Easy Freezer Pickles

Freezer pickles are a great way to preserve the flavor of fresh cucumbers long after the season ends. Unlike traditional canned pickles, which require a lot of time and equipment, freezer pickles can be made with just a few ingredients and stored in your freezer for up to six weeks. The crunchy pickles retain a crisp texture and vibrant flavor even after they’re thawed.

This easy recipe is similar to classic freezer cucumber pickles but with the addition of spices, including turmeric, celery seeds and mustard seeds. For something sweeter, try this sweet ‘n’ tangy version.

Freezer Pickles Ingredients

• Cucumbers: Fresh cucumbers are the star of this recipe. Thinly slicing them allows the vinegar and sugar to fully penetrate, giving the pickles their signature sweet-tangy flavor.
• Onion: Sliced onion adds a subtle sweetness and a mild bite, enhancing the flavor of the cucumbers and giving the pickles extra crunch.
• Salt: Salt draws out moisture from the cucumbers, helping them maintain their crisp texture. It also acts as a natural preservative.
• Sugar: Sugar balances the vinegar’s tang and creates the perfect sweet pickling liquid. It adds sweetness without overpowering the other flavors.
• Vinegar: White vinegar is essential for giving these pickles their tangy kick. White vinegar is a classic choice for its clean, sharp flavor.
• Celery seed: Celery seed brings a hint of earthy spice to the pickles, adding complexity to the overall flavor.
• Turmeric: Ground turmeric gives the pickles a beautiful golden hue and contributes a warm, slightly bitter undertone.
• Mustard seeds: Mustard seeds provide a mild heat and a tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the cucumbers and vinegar.

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the cucumber mixture

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Combine the sliced cucumbers, onions and salt in a large container. Let this mixture stand for three hours, stirring occasionally. The salt will help remove excess moisture from the cucumbers, ensuring they stay crisp when frozen.

Editor’s Tip: For uniform pickles, use a mandoline or  sharp knife to slice your cucumbers and onions evenly.

Step 2: Make the pickling liquid

Sheri Silver for Taste of Home

Combine the sugar, white vinegar, celery seed, ground turmeric and mustard seed in a separate bowl. Stir the mixture well and let it sit for two to three hours, stirring often to dissolve the sugar completely. This will create the sweet-tangy pickling liquid that gives the pickles their flavor.

Step 3: Combine the mixtures

Sheri Silver for Taste of Home

Drain and rinse the cucumbers. Pack the pickles in a freezer-safe pint container and pour the pickling liquid over them. Stir well to ensure all the cucumbers are evenly coated in the pickling liquid. Cover the containers tightly and freeze.

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Freezer Pickles Recipe Variations

• Make spicy pickles: Add red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños to the mixture.
• Go for garlicky pickles: Add a few crushed garlic cloves to the cucumber mixture.
• Add mixed veggies: Add thinly sliced carrots, bell peppers or green beans or a colorful and flavorful veggie mix.
• Include other spices: Try different spices, like dill or fennel seeds, to customize the flavor to your liking.

How to Store Freezer Pickles

Once packed in freezer containers, these pickles will last up to six weeks in the freezer. Be sure to leave at least an inch of headspace in the containers to allow for expansion. When you’re ready to serve, transfer the pickles to the refrigerator to thaw overnight. They’ll be just as crisp as when they were made.

How long do freezer pickles last?

After thawing, these pickles will last up to one week in the refrigerator. Keep them in an airtight container to maintain their freshness.

Can you make freezer pickles ahead of time?

Freezer pickles are perfect for making ahead. Prepare a large batch and freeze in smaller portions to enjoy them anytime without the extra prep work.

Freezer Pickles Recipe Tips

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What makes freezer pickles different from canned pickles?

Freezer pickles are not cooked, which helps them stay crunchy. Canned pickles, on the other hand, are often processed in boiling water. This can soften them over time.

Do freezer pickles taste the same as regular pickles?

Freezer pickles taste just as good as refrigerator pickles, with a slightly fresher and crisper texture. They have the same tangy, sweet flavor but with less of the softening that occurs in traditional canning.

Are mason jars freezers safe?

According to Ball, their mason jars with tapered sides or straight sides are freezer-safe but the shouldered jars are not. Check out the best glass food storage containers.