If you love pickles with the perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors, this recipe is for you! I’ve made countless batches of homemade pickles, and this one never fails to impress. With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have crunchy, flavorful pickles in no time!
Dave’s Sweet and Spicy Pickles are homemade pickles made with cucumbers, garlic, Thai chilies, and a vinegar-based brine. The brine is a mix of tangy, sweet, and spicy flavors, giving these pickles their signature kick. They are easy to make and perfect for sandwiches, burgers, or snacking.
Once you try these pickles, you’ll never go back to store-bought! They’re crisp and fresh like the Daves Hot Chicken Sauce, full of flavor, and take only 24 hours to pickle in the fridge.
What Does Dave’s Sweet and Spicy Pickles Taste Like?
The balance of sweetness from the sugar and the heat from Thai chilies makes these pickles irresistible. The longer they sit, the bolder the flavor becomes!
Another reason this recipe is a winner? The homemade brine infuses every bite with tangy, garlicky goodness. It’s simple yet absolutely packed with flavor!
Ingredients Required for Dave’s Sweet and Spicy Pickles Recipe
Here’s the list of Ingredients you’ll need to make this Dave’s Sweet and Spicy Pickles
- 5 pickling cucumbers (any cucumbers will work)
- 3 cloves garlic, lightly crushed
- 2 cups white vinegar
- ¾ cup water
- ¾ cup sugar
- 3 tbsp salt
- 1.5 tbsp whole black peppercorns
- 1 tbsp mustard seed
- 4 Thai chilies
Kitchen Utensil You’ll Need
✔️ Sharp knife
✔️ Cutting board
✔️ Saucepan
✔️ Glass jar with lid
✔️ Wooden spoon
✔️ Measuring cups and spoons
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes + 24 hours pickling time
Recipe for Famous Dave’s Sweet and Spicy Pickles
Simply follow the steps given below to make your Dave’s Sweet and Spicy Pickles at home
Step 1: Prepare the Cucumbers
Wash the cucumbers thoroughly and pat them dry. Slice them into rounds, spears, or any shape you prefer. Set them aside.
Step 2: Make the Brine
In a saucepan, combine white vinegar, water, sugar, salt, black peppercorns, mustard seed, and Thai chilies. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then turn off the heat and let it cool to room temperature.
Step 3: Pack the Jar
Tightly pack the sliced cucumbers into a clean glass jar. Add the lightly crushed garlic cloves into the jar.
Step 4: Pour the Brine
Once the brine has cooled, pour it over the cucumbers until they are fully submerged. Close the jar tightly and place it in the fridge.
Step 5: Let It Pickle
Let the pickles sit in the fridge for at least 24 hours before eating. The longer they sit, the more flavorful they become!
Some Tasty Ways To Customize and Serve This Dave’s Sweet and Spicy Pickles
1. The Ultimate Burger Upgrade
There’s nothing quite like the crunch of these pickles on a juicy burger. Whether it’s a classic cheeseburger, a crispy chicken sandwich, or even a plant-based patty, these pickles bring the perfect balance of heat and sweetness. I always add a few extra slices—because why not?
2. Straight From the Jar – No Shame!
Let’s be honest—sometimes, I don’t even wait to pair them with anything. I just grab a fork, pop open the jar, and snack away. They’re that good! The sweet and spicy combo keeps me going back for just one more bite…until half the jar is gone.
3. Next-Level Charcuterie Board
If you’re putting together a fancy meat and cheese platter, these pickles need to be on it. They pair perfectly with sharp cheddar, creamy brie, or smoky gouda. Throw in some cured meats like salami or prosciutto, and you’ve got a winning appetizer. Bonus tip: drizzle a little honey over the cheese for the ultimate sweet-spicy balance!
4. Spicy Pickle Bloody Mary
I love a good Bloody Mary, and these pickles take it to the next level. I skewer a couple of slices along with an olive and a celery stick—it’s the perfect tangy garnish. Plus, the brine can double as a secret ingredient to spice up the cocktail.
