Pauline'S Easy Pickles
Tangy, spicy homemade pickles with a sweet and hot flavor profile, perfect for snack lovers and those seeking bold, flavorful preserved vegetables.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain juice from all 4 jars of sliced dill pickles.
- Keep 3 cups of pickle juice.
- Add Tabasco sauce to the pickle juice and set aside.
- Layer the pickle slices and sugar in a glass pan until all are layered.
- Pour the pickle juice mixture over the layered pickle slices and sugar.
- Let sit for 10 hours until the sugar is dissolved.
- Remove the pickle slices and transfer them to a gallon jar; cover with a lid.
- Let stand for 1 week to seal in the jars.
- Do not heat the pickles.
- Heat only the jars and lids to seal. When unsealed, keep in the refrigerator.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, adjust the amount of Tabasco sauce to your taste. You can also substitute the sugar with a sugar alternative like agave nectar or stevia for a lower-calorie option. Ensure that the glass pan is clean to avoid any contamination. If you prefer a sweeter or tangier flavor, consider adding a bit of apple cider vinegar to the pickle juice mixture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these easy pickles as a zesty side with sandwiches or burgers. They pair beautifully with Mock Dressing for a refreshing salad. You can also chop them up and add to potato or pasta salads for an extra crunch. Enjoy them as a snack on their own or alongside charcuterie boards for a delightful contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store the pickles in a sealed gallon jar in the refrigerator. They can last for several weeks when properly sealed. If you notice any signs of spoilage, discard them immediately. For best flavor, consume within a month. Avoid reheating, as these pickles are best enjoyed cold straight from the jar.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pauline'S Easy Pickles contains roughly 547 calories, with 17g protein, 126g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (228% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (90% of the Daily Value), and iron (50% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 a different type of pickle for this recipe?
Yes, you can use other types of pickles, such as bread and butter or half-sours, depending on your taste preference. Just keep in mind that the flavor of the final product will vary based on the type of pickle you choose.
How long do these pickles need to sit before they're ready to eat?
After layering the pickles and sugar, you need to let them sit for 10 hours until the sugar is dissolved. Once transferred to the jar, let them sit for another week to properly seal and enhance the flavors before consuming.
Is it necessary to use glass jars for storage?
Using glass jars is recommended as they are non-reactive and help preserve the flavor of the pickles. Plastic containers may absorb odors and flavors over time, so glass is the best option for long-term storage.
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).