weeks. They are even better after 2 months!
After opening a jar, pour a little olive oil on top to ensure the peppers stay submerged and store tightly sealed in the refrigerator. Always use a clean utensil to get the peppers out of the jar to avoid contamination.