If you’ve ever explored a gourmet salad bar, a well-crafted charcuterie board, or a vibrant antipasti platter, you may have encountered Peppadew peppers—those bright red, sweet, and slightly spicy little bites that deliver a unique burst of flavor. Their crunchy texture and tangy-sweet profile make them a favorite among food enthusiasts looking to elevate their dishes with a perfect balance of heat and sweetness.
At first glance, they may resemble pickled cherry peppers, but one bite will reveal that Peppadew peppers are in a league of their own. Whether eaten straight from the jar, stuffed with cheese, or added to a variety of dishes, their versatility is undeniable.
In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about Peppadew peppers—from their origin and taste profile to how to use them in everyday cooking.
What Are Peppadew Peppers?
Peppadew peppers are small, round, and vibrantly red (or yellow) peppers that belong to the Juanita piquanté pepper variety. What sets them apart from other peppers is their unique sweet, tangy, and mildly spicy flavor, enhanced by a special pickling process.
Though often mistaken for cherry peppers or pimentos, Peppadews stand out due to their crisp texture and balanced taste, making them a versatile ingredient for various culinary applications.
A Trademarked Name
The name “Peppadew” is actually a trademarked brand rather than the name of the pepper itself. The company behind Peppadew peppers was the first to commercialize these piquanté peppers, carefully curating their unique pickling process to preserve their signature taste and texture.
What Do Peppadew Peppers Taste Like?
Peppadews offer an exciting blend of flavors that make them an excellent addition to both sweet and savory dishes.
- Sweetness: They have a natural fruity sweetness, similar to roasted red peppers.
- Tanginess: The pickling brine gives them a slightly acidic zing.
- Heat: They are mildly spicy, providing a gentle warmth rather than an overwhelming burn.
- Crunch: Unlike roasted or canned peppers, Peppadews retain a snappy bite, making them incredibly satisfying to eat.
If you love sweet cherry peppers, roasted red peppers, or mild pickled peppers, Peppadews will likely become your new favorite.
Are Peppadew Peppers Spicy?
For those concerned about spice levels, Peppadews are considered mild on the heat scale.
On the Scoville Heat Unit (SHU) scale, which measures the spiciness of peppers, Peppadews fall between 1100–1200 SHU. To put this into perspective:
- Bell peppers: 0 SHU (no heat)
- Pepperoncini: 100–500 SHU (very mild)
- Jalapeños: 2500–8000 SHU (moderate heat)
- Habaneros: 100,000+ SHU (very hot)
This makes Peppadews a great option for those who enjoy a little spice but prefer something milder than jalapeños or chili peppers.
Where Can You Buy Peppadew Peppers?
Peppadews are becoming increasingly popular, making them easier to find in stores. You can often locate them in:
- Well-stocked grocery stores (look near the pickled vegetables or deli section)
- Specialty Italian or Mediterranean markets
- Online retailers such as Amazon and gourmet food websites
If you’re unable to find them in stores, consider ordering jarred Peppadews online. They typically come pre-pickled in brine, preserving their signature flavor and texture.
How to Use Peppadew Peppers in Cooking
Peppadew peppers are incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes. Their sweet and tangy flavor profile complements both savory and mildly spicy recipes.
1. Enjoy Them Straight from the Jar
One of the simplest ways to enjoy Peppadews is as they are! Their snappy crunch and bold flavor make them perfect for:
- Snacking on their own
- Adding to a charcuterie board with cheeses and cured meats
- Serving as part of an antipasti platter
2. Stuffed Peppadews: A Gourmet Treat
One of the most popular ways to serve Peppadews is stuffing them with cheese. Their small size and hollow interior make them perfect for filling with:
- Cream cheese or goat cheese
- Ricotta or mascarpone, seasoned with herbs
- Feta cheese, for a salty contrast
- Boursin cheese, for a herby and garlicky bite
Pro Tip: Use a piping bag or a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off to neatly fill each pepper.
3. Add Them to Sandwiches and Wraps
Peppadews add a burst of flavor to sandwiches, hoagies, and wraps. Try them in:
- Italian subs for a tangy twist
- Grilled chicken sandwiches for extra zest
- Veggie wraps with hummus and roasted vegetables
4. Elevate Pizzas and Flatbreads
Their sweet and tangy notes work wonderfully on pizzas and flatbreads. Add them to:
- Classic Margherita pizza for a pop of flavor
- Pepperoni or sausage pizza to balance out the richness
- Goat cheese and arugula flatbreads
5. Incorporate into Pasta and Salads
Chop Peppadews and mix them into:
- Cold pasta salads, alongside olives and feta
- Warm pasta dishes, adding them to creamy or tomato-based sauces
- Green salads, providing a pop of color and acidity
6. Blend into Sauces and Dips
Peppadews can be blended into:
- Romesco sauce, a Spanish roasted pepper-based sauce
- Creamy aioli, for a tangy sandwich spread
- For a distinctive take on the traditional dip, try hummus.
Best Substitutes for Peppadew Peppers
While Peppadews have a distinctive flavor, there are some alternatives if you can’t find them:
1. Roasted Red Peppers
- Similar sweetness but softer texture
- Lacks the tangy bite, so add a bit of vinegar or lemon juice
2. Pickled Cherry Peppers
- Slightly spicier, but similar in size and texture
- A great substitute for stuffing
3. Pepperoncini Peppers
- More sour than Peppadews, but offers a tangy crunch
- Works well in sandwiches and salads
4. Pimento Peppers
- Mild and sweet, often used in pimento cheese
- Good substitute when chopped in recipes
5. Biquinho or Sweety Drop Peppers
- These small South American peppers have a similar balance of sweetness and acidity
- Best for snacking or adding to charcuterie
Final Thoughts
Peppadew peppers are one of the most flavorful and versatile ingredients you can add to your pantry. Whether you’re snacking on them whole, stuffing them with cheese, tossing them into salads, or blending them into sauces, they offer a perfect balance of sweetness, tanginess, and mild heat that enhances countless dishes.
If you haven’t tried Peppadews yet, now is the perfect time to experiment with these deliciously snackable peppers and discover why they’re a favorite among food lovers worldwide!
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