Pickled Cucumber – recipesmakerr

Pickled cucumbers, also known as dill pickles or simply pickles, are cucumbers preserved in a tangy brine of vinegar, salt, and spices. They are crunchy, flavorful, and make a perfect snack, side dish, or addition to sandwiches, burgers, and salads. Homemade pickles are easy to prepare and can be customized to your taste — sweet, sour, or spicy.

⏱ PREP TIME

Prep: 10 minutes
Pickling time: 24 hours to 1 week (depending on desired flavor)
Total: ~1–7 days
Servings: 4–6

🍳 EQUIPMENT

Glass jars with lids
Saucepan
Knife & cutting board
Measuring cups & spoons

🧾 INGREDIENTS

Basic pickling brine:

4–5 small cucumbers, sliced or whole
1 cup vinegar (white or apple cider)
1 cup water
2 tbsp salt
1 tbsp sugar (optional for sweet pickles)
2–3 garlic cloves, smashed
1 tsp dill seeds or 2–3 sprigs fresh dill
Optional spices: mustard seeds, peppercorns, red pepper flakes

📝 INGREDIENT NOTES

Cucumbers: Small, firm cucumbers are ideal for pickling.
Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar adds mild sweetness; white vinegar is more neutral.
Spices: Customize according to taste — spicy, garlicky, or sweet.

👩‍🍳 INSTRUCTIONS

1️⃣ Prepare cucumbers

Wash cucumbers thoroughly. Slice into spears, coins, or leave whole for smaller cucumbers.

2️⃣ Make brine

In a saucepan, combine vinegar, water, salt, sugar (if using), and optional spices.
Bring to a boil to dissolve salt and sugar. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

3️⃣ Pack jars

Place cucumbers, garlic, and dill into clean jars. Add optional spices if desired.

4️⃣ Add brine

Pour warm brine over cucumbers until fully submerged. Seal jars tightly.

5️⃣ Pickling

Quick pickles: Refrigerate for at least 24 hours before eating.
Traditional pickles: Store in a cool, dark place for 1–2 weeks for deeper flavor.

6️⃣ Serve

Enjoy pickled cucumbers as a snack, on sandwiches, or as a side dish.

🥗 NUTRITION FACTS (per 1 medium pickle, approx.)

Calories: 4
Protein: 0.2g
Carbs: 1g
Fat: 0g
Fiber: 0.5g
Sodium: varies depending on brine

⭐ TIPS FOR PERFECT PICKLED CUCUMBERS

✔ Use fresh, firm cucumbers to maintain crunch
✔ Don’t skip the dill — it’s key for flavor
✔ Refrigerate quick pickles for safety and best texture
✔ Adjust vinegar and sugar for sweet or sour preference
✔ Sterilize jars for longer shelf life

🔄 VARIATIONS

Spicy Pickles: Add red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños.
Bread & Butter Pickles: Increase sugar for a sweeter taste.
Garlic Dill Pickles: Add extra garlic cloves for bold flavor.
Refrigerator Quick Pickles: Ready in 24 hours, no canning required.