Jersey Mike’s Hot Chopped Pepper Relish Recipe – Easy Copycat

Jersey Mike’s hot chopped pepper relish recipe is one of those little secrets that makes their subs so special.

This relish is bold, tangy, and has just the right amount of heat. It’s not too spicy where it burns your mouth, but it does give a nice kick that wakes up every bite.

The taste is a mix of sweet, sour, and spicy, which works perfectly with meats, cheese, or even simple bread and butter.

Today, I’m sharing a copycat Jersey Mike’s hot chopped pepper relish recipe that you can make right in your kitchen.

I love making this at home because I can keep a jar in my fridge and use it on sandwiches, wraps, or even chicken recipe. It’s quick, simple, and tastes just like the real thing from the shop.

What Pepper Relish Does Jersey Mike’s Use

Jersey Mike’s uses their own special hot chopped pepper relish made mostly with cherry peppers. Cherry peppers are small, round peppers that look like little red cherries.

They give that perfect balance of sweet and spicy that makes Jersey Mike’s sandwiches so good.

The main peppers in their relish are cherry peppers, but they also mix in red bell peppers, onions, and garlic.

According to their official recipe, they use pickled red and green peppers. The cherry peppers they use are the hot kind, not the sweet ones.

These peppers have a heat level of about 2,500 to 5,000 on the Scoville scale. That means they’re about as hot as jalapeños but with a sweeter taste.

Can You Buy Jersey Mike’s Cherry Pepper Relish

Yes, you can buy Jersey Mike’s hot pepper relish in stores now. The restaurant started selling their famous relish in 16-ounce retail jars so people can enjoy it at home.

You can find these jars at major retailers like Target, Walmart, and other grocery stores. The retail version has the same great taste as what you get in the restaurant.

Many customers were asking for years to buy the relish separately, and Jersey Mike’s finally made it available for purchase. The jar costs around $4 to $6 depending on shop.

Jersey Mike’s Hot Chopped Pepper Relish Ingredients

• Hot Cherry Peppers (1 jar, about 12 oz): Hot cherry peppers give the relish its signature spicy taste and bright color. Look for jarred cherry peppers in the pickle section of your grocery store. You can use mild cherry peppers if you want less heat. Pepperoncini can work as a substitute, but the flavor will be different.
• Red Bell Pepper (1 large): Red bell peppers add sweetness and help balance the heat from the cherry peppers. They also bring extra color and crunch to the relish. You can substitute with orange or yellow bell peppers, but red gives the best color match. Fresh peppers work better than frozen ones.
• Onion (1 medium): Yellow onions work best for this recipe. They add a sharp flavor that mellows when blended with the other ingredients. White onions can be used as well, but avoid sweet onions since they may make the relish too sweet. Red onions also work but will change the color slightly.
• Garlic (3–4 cloves): Fresh garlic cloves give the best flavor. You can swap with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, but fresh garlic tastes better. Garlic adds depth and makes the relish taste more complex, so don’t skip this ingredient.
• Chili Garlic Sauce (2 tablespoons): This sauce adds extra heat and a boost of garlic flavor. You can find it in the Asian food section of most grocery stores. Sriracha can be used instead, but the flavor will be a little different. If you can’t find chili garlic sauce, use hot sauce mixed with minced garlic.
• Sugar (2 tablespoons): White granulated sugar balances the acidity and heat while tying all the flavors together. You can use brown sugar for a slightly richer taste, or honey as a substitute (use less since it’s sweeter).
• White Wine Vinegar (3 tablespoons): White wine vinegar gives the relish its tangy, fresh flavor. It’s milder than regular white vinegar. Apple cider vinegar can work too, but it will slightly change the taste. Avoid balsamic vinegar, as it’s too strong.

Recommended Equipment

1. Food processor – Makes the perfect chunky texture that matches the restaurant version
2. Medium saucepan or skillet – For cooking the relish mixture to blend flavors
3. Wooden spoon – Gentle mixing that won’t break down the pepper pieces
4. Measuring cups and spoons – For accurate ingredient amounts
5. Sharp knife – Clean cuts on peppers and vegetables
6. Cutting board – Safe surface for chopping ingredients
7. Storage jars or containers – Keeps relish fresh in the fridge
8. Can opener – Opens the jarred cherry peppers easily

How To Make Jersey Mike’s Hot Chopped Pepper Relish

Step 1 | Drain the Hot Cherry Peppers

Drain the hot cherry peppers from the jar. Save about 2 tablespoons of the pepper juice for extra flavor. Remove the stems and cut the peppers in half. Take out most of the seeds if you want less heat. Place the cherry peppers in your food processor.

