Spotlight Series: All About Cherry Peppers

What are cherry peppers? Often bright red and round, these little peppers pack a delightful punch that can spice up any dish. Whether you’re a fan of fiery flavors or just curious about diversifying your culinary palette, cherry peppers offer a unique taste that's both sweet and spicy. In this article, we’ll dive into what makes these vibrant veggies a must-try for food lovers and how you can incorporate them into your meals for an extra kick.

What Are Cherry Peppers?

Cherry peppers are small, round peppers with a mild-to-medium heat. Their firm skin makes them perfect for pickling in a vinegar brine. Pickled cherry peppers are sold in jars or placed on olive bars and salad bars. These brilliant gems make for a fun and colorful condiment and garnish. They are an excellent feature on cheese boards, charcuterie plates and antipasto platters. Their sturdy, squat shape makes them an excellent pepper for stuffing with creamy cheeses.

The Origin of Cherry Peppers and Their Brief History

Cherry peppers are originally believed to have been cultivated in South America, these petite, round peppers gradually made their way to other parts of the world, captivating taste buds with their sweet and mild heat.

As explorers ventured into the New World, they discovered the cherry pepper and brought it back to Europe in the 15th and 16th centuries. The peppers quickly gained popularity, particularly in Spain and Portugal, where they found a special place in local cuisines. Over time, European settlers introduced cherry peppers to the Mediterranean region, where their versatility in dishes was greatly appreciated.

In the United States, the cherry pepper has become a beloved ingredient, especially in the South, where it complements everything from sandwiches to stews. Its striking red color and unique flavor profile also make it a staple in pickling, perfect for adding a zesty kick to salads and antipasti.

Today, cherry peppers are cherished worldwide, celebrated not only for their culinary contributions but also for their rich history that spans continents.

How Are Cherry Peppers Made and What Are They Made Of?

Cherry peppers start their journey much like any other pepper. They're grown from seeds, which you can either start indoors or sow directly in the garden once the danger of frost has passed. These plants love warm weather and sunlight, so they thrive in well-drained soil with plenty of sun exposure. As the plants grow, they produce small, round peppers that resemble cherries in shape and size—hence the name!

Cherry peppers are made up of the classic components of most peppers: seeds, flesh, and skin. The flesh is crisp and juicy, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and spiciness, while the skin provides that satisfying crunch. Inside each pepper are tiny seeds that carry the plant's heat, so removing these can tone down the spice level if desired.

Once the peppers ripen to a vibrant red (or sometimes yellow or green, depending on the variety), they're ready to be picked. Cherry peppers can be enjoyed fresh, pickled, or even stuffed with delicious fillings like cheese or meats.

The Best Cherry Peppers - The DeLallo Difference

It's all about quality. Sourced from the finest peppers and packed with care, each jar of DeLallo peppers is a testament to their commitment to excellence. You can taste the difference that premium ingredients make—bold, vibrant flavors that transform your meals from ordinary to extraordinary.

Ways to Use Cherry Peppers and Recipes
Stuffed Cherry Peppers:

Hollow out the peppers and stuff them with herby cream cheese or sausage for a delightful appetizer.

Pizza Topping:

Add sliced cherry peppers to your pizza before baking to infuse your pie with a spicy, tangy punch. They pair wonderfully with pepperoni and sausage toppings.

Cherry Pepper Relish:

Chop them up finely and mix with onions, vinegar, and a bit of sugar to create a delicious relish. This is a fantastic condiment for hot dogs, burgers, or grilled meats.

With Pasta:

Simply add to garlic infused olive oil, add olives and toss with pasta for a delicious for a quick, zesty dinner.

Salad Booster:

Slice raw cherry peppers and sprinkle them over salads to add a crunchy texture and a pop of color. They’re great in both green, grain-based and tuna salads.

Cherry Pepper Jam:

Cook them down with sugar, vinegar, and a touch of pectin to create a sweet and spicy jam. It's excellent on toast or as a glaze for meats.

