Aunt Marie'S Refrigerator Pickles
Crisp, tangy refrigerator pickles with a perfect balance of vinegar, sugar, and fresh cucumber flavor, ideal for adding a crunchy, sweet-sour punch to sandwiches and salads.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil the vinegar and sugar until the sugar dissolves.
- Cool the mixture completely.
- Mix the sliced cucumbers, salt, and chopped onions in a bowl.
- Let the mixture stand at room temperature for 1 1/2 hours, then drain.
- Add the cooled vinegar mixture to the cucumber mixture.
- Place the mixture in a glass or plastic container and refrigerate.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your pickles, consider adding spices like dill or mustard seeds for an extra kick. If you're short on time, you can use store-bought pickling spice. For a sweeter profile, try substituting half of the white sugar with brown sugar. Make sure to slice your cucumbers as thin as possible for optimal pickling.
Serving Suggestions
These refrigerator pickles make a perfect crunchy side dish for barbecues and picnics, pairing beautifully with Chuck Roast Paprika or grilled meats. Serve them alongside sandwiches or burgers for a refreshing taste contrast. They are also great as a snack on their own or as a topping for salads like Fourth Of July Fruit Salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store the refrigerator pickles in an airtight container in the fridge. They can last up to 2 weeks. There's no need to reheat them, as they are best served cold or at room temperature. Just give them a good shake before serving to redistribute the flavorful brine.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Aunt Marie'S Refrigerator Pickles contains roughly 147 calories, with 2g protein, 21g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1811mg per serving (79% 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 do these pickles need to sit before they're ready to eat?
While you can technically eat them right after mixing, it's best to let the pickles marinate in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours. This allows the flavors to meld together and the cucumbers to absorb the brine fully, resulting in a more flavorful pickle.
Can I use different types of cucumbers for this recipe?
Yes, you can use different varieties of cucumbers, such as English cucumbers or even pickling cucumbers, depending on your preference. Just ensure they are fresh and firm to achieve the best crunch in your refrigerator pickles.
Is it possible to make these pickles spicy?
Absolutely! If you enjoy a little heat, you can add sliced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the cucumber mixture. Adjust the amount according to your spice tolerance, and let the mixture sit longer to infuse the heat into the pickles.
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).