Lazy Day Sweet Pickles
Sweet, crunchy pickles with a homemade syrup, perfect for snacking or serving alongside meals. Ideal for those who love tangy, sweet, and easy-to-make treats.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Pour all juice off the pickles and reserve.
- Empty pickles into a bowl and chop or chunk the pickles.
- Return the chopped pickles to the jar.
- Add 1 cup of the reserved pickle juice to the jar.
- Add the sugar to the jar.
- Re-seal the jar and refrigerate.
- Every few days, shake the jar to mix.
- The pickles will make their own syrup and become sweet and crunchy in approximately 2 weeks.
- If not quite sweet enough, add 1/4 to 1/2 cup more sugar and continue refrigerating.
- Enjoy your sweet pickles!
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra flavor twist, consider adding a pinch of garlic powder or a few slices of onion to the pickles before sealing the jar. If you prefer a spicier kick, try incorporating a few slices of jalapeño. Remember that the pickles will develop more sweetness over time, so taste them before adding additional sugar. This recipe is a great way to use up leftover pickles from other American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
These sweet pickles make a delightful snack on their own or can be served as a tangy side dish. They pair wonderfully with sandwiches, particularly pulled pork or grilled cheeses. For a unique twist, try serving them alongside Oven Barbecued Ribs for a sweet and savory contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store your sweet pickles in the refrigerator in their sealed jar. They should remain fresh for about a month. If you find the syrup thickening too much, you can add a little more reserved pickle juice to maintain consistency. Do not freeze them, as this can alter their crunchy texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lazy Day Sweet Pickles contains roughly 116 calories, with 3g protein, 29g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (49% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (20% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 6g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 sweet pickles need to sit before they are ready to eat?
The sweet pickles need to sit in the refrigerator for about 2 weeks to develop their syrup and sweetness. During this time, shake the jar every few days to ensure that the sugar fully dissolves and mixes well with the pickles.
Can I use fresh cucumbers instead of dill pickles?
While this recipe is specifically designed for dill pickles, you can use fresh cucumbers to make a similar sweet pickle. Slice fresh cucumbers and follow the same process, but keep in mind that the texture and flavor profile may differ from the original recipe.
What can I do if the pickles are not sweet enough for my taste?
If you find that your sweet pickles are not sweet enough after the initial two weeks, simply add an additional 1/4 to 1/2 cup of sugar to the jar, shake well, and let them sit for a few more days to reach your desired sweetness.
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).