Christmas Pickles

Prep: 15 min

Christmas Pickles are sweet and tangy preserves with a hint of onion and horseradish, perfect for holiday relish trays or gift-giving. Their vibrant flavors and crunchy texture make them a festive addition to any celebration, appealing to those who enjoy bold, flavorful condiments during the holiday season.

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Ingredients

  • 1 qt. jar processed dill pickles
  • 1 1/4 cups sugar
  • 2 tablespoons dehydrated onion flakes
  • 1 teaspoon celery seed
  • 3 tablespoons vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish or 1 teaspoon powdered horseradish

Instructions

  1. Drain pickles and discard the liquid.
  2. Slice each pickle lengthwise into quarters.
  3. Repack the pickle strips into the jar, adding remaining ingredients, alternating with the pickles.

Tips & Substitutions

For a sweeter pickle, feel free to adjust the sugar to your taste. If you don't have dehydrated onion flakes, you can substitute with fresh minced onion, but reduce the amount slightly. To enhance the flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat. These Christmas Pickles also pair well with sandwiches and charcuterie boards, making them a festive addition to any gathering.

Serving Suggestions

These Christmas Pickles make a delightful appetizer or side dish, especially during holiday meals. Serve them alongside roasted meats or as part of a holiday charcuterie board. They can also complement a refreshing Thai Noodle Salad, adding a tangy crunch. For an extra festive touch, consider pairing them with Almond Punch as a unique beverage.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover Christmas Pickles in the refrigerator in a sealed container. They can last for up to two weeks, and the flavors may deepen over time. There's no need to reheat them as they are best served cold or at room temperature. Just give the jar a gentle shake before serving to mix the ingredients.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Christmas Pickles contains roughly 288 calories, with 3g protein, 60g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

288 kcal 14% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 3g 6% DV
Total Fat 0.5g 1% DV
Carbs 59.8g 22% DV
Fiber 3.8g 14% DV
Sugar 36.3g 73% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 134.7mg 6% DV
Potassium 506.5mg 11% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 3.2mcg
Vitamin C 29.9mg 33% DV
Calcium 93.3mg 7% DV
Iron 2.3mg 13% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat

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

Can I use other types of pickles for this recipe?

Yes, you can experiment with different types of pickles, such as bread and butter or sweet gherkins, to create your preferred flavor profile. Just keep in mind that the sweetness level may change depending on the type of pickle you choose.

How long do the pickles need to sit before they are ready to eat?

For the best flavor, let the pickles marinate in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours before serving. This allows the ingredients to meld together, creating a more flavorful pickle experience.

Can I make these pickles ahead of time for a party?

Absolutely! You can prepare the Christmas Pickles up to a week in advance. Just store them in the refrigerator, and they'll be ready to serve when your guests arrive, adding convenience to your holiday preparations.

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).

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