How to Make Pickles at Home: Everything You Need to Know

Learning how to pickle at home will open up a whole new world for you. Whether you want to make traditional cucumber pickles, pickled vegetables, or even pickled eggs, once you learn the basics, you’ll be able to experiment with a wide variety of flavors. 

The following guide will tell you everything you need to know so you can become a pickling pro! 

What is pickling?

Before getting into the nitty-gritty of how to make homemade pickles, it helps to understand what pickling actually is. This ancient food preservation method is simply the process of soaking food in a solution that helps to keep it from spoiling. However, it does much more than that. Pickling foods also changes the taste and texture in exciting and delicious ways!

2 types of pickling

There are 2 different types of pickling. The first involves placing foods in a vinegar-based solution This strong, acidic liquid preserves the foods by preventing the survival of virtually all bacteria. This is how many jarred kosher cucumber pickles are made.

The second method is a bit more complex. This is done by soaking foods in a salt brine, which encourages the growth of “good” bacteria—a process known as fermentation. This is used to make a variety of pickled foods, such as kimchi.

How to make dill pickles

Homemade pickles are absolutely delicious. They’re also easy and inexpensive to make. If you’re asking yourself, “How long does it take to make pickles at home?” you might be excited to learn that you can get the whole process done in as little as 20 to 30 minutes. Learning how to make refrigerator pickles is the quickest and easiest option. 

When pickling cucumbers, it’s important to start with the right type. Instead of choosing a standard cucumber, you’ll want to opt for the small, thin version. In the grocery store, you’ll often see them referred to as pickling cucumbers, baby cucumbers, or Kirby cucumbers.

You’ll also need some other ingredients. This includes:

• Fresh dill
• Coriander seeds
• Peppercorns
• Garlic
• Sugar
• Pickling salt
• White vinegar

Once you’ve gathered your ingredients, follow these simple steps:

1. Cut your cucumbers lengthwise into quarters.
2. Place the dill, garlic, and cucumber spears into glass jars.
3. Create a brine by mixing salt, sugar, vinegar, and water, and heat it on the stove for 1 minute until the salt and sugar dissolve.
4. Pour the brine into the jar, tap it on the counter to remove air bubbles, and cap the lid.
5. Either refrigerate the pickles or can them to make them shelf-stable (more on that below).

Your pickles will be ready to eat within 24 hours and can be kept in the fridge for up to a month. This will give you pickles that are bright green, crispy, and have a tangy flavor. The only drawback is that they’re not shelf-stable. However, once you taste them, you’ll want to eat them up quickly anyway.

Other dill pickle variations

Once you know the basics of how to make dill pickles, you can start experimenting with different ingredients in the brine and in the pickle jars. This will create different flavor profiles.

For example, if you want to know how to make garlic pickles, you might find that it’s as easy as adding extra whole garlic cloves to your jars. Wondering how to make spicy pickles? Just add some Thai red peppers, jalapenos, or spicy chili peppers.

How to can pickles

If you want to keep your pickles for longer, you’ll need to can them. When you do, they’ll become shelf-stable for up to 1 year. While this process takes a bit longer, it’s a great way to make sure you can enjoy homemade pickles even when cucumbers aren’t in season. To can your pickles, follow these steps.

1. Prepare your canning equipment

Start by boiling your jars for 10 minutes to sterilize them. While they’re boiling, heat the lids in a small pot over low heat. Be sure to keep both the jars and the lids warm until you’re ready to use them. 

2. Make your pickling brine

Learning how to make pickle brine is quite easy. First, add about 3tbsps of pickling spice into a spice bag. Then, combine the following ingredients:

• Water
• Apple cider vinegar
• Pickling salt
• Sugar
• Your spice bag 

Bring the mixture to a boil, then simmer it on low heat for 15 minutes, making sure the sugar and salt fully dissolve. Remove the spice bag and throw it away. Be sure to keep the brine warm until you’re ready to use it.

3. Wash and slice your cucumbers

Thoroughly wash your cucumbers and cut off 1/8in from each end. Depending on your preferences, you can leave them whole or cut them into spears. 

4. Fill your jars

Next, place the following ingredients into the bottom of each jar:

• Fresh dill
• Crushed garlic
• Mustard seeds
• Dill seeds
• 1 bay leaf
• Red pepper flakes 

Pack the cucumbers in the jars and pour the hot brine over them. Leave about ½in of space at the top of each jar.

