Homemade Hot Giardiniera Recipe

Simple Ingredients Make It Easy

Chicago Style Giardiniera is commonly made with sport peppers but since they’re not widely available I added sliced serrano peppers to my recipe. You can also use sliced jalapenos since they’re easier to find.

Here is what you need to make Giardiniera:

• Vinegar – White vinegar or distilled vinegar is standard in most pickling recipes. You can substitute with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar for a hint of sweetness.
• Sugar – I go for the granulated white sugar for pickle recipes but you can mix up a richer flavor by substituting with brown sugar or coconut sugar.
• Vegetables – A mix of fresh cauliflower florets, celery ribs, Serrano peppers, carrots and red bell peppers are the classic blend of veggies for a Chicago-style giardiniera. For a mild giardiniera, omit the Serrano peppers.
• Olive Oil – Extra Virgin Olive Oil adds a heartiness to the giardiniera mix. If you prefer, you can substitute with avocado oil. If you love olive flavor, you can mix in a cup of chopped green olives to the mix, as well.
• Seasoning – I season simply with kosher salt, black pepper, bay leaves and Italian Seasoning. You can up the spice favor by sprinkling in ground cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes.

For the full ingredient list and instructions, see the recipe card below.

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How to Make Giardiniera

You’re not going to believe how easy it is to make this Quick Giardiniera recipe (also known as refrigerator giardiniera), it’s ready in about an hour but the longer it sits the better the flavors are.

My quick pickling method is the same one I use for all my pickled veggies which takes the overnight soaking process out of the equation.

1. Simply bring the vinegar, water, sugar and spices to a boil in a large pot over medium high heat.
2. Add the fresh vegetables, garlic cloves and continue to boil for 5 minutes then allow them to steep in the pickling liquid for another 10 minutes.
3. Transfer the vegetable mixture to canning jars or a large glass bowl. Add the vinegar brine to the vegetables
4. Season with a little olive oil, salt, pepper and more crushed pepper, if you’d like.
5. Easy peasy!

I use it chopped up finely for these easy Muffuletta Sandwiches or as part of an antipasto platter, too!

What is Giardiniera

Giardiniera is a blend of pickled vegetables commonly found in Italian cuisine. Chicago Style Giardiniera is known to be spicy because of the addition of hot peppers in the mix. 

Giardiniera is used to top sandwiches, pizzas, hot dogs and more lending a tangy, pickle-y bite to often rich dishes. It’s simply magical.

My easy to make Hot Giardiniera recipe is fantastic on pizza! (yeah, that’s right!) It’s also fantastic chopped up and served on crackers with melted cheddar, or just serve it in a bowl to add to your next Italian inspired charcuterie board.

I especially love it mixed into these Italian Style Roasted Pork Sandwiches or to top Crock Pot Italian Beef Sandwich…..and who can blame me!?!? It adds the most interesting puckery, pickle-y flavor and the spice is total perfection with the rich pork. If you don’t like heat, you can leave out the spicy peppers.