Summer has officially arrived, which means it’s time to break out the pickling jars and get creative with some delicious and refreshing sweet cucumber pickle recipes! There’s nothing quite like a jar of tangy, crunchy pickles to add flavor and crunch to your summer meals. From classic bread and butter pickles to spicy honey garlic and sweet dill varieties, we’ve got you covered with these 18 mouthwatering recipe ideas.
From quick and easy refrigerator pickles to more involved recipes that require a bit of planning ahead, there’s something for everyone on this list. Whether you’re looking for a sweet and tangy snack or a crunchy addition to your favorite sandwiches and salads, these sweet cucumber pickle recipes are sure to please.
In the following article, we’ll dive into each of these recipe ideas, sharing tips, tricks, and variations to help you create the perfect pickles for your summer gatherings. So grab your cucumbers, vinegar, and spices, and let’s get started!
Classic Sweet Bread and Butter Pickles
Experience the tangy sweetness of homemade pickles with this timeless recipe. Perfect for sandwiches, snacks, or as a side dish.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups thinly sliced cucumbers
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup white vinegar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon mustard seeds
– 1/4 teaspoon coriander seeds
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
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. Drain the cucumber mixture and rinse with cold water. Drain well.
3. In a medium saucepan, combine vinegar, water, salt, mustard seeds, and coriander seeds. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
4. Pack the cucumber mixture into a clean glass jar or container, leaving about 1 inch of headspace. Pour the hot pickling liquid over the cucumbers.
5. Add melted butter on top of the pickles.
6. Seal the jar and refrigerate for at least 24 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: None (pickling time: at least 24 hours)
Spicy Honey Garlic Cucumber Pickles
Elevate your snack game with this sweet and spicy pickle recipe! These crunchy, flavorful treats are perfect for topping sandwiches or enjoying as a standalone snack.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 Kirby cucumbers
– 1/2 cup honey
– 1/4 cup white vinegar
– 1 tablespoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more to taste)
– Salt and water, for brining
Instructions:
1. Slice the cucumbers into 1/4-inch thick rounds.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together honey, vinegar, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes until well combined.
3. Add the sliced cucumbers to the bowl and toss to coat with the pickling liquid.
4. Let the mixture sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Rinse the cucumber slices under cold running water, then drain well.
6. Pack the pickle slices into a clean glass jar or container and refrigerate.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes (plus chilling time)
Sweet Dill Cucumber Refrigerator Pickles
These sweet and tangy pickles are a refreshing twist on the classic dill variety. Perfect for snacking, adding to sandwiches, or serving as a side dish.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 cucumbers
– 1 cup (250ml) white vinegar
– 1/2 cup (125ml) water
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tbsp (30g) pickling spice (dill seed, mustard seed, coriander)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Slice the cucumbers into thin rounds.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together vinegar, water, sugar, and pickling spice until dissolved.
3. Add salt and pepper to taste.
4. Pack the cucumber slices into a clean glass jar or container, leaving about 1 inch (2.5 cm) at the top.
5. Pour the brine over the cucumbers, making sure they are completely covered.
6. Refrigerate for at least 24 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: None! These pickles will chill and develop their flavor in the refrigerator.
Enjoy your sweet and tangy Sweet Dill Cucumber Refrigerator Pickles!
Maple Syrup Sweetened Cucumber Pickles
Elevate your pickle game with this unique recipe that combines the classic flavors of dill and cucumber with the richness of pure maple syrup. 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 (60g) granulated sugar
– 2 tbsp (30ml) pure maple syrup
– 1 tsp (5g) salt
– 1 tsp (5g) whole black peppercorns
– Fresh dill weed, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine cucumbers, vinegar, water, sugar, maple syrup, salt, and black pepper.
2. Stir until the sugar has dissolved, then cover the bowl with plastic wrap.
3. Refrigerate for at least 24 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Just before serving, sprinkle with chopped fresh dill weed if desired.
