Summer is here, and with it comes a abundance of fresh cucumbers just ripe for the picking. While many people think of dill or sour pickles as the classic varieties, sweet cucumber pickles are a delicious and refreshing alternative that can add a burst of flavor to any meal. Whether you’re looking for a tangy snack, a crunchy topping for your favorite sandwich, or a tasty addition to your picnic spread, sweet cucumber pickles have got you covered.
In this article, we’ll explore 18 mouthwatering recipes that showcase the sweet side of pickling cucumbers. From classic bread and butter pickles to spicy honey garlic flavors, and from refrigerator-style quick picks to more elaborate recipes featuring unique spices and flavor combinations, there’s something for every taste bud. So grab a jar, don your apron, and get ready to dive into the wonderful world of sweet cucumber pickles!
Classic Sweet Bread and Butter Pickles
These sweet and tangy pickles are a classic favorite, perfect for snacking or adding to sandwiches and salads. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can enjoy this delicious treat in no time.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups thinly sliced cucumbers
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup white vinegar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 tablespoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon mustard seeds
– 1/4 teaspoon coriander seeds
– 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers and salt. Let it sit for 30 minutes to draw out excess water.
2. Rinse the cucumber slices with cold water to remove excess salt. Drain well and set aside.
3. In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, vinegar, water, mustard seeds, and coriander seeds. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.
4. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the pickling liquid has thickened slightly.
5. Pack the cucumber slices into clean glass jars, leaving about 1/2 inch of space at the top. Pour the hot pickling liquid over the cucumbers, making sure they are completely covered.
6. Seal the jars and refrigerate for at least 24 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Spicy Honey Garlic Sweet Cucumber Pickles
Add a burst of flavor to your meals with these sweet and spicy cucumber pickles. The perfect combination of honey, garlic, and red pepper flakes will have you hooked!
Ingredients:
– 4-6 cucumbers, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
– 1 cup (250ml) white vinegar
– 1/2 cup (125ml) water
– 1/4 cup (60g) granulated sugar
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine vinegar, water, sugar, garlic, honey, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil over high heat.
2. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Pack cucumber slices into clean glass jars or containers. Pour the hot pickling liquid over the cucumbers, leaving about 1/4 inch headspace.
4. Seal jars and refrigerate for at least 24 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Refrigerator Sweet Dill Cucumber Pickles
Add a tangy twist to your snacks with these easy-to-make refrigerator sweet dill cucumber pickles! Perfect for topping sandwiches, salads, or enjoying on their own.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 cucumbers, sliced
– 1 cup (250ml) white vinegar
– 1/2 cup (125ml) water
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tbsp dill pickling spice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine cucumber slices, salt, and pepper. Let it sit for 30 minutes to allow the cucumbers to release excess water.
2. Drain the cucumber mixture and rinse with cold water.
3. In a clean glass jar or container, combine sugar, vinegar, water, and dill pickling spice.
4. Add the drained cucumber slices to the liquid, making sure they are fully submerged.
5. Refrigerate for at least 24 hours before serving. The longer it sits, the sweeter and tangier they’ll become!
Cooking Time: None! These pickles are made in the refrigerator.
Sweet and Tangy Mustard Cucumber Pickles
A refreshing twist on traditional pickles, these sweet and tangy mustard cucumber pickles are perfect for adding a burst of flavor to sandwiches, salads, or as a snack.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 cucumbers, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
– 1 cup (250ml) white vinegar
– 1/2 cup (125ml) water
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons mustard seeds
– 1 tablespoon mustard powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine vinegar, water, sugar, mustard seeds, mustard powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.
3. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Pack the cucumber slices into clean glass jars, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace.
5. Pour the hot pickling liquid over the cucumbers, making sure they are completely covered.
6. Seal the jars and let them cool to room temperature.
7. Refrigerate for at least 24 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Storage: Store in refrigerator for up to 6 months.
