Grandma'S Freezer Pickles

Prep: 20 min Cook: 10 min Cuisine: American

Grandma's freezer pickles offer crisp, tangy slices with a touch of sweetness, perfect as a snack or condiment for family gatherings and summer barbecues.

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Ingredients

  • 1 quart thin sliced cucumbers
  • 1 medium onion, sliced thin
  • salt
  • 1 1/2 cups sugar
  • 1/2 cup vinegar

Instructions

  1. Combine thin sliced cucumbers and sliced onion in a bowl.
  2. Salt to taste and let sit for 24 hours.
  3. Rinse and drain the cucumber and onion mixture.
  4. Pack the mixture into jars or plastic containers.
  5. Heat sugar and vinegar until the sugar is dissolved.
  6. Pour the hot sugar and vinegar mixture over the cucumbers.
  7. Let the mixture cool, then place in the freezer.
  8. Thaw before serving.

Tips & Substitutions

For the best flavor, allow the cucumbers and onions to sit in salt for exactly 24 hours to draw out moisture. If you're short on time, you can use pre-sliced cucumbers. Adjust the sugar to taste; if you prefer less sweetness, reduce it to 1 cup. For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the vinegar mixture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these pickles as a refreshing side dish to grilled meats or sandwiches like Linda's Finger Sandwiches. They also pair well with a charcuterie board or as a tangy topping on burgers. For a complete meal, enjoy alongside Preacher's Salad Favorite for a delightful summer feast.

Storage & Reheating

Store the freezer pickles in airtight jars or plastic containers in the freezer for up to 6 months. When ready to serve, simply thaw them in the refrigerator for a few hours or until fully defrosted. Do not refreeze once thawed, as it may affect the texture.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Grandma'S Freezer Pickles contains roughly 235 calories, with 2g protein, 47g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is a good source of iron (10% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1805mg per serving (78% of the Daily Value).

235 kcal 12% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 1.7g 3% DV
Total Fat 0.3g
Carbs 46.6g 17% DV
Fiber 1.1g 4% DV
Sugar 35.4g 71% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1805.4mg 78% DV
Potassium 328.5mg 7% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin C 9.1mg 10% DV
Calcium 71.3mg 5% DV
Iron 1.9mg 10% 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 vegetables for freezer pickles?

Absolutely! You can experiment with other vegetables like carrots or bell peppers. Just slice them thinly, similar to cucumbers, and adjust the pickling time as needed. Each vegetable will impart its unique flavor to the brine.

How long do these pickles last in the freezer?

These freezer pickles can last up to 6 months in the freezer. After thawing, they should be consumed within a week for the best taste and texture. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating.

Is it necessary to rinse the cucumbers after salting?

Yes, rinsing is important to remove excess salt and prevent the pickles from becoming too salty. After letting them sit for 24 hours, make sure to thoroughly rinse and drain them to achieve the perfect balance of flavor.

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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