Best Pepperoncini Brands

Pepperoncini are a variety of chili pepper that bring a delicious mild heat and tangy flavor to many dishes. Sometimes called Tuscan peppers or sweet Italian chili peppers, these small, thin peppers pack a pleasing spicy punch.

With their moderate spice level and bright, fruity taste, pepperoncini add zing to sandwiches, antipasto platters, pizzas, pastas, and numerous other foods. Their pickled version offers a popular pizza topping or flavor-boosting condiment.

While pepperoncini may seem unfamiliar at first, their versatility and crowd-pleasing flavor make them easy to incorporate into your cooking repertoire. This guide covers everything you need to know to select, store, prepare, and enjoy pepperoncini.

Del Destino Pepperoncini 1 Gallon

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Del Destino Pepperoncini 1 Gallon

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Pepperoncini peppers add delicious flavor to salads, sandwiches, pizzas and more. Del Destino offers a 128 oz gallon jar that provides excellent value and ample supply of tangy pepperoncini peppers.

The tasty peppers deliver a pleasing combination of mild heat and sweetness. They can be served whole, sliced or chopped and liven up any dish or meal. The gallon jar ensures you'll have plenty on hand for recipes and snacking.

Del Destino pickles the peppers in a flavorful vinegar brine. The solution infuses the crisp peppers with zesty flavor. It's also what gives them their signature yellowish-green hue.

Key features:

• Gallon size jar provides lots of peppers
• Tangy, mildly spicy flavor
• Versatile addition to many dishes

Pros:

• Great flavor
• Good value
• Pepperoncini have many uses

Cons:

• Contains preservatives
• May be too mild for some

REGAL Regal Whole Pepperoncini, 1 Gallon

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REGAL Regal Whole Pepperoncini, 1 Gallon

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Searching for crunchy, flavorful pepperoncini peppers? Regal offers a 128 ounce gallon container packed with tangy pickled peppers. The generous size ensures you'll have a steady supply for recipes, snacking and garnishing dishes.

The peppers deliver signature pepperoncini flavor - a pleasing balance of mild heat and sweetness. Their versatile peppery zip enhances sandwiches, salads, charcuterie boards and more. Regal's vinegar brine solution gives the peppers zing.

The clear jar makes it easy to keep tabs on your supply. The peppers retain their freshness thanks to an airtight lid. Regal also offers a wide range of spices, seasonings and other flavor boosters.

Key features:

• Gallon jar provides abundant supply
• Balance of heat and sweetness
• Enhances many foods

Pros:

• Peppers have nice crunch
• Great taste
• Clear jar shows quantity

Cons:

• May be too mild for some
• Contains preservatives

Cento Pepperoncini, 12 oz

Cento Pepperoncini, 12 oz

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Want an easy way to add zesty flavor to meals? Cento pepperoncini deliver a pleasing balance of tangy and mild heat. The 12 oz jar provides a nice supply of the versatile peppers.

Cento pickles the pepperoncini in a vinegar solution that infuses them with signature zippy flavor. They make an excellent addition to antipasti platters, salads, sandwiches, pizzas and more.

The peppers provide a nice crunch and pop of flavor. Their mild spiciness adds intrigue without overpowering. Cento uses natural ingredients and colors to craft an authentic pepperoncini flavor.

Key features:

• Adds zing to many foods
• Mildly spicy and tangy
• Natural colors and flavors

Pros:

• Enhances sandwiches and salads
• Nice jar size
• Good crunch

Cons:

• Spice level may disappoint some
• Contains preservatives

Krinos Imported Pepperoncini in Vinegar Brine, 1.14lb Jar

Krinos Imported Pepperoncini in Vinegar Brine, Bold Flavor, Crunchy, Ready to Eat – 1.14lb Jar

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Pepperoncini peppers add delicious flavor and crunch to Greek salads, Italian antipasti and many other dishes. Krinos offers imported Greek peppers packed in a zesty vinegar brine.