Maple Bourbon Sweet Cucumber Pickles
Elevate your pickle game with this sweet and tangy recipe that combines the flavors of maple syrup, bourbon, and fresh cucumbers. Perfect for snacking, sandwiches, or as a topping for your favorite dishes.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups thinly sliced cucumbers
– 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup (120ml) apple cider vinegar
– 1/4 cup (60ml) pure maple syrup
– 2 tbsp bourbon whiskey (or substitute with apple cider or white wine)
– 1 tsp sea salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine sliced cucumbers and sugar. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes to allow the cucumbers to release their excess water.
2. In a separate saucepan, combine apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, bourbon (or substitute), sea salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes.
3. Add the cucumber mixture to the pickling liquid and stir well to combine.
4. Transfer the pickles to a clean glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. Refrigerate for at least 24 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: 1 hour (including preparation time)
Quick Sweet Pickled Cucumbers with Red Onion
A refreshing condiment perfect for topping burgers, sandwiches, and salads. These sweet pickles are ready in just 30 minutes!
Ingredients:
– 1 large red onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cups thinly sliced cucumbers (about 4-6)
– 1 cup white vinegar
– 1/2 cup sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 tablespoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the sliced onion and cucumbers.
2. In a medium saucepan, bring the vinegar, sugar, water, salt, and pepper to a boil over medium heat.
3. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Pour the hot pickling liquid over the cucumber mixture, making sure they are completely covered.
5. Let it sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before serving.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Sweet Cucumber Pickles with Cinnamon and Clove
These sweet pickles combine the freshness of cucumbers with the warmth of cinnamon and clove, perfect for adding a unique twist to sandwiches or as a topping for yogurt parfaits.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups thinly sliced cucumbers
– 1 cup (250ml) white vinegar
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/8 teaspoon ground clove
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine cucumbers and salt. Let it sit for 30 minutes to allow the cucumbers to release excess moisture.
2. Drain the cucumber mixture and rinse with cold water.
3. In a saucepan, combine vinegar, sugar, water, cinnamon, and clove. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves.
4. Pack the cucumber slices into a clean glass jar or container. Pour the hot pickling liquid over the cucumbers, making sure they are completely covered.
5. Seal the jar and let it cool to room temperature. Store in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes (including preparation time)
Asian-Inspired Sweet Rice Vinegar Cucumber Pickles
Add a tangy and refreshing twist to your meals with these sweet rice vinegar cucumber pickles, inspired by Asian cuisine. Perfect as a snack, side dish, or topping for your favorite dishes.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups thinly sliced cucumbers
– 1 cup sweet rice vinegar (such as Korean chili flakes-infused vinegar)
– 1/2 cup water
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine sliced cucumbers and salt. Let it sit for 30 minutes to allow the cucumbers to release excess moisture.
2. Rinse the cucumber slices with cold water to remove excess salt. Drain well.
3. In a saucepan, combine sweet rice vinegar, water, sugar, and black pepper. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Pack the cucumber slices into clean glass jars, leaving about 1 inch of space at the top. Pour the pickling liquid over the cucumbers, making sure they are completely covered.
5. Refrigerate for at least 24 hours or up to 7 days before serving.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes (including prep time)
Sweet Cucumber Relish with Bell Peppers
Sweet Cucumber Relish with Bell Peppers Recipe
This sweet and tangy relish is perfect for topping hot dogs, hamburgers, or using as a side dish for grilled meats. With the added crunch from bell peppers, it’s a flavorful addition to any meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 large cucumbers, peeled and thinly sliced
– 1 large red bell pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons white vinegar
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, combine cucumber slices, bell pepper, sugar, vinegar, and salt. Mix well.
