Cherry Pepper Recipes: 5 Flavorful Dishes to Try Today

Cherry peppers are small, sweet, and mildly spicy bell peppers perfect for stuffing, roasting, or adding to sauces. This guide delivers 5 tested cherry pepper recipes including stuffed peppers, pasta sauce, relish, pizza toppings, and jam—plus preparation techniques, storage tips, and substitution options for this versatile ingredient.

Cherry peppers bring a burst of sweet flavor with just a hint of heat to any dish. Unlike their spicier relatives, these petite peppers (measuring 1-2 inches in diameter) offer a balanced taste that works beautifully in both raw and cooked applications. Whether you've picked up a basket at your local farmers market or spotted them in the grocery store, knowing how to maximize their potential transforms ordinary meals into extraordinary culinary experiences.

What Exactly Are Cherry Peppers?

Cherry peppers—sometimes called pimiento peppers—resemble small red tomatoes with their round shape and vibrant color. They typically measure between 1-2 inches in diameter and deliver a Scoville heat rating of 100-500 units, making them significantly milder than jalapeños (2,500-8,000 units). Their thin walls and hollow interior make them ideal for stuffing, while their sweet flavor profile complements both savory and sweet preparations.

Grown primarily in Mediterranean climates, cherry peppers reach peak season from late summer through early fall. When selecting them, look for firm, glossy specimens without wrinkles or soft spots. The brightest red peppers indicate full ripeness and maximum sweetness.

Essential Preparation Techniques

Before diving into recipes, master these fundamental cherry pepper preparation methods:

Preparation Method	Best For	Key Steps
Raw slicing	Salads, relishes, pizza toppings	Cut horizontally, remove seeds, slice into rings
Roasting	Sauces, stuffed peppers, spreads	Broil 5-7 minutes until charred, steam in covered bowl, peel skin
Quick pickling	Appetizers, sandwich toppings, charcuterie boards	Simmer in vinegar-sugar brine for 5 minutes, cool in liquid

5 Signature Cherry Pepper Recipes

1. Simple Cherry Pepper Relish (15-Minute Recipe)

This easy cherry pepper relish recipe transforms fresh peppers into a versatile condiment perfect for grilled meats, sandwiches, or cheese boards. The sweet-tangy flavor balances the natural sweetness of the peppers with a touch of acidity.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz cherry peppers, finely diced
• 1 small red onion, minced
• ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 garlic clove, pressed
• ½ tsp sea salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl
2. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow flavors to meld
3. Store in airtight container for up to 2 weeks

This cherry pepper relish recipe with vinegar creates a bright accompaniment that cuts through rich flavors. For best results, make it a day ahead—this allows the peppers to fully absorb the dressing and develop deeper flavor.

2. Stuffed Cherry Peppers with Herbed Goat Cheese

These elegant stuffed cherry peppers make perfect appetizers for entertaining or a sophisticated side dish. The hollow shape of cherry peppers provides ideal vessels for creative fillings.

Ingredients:

• 24 cherry peppers, tops cut off and seeds removed
• 4 oz goat cheese, softened
• 2 tbsp fresh basil, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp lemon zest
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• Olive oil for drizzling

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)
2. Mix goat cheese, basil, lemon zest, and garlic
3. Fill each pepper with cheese mixture
4. Arrange on baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil
5. Bake 12-15 minutes until peppers soften slightly

3. Cherry Pepper Pasta Sauce (Ready in 30 Minutes)

This rich cherry pepper pasta sauce recipe showcases how these sweet peppers enhance traditional tomato sauces with natural sweetness and subtle complexity. Unlike standard marinara, this sauce requires no added sugar thanks to the peppers' natural sugars.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb cherry peppers, roasted and peeled
• 2 cups crushed tomatoes
• 3 garlic cloves, sliced
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions:

1. Sauté garlic in olive oil until fragrant (do not brown)
2. Add roasted peppers and crushed tomatoes
3. Simmer 20 minutes, stirring occasionally
4. Blend until smooth using immersion blender
5. Season with oregano, salt, and pepper

Toss with your favorite pasta shape and finish with fresh basil. This best cherry pepper pasta sauce recipe creates a velvety texture that clings perfectly to ribbons of pappardelle or twists of fusilli.