Cooking Time: 24 hours (refrigeration)
Tangy Sweet Mustard Cucumber Pickles
Add a tangy twist to traditional pickling with these sweet and sour Tangy Sweet Mustard Cucumber Pickles. Perfect for snacking or as a condiment, this recipe is easy to make and packs a flavor punch.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 cucumbers, sliced
– 1/2 cup white vinegar
– 1/2 cup water
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tbsp mustard (such as Dijon or whole-grain)
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 1/4 tsp garlic powder
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine sliced cucumbers and salt. Let sit for 30 minutes to allow cucumbers to release excess water.
2. Drain and rinse cucumbers with cold water.
3. In a medium saucepan, combine vinegar, water, sugar, mustard, black pepper, and garlic powder. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring until sugar dissolves.
4. Pack cucumber slices into clean glass jars, leaving 1/2 inch headspace.
5. Pour hot pickling liquid over cucumbers, making sure they are completely covered.
6. Seal jars tightly and let cool to room temperature. Refrigerate for at least 24 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes (including cooling time)
Quick Sweet Cucumber Pickles with Red Onion
Add a burst of flavor to your meals with these sweet and tangy pickles, perfect for snacking or using as a topping.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups thinly sliced cucumbers
– 1 large red onion, thinly sliced
– 1 cup (250 ml) white vinegar
– 1/2 cup (125 ml) granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup (60 ml) water
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine cucumbers and red onion.
2. In a separate saucepan, bring vinegar, sugar, water, salt, and pepper to a boil over medium heat.
3. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Pour hot pickling liquid over cucumber mixture; let it cool to room temperature.
5. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight before serving.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes (plus chilling time)
Sweet and Sour Cucumber Pickles with Turmeric
These tangy and flavorful pickles are perfect for adding a burst of citrusy sweetness to your favorite sandwiches, salads, or snacks. With the added warmth of turmeric, they’re sure to become a new family favorite.
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 tablespoon (15g) pickling spice blend
– 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
– Salt, to taste
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. Drain the cucumber slices and rinse them with cold water.
3. In a medium saucepan, combine vinegar, water, sugar, pickling spice blend, and turmeric powder. 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 (1cm) headspace. Pour the hot pickling liquid over the cucumbers, making sure they’re completely covered.
5. Seal the jars and let them cool to room temperature. Store in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Sweet Cucumber Pickles with Cinnamon and Cloves
These sweet pickles add a burst of flavor to any meal or snack. With the warmth of cinnamon and cloves, they’re perfect for pairing with grilled meats, cheeses, or as a crunchy topping for sandwiches.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups thinly sliced cucumbers
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup white vinegar
– 1/2 cup water
– 1 tsp whole black peppercorns
– 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/4 tsp ground cloves
– 1/4 tsp salt
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 medium saucepan, combine vinegar, water, black peppercorns, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
3. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the pickling liquid has thickened slightly.
4. Pack the cucumber slices into clean glass jars, leaving about 1/2 inch headspace. Pour the hot pickling liquid over the cucumbers, making sure they’re completely covered.
5. Seal the jars and let them cool to room temperature. Store in the refrigerator for up to 6 months.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Sweet Cucumber Pickles with Apple Cider Vinegar
These sweet and tangy pickles are a perfect addition to any meal or snack. Made with fresh cucumbers, apple cider vinegar, and a hint of sweetness, they’re sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups thinly sliced cucumbers
– 1 cup apple cider vinegar
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/4 cup water
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the cucumber slices and salt. Let it sit for 30 minutes to allow the cucumbers to release their excess water.
2. Drain the cucumber mixture and rinse with cold water.
3. In a medium saucepan, combine the apple cider vinegar, sugar, and water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
4. Pack the cucumber slices into clean glass jars, leaving about 1/4 inch headspace. Pour the hot pickling liquid over the cucumbers, making sure they’re completely covered.
