Are you a fan of the tangy, spicy taste of cherry peppers? If so, you’ve found yourself searching for options to substitute for cherry peppers at some point or another.
Whether it’s because they’re not in season or simply unavailable at the grocery store, there are many times when finding an alternative can be useful.
In this blog post, we’ll explore all your options for delicious substitutions to make your dishes shine with flavor.
From milder pepper varieties to unique spices to other vegetables and fruits – let’s get creative!
What Are Cherry Peppers?
Cherry peppers are medium-sized, oval-shaped chili peppers that are typically a deep red color. The heat level of cherry peppers can range from mild to hot, depending on the variety and maturity when harvested.
These peppers make an excellent addition to salads, sandwiches, pizzas, and pasta dishes. They can also be added to sauces for a spicy kick or pickled for a flavorful condiment.
Cherry peppers can be used in salsas and chutneys, and roasted with other vegetables like potatoes and onions.
When cooking with cherry peppers, remember that their flavor will become more intense the longer they cook.
If you are looking for a milder flavor, adding peppers to dishes near the end of the cooking time is best. Adding them at the start of a spicier dish will help infuse their flavor more fully into your dish.
Substitutes For Cherry Peppers
If you can’t find cherry peppers, a few other ingredients make great substitutes.
Jalapenos
Jalapenos are a type of chili pepper from the Capsicum annuum plant.
They have a mild to moderate heat level, and their flavor is slightly sweet with some sharpness. They are typically harvested when green but can also be found in red and yellow varieties.
Jalapenos are popularly used to add spice and flavor to salsas, sauces, marinades, stews, and salads. They can also be used to garnish dishes for added presentation.
Jalapenos are popularly pickled as well. Pickling jalapenos is a great way to preserve them for later use in cooking or simply as an accompaniment served as a condiment.
Jalapeno peppers can also be canned, frozen, or dried for long-term storage. The versatility of jalapenos makes them a popular ingredient in many dishes worldwide.
They are versatile and can be cooked or served raw, depending on the desired flavor and texture.
Pimentos
You can also use pimentos to substitute for cherry peppers. It is a type of red and yellow sweet pepper ranging from mild to moderately spicy.
They have a slightly sweet flavor with a hint of smokiness, making them popular for adding flavor to many dishes.
Pimentos can be eaten raw or cooked and are often used in salads, sandwiches, pizzas, stews, chilis, dips and relishes. They can also be added to salsas or sauces for extra flavor.
Additionally, they can be chopped fresh; however, their mild flavor is often best when used as a condiment or garnish. Whether cooked or raw, they provide flavor and color to any dish.
Pimentos are usually sold in jars or cans, already diced or sliced and ready to use.
Rocoto Chiles
Rocoto chiles are a type of chili pepper that originated in South America. They are typically red, orange or yellow in color and have a very distinctive, pungent flavor.
Rocoto chiles are much hotter than most other peppers, rating at around 15,000 – 30,000 SHU. This heat level makes them one of the spiciest peppers available.
Rocoto chiles are often used for spicy salsa, sauces, stews and other dishes in South American, Mexican and Caribbean cuisine.
They can also be used raw as a tempering spice or added to salads. The flavor is more complex than many other types of pepper, with smoky overtones and fruity undertones. When cooked, they can also provide a unique, smoky flavor.
Anaheim Peppers
Anaheim peppers are a mild variety of chili pepper native to the United States. They have a slightly sweet flavor, and have a heat level ranging from 500-2,500 SHU.
Anaheim peppers can be eaten raw or cooked, and are often used in Mexican cuisine.
When raw, they can be diced for salads, salsa, or guacamole, while when cooked they can be roasted, stuffed, or added to soups and stews. They are also a popular choice for pickling and canning.
They pair well with vegetables like potatoes, tomatoes, corn, onions, and garlic. They are also commonly used in green chili dishes such as chiles rellenos.
Anaheim peppers can be found fresh, canned, and frozen in most grocery stores.
Bell Peppers
Another option to substitute for cherry peppers is bell peppers.
Bell peppers are a variety of the flowering plant family Solanaceae. They are high in Vitamins A and C, making them an excellent choice for healthy eating.
Bell peppers come in various sizes and colors including green, red, orange, yellow and purple. They have a mild flavor and can be eaten raw or cooked.
Bell peppers are often used in salads, sandwiches and other side dishes. They can also be cooked in various ways, such as roasting, stir-frying, baking or grilling.
When cooked, bell peppers become softer, and their sweetness develops further. They often add flavor and color to sauces, stews and soups.
Cubanelle Peppers
Cubanelle peppers are a mild, sweet pepper with thin walls and an elongated shape. They can range from 6-9 inches long to 2-3 inches wide.
The skin is smooth and thin, ranging from yellow to deep red when ripe. As they mature, their color will shift to a deeper red, increasing their sweetness.
Cubanelles are very popular in Cuban and Italian cooking, often used as a mild substitute for green bell peppers.
They are also commonly found in sautéed onions, peppers, omelettes, sandwiches, salads, fajitas, soups, and stews. On their own, they can be grilled or roasted to bring out their sweetness.
Poblano Peppers
Poblano peppers are mild chili pepper that originated in Mexico and is now popular worldwide. They range from dark green to blackish-green in color, and have a slightly sweet flavor.
In Mexican cuisine, Poblano peppers are often used to make sauces or salsas, soups, stews, and roasted dishes.
They can also be stuffed with various ingredients such as cheese, vegetables or meat. When dried and ground into a powder, they can add spice to dishes like chili or tacos.
Piquillo Peppers
Piquillo peppers are also an option to substitute for cherry peppers. They are small, red peppers grown in northern Spain. They have a mild flavor and a slightly sweet taste.
Piquillo peppers are a versatile ingredient often seen in Spanish cooking, adding a unique flavor to many dishes. They can also be found in many Latin American dishes, where they are used to add flavor and color.
The skin of the pepper is thin and easily peeled away, making them ideal for stuffing with various ingredients such as tuna, crab meat, or cheese to make popular tapas dishes.
The peppers can also be roasted or sautéed in oil for a smoky flavor. They can also be used in sauces, soups, and even desserts. They can be added to salsas, beans, stews, or sauces for extra flavor and heat.
FAQs
Are Sweet Peppers Similar To Cherry Peppers?
No, sweet peppers and cherry peppers are not the same type of pepper. Sweet peppers are mild and typically larger than cherry peppers, usually spicy and much smaller.
Are Jalapenos Similar To Cherry Peppers?
No, jalapenos are medium-hot pepper, while cherry peppers are usually mild.
Although both have a similar shape and color, jalapenos are much spicier than cherry peppers. The spice level can vary depending on the variety of jalapenos you choose.
Can Pepperoncini Replace Cherry Peppers?
Yes, they can be used as a replacement for cherry peppers. Pepperoncini are milder than cherry peppers, so add additional spice if desired. They are also smaller but offer a subtle sweetness and crunch.
Conclusion
Whether you want a milder flavor or something spicier, several options to substitute for cherry peppers can be used in various dishes.
Depending on what type of flavor profile and heat level you prefer, jalapeno peppers, pimentos, rocoto chiles, anaheim peppers, bell peppers, cubanelle peppers, poblano peppers, and piquillo peppers all offer different flavors and heat levels.
No matter which option you choose, these substitutes for cherry peppers can help you achieve the perfect flavor in your next meal
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