Red Hot Pickle Rings
Sweet and spicy pickled yellow cucumber rings with vibrant red color, perfect for snacking or garnishing, offering a tangy, spicy flavor that appeals to pickle lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Peel and seed the cucumbers, then cut into rings.
- Cover cucumber rings with lime and water mixture and soak for 24 hours.
- Drain and wash the cucumber rings in cold water.
- Soak the cucumber rings in ice water for 3 hours, then drain.
- Mix 1 cup vinegar, red food color, and alum; pour over the cucumber rings with water to cover.
- Heat and simmer the mixture for 2 hours, then drain.
- Bring 2 cups vinegar, 2 cups water, sugar, stick cinnamon, and red Hots to a boil.
- Pour the boiling syrup over the cucumber rings.
- Weigh down the rings to keep them covered with the mixture.
- Let stand overnight.
- Heat the mixture on three mornings; on the third morning, heat to boiling, then pack the rings into jars and seal.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, use fresh, firm cucumbers and ensure they are thoroughly peeled and seeded. If you can't find red food color, you can use beet juice for a natural alternative. Adjust the sugar to your taste if you prefer a less sweet pickle. Make sure to weigh down the cucumber rings properly to ensure they absorb the syrup well.
Serving Suggestions
These Red Hot Pickle Rings are a great addition to sandwiches, burgers, or served alongside charcuterie boards. They pair beautifully with Wendell'S Chicken Stew or can add a zesty crunch to salads. Consider serving them with a refreshing drink like Frosty Lime Fizz for a complete meal experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store the sealed jars of Red Hot Pickle Rings in a cool, dark place. Once opened, keep them in the refrigerator and consume within a month for optimal flavor. If you want to enjoy them cold, let them chill in the fridge for a few hours before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Red Hot Pickle Rings contains roughly 992 calories, with 8g protein, 205g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (64% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (59% of the Daily Value), and potassium (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. It also contributes 18g 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
Can I use different types of cucumbers for this recipe?
Yes, you can use various cucumbers, but yellow cucumbers provide a unique flavor and color. If you substitute with regular cucumbers, ensure they're peeled and seeded properly for the best texture.
How long do these pickles last?
When sealed properly, these pickle rings can last up to a year in a cool, dark place. Once opened, store them in the refrigerator, and they should be consumed within a month for the best taste.
Can I adjust the sweetness of the pickles?
Absolutely! You can reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe to make them less sweet. Start by decreasing the sugar by a quarter cup and adjust according to your taste preferences. Remember to taste the syrup before pouring it over the cucumbers.
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).