5. The Best Deli-Style Sandwich
Any sandwich instantly tastes better with pickles, but these? Game-changer. I pile them onto a turkey and Swiss sandwich, but they also work wonders in a grilled cheese. The heat from the Thai chilies cuts through the richness, making every bite irresistible.
6. Taco Night Just Got Better
I didn’t think pickles and tacos would go together—until I tried it. These pickles bring an amazing contrast to soft, savory tacos. I love them with pulled pork, but they’re just as good on fish tacos or even veggie tacos. A little crunch, a little spice—it just works!
7. Secret Weapon for Potato Salad
If you love potato salad but feel like it’s missing something, these pickles are the answer. Chop them up and mix them into your favorite potato salad recipe. They add a nice zippy crunch that balances the creaminess. Every time I bring this to a cookout, people ask, “What’s your secret ingredient?”
8. Pickle-Infused Coleslaw
I thought regular coleslaw was fine—until I added these pickles. Now, I can’t go back! Dice them up and toss them into your slaw for an extra kick. It’s especially good with BBQ pulled pork sandwiches or grilled chicken.
9. The Perfect Side for BBQ Ribs
Speaking of BBQ, these pickles were practically made to be eaten with smoky, saucy ribs. That contrast of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors cuts through the richness of the meat. Every bite is just chef’s kiss perfection.
10. Pickleback Shots – A Spicy Twist
If you’ve ever tried a classic pickleback (a shot of whiskey chased with pickle juice), you have to try it with this brine. The extra heat from the Thai chilies adds an unexpected kick, making it a next-level drinking experience. Let’s just say, after introducing these at a party, my friends now demand I bring a jar every time.
Some Tips on This Dave’s Sweet and Spicy Pickles Recipe
The mix of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors adds a bold kick to so many dishes. Here are some of my absolute favorite ways to enjoy them—trust me, once you try these, you’ll never look at pickles the same way again!
1. Always Use Fresh Cucumbers
Trust me, the fresher your cucumbers, the better your pickles will be. Soft or old cucumbers will turn mushy, and nobody likes a mushy pickle! Look for firm, bright green cucumbers.
2. Slice Them Evenly
If you want all your pickles to taste the same, make sure to cut them evenly. I usually go for thin slices, but if you love a thick, crunchy bite, cut them a little thicker.
3. Don’t Skip the Garlic!
The garlic gives these pickles an extra punch of flavor. If you love garlic as much as I do, you can even add an extra clove. Just crush them lightly so they release all that goodness into the brine.
4. Adjust the Spice Level
Four Thai chilies make a nice spicy pickle, but if you want it milder, just use one or two. If you love spice, go ahead and throw in a couple more—I won’t stop you!
5. Let the Brine Cool Completely
Pouring hot brine over the cucumbers can make them soft instead of crisp. I learned this the hard way! Just be patient and let the brine cool to room temperature before using it.
6. Pack the Cucumbers Tightly
The first time I made these, I left too much space in the jar, and the pickles floated around. Now, I always pack them in tightly so they soak up all that flavorful brine.
7. Shake the Jar Every Now and Then
Once you put the pickles in the fridge, give the jar a little shake every few hours. It helps mix the flavors and makes sure every pickle gets coated in that sweet and spicy brine.
8. Wait at Least 24 Hours (Or Longer!)
I know it’s tempting to sneak a taste early, but these pickles get better the longer they sit. After 24 hours, they’re great, but if you can wait 48 hours, they’ll be even tastier!
9. Store Them in the Fridge
These are refrigerator pickles, not canned pickles, so they need to stay cold. Keep them sealed in the jar, and they’ll stay fresh for about a month—if you don’t eat them all first!
10. Reuse the Brine
Once you finish the pickles, don’t throw out the brine! You can use it to pickle more cucumbers, add it to salad dressings, or even splash a little in a Bloody Mary for extra flavor.
How to Store and Reheat Dave’s Sweet and Spicy Pickles Properly?
Store the pickles in the refrigerator in a sealed jar. They stay fresh and crisp for up to 1 month!