4. Spicy Cherry Pepper Pizza Toppings

Elevate your homemade pizza with thinly sliced cherry peppers that caramelize beautifully in the oven. Their natural sugars concentrate during baking, creating pockets of intense flavor.

Pro Tip: For optimal results when making cherry pepper pizza toppings, slice peppers paper-thin using a mandoline. Combine with fresh mozzarella, prosciutto, and a drizzle of balsamic reduction after baking.

5. Sweet Cherry Pepper Jam

This unexpected cherry pepper jam recipe balances sweet and spicy elements for a sophisticated condiment that pairs beautifully with cheeses, roasted meats, or even stirred into yogurt.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb cherry peppers, finely diced
• 1 cup sugar
• ½ cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 orange, zested and juiced
• 1 cinnamon stick

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in heavy-bottomed saucepan
2. Simmer over medium heat for 45-60 minutes until thickened
3. Remove cinnamon stick, cool slightly
4. Pour into sterilized jars, seal

Cherry Pepper Substitution Guide

Can't find cherry peppers? These substitution options maintain similar flavor profiles in recipes:

• For raw applications: Pimientos or cubanelle peppers (milder) or mini sweet peppers
• For cooking: Red bell peppers (less sweet) or shishito peppers (slightly spicier)
• For stuffing: Small bell peppers or even cherry tomatoes in a pinch

When making cherry pepper substitution options, remember that size matters most for stuffed pepper recipes, while flavor profile is key for sauces and relishes. Adjust sugar or vinegar levels if using significantly sweeter or less sweet alternatives.

Proper Storage Techniques

Maximize your cherry peppers' shelf life with these storage methods:

• Refrigeration: Store unwashed in crisper drawer for up to 2 weeks
• Freezing: Roast and freeze in airtight containers for up to 6 months (ideal for sauces)
• Canning: Preserve in vinegar brine for shelf-stable relish or pickled peppers

For gardeners with surplus harvest, consider making multiple batches of cherry pepper jam or sauce for long-term storage. Properly canned products maintain quality for 12-18 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are cherry peppers the same as pimientos?

Yes, cherry peppers are often called pimientos (or pimentos). They're the same sweet, mild pepper variety commonly found stuffed in olives or used in Spanish cuisine. The terms are used interchangeably, though some regional variations exist in size and sweetness.

How spicy are cherry peppers compared to other varieties?

Cherry peppers rate between 100-500 Scoville units, making them significantly milder than jalapeños (2,500-8,000 units) or serranos (10,000-23,000 units). Most people describe them as sweet with just a hint of warmth—similar to bell peppers but with more complex flavor.

Can I use cherry peppers in place of bell peppers in recipes?

Absolutely. Cherry peppers work well as substitutes for bell peppers in most recipes, though their smaller size means you'll need more peppers to achieve the same volume. They add slightly more sweetness and a subtle warmth that regular bell peppers lack, enhancing dishes without overwhelming heat.

What's the best way to remove seeds from cherry peppers?

Cut horizontally across the middle, then use a small spoon or your finger to gently scrape out seeds and membranes. For relishes or sauces where seeds won't affect texture, you can leave them in for slightly more heat. When making stuffed cherry peppers, be careful not to pierce the bottom.

How do I know when cherry peppers have gone bad?

Signs of spoilage include soft spots, wrinkled skin, mold growth, or a sour smell. Fresh cherry peppers should feel firm and heavy for their size with smooth, glossy skin. If they've become noticeably softer or developed dark spots, it's time to discard them.