Home » Sauces and Condiments » Sweet Pepper and Onion Relish

Sweet Pepper and Onion Relish

This post may contain affiliate links. See my disclosure policy.

This Sweet Pepper and Onion Relish recipe is my copycat version of Harry & David’s popular treat.  It’s delightful mixed with cream cheese and spread on crackers or used as a glaze for pork and chicken.  And it makes a fabulous gift!

harry and david sweet pepper and onion relish recipe copycat

I always enjoy receiving homemade gifts.  When someone takes the time to make something for you, whether it’s a simple plate of cookies or some elaborate craft, it says a lot.  It makes you feel all the more unique, special, appreciated and loved.  Cooking happens to be one of my biggest passions, and so naturally I particularly enjoy making gifts for people that are edible.  This Sweet Pepper and Onion Relish makes the perfect gift and has always been a hit with everyone.

If you’ve ever tried the popular Harry and David Sweet Pepper and Onion Relish you know how delicious it is.  It’s also quite pricey and you get such a small amount – which is pure torture because you want enough of it so that you can eating it without worrying about running out!  Well this homemade version solves that problem.  It yields 12 half pint jars and at a fraction of the cost!  And I promise you, it tastes AMAZING! Slather this relish on chicken or pork before baking for a marvelous glaze or mix it with cream cheese and serve it with crackers – it’s fabulous!

Sweet Pepper and Onion Relish Recipe

Let’s get started!

Combine all the ingredients, except for the pectin, in a large stock pot.

adding veggies to pot
adding sugar to pot

Bring it to a boil, reduce the heat to low, and simmer, uncovered, for 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally.  Be sure to simmer it uncovered so that some of the liquid evaporates. Now it’s time to add the pectin.  You won’t need much because most of the liquid will have evaporated by now.

Add the pectin. For this recipe I use and recommend Ball’s Realfruit Classic Pectin. Bring the mixture to a rapid boil and boil for 1 minute.  Remove from the heat.

cooking the veggies

Immediately ladle the hot relish into hot sterilized canning jars with sealable canning lids.

Process in a water bath canner with the water covering the top of the jars by least 3 inches and process for 20 minutes.

Harry and David Sweet Pepper and Onion Relish Recipe copycat

Remove the jars from the canner and let them rest for 24 hours undisturbed before moving.   This Sweet Pepper & Onion Relish will keep up to a year.

Harry & David Sweet Pepper and Onion Relish Copycat Recipe

This recipe makes about a dozen 1/2 pint jars.  For the ones you want to give away as gifts, just tie a ribbon around them with a little label.  Are they cute or what?

Harry & David Sweet Pepper and Onion Relish Copycat Recipe

Enjoy this relish mixed with cream cheese and spread on crackers, as a glaze for chicken or pork, or however else your imagination inspires!

Harry & David Sweet Pepper and Onion Relish Copycat Recipe

For more delicious homemade relishes try my:

Save This Recipe

Enter your email address and we’ll send it straight to your inbox!

harry and david sweet pepper and onion relish recipe copycat

Sweet Pepper and Onion Relish (Harry and David Copycat)

A copycat recipe for Harry & David favorite. Delicious mixed with cream cheese and spread on crackers or used as a glaze for pork and chicken.
4.98 from 73 votes
Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Water Bath Canning Time 20 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 35 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 6 cups skinned, seeded and diced tomatoes , first blanch the tomatoes in boiling water for 30 seconds for easy peeling (a few readers have reported success using the equivalent of canned tomatoes; drain first)
  • 6 cups seeded and diced red bell peppers
  • 4 cups diced yellow onion
  • 4 jalapenos , seeded and diced
  • 2 cups white vinegar
  • 1 1/2 cups cider vinegar
  • 5 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons salt
  • 1 tablespoon cayenne
  • 6 tablespoons Ball Classic Realfruit Pectin , or equivalent (I have only used and tested this recipe with the Ball product)

Instructions
 

  • Place all the ingredients, except for the pectin, in a large stock pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 1 1/2 hours, uncovered, stirring occasionally. Add more cayenne to taste if desired. Add the pectin and quickly bring to a boil for 1 minute. ***See NOTE below.
    Remove from heat and ladle the hot mixture into hot, sterilized canning jars, leaving 1/2 inch headspace.
  • Process the jars in a water bath canner with the water at least three inches above the jars, for 20 minutes. Remove the jars and let them sit undisturbed for 24 hours. Store in a dark, cool place. This relish will keep for up to a year.
    Makes about 6 pints or 12 half pint jars.

Notes

* Do a quick test before canning the relish: Put a small spoonful on a cool plate and wait a couple of minutes then check for consistency. It shouldn’t be running all over the plate, nor should it be firm like jello. If it’s too runny for your preference, add a little more pectin and boil for another minute. Repeat as necessary. (Note, it can take a full 24-48 hours for pectin to set properly. Shake one of the jars and see if it’s runny. If it is, you can still “rescue” them by opening the jars (you’ll need to use new lids but as long as the rims aren’t bent you can reuse those), pour everything back into a pot, bring back to a boil and stir in more pectin. Then can again.)
Course condiment, dip, glaze
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Originally published on The Daring Gourmet November 21, 2013

kimberly killebrew the daring gourmet

Hi, I’m Kimberly Killebrew and welcome to Daring Gourmet where you'll find delicious originals, revitalized classics, and simply downright good eats from around the world! Originally from Germany, later raised in England, world-traveled, and now living in the U.S., from my globally-influenced kitchen I invite you to tour the world through your taste buds!

Read more about me...

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




4.98 from 73 votes (53 ratings without comment)

197 Comments

  1. I just love homemade gifts like this! I just think they mean so much more than something bought at the store!

  2. I’m ashamed to say I have never canned anything!! It’s always intimidated me but your directions seem easier than I thought!

  3. I think this would make an amazing gift. Say, for a food blogger. Someone who visits your blog a lot. Who happens to like relish such as this one. And her name might happen to be Kim. Just saying’.

    Ha, I absolutely love this. Nothing beats homemade condiments. My sister cans like a fiend. I’ve done it before but I get so nervous I’m not doing it right. Silly, I know.

    1. LOL, Kim! If we were neighbors I’d more than happily hook you up :) I know what you mean, I was pretty intimidated at the thought of canning, especially pressure canning, before I got started with it but after the first time you it’s all a breeze.