Description
These Sweet Heat Pickles are a perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors — irresistibly crunchy and packed with kick. Made with cucumbers, jalapeños, and a bold vinegar-sugar brine, they’re easy refrigerator pickles that deliver addictive flavor in every bite. Ideal for burgers, sandwiches, or snacking straight from the jar!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds cucumbers (Kirby or Persian, sliced into rounds or spears)
- 1½ cups white vinegar
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 cups sugar
- 2 tablespoons kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon mustard seeds
- 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 6 cloves garlic, smashed
- 1–2 fresh jalapeños, thinly sliced
- ½ teaspoon turmeric (optional, for color)
- 1 tablespoon dill seeds or fresh dill sprigs
Instructions
- Prep the cucumbers and jalapeños: Wash and slice cucumbers into rounds or spears. Thinly slice jalapeños and set aside.
- Make the brine: In a medium saucepan, combine white vinegar, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, mustard seeds, garlic, turmeric, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves.
- Pack the jars: Divide cucumbers, jalapeños, and dill evenly among sterilized jars.
- Pour the brine: Carefully pour the hot brine over the vegetables, ensuring they’re fully submerged. Wipe rims and seal jars.
- Cool and refrigerate: Let jars cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 24 hours. Flavor intensifies after 2–3 days.
- Optional canning method: For long-term storage, process sealed jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes and cool completely before storing.
Notes
- Use small, firm cucumbers for maximum crunch.
- Adjust red pepper flakes and jalapeños to control heat.
- Let pickles rest at least 24 hours before eating for best flavor.
- Store refrigerator pickles up to 2 months, or canned pickles up to 1 year.
- Add sliced carrots or onions for extra flavor and color.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Condiments, Pickles, Homemade Recipes
- Method: Boiling, Refrigerator Pickling
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 spear
- Calories: 20
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Sweet Heat Pickles, Sweet and Spicy Pickles, Homemade Pickles, Refrigerator Pickles, Jalapeño Pickles, Sweet Spicy Pickles, Quick Pickle Recipe, Southern Pickles, Garlic Pickles