The tangy solution gives the peppers signature zing while retaining their freshness. Krinos adheres to traditional methods like hand-harvesting when possible. The peppers deliver an authentic bite and burst of flavor.

The 1.14 pound jar provides an ample supply of the versatile peppers. Their mild heat and zesty taste enhance sandwiches, pizzas, pastas and more. For less spice, simply rinse before using.

Key features:

• Authentic Greek pepperoncini
• Tangy vinegar brine
• Nice supply in 1.14 lb jar

Pros:

• Adds great flavor
• Retains freshness
• Enhances many foods

Cons:

• Contains sulfites
• Brine can be salty

Divina Sliced Pepperoncini, 15.5 Ounce

Divina Sliced Pepperoncini, 15.5 Ounce Net Weight

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Want to easily add Greek flair to meals? Divina sliced pepperoncini make it simple. The pre-sliced peppers eliminate prep work. Their zesty tang enhances grains, salads, yogurts and more.

Divina uses traditional growing and curing methods when possible for authentic flavor. The peppers deliver signature notes of fruity tang and mild heat. Turmeric provides their vibrant hue and boosts flavor.

The 15.5 oz jar offers a nice quantity of ready-to-use sliced peppers. Divina adheres to clean practices and non-GMO verified ingredients. The pre-cut peppers add a tasty Mediterranean touch fast.

Key features:

• Pre-sliced for easy use
• Made traditionally when possible
• Provides nice quantity

Pros:

• Eliminates slicing prep
• Adds Mediterranean flair
• Clean ingredients

Cons:

• Contains some preservatives
• Price may be high for some

Tama 16 Ounce Golden Greek Pepperoncini Peppers

Tama's 16 ounce jar of golden Greek pepperoncini peppers offers a delicious and versatile addition to many foods. These tangy, crunchy peppers deliver a nice level of heat along with a sweet, bright flavor. They make a fantastic accompaniment to salads, sandwiches, charcuterie boards, and more. The brine also works nicely for marinades or dressings.

A major benefit of this product is that it does not contain any artificial colors or preservatives. The ingredients list is simple and recognizable. You get actual pickled pepperoncini peppers in a brine of vinegar, salt, and spices. There are no thickeners, stabilizers, or Yellow #5. This sets Tama's pepperoncini apart from many major brands.

The peppers themselves have a satisfying snap and thickness. They are not thin or mushy. Even after being opened for a while, they retain their signature crunch. The jar provides an ample 16 ounces, offering plenty of peppers for multiple uses. It's a great value for homemade pizza night, Greek salads, antipasti platters, and beyond.

Key features:

• 16 oz jar
• Golden Greek pepperoncini
• Tangy, crunchy peppers
• No artificial ingredients

Pros:

• Nice balance of heat and sweetness
• Retain crunch even after opened
• Ample 16 oz jar

Cons:

• Can be difficult to find in stores
• A bit pricier than some brands

JEFFS NATURALS Sliced Golden Greek Peperoncini

JEFFS NATURALS Sliced Golden Greek Peperoncini, 12 FZ

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Jeff's Naturals offers a premium quality jar of sliced golden Greek peperoncini peppers. These beautiful bright yellow peppers deliver an authentic Mediterranean flavor. Their flavor strikes a perfect balance between tangy, salty, and mildly spicy.

The sliced format makes these versatile and easy to enjoy. Simply add a few slices to liven up a sandwich or wrap, stack them on pizza, or toss them into your favorite salad. The even sizing of the slices allows you to control the amount of heat. The brine also works great for marinades, dressings, and cocktails.

As the name suggests, these peperoncini contain only natural ingredients. You won't find any preservatives, added colors, or thickeners. Jeff's Naturals uses organic vinegar and sea salt to craft the brine. This results in a clean, bright flavor that tastes like actual pickled peppers, not a heavy, artificial taste.

