This Old Fashioned Refrigerator Pickles recipe delivers a sweet and tangy crunch that’s perfect for summer. Using simple ingredients and ready in just 15 minutes of prep time, these pickles are a delicious way to enjoy fresh cucumbers. This easy recipe also includes a how-to video!
The Best Old Fashioned Refrigerator Pickles
Old fashioned refrigerator pickles are a summertime classic. Unlike traditional dill pickles, this recipe leans towards a sweet and tangy flavor profile similar to bread and butter pickles. They’re a fantastic complement to summer meals, picnics, and barbecues.
Why This Old Fashioned Refrigerator Pickles Recipe Works
- Long-Lasting Flavor: These pickles can be stored in the refrigerator for weeks, allowing you to savor their deliciousness all summer long (though they rarely last that long!).
- Enhanced Taste: Thinly sliced onions add a depth of flavor that elevates these pickles to the next level.
- Simple Ingredients: This recipe utilizes common pantry staples, making it easy and convenient to prepare.
- Garden Fresh Goodness: Perfect for using up an abundance of cucumbers from your garden.
Ingredients for Old Fashioned Refrigerator Pickles
This old fashioned refrigerator pickles recipe relies on simple, readily available ingredients:
- Cucumbers: Fresh cucumbers are ideal, but grocery store cucumbers work well too.
- Spices: Mustard seed, celery seed, and turmeric contribute to the classic pickle flavor and color.
- Onions: Yellow or sweet onions are preferred, but white or red onions can be substituted.
- Vinegar: White vinegar is recommended for its clean flavor that allows the cucumbers to shine.
- Sugar: Sugar balances the vinegar’s tartness and contributes to the sweet and tangy profile.
Making Old Fashioned Refrigerator Pickles: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Prepare the Cucumbers and Onions: Slice the cucumbers and onions as thinly as possible. A mandoline slicer is recommended for uniform slices.
- Create the Brine: Combine vinegar, sugar, salt, and spices in a saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Bring to a boil.
- Combine and Chill: Pour the hot brine over the sliced cucumbers and onions. Ensure all vegetables are coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.
Frequently Asked Questions about Old Fashioned Refrigerator Pickles
Canning These Pickles: This recipe is specifically for refrigerator pickles. While canning might be possible, this recipe doesn’t provide canning instructions.
Shelf Life: These pickles will last for several weeks in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Dill Pickle Variation: This recipe creates sweet and tangy pickles. Significant adjustments would be needed to make dill pickles.
Enjoy these crunchy, flavorful old fashioned refrigerator pickles all summer long! They’re a delightful addition to any meal.
