5 Day Sweet Pickles
Sweet pickles with a balanced blend of sugary and tangy flavors, ideal for adding a sweet, spicy touch to sandwiches and platters, suitable for pickle lovers and gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Pour boiling water over cucumbers for 3 mornings.
- On the 4th morning, drain the cucumbers well.
- Bring sugar, vinegar, salt, and pickling spice to a boil.
- Pour the hot syrup over the cucumbers and let set overnight.
- Next morning, bring the mixture to a boil again.
- Pack the pickles into jars and pour the syrup over them.
- Seal the jars; no water bath processing is needed.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra crunch, consider using Kirby cucumbers, which are ideal for pickling. If you prefer a spicier flavor, add a few crushed red pepper flakes to the pickling spice mix. You can also adjust the sugar to vinegar ratio for a sweeter or tangier pickle depending on your taste. If fresh pickling spice is unavailable, you can create your own blend with mustard seeds, coriander, and dill.
Serving Suggestions
These sweet pickles make a delightful addition to a charcuterie board or sandwiches, particularly pairing well with rich meats and cheeses. They also enhance the flavor of salads or can be enjoyed alone as a snack. For a creative twist, serve them alongside My Mom'S Cranberry Sauce for a unique sweet and savory contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store the pickles in a cool, dark place for optimal flavor development. Once opened, keep the jars in the refrigerator, where they can last for several months. The pickles may become softer over time, but their flavor will continue to improve. Always use clean utensils when serving to avoid contamination.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of 5 Day Sweet Pickles contains roughly 214 calories, with 1g protein, 41g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is a good source of iron (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1800mg per serving (78% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will these pickles last?
Once sealed and stored properly, these sweet pickles can last up to a year in a cool, dark place. After opening, they should be refrigerated and consumed within 3 to 6 months for the best quality and flavor.
Can I use other vegetables for this recipe?
Yes, you can experiment with other vegetables like carrots, green beans, or even cauliflower. Just adjust the soaking times and ensure they are cut to a similar size as cucumbers to maintain even pickling.
What is the best way to serve these pickles?
These sweet pickles are fantastic as a condiment for burgers and sandwiches or as a side to barbecue dishes. They also pair well with dishes like Stewed Potatoes, enhancing their flavor with a sweet crunch.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).