"Red Hot" Sweet Pickles
Red Hot Sweet Pickles are vibrant, spicy-sweet preserved cucumbers infused with red food coloring, cinnamon, and red hots. Their bold flavors make them a perfect accompaniment for picnics, barbecues, or as a tangy snack for those who love a fiery twist on traditional pickles.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Peel, seed, and cut cucumbers into rings or chunks.
- Soak in cold water mixed with 2 cups lime to cover for 24 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Rinse very well in cold water and soak in cold water for 3 hours.
- Drain and simmer the cucumbers for 2 hours in a mixture of 1 cup vinegar, 1 tablespoon alum, and red food coloring added to water to cover.
- Drain and prepare the following mixture:
- Combine 2 cups vinegar, 2 cups water, 10 cups sugar, 8 cinnamon sticks, and 8 ounces red hots.
- Bring the mixture to a boil and pour over the pickles.
- Let stand for 24 hours before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. If you prefer a less sweet pickle, reduce the sugar to 8 cups. For a more natural coloring, you can use beet juice instead of red food coloring. Remember to soak the cucumbers well to ensure they absorb the brine fully. Also, using fresh cucumbers will yield the best results.
Serving Suggestions
These sweet pickles make an excellent condiment for sandwiches or burgers, adding a tangy sweetness that complements savory flavors. They pair wonderfully with dishes like Unfried Chicken or Beef In A Skillet. Serve them alongside a cheese platter or as a topping for salads, such as Strawberry-Cranberry Salad, for a delightful crunch.
Storage & Reheating
Store the pickles in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can last up to 2 months when properly sealed. For best taste, consume within the first few weeks. If you want to enjoy them warm, simply heat a small portion on the stovetop over low heat, but avoid boiling to maintain their texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of "Red Hot" Sweet Pickles contains roughly 114 calories, with 2g protein, 29g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (49% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. It also contributes 5g 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 other types of cucumbers for this recipe?
Yes, you can use English cucumbers or any pickling variety available. Just ensure they are firm and fresh for the best texture. If using smaller cucumbers, you may need to adjust the cutting size to maintain uniformity in soaking and pickling.
How can I adjust the sweetness of the pickles?
To modify the sweetness, you can reduce the sugar amount to your taste. Alternatively, try using a sugar substitute like agave or honey, but note that this may alter the flavor slightly. Experiment to find the balance that suits you best.
Can I make these pickles without red hots?
Absolutely! If you prefer a milder flavor, you can omit the red hots or substitute them with a dash of cayenne pepper for a subtle heat. This allows you to customize the spice level according to your preference while still enjoying the sweet and tangy profile.
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).