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Homemade Freezer Pickles Recipe

Homemade Freezer Pickles Recipe - Easy Comfort Food Recipes

As someone who often gets caught up in the hustle and bustle of life, I find joy in simple pleasures. One of those gems is a jar of homemade freezer pickles. They’re a celebration of vegetables and flavor, and they allow me to relish the taste of summer all year round. 
You might wonder why go through the effort of making your own when store-bought options are available? Allow me to share my favorite recipe and the journey behind it.
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Prep Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Calories: 148
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup raw apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons coarse kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 2 cups white cane sugar
  • 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 tablespoon whole mustard seeds
  • 7 cups finely sliced garden cucumbers
  • 1 tablespoon ground celery seeds
  • 1 large green bell pepper, cored and julienned
  • 2 medium sweet onions or yellow onions, thinly shaved

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare Your Vegetables
  1. Begin by washing the cucumbers thoroughly. A quick rinse under cold water gets rid of any grit. After that, slice them finely.
  2. The key to great pickles lies in consistent thickness. Aim for about 1/4 inch slices. If you have a mandoline, it can make this task much easier and more uniform.
  3. Next, julienne the bell pepper and thinly slice the onions. Feel free to use a sharp knife or a food processor for speed.
Step 2: Create the Brine
  1. In a large bowl, combine the apple cider vinegar, sugar, and salt. Mix it until the sugar and salt dissolve. This step is crucial; it ensures your brine is evenly seasoned.
  2. Now it’s time to add the turmeric, red pepper flakes, mustard seeds, and celery seeds. Stir until all the spices are mixed. It should smell heavenly by this point.
Step 3: Combine Vegetables with Brine
  1. Add your sliced cucumbers, bell peppers, and onions to the brine. Toss everything gently to ensure every piece is coated in the mixture.
  2. Some folks even opt to let this mixture sit for a bit in the fridge to allow flavors to meld, but you don’t have to do this step if you’re eager to freeze them.
Step 4: Pack into Jars
  1. Using clean glass jars or containers, pack the cucumber mixture tightly. Leave a little space at the top for expansion during freezing. Make sure to pour some of that delicious brine over the top of the cucumbers in each jar.
  2. Once filled, seal the jars tightly.
Step 5: Freeze and Enjoy
  1. Label your jars with the date, then toss them in the freezer. They’ll be ready to enjoy after a few hours. Before serving, just transfer to the refrigerator to thaw, and they'll be ready in about 24 hours.

Notes

  • Use Fresh Ingredients: The fresher the cucumbers, the crunchier your pickles will be. Choose ones that are firm and free of blemishes.
  • Experiment with Spices: Feel free to play around with spices. Dill or garlic can add delightful nuances to the flavor.
  • Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer your pickles a bit less sweet, reduce the sugar. Just maintain the vinegar level for balance.
  • Chill Before Freezing: Letting the pickle mix chill in the refrigerator allows the flavors to deepen before freezing.
Label Clearly: Write the date on each jar so you can keep track of freshness. Homemade pickles do best within 6 months, while they can last even longer frozen.