5. Can the pickles

Finally, run a bubble popper through your jars to remove any air bubbles, then put the lids on the jars and process them in a water bath canner. Once they’ve cooled, make sure to test the seals, then label and date them. They’ll be ready to eat in about 4 weeks, as this is how long it will take for the flavor to develop.

How to make sweet pickles

Do you prefer a sweet flavor rather than the tanginess of a dill pickle? If so, you’ll want to learn how to make sweet pickles. The process is fairly simple.

1. Prepare your pickles and onions

Start by slicing cucumbers into circles and thinly slicing a sweet onion. Put them together in the bowl and set it aside.

2. Make your brine

In a medium saucepan, mix together:

• Apple cider vinegar
• Water
• White sugar
• Mustard seed
• Celery seed
• Non-iodized salt

Bring the mixture to a boil and stir it until the sugar and salt dissolve. Then, lower the temperature and simmer the mixture for five minutes.

3. Cover your veggies with liquid

Pour the hot brine over your pickles and onions, then let them cool.

4. Store your sweet pickles

Make sure to refrigerate your sweet pickles for at least 2 hours before eating them. This will allow the cucumbers to soak up the flavors. You can keep homemade sweet pickles in the refrigerator for up to 2 months. If you want to keep them for longer, can them using a water bath canner. 

How to make bread and butter pickles

Despite the name, bread and butter pickles don’t actually taste like bread or butter. Instead, they’re simply a sweeter version of sweet pickles. The steps to making them are virtually the same, with the only difference being the ingredients in the brine.

In addition to the ingredients listed above, the brine for bread and butter pickles includes more sugar and other flavorful spices such as cinnamon, cloves, allspice, and turmeric.

Pickling other foods

While pickled cucumbers might be the first thing you think of when you hear the word “pickle,” it’s certainly not your only option! In fact, once you learn how to pickle vegetables, you’ll be able to create a wide variety of foods. Here’s a look at how to create some of the most exciting pickled foods you can make at home.

How to pickle jalapenos

Pickled jalapenos are spicy, tangy, and sweet, making them the perfect addition to a wide variety of meals. You might be surprised to learn that you can make pickled jalapenos in less than 10 minutes!

Not only is this version fresh and delicious, but it’s also free from preservatives and artificial colors. In addition to the jalapenos, you’ll need:

• Water
• White vinegar
• Garlic
• Salt
• Sugar

To make your pickled jalapenos, follow these simple steps:

1. Start by adding all ingredients except the jalapenos in a medium pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then stir in jalapeno slices and remove the pot from the heat.
2. Let the mixture sit for at least 8 minutes. Then, transfer the jalapenos from the pot into the jar and pour the liquid on top.
3. Once they’re cooled, cover the jar with a lid and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 months.

Pro tip: The sugar you add will absorb some of the heat, so if you want your jalapenos spicy, use less sugar. If you want them milder, increase the amount of sugar you add to your brine.

How to pickle onions

Pickled onions are delicious on burgers, sandwiches, salads, tacos, and more. They add a sweet, acidic flavor and a nice touch of color. When learning how to pickle red onions, it’s important to pay attention to how you slice them. If you want them to be ready quickly, make sure to slice them very thin. Once they’re sliced, pack them into a mason jar and place the jar in the sink.

To make the brine, you’ll need:

• Water
• Distilled white vinegar
• Apple cider vinegar
• Maple syrup or honey
• Fine sea salt
• Red pepper flakes

Once you’ve gathered your ingredients, follow these steps:

1. Combine all ingredients listed above in a small saucepan.
2. Heat the mixture over medium heat and bring it to a gentle simmer.
3. Pour the mixture into the jar of pickles.
4. Press the onions down with a butter knife, popping any bubbles inside the jar.
5. Let them cool for 20 to 30 minutes until they reach room temperature.

At this point, your pickled onions are ready to serve! You can cover and refrigerate any leftovers. They’re best if you eat them within 2 to 3 days, but they will last for 2 to 3 weeks.

How to pickle banana peppers

Pickled banana peppers are crisp and crunchy with the perfect balance of heat and sweetness. They’re the perfect topping for sandwiches and salads—and they’re super easy to make at home!