Burgers and Sandwiches:

Add a layer of sliced cherry peppers to burgers, grilled cheese or deli sandwiches for a spicy surprise that’s sure to please.

Omelet Filler:

Dice them and add to your morning omelets along with cheese and other veggies for a flavorful start to the day.

Salsa Kick:

Incorporate chopped cherry peppers into your homemade salsa for an unexpected twist that will have your guests reaching for more chips.

Cherry Peppers: FAQ

What do cherry peppers taste like?

Cherry peppers, also known as pimento or pimiento peppers, have a flavor that’s the perfect balance of sweet and spicy. They’re juicy and crisp with a mild heat—think of them as the more playful cousin of a jalapeño. The sweetness hits first, followed by a gentle kick that adds just enough zing without overwhelming your taste buds.

They’re often pickled, which adds a tangy twist, making them a delicious addition to sandwiches, salads, or charcuterie boards. Whether stuffed with cheese or chopped into a relish, cherry peppers bring bold flavor without the burn.

Are cherry peppers hot (spicy)? Are they hotter than jalapenos?

Cherry peppers do have a bit of a kick—but they’re generally milder than jalapeños. On the Scoville scale (which measures chili pepper heat), cherry peppers usually range from 2,500 to 5,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU), while jalapeños can range from 2,500 to 8,000 SHU. So while their heat levels can overlap, jalapeños tend to be spicier overall.

What is the best substitute for cherry peppers?

Pimentos – These are sweet and mild, just like cherry peppers. They're a great choice if you're after that gentle heat and vibrant color.

Peppadew Peppers – Slightly spicier and sweeter, these South African gems are a fan favorite. They're often pickled, which makes them perfect for salads and antipasto platters.

Banana Peppers – These have a similar mild heat and tangy flavor. They’re easy to find and work well in sandwiches, pizzas, and salads.

Jalapeños (mildly pickled) – If you’re okay with a little more kick, pickled jalapeños can be a good stand-in. Just keep in mind they’re spicier!

Roasted Red Bell Peppers – Not spicy at all, but if you’re just looking for that sweet, roasted flavor in a recipe, these are a lovely option.

What is another name for cherry peppers?

Another name for cherry peppers is pimento peppers. They're small, round, and pack a sweet, mild heat—perfect for stuffing, pickling, or adding a pop of flavor to your favorite dishes.

What is the difference between cherry peppers and Pepperrazi Peppers™?

Pepperazzi™ Peppers are a broad, squat pepper with a brilliant red hue and a tasty balance of sweet and piquant. Pepperazzi.™ They are an incredible appetizer or snack all on their own, but can be part of a bigger spread: antipasto platters, charcuterie boards, cheese boards, happy hour bites and more. They make gorgeous garnishes for antipasto salads, garden salads and pasta salads. Serve them as an accent to Mediterranean-inspired sandwiches and wraps. They pair well with cured meats like Genoa Salami and Prosciutto.

What is the difference between cherry peppers and pimento peppers?

Cherry peppers and pimento peppers are often confused due to their similar appearances, but they have key differences. Pimento peppers are heart-shaped, sweet, and mild, often used for stuffing olives or in pimento cheese. Cherry peppers, on the other hand, are round, have a slightly tart and sweet flavor with a mild kick, and are commonly used fresh, pickled, or stuffed. 

What is the difference between cherry peppers and peppadew peppers?

Cherry peppers and Peppadew peppers, while similar in size and appearance, differ in flavor and origin. Cherry peppers are a sweet, slightly tart, and mildly spicy pepper, often pickled and stuffed. Peppadew peppers, on the other hand, are known for their pronounced sweetness and subtle heat, described as "sweet piquanté". They are commercially available as pickled peppers. 

Where can I buy DeLallo cherry peppers?

You can purchase DeLallo cherry peppers online at delallo.com or at most grocery stores.