What are Sweet & Spicy Refrigerator Pickles?

So, here is the story of sweet and spicy refrigerator pickles: Growing up, my Grandma made pickles fresh from her garden every Summer. She would can them and have them in her cellar all year. Every time my family would visit, she would let me pick out a jar to take home. She made both dill and Bread & Butter varieties. I truly believe that if hobbies can be genetic, I got mine from her. {This post may contain affiliate links, to learn more read our disclosure.}

We both LOVE(d) cooking and decorative needlework. It was a special bond as no one else in my family, on either side, every really had any interest in either activity. I did the needlework as a child, but wasn’t really “allowed” to cook until I was much older, so that was a love I found on my own.

While Grandma was an amazing cook. She was also a cook-by-memory style of cook. Which, unfortunately, led to most of her recipes passing with her. In fact, for all the hundreds of meals she must have made for me, I have but 1 recipe that she agreed to write-out for me. I don’t think there was any ill intention, she was just a care-taker to the core and always felt, “no, please, let me make it for you…”

Alas, I have neither of those pickle recipes to share with you. So, we are going to go in a slightly different direction. While I share her love of cooking, canning, isn’t really my thing. I both lack the cellar, and, I am terrible at keeping a food inventory. I have a chest freezer in the basement that, far too often yields an “oh, I have this response.” So, we are making refrigerator pickles instead. That means, they will be quick-brined, ready to eat in 2 hours, but at there best at 24 hours or more. They will keep for up to two weeks so long as they stay submerged in the brine. I really prefer this method as, I think they taste better fresh, rather than canned, and it eliminates the need to store, keep track of, and prevent my kids from breaking for months on end.

Helpful tips for making sweet & spicy refrigerator pickles

Wide mouth mason jars make making the pickles much easier. I use these all the time, not just for pickles, but with meal-prep soups, etc as it is SO much less likely that you end up ladle-ing onto the counter. Also, if you get into using jars a lot for storage, meal-prep, etc you will soon discover that the metal lids that come with them will start to rust. Sure you can buy replacements, but I have become obsessed with these reusable colorful lids. They wash great and are perfect if your house is at all like mine and going from pickles, to soups to salad jars for lunches, to leftover pasta to take on the go, etc.

How to use Sweet & Spicy Refrigerator Pickles

Umm, eat them directly out of the jar? But seriously, some other great ways to use these homemade pickles include:

Add them to sandwiches and wraps. The flavor of homemade pickles simply cannot be matched by the jarred variety and these add the perfect flavor burst to summer time sammies and wraps
Use them to top burgers and hot dogs.
Add to egg or tuna salad for a spicy twist.
Add some of the leftover pickle juice (or the pickles themselves) to a Bloody Mary.
Use for a surprise gift. Put together a small basket containing a jar of the fresh pickles, some gourmet cheese, crackers, and a sweet treat for a perfectly thoughtful homemade coach or teacher gift.
Charcuterie board: Serve the pickles alongside a selection of cured meats, cheeses, crackers, and fresh fruit for a tasty and colorful charcuterie board.
Burgers and sandwiches: Sweet and spicy pickles are a great topping for burgers and sandwiches. They add a sweet and tangy flavor that complements the savory meat and bread.
Barbecue: Pickles are a classic side dish for barbecue, and the sweet and spicy flavor of these pickles can add a zesty kick to grilled meats and vegetables.
Tacos and nachos: Add some crunch and flavor to tacos and nachos by serving the pickles alongside the toppings. The sweet and spicy flavor will complement the other savory ingredients.
Asian-inspired dishes: Sweet and spicy pickles can also be paired with Asian-inspired dishes like stir-fries, rice bowls, and noodle dishes. They add a sweet and tangy flavor that complements the bold and spicy flavors of these dishes.
Salads: Add some texture and flavor to your favorite salads by topping them with sweet and spicy pickles. They can add a tangy sweetness that complements the fresh greens and other vegetables.

How long can you store sweet & spicy refrigerator pickles

Refrigerator pickles are quick and easy to make and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 months. Keep the pickles in a clean and airtight container, such as a mason jar or a glass container with a tight-fitting lid.