Quick Sweet and Spicy Refrigerator Pickles
A simple and fast recipe for crunchy, sweet, and spicy refrigerator pickles that are ready in 24 hours and perfect for snacks or sides.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 24 hours (including chilling time)
- Yield: 2 jars (about 8 servings) 1x
- Category: Snack
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 medium fresh cucumbers, thinly sliced (preferably Kirby or Persian cucumbers)
- 1 cup (240 ml) white vinegar (5% acidity)
- 1 cup (240 ml) water
- 2 tablespoons (25 g) granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon (18 g) honey
- 1 tablespoon (15 g) kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 3 garlic cloves, smashed or thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns (optional)
- Fresh dill sprigs (optional)
Instructions
- Wash and thinly slice about 4 medium cucumbers (about 4 cups/600g) to about 1/8 inch (3 mm) thickness.
- In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup white vinegar, 1 cup water, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon honey, and 1 tablespoon kosher salt. Warm gently over medium heat, stirring until sugar and salt dissolve completely. Do not boil.
- Remove the brine from heat. Stir in 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes, 3 smashed garlic cloves, and 1 teaspoon black peppercorns if using. Let cool slightly for about 5 minutes.
- Place cucumber slices into two clean 16-ounce (500 ml) glass jars. Add fresh dill sprigs if desired.
- Pour the warm brine over the cucumbers, ensuring they are fully submerged. Leave about 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) space at the top.
- Seal the jars and let cool to room temperature before refrigerating.
- Chill for at least 24 hours to develop flavors; best after 2-3 days.
- Enjoy as a snack, sandwich topper, or crunchy side. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.
Notes
For crisper pickles, salt cucumbers lightly and let sit for 30 minutes before rinsing and drying. Use a non-reactive saucepan to preserve flavor. Adjust red pepper flakes to control heat. Chilling overnight improves flavor. Variations include using jalapeños for more heat or swapping honey for maple syrup or agave nectar.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup (60 g)
- Calories: 15
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 600
- Carbohydrates: 4
- Fiber: 0.3
Keywords: quick pickles, refrigerator pickles, sweet and spicy pickles, easy pickles, homemade pickles, cucumber pickles, snack, side dish