2. Stir in chopped fresh dill.
3. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
4. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes (prep time) + refrigeration time
Sweet Gherkin-Style Mini Cucumber Pickles
Add a burst of flavor to your sandwiches, salads, and snacks with these sweet and tangy mini cucumber pickles. This recipe yields a crunchy and flavorful snack that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 pint mini cucumbers (about 12-15)
– 1 cup (250ml) white vinegar
– 1/2 cup (125ml) sugar
– 1/4 cup (60ml) water
– 1 tsp (5g) salt
– 1 tsp (5g) pickling spice (optional)
Instructions:
1. Wash and slice the mini cucumbers into thin rounds.
2. In a large bowl, combine vinegar, sugar, water, and salt. Stir until sugar is dissolved.
3. Add the sliced cucumbers to the liquid mixture and let it sit at room temperature for 24 hours.
4. After 24 hours, add pickling spice (if using) and refrigerate the pickles for at least 2 days before serving.
Cooking Time:
– Preparation time: 15 minutes
– Pickling time: 24 hours + 2 days refrigeration
Sweet Cucumber Pickles with Turmeric and Ginger
These sweet and tangy pickles are infused with the warmth of turmeric and ginger, making them a unique addition to any meal or snack. Perfect for topping sandwiches, salads, or using as a condiment.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups thinly sliced cucumbers
– 1 cup (250ml) white vinegar
– 1/2 cup (125g) granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup (60g) water
– 2 tbsp grated fresh ginger
– 1 tsp ground turmeric
– 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine vinegar, sugar, water, ginger, and turmeric. Bring to a boil over high heat.
2. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Pack cucumber slices into clean glass jars, leaving about 1/4 inch headspace. Pour the hot pickling liquid over the cucumbers.
4. Seal jars and let cool to room temperature. Store in refrigerator.
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Shelf Life: Refrigerate for up to 6 months or freeze for up to a year.
Lemon Zest Sweet Refrigerator Pickles
Add a burst of citrusy flavor to your snack routine with these refreshing lemon zest sweet refrigerator pickles. Perfect for topping sandwiches, adding crunch to salads, or enjoying as a healthy snack.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups thinly sliced cucumbers
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/4 cup white vinegar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp lemon zest (from about 1 lemon)
– Fresh dill weed or other herbs for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine cucumbers and sugar. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes to allow the cucumbers to release their excess water.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together lemon juice, vinegar, water, salt, and lemon zest until dissolved.
3. Add the liquid mixture to the cucumber mixture and stir until the cucumbers are evenly coated.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 24 hours or up to 5 days to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Just before serving, garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes (plus refrigertation time)
Sweet Cucumber and Jalapeño Pickles
Add a burst of sweet and spicy flavor to your meals with these refreshing pickles. Perfect for topping burgers, sandwiches, or enjoying as a snack on their own.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 cucumbers
– 1 large jalapeño pepper, sliced
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup white vinegar
– 1/2 cup water
– 1 tsp pickling salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions:
1. Slice the cucumbers into 1/8-inch thick rounds.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, vinegar, water, pickling salt, and black pepper. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
3. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Pack the cucumber slices and jalapeño slices into clean glass jars or containers.
5. Pour the hot pickling liquid over the cucumbers, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace.
6. Seal the jars and let them cool to room temperature. Store in the refrigerator.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Vanilla-Infused Sweet Cucumber Pickles
Elevate your pickle game with this unique recipe that combines the sweetness of cucumbers with the creaminess of vanilla. Perfect for topping sandwiches, salads, or enjoying as a snack.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups thinly sliced cucumbers
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup white vinegar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
– 1/4 tsp whole black peppercorns
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine cucumbers, sugar, and salt. Let it sit for 30 minutes to allow the cucumbers to release their excess water.
2. Add vinegar, water, and vanilla extract to the bowl. Stir until the sugar has dissolved.
3. Pack the cucumber mixture into clean glass jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace.
4. Close the jars and let them sit at room temperature for 24 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Store the pickles in the refrigerator once they have cooled.
