Description
Old-Fashioned Sweet Refrigerator Pickles
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Chill Time: 3–5 days (for best flavor)
Total Time: 15 minutes + chill
Ingredients
Produce
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8 medium pickling cucumbers, sliced into ¼-inch rounds
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1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced
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3 garlic cloves, lightly smashed (optional)
Brine
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3 cups white vinegar or apple cider vinegar (or half and half)
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2 cups cold water
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2 ½ cups granulated sugar
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1 tablespoon pickling salt or kosher salt
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1 teaspoon ground turmeric
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1 teaspoon dried dill (or 1 tablespoon fresh dill fronds)
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½ teaspoon celery seed
Instructions
. Prep the vegetables
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Wash cucumbers thoroughly.
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Slice into ¼-inch rounds (a mandoline works great).
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Thinly slice the onion and lightly smash garlic cloves, if using.
2. Make the brine
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In a medium saucepan, combine: vinegar, water, sugar, salt, turmeric, dill, and celery seed.
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Heat over medium, stirring until the sugar and salt fully dissolve (5–7 minutes).
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Do not boil.
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Remove from heat and let cool 10–15 minutes — the brine should be warm, not hot.
3. Pack the jars
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Use one 2-quart jar or several smaller jars.
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Layer cucumbers, onions, and garlic cloves in the jars.
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Pack firmly but do not crush.
4. Add the brine
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Pour warm brine over the vegetables until completely submerged.
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Use an onion slice to weigh down any floating cucumbers.
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Seal jars with lids.
5. Chill
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Allow jars to cool to room temperature for about 1 hour.
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Transfer to the refrigerator.
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Notes
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With sandwiches, burgers, BBQ plates, hot dogs, or brats
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Chopped into tuna or chicken salad
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On potato salad, green salads, or grain bowls
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