Step 2 | Prep the Red Bell Pepper

Wash and dry the red bell pepper. Cut off the top and bottom, then remove the seeds and white parts inside. Slice the bell pepper into large chunks and add them to the food processor with the cherry peppers.

Step 3 | Add Onion and Garlic

Peel the onion and cut it into quarters. Add the onion pieces to the food processor. Peel the garlic cloves and add them whole. No need to chop them small since the food processor will do the work.

Step 4 | Blend the Peppers and Sauce

Add the chili garlic sauce to the food processor with the other ingredients. Put the lid on and pulse 5–6 times. Then blend for 10–15 seconds until the mixture looks chunky but not completely smooth. You want small pieces, not a paste.

Step 5 | Cook the Relish

Transfer the mixture to a medium pan. Turn the heat to medium and add the sugar and white wine vinegar. Stir everything together with a wooden spoon and let it cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring often.

Step 6 | Adjust and Cool

The relish is ready when it looks slightly thickened and the liquid has reduced a bit. Taste and adjust by adding more sugar if you want it sweeter, or more vinegar if you want it tangier. Let the relish cool before serving or storing in the fridge.

Recipe Perfection Tips

• Don’t over-blend: Keep a chunky texture; don’t turn the relish into a paste.
• Drain peppers well: Make sure to drain the cherry peppers completely so your relish doesn’t turn out watery.
• Use fresh garlic: Fresh garlic gives the best flavor—avoid using old or sprouted cloves.
• Let it rest overnight: For the best taste, let the relish sit in the fridge overnight so the flavors can blend together.
• Wear gloves when handling peppers: Hot peppers can burn your skin, so it’s smart to wear gloves when cutting or seeding them.

How To Serve This Hot Chopped Pepper Relish

This relish isn’t just for subs. You can spread it on burgers, hot dogs, or grilled chicken. It works as a topping for tacos or even mixed into scrambled eggs for breakfast.

Sometimes, I like to stir a spoonful into pasta salad to give it a bold kick. You can also use it as a dip by mixing it with cream cheese for a spicy spread.

Basically, this relish fits anywhere you want a punch of flavor.

How To Store Leftover Properly

Once your relish has cooled, place it into airtight jars and keep it in the fridge. It will last about 2 to 3 weeks when stored properly.

For longer storage, you can freeze it in small containers. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before using.

Always check before eating: if the relish smells sour, has mold, or changes color, it’s time to throw it away. Freshness matters, and it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Jersey Mike’s Hot Chopped Pepper Relish Recipe FAQs

1. How hot is Jersey Mike’s hot chopped pepper relish?

It has a medium heat level. The cherry peppers give warmth without being too fiery. It’s less spicy than jalapeños but stronger than bell peppers. If you’re sensitive to spice, you can remove some seeds before making it.

2. Can I double this recipe?

Yes, you can easily double or even triple this recipe to make bigger batches. Just make sure you have a large enough pan to cook everything properly, and you might need to cook it a few minutes longer to evaporate all the extra liquid.

3. Can I make this relish less spicy?

Yes, you can easily make this relish less spicy. Use mild cherry peppers instead of hot ones. You can also add more red bell pepper to dilute the heat. Another trick is to remove the seeds from the cherry peppers before processing them. The seeds are where most of the heat comes from. You can also skip the chili garlic sauce or use less of it.

4. Can I make Jersey Mike’s hot chopped pepper relish without a food processor?

Yes, you can make it without a food processor. Chop everything by hand with a knife. Dice the peppers, onion, and garlic fine but chunky. Mix in a bowl with sauce, sugar, and vinegar. Let it sit to blend flavors. It won’t be as smooth, but still tasty.

I really hope you try making this Jersey Mike’s hot chopped pepper relish recipe at home. It is simple, fun, and saves you a trip to the sub shop.

This spicy relish will make your lunch so much more exciting. Try it on your next sandwich and taste the difference it makes!