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This image shows a glass jar filled with homemade sweet pickles, featuring sliced cucumbers and onions fully submerged in brine water, ready to develop their signature tangy-sweet flavor.

Sweet Pickle Recipe

A delightful balance of tangy and sweet, these homemade pickles are infused with mustard seed and turmeric for a vibrant flavor. Crisp cucumbers and onions soak in a cider vinegar brine, creating a zesty addition to sandwiches, salads, or charcuterie boards. Ready in just 24 hours!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Additional Time 1 day
Total Time 1 day 20 minutes
Course pickles
Cuisine American
Servings 24 servings
Calories 39 kcal

Equipment

  • 1-quart glass jar
  • Small saucepan
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Ladle or funnel
  • Sharp knife

Ingredients
  

  • ¼ tsp ground turmeric
  • 1 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 lbs cucumbers
  • 1 cup white sugar
  • ½ tsp mustard seed
  • 2 tbsp salt
  • 2 sweet onions

Instructions
 

  • Check a 1-quart jar for any cracks and keep it in simmering water until needed.
    This image shows a person carefully checking a clear glass jar, ensuring it is clean and free from cracks before using it to store homemade sweet pickles.
  • Wash a new lid and ring in warm soapy water.
    This image shows a person washing the metal lid and ring under running water to remove any debris, an essential step in ensuring a proper seal for homemade sweet pickles.
  • In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, bring cider vinegar, sugar, salt, mustard seed, and turmeric to a boil, letting it cook for 5 minutes.
    This image shows a saucepan on the stovetop with vinegar, sugar, and spices gently simmering to create the perfect brine for preserving cucumbers and onions in sweet pickles.
  • While the brine heats, slice cucumbers and onions, then loosely pack them into the sterilized jar.
    This image shows freshly harvested cucumbers and onions being sliced into thin rounds on a cutting board, preparing them for the sweet pickling process.
  • Once the brine is ready, carefully pour it over the vegetables, ensuring they are fully submerged.
    This image shows a person carefully placing layers of sliced cucumbers and onions into a glass jar, making sure they are evenly packed before pouring in the brine.
  • Seal the jar tightly and refrigerate for 24 hours before enjoying.
    This image shows a person slowly pouring hot vinegar brine into a jar filled with cucumbers and onions, ensuring that all the vegetables are fully submerged for proper pickling.

Notes

  • Use firm, fresh cucumbers for the best crunch.
  • Slicing cucumbers into thin rounds or spears can adjust texture and brine absorption.
  • Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes enhances the flavor with subtle heat.