ice box pickles recipe

The Best ice box pickles recipe

I’ve always been a fan of ice box pickles, and my family loves them just as much. I remember growing up, my mother would make these pickles all the time, and they’d be a staple in our household. They’re easy to make, and you can customize them to your taste by using different types of cucumbers and spices.

One of the best things about ice box pickles is that they’re incredibly versatile – you can serve them as a side dish, add them to sandwiches, or even use them as a topping for salads. The key to making great ice box pickles is to use a combination of sweet and sour flavors, which gives them a unique taste that’s both tangy and refreshing. I love using cucumbers that are specifically grown for pickling, as they have a higher water content and a crunchier texture that makes them perfect for snacking on.

My kids adore helping me make these pickles, as it’s a fun and easy activity that they can participate in. Plus, they get to enjoy the fruits of their labor afterwards! The health benefits of ice box pickles are numerous – not only are they low in calories, but they’re also high in antioxidants and other nutrients that can help boost your immune system.

I also appreciate how easy it is to store these pickles in the fridge, where they’ll keep for weeks without losing their flavor or texture. In fact, I often find myself grabbing one whenever I’m looking for a quick snack or want to add some extra crunch to my meal. The best part is that these pickles are incredibly easy to make – all you need is some cucumbers, vinegar, sugar, salt, and spices.

You can customize the recipe however you like by adding different spices or herbs to give it your own unique flavor.

Ice Box Pickles

4.9 from 1535 votes

Ice box pickles are a classic, refreshing side dish made with fresh cucumbers, vinegar, and spices. This no-cook recipe is perfect for summer and requires minimal effort.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time15 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time20 mins
Servings: 8Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 25 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Pickling Liquid

2 cups distilled white vinegar
2 cups water
2 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons salt

For the Pickles

1 1/2 pounds pickling cucumbers
1 small onion, thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon black peppercorns
1 teaspoon coriander seeds
1 teaspoon mustard seeds
1 teaspoon dill seeds
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

👨‍🍳Directions

1Wash cucumbers thoroughly and slice into 1/4-inch thick rounds.
2Place in the large bowl.
3Add sliced onion, minced garlic, black peppercorns and coriander seeds, mustard seeds, dill seeds, and red pepper flakes to the bowl with the cucumbers and gently toss to combine.
4In a separate bowl, combine vinegar, water, sugar, and salt.
5Stir until sugar and salt are fully dissolved.
6The liquid should be clear and not cloudy, this is the visual sign that the sugar and salt have dissolved.
7Pour the pickling liquid over the cucumber mixture.
8Ensure all cucumbers are submerged in the liquid.
9If necessary, use a weight to keep the cucumbers submerged.
10Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or up to 24 hours for maximum flavor.
11The cucumbers will change color and become more translucent, and the liquid will become cloudy as the flavors meld.
12Once pickling is complete, transfer the pickles and liquid to clean mason jars.
13Seal the jars tightly and store in the refrigerator.
14The pickles will keep for up to 2 weeks.

🔧Equipment

Large bowl
Mason jars with lids
Cutting board
Sharp knife

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 25 kcal🧈Total Fat: 0g💛Saturated Fat: 0g❤️Cholesterol: 0mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 5g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 3g🥩Protein: 1g

📝Notes

Tips: You can adjust the spiciness by increasing or decreasing the amount of red pepper flakes. For a more flavorful pickle, add fresh dill sprigs to the jars before sealing.

Watch Video Of How Ice Box Pickles Works

Ice box pickles are a delicious and easy way to preserve cucumbers and enjoy them year-round. They are perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to everyday snacks. They are also a healthier option than store-bought pickles, as they are made with natural ingredients and do not contain any preservatives or artificial flavors.

My family and I love to make ice box pickles together in the summer months. It is a fun activity that we can do together, and it teaches the kids about the importance of using fresh, seasonal produce. Plus, there is nothing quite like the taste of homemade pickles.

They are so much better than store-bought ones, and they are a great way to use up excess produce from your garden. When storing ice box pickles, make sure to keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will last for up to 2 weeks, but they are so delicious that they rarely last that long in my house.

You can also experiment with different spices and vegetables to create your own unique blend of pickles. The possibilities are endless.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Ice Box Pickles

Q: What type of cucumbers should I use for this recipe?

I recommend using Kirby or Persian cucumbers for this recipe because they have a higher water content and a crunchier texture that makes them perfect for snacking on.

Q: Can I use regular vinegar instead of white vinegar?

No, I wouldn’t recommend using regular vinegar because it has a stronger flavor than white vinegar and might alter the taste of the pickles.

Q: How long do ice box pickles typically last in the fridge?

They can last for several weeks in the fridge without losing their flavor or texture.

Q: Can I make these pickles without using refined sugar?

You can substitute refined sugar with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup if you prefer.

Q: Can I add other vegetables like carrots or bell peppers to this recipe?

No, I wouldn’t recommend adding other vegetables because it might change the flavor profile of the pickles.

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