Spice Up Your Life: Delicious Recipes Featuring Jersey Mike’s Jarred Pepper Relish
Jersey Mike’s Subs is renowned for its fresh ingredients and that iconic ‘Mike’s Way’ preparation, which includes onions, lettuce, tomatoes, oil, vinegar, oregano, and, of course, *the* pepper relish. That zesty, slightly sweet, and undeniably addictive pepper relish has garnered a cult following. While enjoying it on a Jersey Mike’s sub is a classic, the jarred version allows you to bring that flavor explosion into your own kitchen. This article explores a variety of delicious recipes where Jersey Mike’s Jarred Pepper Relish takes center stage, transforming ordinary dishes into culinary delights. Get ready to add some serious zing to your meals!
## What Makes Jersey Mike’s Pepper Relish So Special?
Before we dive into the recipes, let’s appreciate what makes this pepper relish so unique. It’s a vibrant blend of sweet and hot peppers, offering a complex flavor profile that complements a wide range of foods. The sweetness balances the heat, creating a satisfying kick without being overwhelmingly spicy for most palates. The slight vinegar tang adds another layer of complexity, making it incredibly versatile.
## Core Ingredient: Jersey Mike’s Jarred Pepper Relish
To embark on these culinary adventures, you’ll obviously need a jar (or several!) of Jersey Mike’s Pepper Relish. You can typically find it at Jersey Mike’s locations, and often at grocery stores in the condiment aisle, or online retailers. Make sure you have it on hand before you start cooking. If, for some reason, you can’t find it, you can approximate the flavor with a homemade version (recipes available online), but the authentic Jersey Mike’s relish truly elevates these dishes.
## Recipes Using Jersey Mike’s Jarred Pepper Relish
Here are some recipes using this delicious pepper relish. Each recipe includes a list of ingredients, detailed instructions, and tips for success.
### 1. Pepper Relish Cheeseburgers
Transform your average burger into a gourmet experience with a generous dollop of Jersey Mike’s Pepper Relish.
**Ingredients:**
* 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
* 4 burger buns
* 4 slices of your favorite cheese (cheddar, provolone, or pepper jack work well)
* 1/2 cup Jersey Mike’s Jarred Pepper Relish
* Lettuce, tomato, and onion slices (optional, for toppings)
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Optional: burger sauce or mayonnaise
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the patties:** Gently form the ground beef into four equal-sized patties. Don’t overwork the meat, as this can make the burgers tough. Season generously with salt and pepper.
2. **Cook the burgers:** Preheat your grill or a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer for desired doneness. In the last minute of cooking, place a slice of cheese on each patty to melt.
3. **Toast the buns:** While the burgers are cooking, lightly toast the burger buns.
4. **Assemble the burgers:** Spread your favorite burger sauce or mayonnaise (if using) on the bottom bun. Add lettuce, tomato, and onion slices (if desired). Top with a cheeseburger patty and a generous spoonful of Jersey Mike’s Jarred Pepper Relish.
5. **Serve immediately:** Enjoy your flavorful pepper relish cheeseburger!
**Tips for Success:**
* For extra flavor, mix a tablespoon of the pepper relish directly into the ground beef before forming the patties. This infuses the burger with the relish’s unique taste.
* Use a meat thermometer to ensure the burgers are cooked to a safe internal temperature.
* Don’t overcrowd the grill or skillet, as this can lower the temperature and prevent the burgers from browning properly.
### 2. Pepper Relish Deviled Eggs
Give your deviled eggs a spicy and sweet makeover with a touch of Jersey Mike’s Pepper Relish. This is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at potlucks and gatherings.
**Ingredients:**
* 6 hard-boiled eggs, peeled
* 1/4 cup mayonnaise
* 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
* 1 tablespoon Jersey Mike’s Jarred Pepper Relish
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Paprika, for garnish (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the egg yolks:** Slice the hard-boiled eggs in half lengthwise. Gently remove the yolks and place them in a medium-sized bowl.
2. **Mash the yolks:** Using a fork, mash the egg yolks until they are smooth.
3. **Add the remaining ingredients:** Add the mayonnaise, mustard, and Jersey Mike’s Jarred Pepper Relish to the bowl with the yolks. Mix well until everything is combined and creamy.
4. **Season to taste:** Season the mixture with salt and pepper to your liking. Remember that the pepper relish already has a slight saltiness, so taste before adding more salt.
5. **Fill the egg whites:** Spoon or pipe the yolk mixture back into the hollowed-out egg white halves.
6. **Garnish and chill:** Sprinkle with paprika (if desired) and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together.
**Tips for Success:**
* For a smoother yolk mixture, use a food processor or blender to combine the ingredients.
* If you don’t have a piping bag, you can use a resealable plastic bag with a corner snipped off to pipe the yolk mixture into the egg whites.