5. Seal the jars and let them cool to room temperature. Store in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes (plus chilling time)
Sweet Cucumber Pickles with Fresh Mint
Add a refreshing twist to your pickling game with this sweet and tangy recipe that combines the crunch of cucumbers with the brightness of fresh mint. Perfect for topping sandwiches, salads, or enjoying as a snack on their own.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 Kirby cucumbers, sliced into 1/8-inch thick rounds
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup white vinegar
– 1/2 cup water
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
– 1 tsp pickling salt
– 1/4 tsp whole black peppercorns
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine sliced cucumbers and pickling salt. Let it sit for 30 minutes to allow the cucumbers to release excess water.
2. Drain the cucumber mixture and rinse with cold running water.
3. In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, vinegar, water, and black peppercorns. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
4. Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the chopped mint leaves. 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 warm pickling liquid over the cucumbers, making sure they are completely covered.
6. Store the pickles in the refrigerator and allow them to chill for at least 24 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Sweet Cucumber Pickles with Ginger and Star Anise
Add a burst of flavor to your sandwiches and salads with these sweet and tangy pickles, infused with the warmth of ginger and star anise.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups thinly sliced cucumbers
– 1 cup (250ml) white vinegar
– 1/2 cup (125ml) sugar
– 1/4 cup (60g) grated fresh ginger
– 2 whole star anise pods
– 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 their excess water.
2. Drain the cucumber mixture and rinse with cold water. Pat dry with paper towels.
3. In a medium saucepan, combine vinegar, sugar, grated ginger, star anise pods, black pepper, and the drained cucumber mixture.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Remove from heat and let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 24 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes + chilling time (at least 24 hours)
Sweet Cucumber Pickles with Jalapeño and Lime
Sweet Cucumber Pickles with Jalapeño and Lime: A refreshing twist on traditional pickling, this recipe combines the sweetness of cucumbers with the spicy kick of jalapeños and a hint of lime.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups thinly sliced cucumbers
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup white vinegar
– 1/4 cup water
– 2 jalapeños, sliced
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine cucumber slices and salt. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the cucumbers to release their excess moisture.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, vinegar, water, jalapeños, and lime juice. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.
3. Reduce heat to medium-low and let the pickling liquid simmer for 10-12 minutes or until it has thickened slightly.
4. Pack the cucumber slices into clean glass jars, leaving about 1 inch of headspace. Pour the hot pickling liquid over the cucumbers, making sure they are completely covered.
5. Seal the jars and let them cool to room temperature. Store in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Sweet Cucumber Pickles with Vanilla Bean
Add a touch of sweetness and subtle vanilla flavor to your pickling game with this unique recipe.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups thinly sliced cucumbers
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup white vinegar
– 1/2 cup water
– 1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise
– 1 tsp whole black peppercorns
– Salt to taste
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 medium saucepan, combine sugar, vinegar, water, vanilla bean, and black peppercorns. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
4. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes, or until the syrup has thickened slightly.
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 the jars and let them cool to room temperature. Store in the refrigerator.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes (pickling liquid), 30 minutes (cucumber preparation)
Sweet Cucumber Pickles with Orange Zest
This refreshing pickle recipe combines the sweetness of orange zest with the tanginess of vinegar, creating a perfect condiment for sandwiches, salads, and snacks. With just a few simple steps, you can enjoy these delicious pickles in no time!
Ingredients:
– 4 large cucumbers, sliced into 1/8-inch thick rounds
– 1 cup (250ml) white vinegar
– 1/2 cup (125ml) granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup (60ml) water
– 1 tsp (5g) salt
– 1 tbsp (15g) orange zest, grated from about 1 large orange
– Fresh dill weed or other herbs for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine vinegar, sugar, water, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
2. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 5 minutes.
3. Pack cucumber slices into a clean glass jar, leaving about 1/4 inch headspace.
4. Pour the hot pickling liquid over the cucumbers, ensuring they are fully covered.
5. Stir in orange zest.
6. Seal jar tightly and let it cool to room temperature.
7. Store pickles in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes (plus chilling time)
Sweet Cucumber Pickles with Cardamom and Coriander
Transform fresh cucumbers into a sweet and tangy pickle infused with the unique flavors of cardamom and coriander. Perfect as a side dish, topping for sandwiches or burgers, or as a condiment.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups thinly sliced cucumber
– 1 cup vinegar (apple cider or white wine)
– 1/2 cup sugar
– 1 tsp ground cardamom
– 1 tsp ground coriander
– 1/4 cup water
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine sliced cucumber, vinegar, sugar, cardamom, coriander, and water.
