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Sweet & Spicy Candied Jalapeño Pickles: Easy Refrigerator Recipe

candied jalapeño refrigerator pickles - featured image

These sweet and spicy candied jalapeño refrigerator pickles are a happy accident turned staple. They’re quick to make, use simple ingredients, and offer a perfect balance of brown sugar sweetness and gentle heat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound fresh jalapeños (about 1215 medium)
  • 2 cups dark brown sugar, packed
  • 1 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 45 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
  • 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
  • 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 cup thinly sliced onion (optional)
  • 1/4 cup carrot ribbons (optional)
  • 23 fresh dill sprigs (optional)

Instructions

  1. Wash and dry the jalapeños. Wearing disposable gloves, slice them into thin rounds (about 1/8-inch thick). For milder pickles, remove seeds and membranes. Pack the sliced jalapeños and sliced garlic into a clean glass jar.
  2. In a medium saucepan, combine dark brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, water, kosher salt, mustard seeds, turmeric, and smoked paprika. Stir and bring to a boil over medium-high heat, about 5-7 minutes, until sugar is dissolved. Let boil for 1 minute, then remove from heat.
  3. Carefully pour the hot brine over the jalapeños in the jar, covering them completely. Leave about 1/2 inch headspace. Tap the jar gently to release air bubbles.
  4. Let the jar cool to room temperature (about 1-2 hours). The brine will thicken slightly as it cools.
  5. Once cool, screw on the lid tightly and refrigerate. Let the pickles sit for at least 24 hours before eating; they are even better after 3-4 days.

Notes

Wear gloves when handling jalapeños to avoid skin irritation. Let the brine boil for a full minute to meld flavors and achieve a syrupy consistency. Do not skip the cooling step before refrigerating to prevent glass cracking. For best flavor, let pickles sit for 3-4 days before eating.

Nutrition

Keywords: candied jalapeños, refrigerator pickles, sweet and spicy pickles, easy pickles, homemade pickles, jalapeño pickles