Imagine biting into a crisp, sweet, and delightfully tangy pickle that you made yourself with hardly any fuss at all—that’s exactly what you’re in for with Homemade Refrigerator Pickles {Super Easy. Vibrant cucumbers and onions mingle with sugar, spices, and vinegar to create a refreshingly addictive snack or side, ready to brighten up any meal in just a few easy steps. You don’t need fancy canning equipment or weeks of waiting—just a handful of pantry basics and your fridge. These pickles are a tried-and-true favorite, perfect for anyone who loves a little DIY magic with maximum flavor payoff.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about omemade Refrigerator Pickles {Super Easy is just how simple and straightforward the ingredient list is. Each element plays a special role in creating that signature crunch, tang, and hint of sweetness that makes these pickles irresistible. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need:
- Cucumbers: These are the star of the show—fresh, thinly sliced cucumbers bring unbeatable crunch and soak up all the tangy-sweet flavors.
- White Onion: Sliced thin, onions add a gentle bite and extra layer of sweetness, pairing beautifully with the cucumbers.
- White Sugar: Essential for that classic sweet pickle flavor; it balances the acidity and brings all the ingredients together.
- Vinegar: The tangy backbone of the brine, vinegar preserves the veggies and delivers that sharp, satisfying zing.
- Salt: Just a tablespoon is all you need to help draw out moisture and deepen the overall flavor.
- Celery Seed: A little bit goes a long way, lending an herbaceous, old-fashioned note to the pickles.
- Mustard Seed: These tiny seeds add a delicate pop and subtle heat, making every bite more interesting.
How to Make omemade Refrigerator Pickles
Step 1: Slice the Cucumbers and Onion
Wash your cucumbers well, then slice them into thin rounds—about a quarter inch or even thinner if you love lots of crunch. Do the same with a fresh white onion. Slicing the veggies thinly helps them absorb the pickling brine quickly and evenly, resulting in pickles that are flavorful all the way through.
Step 2: Mix All Ingredients Together
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, onions, white sugar, vinegar, salt, celery seed, and mustard seed. Give everything a thorough stir so the sugar starts to dissolve and all the spices and flavors are evenly distributed. You’ll instantly smell that sweet and tangy aroma—trust me, your mouth will be watering already!
Step 3: Chill and Let the Magic Happen
Pop the bowl in your fridge and let everything rest for about 1 hour. During this time, the sugar and salt draw out the juices from the cucumbers and onions, creating a briny syrup that infuses every slice with a punchy, sweet-tart flavor. This quick marinating time transforms the veggies without any need for boiling or canning.
Step 4: Pack Into Jars
After an hour, it’s time to transfer your soon-to-be pickles into jars. Use a canning funnel and ladle to make the process clean and easy. Divide the cucumbers and onions evenly between two quart-sized jars, making sure to pour in plenty of that lovely brine. Seal the jars with airtight lids, and your pickles are ready for storage.
Step 5: Store and Enjoy
Keep the jars in your refrigerator. The pickles will continue developing flavor as they chill, becoming even tastier by the next day. Serve straight from the fridge any time you’re craving something bright, crunchy, and homemade. Omemade Refrigerator Pickles {Super Easy truly live up to their name!
How to Serve omemade Refrigerator Pickles
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped dill or a few extra mustard seeds on top can give your omemade Refrigerator Pickles {Super Easy a lovely finishing touch. For a little color, try a pinch of crushed red pepper or sliced radishes on top before serving—these add visual interest and a slight kick to the classic flavors.
Side Dishes
Omemade Refrigerator Pickles {Super Easy are the ideal companion for everything from grilled cheese sandwiches to barbecue ribs. They add a pop of brightness to hearty meats and bring life to rich, creamy dishes like potato salad or macaroni and cheese. Don’t forget to toss a handful on top of burgers or serve them alongside charcuterie boards—a true crowd-pleaser!
Creative Ways to Present
Pack omemade Refrigerator Pickles {Super Easy in small jars and tie with twine for adorable gifts, or layer them in mini mason jars for a picnic spread. You can even skewer them with cubes of cheese and salami for playful party snacks. For gatherings, serve on a large platter with olives, roasted nuts, and crusty bread for a vibrant appetizer board.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover omemade Refrigerator Pickles {Super Easy store beautifully in the fridge for up to two weeks in tightly sealed jars. The flavors deepen over time, so don’t be surprised if they taste even better after a few days. Just be sure to use clean utensils when serving to keep everything crisp and fresh.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t recommended for omemade Refrigerator Pickles {Super Easy because the crisp texture can become mushy once thawed. The quick-pickle method is all about that fresh, snappy bite, so enjoy them straight from the fridge for best results.
Reheating
No reheating required—these pickles are meant to be served cold or at room temperature. If you’d like to enjoy your omemade Refrigerator Pickles {Super Easy a bit warmer for a unique twist, let them sit out on the counter for a few minutes before serving.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of vinegar?
Absolutely! While white vinegar is classic, you can substitute apple cider vinegar for a slightly fruitier tang, or even rice vinegar for a gentler acidity. Keep in mind that each vinegar brings its own personality to the pickles, so don’t hesitate to experiment and find your favorite.
What kind of cucumbers work best?
Pickling cucumbers or Kirby cucumbers are perfect because of their firm texture and small seeds. But if you only have standard slicing cucumbers, just scoop out some of the seeds and slice thin—they work beautifully too!
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Thin slices of carrots, bell peppers, or even jalapeños can be tossed into the mix for extra crunch and a flavor boost. Just keep the ratios similar so your brine covers everything evenly.
How long do these pickles stay good in the fridge?
Omemade Refrigerator Pickles {Super Easy can be safely stored for up to two weeks, as long as your jars have tight-fitting lids. The flavors intensify over time, so don’t be shy about tasting as they sit!
Is it necessary to sterilize the jars?
For refrigerator pickles like these, a thorough wash with hot, soapy water is fine. Because you’re keeping them chilled, you don’t need traditional canning sterilization—just clean jars and fresh lids.
Final Thoughts
There’s something undeniably satisfying about opening your fridge and seeing a jar of vibrant, sweet-tangy pickles that you whipped up yourself. Omemade Refrigerator Pickles {Super Easy are the definition of feel-good, low-effort kitchen fun, and they’re bound to brighten up any meal. Give them a try and see just how delicious homemade can be!
Print
Homemade Refrigerator Pickles
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 quarts
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These sweet and delicious homemade refrigerator pickles are a refreshing and easy-to-make treat. Perfect for snacking, adding to sandwiches, or as a side dish.
Ingredients
Cucumbers:
- 7 cups cucumbers, thinly sliced
Onion:
- 1 cup white onion, thinly sliced
Brine:
- 1.5 cups white sugar
- 1 cup vinegar
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon celery seed
- 1 teaspoon mustard seed
Instructions
- Slice Vegetables: Begin by thinly slicing 7 cups of cucumbers and 1 cup of white onion.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine cucumbers, onion, sugar, vinegar, salt, celery seed, and mustard seed. Stir well.
- Rest in Fridge: Chill the mixture in the fridge for about 1 hour.
- Fill Jars: Using a canning funnel, ladle the pickles into two quart jars.
- Store: Store the jars in the refrigerator.
- Enjoy: Your homemade refrigerator pickles are ready to be enjoyed!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Refrigerator Pickling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pickle spear (about 30g)
- Calories: 30
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