2. Stir until the sugar is dissolved and the cucumbers are well coated.
3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 24 hours or up to 48 hours to allow flavors to meld.
4. Just before serving, season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: Refrigeration time: 24-48 hours
Sweet Cucumber Pickles with Brown Sugar and Bourbon
Sweet Cucumber Pickles with Brown Sugar and Bourbon: Elevate your pickle game with this unique recipe that combines the freshness of cucumbers, the richness of brown sugar, and the depth of bourbon. These sweet pickles are perfect for snacking, sandwiches, or as a topping for burgers.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups thinly sliced cucumbers
– 1 cup (200g) brown sugar
– 1/2 cup (120ml) apple cider vinegar
– 1/4 cup (60ml) bourbon whiskey
– 1 tsp (5g) pickling salt
– 1 tsp (5g) whole black peppercorns
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine sliced cucumbers and brown sugar. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes to allow the cucumbers to release their excess water.
2. Drain the cucumber mixture and pack it into a clean glass jar or container, leaving about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of space at the top.
3. In a small saucepan, combine apple cider vinegar, bourbon whiskey, pickling salt, and black peppercorns. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Pour the hot pickling liquid over the cucumber mixture, making sure that all cucumbers are covered.
5. Let the pickles sit at room temperature for at least 24 hours before refrigerating them.
Cooking Time: 24 hours
Sweet Cucumber Pickles with Pineapple Juice
This refreshing recipe combines the classic flavors of cucumber pickles with a sweet and tangy twist from pineapple juice, perfect for snacking or adding to sandwiches.
Ingredients:
– 4-6 cucumbers, sliced
– 1 cup (250ml) white vinegar
– 1/2 cup (125ml) pineapple juice
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine cucumber slices and salt. Let it sit for 30 minutes to draw out excess water.
2. Rinse the cucumbers under cold running water to remove excess salt. Drain well.
3. In a medium saucepan, combine vinegar, pineapple juice, sugar, and black pepper. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
4. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes or until the mixture thickens slightly.
5. Pack the cucumber slices into clean glass jars, leaving about 1/2 inch (1 cm) at the top.
6. Pour the hot pickling liquid over the cucumbers, making sure they are completely covered.
7. Seal the jars and let them cool to room temperature. Store in refrigerator.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Sweet Cucumber Pickles with Rosemary and Thyme
Transform fresh cucumbers into a tangy and aromatic treat, perfect for snacking or pairing with your favorite dishes.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups thinly sliced cucumbers
– 1 cup (250ml) white vinegar
– 1/2 cup (125ml) sugar
– 1/4 cup (60ml) water
– 2 tbsp (30g) pickling spice mix
– 1 sprig fresh rosemary, chopped
– 1 tsp (5g) dried thyme
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine cucumbers and pickling spice mix.
2. In a separate saucepan, bring vinegar, sugar, water, and chopped rosemary to a boil over medium-high heat.
3. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Add thyme and stir to combine.
5. Pack the cucumber mixture into clean glass jars, leaving about 1/2 inch (1cm) headspace.
6. Pour hot pickling liquid over the cucumbers, ensuring they are completely covered.
7. Seal jars tightly and let cool to room temperature.
8. Store in refrigerator for at least 24 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes (plus 24 hours of refrigeration)
Summary
Beat the summer heat with these refreshing sweet cucumber pickles recipes! From classic bread and butter to spicy honey garlic, there’s a flavor combination for everyone. Try making sweet dill refrigerator pickles or indulge in maple syrup sweetened treats. Spice things up with tangy mustard or jalapeño and lime, or opt for sweet and sour with turmeric. With 18 unique recipes, you’re sure to find your new favorite snack. Perfect for picnics, barbecues, or just a quick pick-me-up, these sweet cucumber pickles are the perfect way to add some excitement to your summer.
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