* Hard-boil the eggs properly to avoid a green ring around the yolks. Place the eggs in a saucepan, cover with cold water, bring to a boil, then remove from heat, cover, and let sit for 10-12 minutes.
### 3. Pepper Relish Chicken Salad Sandwiches
Elevate your chicken salad game with the unique flavor of Jersey Mike’s Pepper Relish. This sandwich is perfect for lunch or a light dinner.
**Ingredients:**
* 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
* 1/2 cup mayonnaise
* 1/4 cup Jersey Mike’s Jarred Pepper Relish
* 1/4 cup celery, finely chopped
* 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Bread of your choice (croissants, sourdough, or whole wheat work well)
* Lettuce leaves (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. **Combine the ingredients:** In a medium-sized bowl, combine the shredded chicken, mayonnaise, Jersey Mike’s Jarred Pepper Relish, celery, and red onion. Mix well until everything is evenly distributed.
2. **Season to taste:** Season the chicken salad with salt and pepper to your liking.
3. **Assemble the sandwiches:** Spread the chicken salad on slices of bread. Add lettuce leaves (if desired) and top with another slice of bread.
4. **Serve immediately or chill:** Enjoy your pepper relish chicken salad sandwich immediately, or wrap it tightly and chill it in the refrigerator for later.
**Tips for Success:**
* Use leftover rotisserie chicken for a quick and easy meal.
* Adjust the amount of mayonnaise to your preference. If you like a drier chicken salad, use less mayonnaise.
* Add other ingredients to the chicken salad, such as grapes, walnuts, or cranberries, for added flavor and texture.
### 4. Pepper Relish Grilled Cheese
Take your grilled cheese to the next level. The sweetness of the relish against the savory cheese is simply divine. The low heat and melting cheese tempers the peppers just enough to let their flavors shine.
**Ingredients:**
* 2 slices of your favorite bread (sourdough, white, or whole wheat)
* 2 slices of your favorite cheese (cheddar, provolone, or Monterey Jack)
* 1 tablespoon butter, softened
* 2 tablespoons Jersey Mike’s Jarred Pepper Relish
**Instructions:**
1. Butter one side of each slice of bread.
2. Place one slice of bread, butter-side down, in a skillet over low heat.
3. Top with one slice of cheese, then spread the pepper relish over the cheese.
4. Add the second slice of cheese, and then top with the other slice of bread, butter-side up.
5. Grill until the bottom slice of bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted and gooey, about 3-5 minutes. Flip and repeat on the other side.
6. Remove from the skillet and slice in half. Serve immediately.
**Tips for Success:**
* Use a non-stick skillet to prevent the grilled cheese from sticking.
* Cook over low heat to ensure the cheese melts completely without burning the bread.
* Experiment with different types of cheese to find your favorite combination.
### 5. Pepper Relish Pizza
Add some zing to your homemade or store-bought pizza by topping it with Jersey Mike’s Pepper Relish. This adds a unique flavor dimension to your pizza that you won’t find anywhere else.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 pre-made pizza crust or homemade pizza dough
* 1/2 cup pizza sauce
* 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
* 1/2 cup Jersey Mike’s Jarred Pepper Relish
* Optional toppings: pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, onions, bell peppers
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to the temperature recommended on the pizza crust packaging or recipe.
2. If using homemade dough, roll it out to your desired thickness and shape.
3. Spread the pizza sauce evenly over the crust, leaving a small border for the crust.
4. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
5. Add your desired toppings, such as pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers.
6. Spoon dollops of Jersey Mike’s Jarred Pepper Relish over the pizza.
7. Bake for the recommended time, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Let cool slightly before slicing and serving.
**Tips for Success:**
* For a spicier pizza, add more pepper relish.
* If you’re using a pre-made pizza crust, you can brush the edges with olive oil before baking to create a crispy crust.
* Bake the pizza on a pizza stone or baking sheet for a crispier crust.
### 6. Pepper Relish Cream Cheese Dip
This quick and easy dip is perfect for parties or a simple snack. The creamy cheese perfectly balances the sweet heat of the relish.
**Ingredients:**
* 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
* 1/2 cup Jersey Mike’s Jarred Pepper Relish
* Crackers, pretzels, or vegetables, for serving
**Instructions:**
1. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and Jersey Mike’s Jarred Pepper Relish.
2. Mix well until everything is fully combined and creamy.
3. Serve immediately with crackers, pretzels, or vegetables. You can also chill the dip for later.
**Tips for Success:**
* For a smoother dip, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to combine the ingredients.
* Add a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick.
* Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley for a more visually appealing dip.