The peppers themselves have a satisfying crunch and just the right amount of heat. They aren't completely mild, but also won't overwhelm your palate. The 12 ounce jar provides a plentiful supply for multiple uses. For naturally flavorful peperoncini slices, Jeff's Naturals is a top choice.

Key features:

• Sliced golden Greek peperoncini
• 12 oz jar
• Natural ingredients

Pros:

• Balanced tangy, salty, spicy flavor
• Easy to incorporate into recipes
• Retains signature crunch

Cons:

• Can be difficult to find in stores
• Only available in 12 oz size

Supremo Italiano Pepperoncini 1 Gallon

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Supremo Italiano: Pepperoncini 1 Gallon

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With its economical 1 gallon jug, Supremo Italiano offers a budget-friendly way to keep pepperoncini on hand. Great for pizza restaurants, delis, or households that enjoy these tangy peppers. The huge jug provides a plentiful supply that can last for months.

These pickled golden Greek pepperoncini deliver a nice heat level along with bright, tangy flavor. They have good crunch and aren't mushy. The peppers tend to be on the smaller side, which some people prefer for certain uses. Their mild spice makes them quite versatile for cooking.

A downside is that these peppers do tend to be on the salty side. The main flavors are spice and salt rather than a complex, nuanced brine. But for the low price point, these pepperoncini deliver respectable flavor and heat. They work nicely for salads, pizza, sandwiches, snacking, and more.

The clear 1 gallon jug makes it easy to monitor the remaining supply. Its tight seal helps preserve freshness once opened. For an budget-friendly bulk supply of pickled pepperoncini, Supremo Italiano offers solid value.

Key features:

• 1 gallon jug
• Golden Greek pepperoncini
• Mild spice

Pros:

• Very affordable bulk pricing
• Good seals to preserve freshness
• Tangy flavor and crunchy texture

Cons:

• Peppers tend to be small
• Brine is on the salty side

Tama 32 Ounce Golden Greek Pepperoncini Peppers

Tama's 32 ounce jar of golden Greek pepperoncini delivers an ample supply of delicious pickled peppers. Each crisp, tangy pepper provides a nice balance of mild heat and brightness. They make a flavorful addition to sandwiches, salads, pizza, charcuterie, and more.

A standout feature of this product is that it contains no artificial colors, thickeners, or preservatives. You get actual whole pepperoncini pickled in a simple brine of vinegar, salt, and spices. This gives the peppers a clean, authentic flavor.

The peppers themselves have a satisfying crunch and thickness. They aren't overly spicy, but do offer a punch of flavor. Even after the jar has been opened for a while, the peppers retain their signature crisp texture. You don't get any limp, mushy peppers with this brand.

For pizza night, Greek salads, or snacking straight from the jar, Tama's pepperoncini always hit the spot. The 32 ounce jar provides an ample supply for many uses. It's also nice that you can easily view the contents through the clear glass.

Key features:

• 32 ounce jar
• Greek golden pepperoncini
• No artificial ingredients

Pros:

• Crisp texture
• Nice balance of tangy and mild heat
• Ample 32 ounce supply

Cons:

• Can be difficult to find in stores
• A bit costly for some budgets

Mezzetta Pepperoncini Golden Sliced

Mezzetta Pepperoncini Gldn Slc

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For a convenient sliced pepperoncini product, Mezzetta's Pepperoncini Golden Sliced is a solid choice. The uniform slices make it easy to incorporate these tangy peppers into a variety of dishes with no prep needed.

Mezzetta uses quality ingredients like sea salt and distilled vinegar to craft the brine. This gives the peppers a bright, balanced flavor with just the right amount of heat. The slices have a satisfying crunch and their vibrant color livens up any recipe visually.

The sliced format makes these extremely versatile in the kitchen. Pile them onto subs and sandwiches for a flavor punch, scatter them over salads, or bake them right into homemade pizzas. Their mild spice complements many foods without overwhelming.

Compared to some brands, Mezzetta does use some additional ingredients like citric acid and sodium bisulfite. However, they help retain the peppers' signature crunch and color. If you want an easy sliced pepperoncini option, Mezzetta delivers solid quality and flavor.

