Pickle Stix
Crunchy and tangy pickle stix with a sweet and slightly spicy flavor profile, perfect for snacking or adding zest to sandwiches and salads.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut cucumbers into sticks.
- Cover cucumbers with water and soak for 4 or 5 hours.
- Drain the cucumbers.
- Pack the cucumber sticks into jars.
- Combine sugar, celery seed, mustard seed, vinegar, and salt in a pot.
- Bring the mixture to a boil and cook for 5 minutes.
- Pour the hot mixture over the cucumbers in the jars.
- Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 5 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For the best crunch, use fresh, firm cucumbers and soak them for the full 5 hours. If you prefer a spicier kick, consider adding red pepper flakes or dill to the brine. You can substitute white vinegar with apple cider vinegar for a milder flavor. Also, if you don't have celery seed, dill seed can work well as an alternative.
Serving Suggestions
These Pickle Stix make a perfect crunchy snack or appetizer. Serve them alongside sandwiches or burgers for added zest. They pair beautifully with Jazzy Hot Dogs at your next barbecue or picnic. For a creative twist, chop them up and mix them into a classic potato salad or a Jellied Apple Nut Salad for added flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store the jars in a cool, dark place for up to a year. Once opened, keep the jars in the refrigerator and consume within a month. To enjoy them cold, let the jars chill in the fridge for a few hours before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pickle Stix contains roughly 311 calories, with 8g protein, 73g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (144% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (73% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (65% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1776mg per serving (77% 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?
Absolutely! While Kirby cucumbers are recommended for their crunch, you can use English cucumbers or even pickling cucumbers. Just ensure they are fresh and firm to maintain the texture after pickling.
How long do the Pickle Stix need to sit before they are ready to eat?
After processing, it's best to let the Pickle Stix sit for at least 2 weeks before consuming. This allows the flavors to meld and enhances the overall taste. However, if you're eager, you can try them after a few days for a milder flavor.
What can I do with leftover brine?
Leftover brine can be reused for other pickling projects or as a tangy marinade for meats and vegetables. It also adds great flavor to salad dressings or can be used in recipes like Slushy Fruity Punch for a unique twist.
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).