### 7. Pepper Relish Coleslaw
This recipe turns a classic side dish into something special with a punchy flavor.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 bag (16 ounces) coleslaw mix
* 1/2 cup mayonnaise
* 1/4 cup Jersey Mike’s Jarred Pepper Relish
* 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
* 1 tablespoon sugar
* Salt and pepper to taste
**Instructions:**
1. In a large bowl, combine the coleslaw mix, mayonnaise, Jersey Mike’s Jarred Pepper Relish, apple cider vinegar, and sugar.
2. Mix well until everything is evenly coated.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving, to allow the flavors to meld.
**Tips for Success:**
* Adjust the amount of sugar to your preference. If you like a tangier coleslaw, use less sugar.
* Add other ingredients to the coleslaw, such as shredded carrots, diced celery, or raisins, for added flavor and texture.
* For a creamier coleslaw, use a full-fat mayonnaise.
### 8. Pepper Relish Salmon
Add a delicious glaze to salmon filets for an easy and impressive meal.
**Ingredients:**
* 4 salmon fillets (6-8 ounces each)
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1/4 cup Jersey Mike’s Jarred Pepper Relish
* 1 tablespoon lemon juice
* Salt and pepper to taste
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Brush the salmon fillets with olive oil.
5. In a small bowl, combine the Jersey Mike’s Jarred Pepper Relish and lemon juice.
6. Spoon the pepper relish mixture over the salmon fillets.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
**Tips for Success:**
* Use a meat thermometer to ensure the salmon is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
* Garnish with fresh parsley or dill before serving.
* Serve with roasted vegetables or rice for a complete meal.
### 9. Pepper Relish Quesadillas
Give your quesadillas a flavor boost. This is a quick lunch or dinner option that’s ready in minutes.
**Ingredients:**
* 2 large flour tortillas
* 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
* 1/4 cup Jersey Mike’s Jarred Pepper Relish
* Optional: cooked chicken, black beans, corn
**Instructions:**
1. Sprinkle half of the cheese on one tortilla.
2. Spoon the pepper relish over the cheese.
3. Add any optional ingredients, such as cooked chicken, black beans, or corn.
4. Top with the remaining cheese.
5. Place the second tortilla on top.
6. Cook in a lightly oiled skillet or griddle over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the tortilla is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
7. Cut into wedges and serve immediately.
**Tips for Success:**
* Use a non-stick skillet to prevent the quesadilla from sticking.
* Press down on the quesadilla with a spatula while cooking to help the cheese melt evenly.
* Serve with sour cream, salsa, or guacamole for dipping.
### 10. Pepper Relish Scrambled Eggs
Start your day with a spicy and flavorful kick. This simple addition transforms breakfast.
**Ingredients:**
* 2 eggs
* 1 tablespoon milk or cream
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 1 tablespoon Jersey Mike’s Jarred Pepper Relish
* 1 teaspoon butter or oil
**Instructions:**
1. In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk or cream, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat the butter or oil in a skillet over medium heat.
3. Pour the egg mixture into the skillet.
4. As the eggs begin to set, gently push the cooked portions towards the center of the skillet, allowing the uncooked egg to flow underneath.
5. Continue cooking until the eggs are set but still slightly moist.
6. Stir in the Jersey Mike’s Jarred Pepper Relish.
7. Serve immediately.
**Tips for Success:**
* Don’t overcook the eggs, as this will make them dry and rubbery.
* Use a non-stick skillet to prevent the eggs from sticking.
* Serve with toast, bacon, or sausage for a complete breakfast.
## Beyond the Recipes: Creative Uses for Pepper Relish
The recipes above offer a fantastic starting point, but don’t be afraid to experiment and get creative with Jersey Mike’s Pepper Relish. Here are a few more ideas:
* **Marinade for meats:** Add a few tablespoons to your favorite marinade for chicken, pork, or beef. It adds a subtle sweetness and a hint of spice.
* **Topping for tacos or nachos:** Substitute it for salsa or pico de gallo for a unique flavor.
* **Mixed into potato salad or macaroni salad:** Adds a surprising burst of flavor to classic side dishes.
* **Spread on sandwiches:** Use it as a condiment on any sandwich for a flavorful kick.
* **Added to dips:** Stir into hummus, guacamole, or even plain yogurt for an instant flavor upgrade.
## Storing Jersey Mike’s Jarred Pepper Relish
Once opened, Jersey Mike’s Jarred Pepper Relish should be stored in the refrigerator. It will typically last for several weeks, or even months, as long as it’s properly sealed. Always check the expiration date on the jar and discard if it shows signs of spoilage.
## Conclusion
Jersey Mike’s Jarred Pepper Relish is a versatile condiment that can add a burst of flavor to a wide range of dishes. From burgers and deviled eggs to pizza and salmon, the possibilities are endless. With its unique blend of sweet and spicy peppers, this relish is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. So, grab a jar and start experimenting with these delicious recipes today! You’ll be amazed at how easily you can elevate your meals with this simple yet flavorful ingredient. Happy cooking!