Best Company Pickles
Crisp, tangy pickles with bold vinegar flavors, perfect for snacking or serving alongside meals. These homemade pickles suit those who love crunchy, flavorful preserved vegetables.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash cucumbers and leave them whole.
- Pour boiling water over the cucumbers and let stand overnight.
- Combine white vinegar, cider vinegar, salt, and pickling spices in a saucepan.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then pour over the cucumbers in jars.
- Seal the jars and let them sit for at least a week before tasting.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, use fresh, firm cucumbers to ensure a satisfying crunch. If you prefer a milder pickle, reduce the amount of cider vinegar slightly. You can also experiment with different pickling spices to customize the flavor. For a sweet twist, consider adding sugar or using a sweet pickle spice blend, similar to Bread And Butter Sweet Pickles.
Serving Suggestions
These pickles are perfect as a tangy snack on their own or served alongside sandwiches. They pair beautifully with Glenda'S Cake at a summer picnic or BBQ. Consider offering them as a side to burgers or hot dogs, or chop them up to enhance potato salads or coleslaw for added flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store the sealed jars of pickles in a cool, dark place, such as a pantry or cellar. Once opened, keep the pickles in the refrigerator to maintain their crispness. They can last for several months when stored properly. If you intend to enjoy them warm, simply heat a small portion in a saucepan over low heat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Best Company Pickles contains roughly 92 calories, with 3g protein, 11g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (17% of the Daily Value), potassium (14% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1759mg per serving (76% 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 the pickles need to sit before they are ready to eat?
The pickles should sit for at least a week to develop their flavor fully. However, for best results, allowing them to sit for two weeks will enhance the taste even more, giving the spices time to infuse into the cucumbers.
Can I use other types of vinegar for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute apple cider vinegar or even red wine vinegar for a different flavor profile. Keep in mind that the taste will vary slightly with different vinegars, so choose one that complements your palate.
What can I do with leftover pickling brine?
Leftover pickling brine can be reused for quick pickling other vegetables like onions, carrots, or radishes. Just ensure you store it in the fridge and use it within a week to maintain freshness. It also makes a flavorful addition to salad dressings or marinades.
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).