You’ll want to start with 6 to 7 banana peppers. You’ll also need the following ingredients for your brine:

• Water
• White vinegar
• Pickling salt
• Garlic clove
• Honey
• Dried oregano
• Dried basil
• Black peppercorns

Once you’ve got all your ingredients ready, follow these simple steps:

1. Wash the banana peppers and slice them into ¼in rings.
2. Mix all the ingredients above in a large pan and bring it to a rolling boil.
3. Add the banana peppers, then remove the pan from the heat and stir.
4. Let the mixture cool to room temperature, then pour it into mason jars.
5. Cover the jars and store them in the refrigerator.

You could eat them right away, but they will taste best if you refrigerate them for 24 hours. This will allow the flavors to develop. As long as you keep them refrigerated, they will stay good for a month or longer.

If you want to make them a bit hotter, you can also add some habaneros or other spicy peppers to the mix. This will add overall heat to the brine, and it will permeate into the banana peppers.

How to pickle beets

Want to make pickled beets just like your grandma used to make? You can do it in about 40 minutes! First, you’ll want to make a brine by bringing the following ingredients to a boil and letting it simmer for a few minutes:

• Water
• Apple cider vinegar
• Kosher salt
• Dry ground mustard
• Kosher salt

Once your brine is ready, follow these steps:

1. Add sliced, roasted beets and some peppercorns to a jar.
2. Pour the brine into the jar, making sure everything is covered.
3. Add the lid and let it sit out for up to 24 hours.
4. Transfer the jar of beets to the refrigerator until you’re ready to eat them.

You can store pickled beets in the refrigerator for up to 6 weeks.

How to pickle okra

Pickled okra is lightly spicy and has a pleasant crunch. It’s a great addition to a relish tray and you can also fry it, add it to salads, and more! To make your own pickled okra at home, start by boiling the following ingredients over medium-high heat: 

• Apple cider vinegar
• Sugar
• Kosher salt
• Whole yellow mustard seed
• Whole peppercorns
• While dried red chile peppers, cut lengthwise in half

While the mixture boils, add whole okra, dill, and garlic cloves to mason jars, then pour the hot brine over it. Fill the rest of the jars up with water so there is only ½in of space left from the top, and let them cool for about 30 minutes before putting your jars in the refrigerator. 

You’ll want to refrigerate your okra for at least 3 days before eating it. If you find that it’s a bit slimy, let it pickle for a few more days. You can store your pickled okra in the refrigerator for up to 2 months.

How to make pickled ginger

If you’re a fan of sushi or sashimi, you may you’re likely familiar with pickled ginger. This delicious food can cleanse your palate and also makes a great snack. You can buy jarred pickled ginger in the store, but it’s also very easy to make your own. All you’ll need is:

• Ginger root
• Sea salt
• Rice vinegar
• White sugar

To make it, simply follow these steps:

1. Peel the ginger root, then cut it into chunks.
2. Place the ginger into a bowl and sprinkle it with sea salt.
3. Let the ginger stand for 30 minutes, then dry it with a paper towel and transfer it to a clean mason jar.
4. Boil the vinegar and sugar until the sugar is dissolved.
5. Pour the liquid over the pieces of ginger root.
6. Allow it to cool, then put the lid on and refrigerate it.

You’ll want to let the ginger pickle for 24 hours before eating it. Before serving your ginger, cut it into paper-thin slices using a knife or a mandolin. 

Pickled ginger will stay good in the refrigerator for up to a week. It will likely turn pink in color, but this is completely normal.

How to make pickled eggs

Once you learn how to pickle vegetables, a whole new world will open up for you! But, the fun doesn’t end there. Did you know you can also make your own pickled eggs at home? This tasty snack makes a great sandwich filling and is also a fun addition to a charcuterie board.

Start by making a brine using the following ingredients:

• White vinegar
• Water
• Coarse salt
• Thinly sliced onion
• Sugar
• Pickling spices
• Bay leaf

Mix everything together in a saucepan and bring it to a boil. Then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 5 minutes. While the mixture cools, follow these steps:

1. Place hard-boiled eggs and garlic cloves in the jar.
2. Top it with fresh dill and the cooked onion slices.
3. Pour the slightly cooled liquid into the jar.
4. Place the lid on the jar and refrigerate it for at least 3 to 4 days before eating.

Your pickled eggs can stay in the refrigerator for several weeks, but you’ll probably want to eat them up faster than that.

Start experimenting with pickling today!

Now that you know the basics of how to make pickles and other fun foods, you’re ready to start experimenting yourself. No matter what you want to pickle, Instacart makes it easy! Just head over to Instacart.com, add everything you need to your shopping list, and a professional shopper will take care of everything for you. Try it out today!