Dave’s Sweet and Spicy Pickles Recipe
Ingredients
- 5 pickling cucumbers any cucumbers will work
- 3 cloves garlic lightly crushed
- 2 cups white vinegar
- ¾ cup water
- ¾ cup sugar
- 3 tbsp salt
- 1.5 tbsp whole black peppercorns
- 1 tbsp mustard seed
- 4 Thai chilies
Instructions
- Wash the cucumbers thoroughly and pat them dry. Slice them into rounds, spears, or any shape you prefer. Set them aside.
- In a saucepan, combine white vinegar, water, sugar, salt, black peppercorns, mustard seed, and Thai chilies. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then turn off the heat and let it cool to room temperature.
- Tightly pack the sliced cucumbers into a clean glass jar. Add the lightly crushed garlic cloves into the jar.
- Once the brine has cooled, pour it over the cucumbers until they are fully submerged. Close the jar tightly and place it in the fridge.
- Let the pickles sit in the fridge for at least 24 hours before eating. The longer they sit, the more flavorful they become!
Video
Notes
Common Queries on This Dave’s Sweet and Spicy Pickles Recipe
Here, we’ve got you covered with some common questions about the Dave’s Sweet and Spicy Pickles Recipe that people often ask.
1. What are the ingredients in Famous Dave’s Sweet and Spicy Pickles?
Famous Dave’s version of sweet and spicy pickles includes cucumbers, vinegar, sugar, garlic, mustard seeds, and a mix of spices like turmeric and red pepper flakes. Our homemade version is just as flavorful, with a kick from Thai chilies and a balanced sweetness from sugar.
2. What is the 3-2-1 rule for pickles?
The 3-2-1 rule is a simple brine ratio: 3 parts vinegar, 2 parts water, and 1 part sugar. It creates a perfectly balanced pickle brine—tangy, slightly sweet, and ideal for pickling cucumbers. Our recipe follows a similar approach but adds extra seasoning and spice for a bolder flavor.
3. What’s the trick to crispy pickles?
The secret to crunchy pickles is using fresh cucumbers and not pouring hot brine over them. Always let the brine cool before adding it to the jar. You can also soak cucumbers in ice water for 30 minutes before pickling to keep them extra crisp!
4. What makes sweet heat pickles spicy?
The heat comes from Thai chilies (or red pepper flakes if you prefer). The natural oils in the chilies infuse into the brine, giving the pickles a slow-building spicy kick. The longer they sit in the fridge, the spicier they get!
5. Can I use regular cucumbers instead of pickling cucumbers?
Yes! While pickling cucumbers stay firmer, any cucumber will work. If using regular cucumbers, remove the seeds if they’re too large and slice them evenly for the best texture.
6. How long should I let these pickles sit before eating?
For the best flavor, let them sit at least 24 hours in the fridge. If you can wait 48 hours, the flavors will be even stronger. But trust us—waiting is the hardest part!
7. Can I reuse the brine for another batch of pickles?
Yes! You can use the same brine for a second batch, but we recommend boiling and cooling it again to refresh the flavors. If the brine looks cloudy, discard it and make a fresh batch.
8. How long do these pickles last in the fridge?
They stay fresh for up to 1 month when stored in a sealed jar. They usually don’t last that long in our house because they get eaten too fast!
9. What can I add to customize this recipe?
If you like extra heat, add more Thai chilies or a pinch of red pepper flakes. For a hint of herbal flavor, throw in some fresh dill or bay leaves. You can also experiment with honey instead of sugar for a unique sweetness.
10. Can I make this recipe without sugar?
Yes! If you want a no-sugar version, swap out the sugar for honey, maple syrup, or a sugar substitute. Keep in mind that sugar helps balance the acidity, so you may need to adjust the vinegar ratio slightly.
These sweet and spicy pickles are easy to make and taste amazing! Whether you enjoy them on sandwiches, burgers, or straight from the jar, they add a delicious crunch to any dish.
Try making a batch today—you’ll never look at store-bought pickles the same way again! 🥒
Feel free to share your experience with this recipe by trying it out. Don’t forget to drop a comment and provide your feedback on the blog for us to read.
Additionally, You can also like and, follow us on Pinterest, and Reddit for more updates. Your thoughts and engagement are greatly appreciated!
So good and fresh
Thanks
Thanks for the recipe
Welcome