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Merry

Sweet Heat Pickles – Quick & Easy Snack with a Kick

Sweet Heat Pickles are a delicious combination of tangy, sweet, and spicy flavors that will leave your taste buds dancing! Made with dill pickles, sugar, garlic, and a kick of heat from jalapeños and red pepper flakes, these pickles are perfect as a snack, a side dish, or a zesty topping for your favorite sandwiches and burgers. Easy to prepare with no special equipment required, this recipe is a must-try for pickle lovers looking to spice things up!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Servings: 10 -12 servings
Course: Side Dish, Snacks
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 large jar about 46 oz plain dill pickles
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 6 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 teaspoons fresh jalapeño chopped (adjust for heat level)
  • 2 teaspoons red pepper flakes
  • 2 teaspoons parsley chopped

Method
 

Drain and Slice the Pickles:
  1. Open the jar of dill pickles and pour out the pickle juice (discard it).
  2. Slice the pickles into ¼ to ½-inch thick rounds, depending on your preference.
Prepare the Jar for Layering:
  1. Save the original pickle jar or use a larger jar if needed to make layering easier.
Layer the Pickles and Ingredients:
  1. Add 1 ½ cups of pickles to the bottom of the jar.
  2. Top the pickles with ½ cup sugar, 2 cloves of minced garlic, ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes, and ½ teaspoon chopped jalapeños.
  3. Repeat the layering process until all the pickles are used. Pour any remaining sugar on top to ensure it dissolves completely during the resting process.
Let the Sugar Dissolve:
  1. Cover the jar with a lid and let it sit on the counter for about 1 hour, or until the sugar begins to liquefy into a syrup.
Mix the Pickles:
  1. Gently shake the jar or stir the contents to evenly coat the pickles in the syrup. Make sure to pull any undissolved sugar from the bottom.
Rest and Refrigerate:
  1. Allow the pickles to sit on the counter for several more hours, or overnight, to fully absorb the flavors.
  2. Transfer the jar to the refrigerator and chill for 1-2 additional days before serving. This resting time enhances the flavor and texture of the pickles.
Serve and Enjoy:
  1. Serve the pickles as a snack, side dish, or topping for burgers, sandwiches, or salads.

Notes

  • Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of jalapeños and red pepper flakes. For more heat, add extra jalapeños or even a pinch of cayenne pepper.
  • Customize the Flavor: Feel free to add additional ingredients like sliced onions, carrots, or bell peppers for a more colorful and flavorful pickle mix.
  • Shake the Jar Often: During the resting process, gently shake the jar to keep the sugar and spices evenly distributed.
  • Storage: Once refrigerated, Sweet Heat Pickles can last for up to 4 weeks. Make sure to keep them in an airtight jar.
  • Serving Tip: Pair these pickles with BBQ dishes, grilled meats, or even a charcuterie board for a burst of flavor.

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