Every August, backyard gardens overflow with fresh cucumbers! If you’re lucky enough to have a basket of them sitting on your kitchen counter, you might be wondering how to use them before they go soft. One of the easiest ways to preserve cucumbers—without any canning equipment—is to make Refrigerator Sweet Pickles.
Abundant garden harvest? Try our homemade Zucchini Bread Recipe.
Sweet and Sour Cucumbers
But before we get to the recipe, I’ll share a little backstory about my pickle journey.
Decades ago, I was a picky eater. I examined every bite of meat, distrusted most vegetables, and avoided condiments, dressings, and sauces altogether.
Fast forward to today—meet grown-up Melissa! I no longer gag at the smell of mustard (well, most of the time), and I actually enjoy a wide variety of vegetables now, thanks to gardening, grilling, and roasting. That change didn’t happen overnight, but I can trace a turning point back to one specific dish.
The year was 2002, just months before college graduation. I went home with my roommate for dinner. Her family’s home felt so warm and welcoming, and her mom prepared a spread of crispy chicken, stuffing, steamed vegetables, fresh lemonade, and something called soured cucumbers. Everything was delicious and going well, but then they noticed that I hadn’t tried the cucumbers.
The exact conversation is a little blurry, but I know it ended with me taking a bite. Then another. And another. Before long, my friend and I were packing some up to bring back to our dorm.
I can’t promise soured cucumbers—or, as they are more commonly known, refrigerator sweet pickles—will cure every picky eater, but I do know they made me braver about trying new foods, and that was the beginning of a whole new chapter in how I eat.
Why Make Refrigerator Sweet Pickles?
Crunchy sweet pickles are an easy solution when you have more cucumbers than you can eat fresh. Because there’s no canning involved, you don’t need special equipment or hours of work. Instead, you simply create a quick brine of vinegar, water, and sugar, then pour it over your cucumbers and let the liquid do the work.
Here are a few reasons to love this refrigerator pickle method:
- Fast prep time – You can have everything ready in under an hour.
- Flexible recipe – You can adjust the sweetness, add spices, or change the vegetables.
- Crisp and fresh flavor – Unlike shelf-stable pickles, these stay bright and crunchy.
- Small batch – Perfect if you just have a few cucumbers on hand.
- Family-friendly – The sweet taste often wins over kids who don’t like sour or spicy pickles.
Ingredients for Refrigerator Sweet Pickles
This simple sweet pickle recipe uses only pantry staples.
- Cucumbers – Fresh, firm cucumbers are the star of the recipe. Slicing them thinly helps the brine soak in quickly.
- Salt – Draws out excess water from the cucumbers, keeping them crisp and giving the pickles their classic texture.
- White vinegar – Provides tang and balances the sweetness.
- Water – Dilutes the vinegar so the brine isn’t overpowering.
- Sugar – Adds sweetness to create the perfect balance of flavors in these refrigerator sweet pickles.
Refrigerator Sweet Pickles Recipe
Unlike traditional canned pickles, refrigerator pickles don’t need to be processed in boiling water. They’re stored cold and enjoyed fresh, which keeps them crisp and crunchy. This method is simple enough for beginners, quick enough to tackle on a busy weeknight, and delicious enough that you’ll keep going back for another bite. Here’s how to make them at home:
STEP 1: Prep the cucumbers. Thinly slice the cucumbers into rounds. Place them in a bowl, sprinkle them with the salt, and let them rest at room temperature for 30 minutes. This step helps draw out excess water and ensures crisp pickles.
STEP 2: Drain. After 30 minutes, drain off the salty liquid that has collected. You don’t need to rinse them—just give them a gentle shake in a colander.
STEP 3: Make the brine. In a measuring cup or bowl, combine the vinegar, water, and sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely. This is your sweet brine!
STEP 4: Combine and pack. Pour the brine over the cucumbers and mix well. Add in a few slices of onion or a sprinkle of celery seed if you like. Transfer everything to clean jars and press down so the cucumbers are submerged.
