Spicy Pickles

Spicy pickles are the quintessential Spanish appetizer: pickled skewers with chili peppers, gherkins with chili, pickled peppers, sweet and sour spring onions... Everything you need for a perfect vermouth or a charcuterie board with personality.

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What are Spicy Pickles Used For?

Aperitif Vermouth Full
Pickled skewers + chili peppers + gherkins + olives + spicy almonds = the perfect Spanish appetizer. Serve with red or white vermouth on the rocks.

Assorted Pickles Platter
Assemble a platter with 5-6 different types of peppers: green chilies, gherkins, red peppers, spring onions, and cucumbers. Add Manchego cheese and ham. A premium appetizer for guests.

Topping Hamburgers and Hot Dogs
Spicy pickles on a burger = an American classic. Chili peppers on a hot dog = an improved Spanish version, especially when combined with ourhomemade hot sauces.

Classic Cocktails

  • Bloody Mary: Green chili pepper + pickle as a garnish.
  • Gibson: Pickled spring onion instead of olive.
  • Dirty Martini: Spicy pickle in a daring version.

Salads and Bowls
Chop gherkins and chili peppers and sprinkle them over green salads, quinoa bowls, or pasta salad. The acidity and spiciness work as a natural dressing.

Snacks and Sandwiches
Chili peppers in a ham sandwich, gherkins in a tuna sandwich, peppers in a Spanish omelet sandwich. It elevates any sandwich to another level.

Types of Spicy Pickles

  • Spicy Banderillas (The Spanish Appetizer Par Excellence)

    Banderillas are skewers of pickled vegetables: chili pepper + gherkin + spring onion + olive + anchovy (optional). Spicy versions use extra-hot chili peppers or hot pickled peppers.

    Spice level: Variable. There are mild (4/10) and extra spicy (7/10).
    Composition: Basque chili pepper + sweet and sour gherkin + spring onion + Manzanilla olive.
    Use: Classic Spanish bar aperitif, vermouth,spicy beersgin and tonic.

    Recommendation: Gourmet Spicy Banderillas – natural chili peppers from the Basque Country, without artificial preservatives.

  • Pickled Chillies (The Addictive Pickle)

    Pickled chili peppers are the quintessential Spanish pickle. Small, green (or red if ripe), in acidic brine. When you bite into one, first the acid, then the heat. Addictive.

    Itch level: Medium-high (6/10).There are varieties:

    • Ibarra peppers: Mild, sweet, controlled spiciness (4/10).
    • Basque Country chili peppers: More intense, medium-high spiciness (6-7/10).
    • Cayenne pepper: Extreme version for the brave (8/10).

    Uses: As a snack, as a topping for sandwiches, as an accompaniment to gilda, in cocktails (bloody mary).

    Recommendation: Artisan Basque Country Chili Peppers – crunchy texture, natural wine vinegar, unpasteurized.

  • Spicy Pickles (The International Pickle)

    Spicy gherkins are small cucumbers pickled in vinegar with hot spices. There are two main styles:

    American Style: With dill + cayenne + mustard. Anise flavor + direct spiciness.
    Spanish Style: With garlic + hot paprika + oregano. Mediterranean flavor + controlled heat.

    Itchiness level: Mild-medium (4/10).
    Uses: Appetizer, hamburgers, hot dogs, pickle board, salad topping, Cuban sandwich.

    Recommendation: Spicy Sweet & Sour Pickles – perfect balance of sour + sweet + spicy.

  • Spicy Peppers in Vinegar (The Northern Classic)

    Piquillo peppers, choricero peppers or long pickled chili peppers with spices. Typical of Navarre and the Basque Country.

    Spiciness level: Variable (3-6/10) depending on the variety.
    Characteristics: Meaty, with a firm texture, sweet + sour + spicy flavor.
    Uses: Appetizer, tortilla topping, empanada filling, meat garnish.

    Recommendation: Spicy Piquillo Peppers – IGP Navarra, authentic flavor.

  • Spicy Pickled Spring Onions (The Sweet and Sour Touch)

    Small (pearl) spring onions pickled in vinegar with spices and a touch of chili. Sweet and sour flavor with a mild spicy finish.

    Itch level: Mild (3/10).
    Characteristics: Sweet at first, sour at the end, with a subtle spicy touch.
    Uses: Cocktails (gibson, bloody mary), pickle platter, garnish for cold cuts.

    Perfect for those seeking controlled spice in an elegant appetizer.

  • Spicy Pickled Cucumbers (The Large Version)

    Whole or thickly sliced cucumbers pickled with hot spices. Less common than gherkins, but with a more intense flavor.

    Itching level: Medium (5/10).
    Characteristics: Crunchy, juicy, more intense flavor than pickles.
    Uses: Appetizer, assorted pickle platter, snacks, XL hamburgers.
     

    Frequently Asked Questions about Spicy Pickles