Sweet Chunk Pickles

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Sweet chunk pickles are like that dash of zing that brightens up any meal. Imagine pairing them with a smoky, grilled cheese sandwich. The sharpness from the pickles contrasts beautifully with the gooey cheese. Or, picture setting them next to a hearty burger; the pickles add a tangy crunch that complements the savory meat. Even a simple charcuterie board isn’t quite complete without a few slices of these vibrant pickles. So, whether it’s a simple snack or a gourmet meal, sweet chunk pickles are a game-changer.

Now, let’s talk about why you need this recipe in your life. Imagine a jar full of homemade sweet chunk pickles that bring a burst of flavor with every bite. Whether you’re hosting a picnic or simply craving a savory snack, these pickles will hit the spot. Plus, making them yourself means you control the ingredients; say goodbye to preservatives and hello to fresh flavors.

Table of Contents

The Ingredients: My Personal Touch

Alright, I’ll let you in on a little secret: the magic lies in the ingredients. I’ve spent countless hours tweaking and testing different variations, and these are the ones that made the cut. We start with dill pickles as the base. Their already tangy exterior gets a sweet makeover. Then come the mustard seeds, adding tiny bursts of heat.

Want a bit of a kick? Crushed red pepper flakes are your friend. Granulated sugar, apple cider vinegar, and a pickling blend team up to deliver that perfect balance of sweet and tangy. Lastly, fresh garlic cloves bring everything together.

Let’s dive into the ingredients and how you can make your own sweet chunk pickles at home.

Ingredients List

1 quart dill pickles

1 tablespoon mustard seeds
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
2 cups granulated sugar

1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons pickling blend
3 cloves fresh garlic

How to Make Sweet Chunk Pickles

Step 1: Prepare the Dill Pickles

First things first, grab your quart of dill pickles. Cut them into chunks, approximately one-inch each. Gather these into a large bowl.

Step 2: Spice It Up

Now, here’s where the flavor begins. Add one tablespoon of mustard seeds to your pickle chunks. These tiny seeds will bring bursts of mild heat to your pickles. Toss in one teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes if you appreciate a bit of extra kick.

Step 3: Sweeten the Deal

Time to balance that tangy and spicy with some sweetness. Pour two cups of granulated sugar over the pickles and spices. Mix everything well. The sugar will start to draw out moisture, creating a syrupy liquid that soaks into the pickles.

Step 4: Add the Vinegar

Pour half a cup of apple cider vinegar into the bowl. This adds a tart element that makes the pickles irresistibly tangy. Mix everything until the sugar starts to dissolve.

Step 5: Include the Pickling Blend

Add two tablespoons of pickling blend to the mix. This blend usually contains a mix of allspice, coriander, and other pickling spices that deepen the overall flavor profile.

Step 6: Garlic Goodness

Crush three cloves of fresh garlic and toss them into the bowl. Fresh garlic infuses the pickles with that extra aromatic punch.

Step 7: Jar It Up

Transfer the mixture into sterilized glass jars, making sure the pickles are fully submerged in the liquid. Seal the jars tightly.

Step 8: Let It Rest

Store the jars in a cool, dark place for at least two weeks. The longer you wait, the better the flavors meld together. It’s worth the wait, trust me.

Nutrition Information

Recipe Notes

Dill Pickles: These form the base of the recipe. You could start with fresh cucumbers, but using pre-made dill pickles adds an extra layer of flavor.

Mustard Seeds: Small but mighty, they provide a burst of heat without overwhelming the palate.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Add these for a bit of a spicy kick. Adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance.
Granulated Sugar: Balances the tangy flavors and cuts through the vinegar.

Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds tanginess; make sure not to substitute this as its flavor complements the sweetness perfectly.
Pickling Blend: This is essential for a well-rounded pickle flavor. Feel free to make your blend or buy a pre-made one.
Fresh Garlic: Always opt for fresh cloves rather than pre-minced for that authentic flavor.

Recipe Variations

Feeling adventurous? Here are some twists you can try:

Spicy Pickles: Crank up the heat with extra crushed red pepper flakes or even a dash of hot sauce.
Citrus Twist: Add a few slices of lemon or lime for a tangy citrus kick.

Herbal Infusion: Drop in some fresh dill or thyme for a fragrant, herbal finish.
Sweet and Sour: Mix in some honey along with sugar for a different kind of sweetness.
Crunchy Pickles: Add a few slices of onions or bell peppers to the mix for extra crunch.

Now, let’s talk about why you need this recipe in your life. Imagine a jar full of homemade sweet chunk pickles that bring a burst of flavor with every bite.

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Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 0

Total Time: 10

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Sweet chunk pickles

Servings: jar

Calories: 1689kcal

Author: Rebecca Novak

Equipment

Large bowl
Sterilized glass jars

Ingredients

1 quart dill pickles

1 tablespoon mustard seeds
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
2 cups granulated sugar

1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons pickling blend
3 cloves of fresh garlic