Easy Pickles
Tangy, sweet, and crisp pickles with a hint of spice, perfect for adding a flavorful crunch to sandwiches or enjoying as a snack, suitable for pickle lovers and home canners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Fill jars with pickles, then add cold water.
- Add powdered alum, pickling spice, canning salt, and apple cider vinegar to each quart jar.
- Seal the jars.
- Before using, remove the pickles from brine about 12 to 24 hours ahead of time.
- Wash the pickles in cold water twice and drain.
- Split each pickle and return to the rinsed jar.
- Add sugar and cold water to the jar.
- Place the jars in the refrigerator and keep refrigerated.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, use firm, fresh cucumbers to ensure your pickles remain crunchy. You can substitute white vinegar for apple cider vinegar if desired. If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the sugar to 3/4 cup. Remember to wash your jars thoroughly before filling them, and always seal them tightly to maintain freshness. This recipe is a great way to make use of leftover cucumbers from your garden or market, similar to Liz's Cucumber Pickles.
Serving Suggestions
These easy pickles are perfect as a crunchy snack on their own or as a side dish with sandwiches and burgers. They pair beautifully with hot dogs and can add a zesty kick to salads. For a fun gathering, serve them alongside Dainty Little Tea Cookies and Hot Spiced Cranberry Punch to create a delightful spread that balances savory and sweet flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store your pickles in the refrigerator in an airtight container. They can last for several weeks when kept cold. If you notice any changes in color or odor, it's best to discard them. When ready to enjoy, simply remove the pickles from the brine and serve cold. Do not freeze the pickles, as this can alter their texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Easy Pickles contains roughly 15 calories, with 0g protein, 1g carbohydrates, and 0g 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
How long do the pickles need to marinate before they are ready to eat?
For the best flavor, allow the pickles to marinate in the brine for at least 24 hours before consuming. This allows the spices and vinegar to penetrate the cucumbers, enhancing their flavor. However, if you're in a hurry, you can start enjoying them after just 12 hours, but the taste will be milder.
Can I adjust the spice level in this recipe?
Absolutely! If you prefer a spicier pickle, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños to the jars. Adjust the amount based on your heat tolerance. Conversely, if you want less spice, you can reduce the amount of pickling spice or omit it entirely for a milder flavor.
What types of cucumbers are best for this pickling recipe?
For this recipe, small pickling cucumbers, often labeled as 'Kirby' cucumbers, are ideal due to their firm texture and thin skin. If those are unavailable, regular cucumbers can be used, but be sure to select ones that are still relatively firm. Avoid overly ripe cucumbers, as they may become mushy in the brine.
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).