STEP 5: Refrigerate. Seal the jars and store them in the refrigerator. They’ll be ready to eat in just a few hours, but the flavor deepens after 24 hours.
Variations on Refrigerator Sweet Pickles
The beauty of refrigerator pickles is that once you know the basic recipe, you can adjust it to suit your tastes. Here are some fun ideas:
- Onion pickles: Layer thinly sliced onions with the cucumbers for extra bite.
- Celery seed twist: Add a sprinkle of celery seed for a classic deli-style flavor.
- Garlic lovers: Drop a clove of smashed garlic into each jar for a savory note.
- Spicy kick: Add jalapeño slices or red pepper flakes for sweet-and-spicy pickles.
- Bread and butter style: Include mustard seed, turmeric, and onion for the classic bread-and-butter pickle taste.
- Vegetable mix: Try the same method with zucchini, carrots, bell peppers, or green beans.
- Lower in sugar: Adjust the sugar if you prefer a less sweet cucumber.
Serving Ideas
Sweet pickles are more than just a snack straight from the jar. Try them:
- Layered on sandwiches or burgers. (My favorite!)
- Chopped into tuna or chicken salad.
- As a side with barbecue or fried chicken.
- Added to cheese boards for a tangy-sweet contrast.
- Tossed into potato salad or pasta salad for crunch.
Common Questions
Do I need to sterilize jars for refrigerator sweet pickles?
No. Because the pickles are stored cold and eaten within a couple of weeks, clean jars are enough.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes! Just keep the vinegar, water, and sugar in equal parts when increasing the batch. Depending on how many cucumbers you slice and the size of your jars, you may need to double or even triple the brine to ensure everything is fully covered.
What if I like tangier pickles?
Increase the vinegar and reduce the sugar slightly.
Why do I need to rest the sliced cucumbers in salt first?
This step removes excess moisture and keeps the cucumbers crunchy in the brine.
How soon can I eat them?
They taste fine after a few hours, but for best flavor, wait at least one full day.
More Easy Recipes from the Garden
If you enjoyed these refrigerator sweet pickles, you might also like these fresh and fruity recipes made with garden or market produce. Don’t forget to add them to your recipe binder!
- Blueberry Jam – A sweet, spreadable jam that’s perfect for toast, biscuits, or spooned over yogurt.
- Blackcurrant Jam – Tart and rich, this jam has a bold flavor that pairs beautifully with cheese or scones.
- Strawberry Jam – A classic summer favorite that captures the taste of ripe, juicy berries.
- Blueberry Lemonade – Refreshing and tangy, this homemade drink is the perfect way to cool down on a warm day.
- Low-Sugar Blueberry Muffins – Soft, fluffy muffins bursting with juicy berries—perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack.
Save This Recipe
Save this recipe on Pinterest using the image below.
Sweet Refrigerator Pickles
Ingredients
- 4 cups cucumbers thinly sliced
- 1 tsp salt
- ¼ cup white vinegar
- ¼ cup water
- ¼ cup sugar
Instructions
- Prep cucumbers: Thinly slice cucumbers. Sprinkle with salt and let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
- Drain: Pour off the salty liquid, leaving the cucumbers ready for the brine.
- Make brine: Combine equal parts white vinegar, water, and sugar. Stir until sugar dissolves.
- Combine: Pour the brine over cucumbers. Mix gently.
- Pack jars: Transfer cucumbers and brine to clean jars, pressing down so they’re submerged.
- Refrigerate: Seal jars and chill. Enjoy after a few hours, or let flavors deepen overnight.
Notes
- Storage: Keep refrigerated for up to 2 weeks.
- Submerge the cucumbers: Depending on how many cucumbers you slice and the size of your jars, you may need to double or even triple the brine to ensure everything is fully covered.
This post was originally published August 17, 2012.
Want even more?
Make sure to follow on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram for more easy crafts, activities, recipes, and parenting tips. And don’t forget to subscribe to our emails.