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–+ servings
Jar of pickles on a granite counter

The Best Homemade Pickles

Treat yourself to some of the best homemade pickles around! This refrigerator version comes together in minutes with a flavorful brine poured over layers of crisp pickling cucumbers and sliced onion. Pop it in the refrigerator for a few days to let the flavors develop and enjoy.
This recipe was adapted from one found on Eating Well.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 minute
Refrigerator Time 3 days
Total Time 3 days 16 minutes
Servings 28 servings
Calories 58 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 6 cups thinly sliced pickling cucumbers about 2 pounds
  • 2 cups thinly sliced onion
  • 3 cups white vinegar
  • 1 1/2 cups sugar
  • 1 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 1 tsp. mustard seeds
  • 1 tsp. celery seeds
  • 1 tsp. ground turmeric
  • 1 tsp. crushed red pepper
  • 1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
  • 4 garlic cloves thinly sliced

Instructions
 

  • Layer 3 cups of cucumber and 1 cup of onion in a quart-sized canning jar. Repeat procedure with the remaining cucumber and onion in a second canning jar.
  • Combine vinegar, sugar, salt, mustard seeds, celery seeds, turmeric, crushed red pepper, black pepper and garlic in a small saucepan; stir well. Bring to a boil; cook 1 minute.
  • Pour hot brine over cucumbers and onions in jars; let cool.
  • Screw lids onto the jars and chill at least 3 days. Pickles may be stored in the refrigerator for up to one month.

Notes

  • Use only fresh cucumbers to ensure crispy pickles. Older cucumbers will be soft and rubbery.
  • Pack the cucumbers and onion into the jars, but leave a little space for the brine. 
  • For extra spicy pickles, add more red pepper flakes. To tone the spice level down, reduce or eliminate the red pepper.
  • This recipe calls for double the brine of the original recipe. I found the original amount always came up short.
  • Avoid getting your face near the brine while it's cooking and hot. The vapors from the vinegar will cause your eyes to water!
  • While it's best to let the pickles sit in the brine for at least three days, I've used them after only a couple of days and the flavor has been very good.
 
Nutrition Facts
The Best Homemade Pickles
Amount per Serving
Calories
58
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
0.2
g
0
%
Saturated Fat
 
0.03
g
0
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
0.05
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
0.1
g
Sodium
 
107
mg
5
%
Potassium
 
70
mg
2
%
Carbohydrates
 
13
g
4
%
Fiber
 
1
g
4
%
Sugar
 
12
g
13
%
Protein
 
0.4
g
1
%
Vitamin A
 
73
IU
1
%
Vitamin C
 
2
mg
2
%
Calcium
 
14
mg
1
%
Iron
 
0.3
mg
2
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.