Key features:

• Sliced golden pepperoncini
• Mild balanced flavor
• Retains crunch

Pros:

• Uniform slices for easy use
• Brightens up dishes visually
• Good price point

Cons:

• Contains some additional preservatives
• Only available in smaller sizes

Buying Guide for Pepperoncini

When purchasing pepperoncini, either fresh or jarred, there are certain factors to keep in mind. Paying attention to aspects like flavor, spice level, preparation needed, and usage will ensure you choose the right type of pepperoncini for your needs.

Fresh vs. Jarred

Pepperoncini are available both fresh and jarred in brine or vinegar. Each version offers its own advantages:

• Fresh - More crisp texture, brighter flavor, greater versatility. Requires more prep like washing, seeding, slicing. Best for cooking applications like pastas, pizzas, etc.
• Jarred - Easy grab-and-go option. Tangy pickled flavor. Can add directly to dishes or sandwiches. Great for antipasto. Lasts longer than fresh.

Flavor

Pepperoncini offer a fruity, moderately spicy flavor. When fresh, they taste bright and grassy. Jarred versions take on tangy, sour notes from the vinegar brine. Smell pepperoncini before purchasing to avoid any off odors.

Heat Level

Most pepperoncini rank around 500-1000 on the Scoville scale, delivering a mild to moderate heat. Taste a small piece when buying fresh to gauge the spiciness. Pickled versions often feature multiple peppers with varying heat levels.

Appearance

Look for fresh pepperoncini with vibrant green coloring and taut, shiny skin. Wrinkling, soft spots and brown spots indicate older, inferior quality. Jarred peppers should look firm and crispy, not mushy. The brine should be clear, not cloudy.

Preparation Needs

Fresh pepperoncini require washing, seeding, and slicing before using in recipes. Pickled ones can be used straight from the jar. So factor in prep time required when deciding which type to buy.

Intended Use

Consider how you want to use the peppers. Fresh ones work better raw or cooked into dishes. Pickled pepperoncini lend flavor when added to finished foods like sandwiches, salads, pizza. Buy the version suited for your intended use.

Organic

Organic pepperoncini are grown without synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. If buying fresh and organic is important to you, check labels for the USDA Organic seal. Organic jarred versions may be harder to locate.

Conclusion

With their addictive balance of sweet and gentle heat, pepperoncini deliver big flavor in a petite package. Both the fresh and pickled versions can enliven a wide variety of dishes with their unique pop of tangy spice.

Now that you know how to select, store, prepare, and use pepperoncini, you can start enjoying these flavor-boosting peppers. Try scattering them on pizzas and pastas, adding them to antipasto spreads, using them to garnish Bloody Marys, and experimenting with them in other recipes.

Whether you crave the bright bite of fresh or the briny zing of pickled, pepperoncini provide an easy way to give meals a tasty kick. So don't be afraid to spice things up with these delicious little peppers.

Resources

1. MasterClass Link: This article on MasterClass provides information about pepperoncini, including its popularity in Mediterranean cuisine, nutritional benefits, and a guide on how to pickle pepperoncini at home.
2. Slender Kitchen Link: Slender Kitchen offers a complete guide to pepperoncini peppers, including their health benefits, how to prepare them, and various recipes for cooking with pepperoncinis.
3. YouTube Link: This video by Cooking with Jacob demonstrates how to make homemade pepperoncini peppers. It provides a visual guide for the process, making it easier to follow along.
4. Pinch of Yum Link: Pinch of Yum shares a delicious recipe for grilled chicken with pepperoncini garlic butter. This recipe combines marinated chicken, a tomato cucumber salad, feta cheese, and a flavorful pepperoncini garlic butter.
5. Grow Forage Cook Ferment Link: This resource provides a recipe for quick refrigerator pickled pepperoncini peppers. It includes step-by-step instructions on how to make these tangy and delicious pickled peppers at home.