Delicious Pickles
Tangy homemade pickles with a crisp texture, balanced sweetness and spice, perfect for snack lovers and those craving classic preserved vegetables.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dissolve 1 cup of salt in 11 cups of water.
- Pour the brine over the cucumbers, ensuring they are submerged.
- Let stand in a cool place for 2 weeks, keeping covered and skimming off any foam.
- After 2 weeks, wash off the brine from the cucumbers.
- Slice the cucumbers lengthwise and cover with water and 2 Tbsp alum.
- Let stand for 3 hours, then drain the cucumbers.
- Pour vinegar over the cucumbers to cover them.
- Add 2 Tbsp pickling spices to the jar or jug.
- Let stand for 24 hours.
- Drain the cucumbers and discard the solution.
- Add 3 cups sugar to the jar each morning for 3 consecutive mornings, stirring gently to dissolve the sugar and make the syrup.
- Put the pickles in gallon jugs or jars. Do not need to seal.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crunchier pickle, consider adding a few grape leaves to the jar, as they contain tannins that help maintain firmness. If you want to reduce salt, you can use kosher salt instead of regular salt, but adjust the quantity since kosher salt flakes are larger. Be sure to use fresh cucumbers for the best flavor and texture.
Serving Suggestions
These delicious pickles serve as a perfect snack or appetizer. They pair wonderfully with sandwiches or burgers, adding a tangy crunch to your meal. You can also serve them alongside a charcuterie board or with dishes like Swedish Meatballs My Way for a delightful contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store your pickles in a cool, dark place. They can last for several months if kept sealed in jars. Once opened, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a month. To maintain their crunchiness, avoid leaving them in brine for too long after opening.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Delicious Pickles contains roughly 2 calories, with 0g protein, 0g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1744mg 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
Can I use different types of cucumbers for this recipe?
Yes, you can use various cucumber types, such as Kirby or English cucumbers. However, Kirby cucumbers are preferred for pickling due to their firm texture and lower moisture content, which helps achieve that classic crunch.
How can I adjust the sweetness of the pickles?
To adjust the sweetness, feel free to modify the sugar amount in the recipe. You can decrease it for a less sweet pickle or add a bit more if you prefer a sweeter taste. Just remember to keep the balance with the salt and vinegar for proper preservation.
What should I do if the pickles turn out too salty?
If your pickles are too salty, you can soak them in fresh water for a couple of hours to help leach out some of the salt. Be sure to taste them periodically to achieve your desired flavor before proceeding with the final steps.
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).