Cooking Time: 24 hours
Sweet Cucumber Pickles with Star Anise
This recipe yields a refreshing and flavorful pickle that’s perfect for snacking or adding to sandwiches, salads, and other dishes. The addition of star anise gives the pickles a warm, slightly sweet, and aromatic flavor.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 cucumbers, sliced into 1/8-inch thick rounds
– 1 cup (250ml) white vinegar
– 1/2 cup (125ml) water
– 1/4 cup (60g) granulated sugar
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp whole black peppercorns
– 1 whole star anise pod
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine sliced cucumbers and salt. Let it sit for 30 minutes to allow the cucumbers to release their excess water.
2. Rinse the cucumber slices with cold running water to remove excess salt. Drain well.
3. In a medium saucepan, combine vinegar, water, sugar, black peppercorns, and star anise pod. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
4. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the pickling liquid has thickened slightly.
5. Pack the cucumber slices into a clean glass jar, leaving about 1 inch of space at the top. Pour the hot pickling liquid over the cucumbers.
6. Let the pickles cool to room temperature before refrigerating them. Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Rosemary and Honey Sweet Cucumber Pickles
Add a fragrant twist to traditional cucumber pickles with the addition of rosemary and honey. These sweet and tangy pickles are perfect for snacking, adding to sandwiches, or serving as a side dish.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups thinly sliced cucumbers
– 1 cup (250ml) white vinegar
– 1/2 cup (125ml) water
– 1/4 cup honey
– 2 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary leaves
– 1 tsp pickling salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine sliced cucumbers and pickling salt. Let it sit for 30 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
2. Rinse the cucumber slices under cold running water to remove excess salt.
3. In a medium saucepan, combine vinegar, water, honey, and chopped rosemary leaves. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
4. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Pack the cucumber slices into clean glass jars, leaving about 1/2 inch headspace. Pour the hot pickling liquid over the cucumbers.
6. Seal jars tightly and let them cool to room temperature. Store in refrigerator.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes + chilling time
Sweet Cucumber Pickles with Apple Cider Vinegar
Add a tangy twist to your favorite sandwiches and snacks with these sweet and sour pickles. This recipe uses apple cider vinegar for a unique flavor profile that complements cucumbers perfectly.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 Kirby or pickling cucumbers, sliced into 1/8-inch thick rounds
– 1 cup (250ml) apple cider vinegar
– 1/2 cup (125ml) granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup (60ml) water
– 1 tsp (5g) salt
– 1 tsp (5g) whole black peppercorns
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine sliced cucumbers and salt. Let it sit for 30 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
2. Rinse the cucumber slices under cold running water to remove excess salt. Drain well.
3. In a medium saucepan, combine apple cider vinegar, sugar, and water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring until sugar dissolves.
4. Pack the cucumber slices into clean glass jars, leaving 1/2 inch (13mm) headspace. Pour the hot pickling liquid over the cucumbers.
5. Seal the jars and let them cool to room temperature. Store in the refrigerator. Pickles will be ready to eat within a few hours.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Sweet and Sour Bread and Butter Pickles with Celery Seed
Sweet and Sour Bread and Butter Pickles with Celery Seed Recipe
A twist on classic pickling, this recipe combines the tanginess of vinegar with the richness of butter and the warmth of celery seed to create a deliciously complex flavor profile.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups thinly sliced cucumbers
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup white vinegar
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/8 teaspoon celery seed
Instructions:
1. In a large saucepan, combine sugar, vinegar, melted butter, salt, black pepper, and celery seed.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.
3. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes, or until the pickling liquid has thickened slightly.
4. Pack the sliced cucumbers into clean glass jars, leaving about 1/2 inch headspace.
5. Pour the hot pickling liquid over the cucumbers, making sure they are completely covered.
6. Seal the jars and let them cool to room temperature before refrigerating.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Summary
Get ready to cool off this summer with 18 delicious sweet cucumber pickle recipes that are sure to become a staple in your kitchen. From classic bread and butter pickles to spicy honey garlic and everything in between, these mouthwatering recipes offer a variety of flavors and textures to suit every taste. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a unique side dish, these sweet cucumber pickles are the perfect way to add some crunch and excitement to your meals.
