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Famous Dave's Sweet and Spicy Pickles Recipe

Famous Dave's Sweet and Spicy Pickles Recipe

Crave those crunchy Famous Dave's Sweet and Spicy Pickles? They mix sweet sugar with fiery heat. Perfect BBQ sidekick. This Famous Dave's Sweet and Spicy Pickles recipe tastes just like the real deal.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Side Dish/Condiment
Cuisine American BBQ
Servings 24
Calories 45 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups pickling cucumbers sliced thin (about 2 lbs) – crisp base
  • 1 large white onion thinly sliced – sharp bite
  • 1 red bell pepper diced small – sweet color pop
  • 2 cups white sugar – balances the heat
  • 1 cup apple cider vinegar – tangy kick
  • 1/2 cup white vinegar – extra sharpness
  • 2 tablespoons mustard seeds – earthy spice
  • 1 tablespoon celery seeds – classic pickle flavor
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder – golden hue
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes – the spicy thrill
  • 1 teaspoon salt – brings out flavors
  • 2 garlic cloves smashed – aromatic depth

Instructions
 

Prep the Veggies

  • Wash cucumbers well. Slice into 1/4-inch rounds or spears. Thinly slice onion and dice bell pepper. Toss all in a large bowl with salt. Let sit 10 minutes.
  • This draws out water for crunch. Rinse lightly under cold water. Drain well. Veggies ready for magic.

Make the Brine

  • In a saucepan, combine sugar, apple cider vinegar, white vinegar, mustard seeds, celery seeds, turmeric, red pepper flakes and garlic.
  • Bring to a boil over medium heat. Stir until sugar dissolves fully. About 5 minutes. Bubbles mean it's perfect. Smells amazing already.

Pack the Jars

  • Sterilize jars in boiling water. Pack drained veggies tightly into hot jars. Leave 1/2-inch space at top. Garlic cloves go in too. Ladle hot brine over veggies. Cover completely. Wipe rims clean. Seal with lids. Finger-tight only. Pickles take shape now.

Cool and Set

  • Let jars cool to room temp. About 1 hour. Check seals – lids should pop down. Refrigerate overnight. Flavors meld sweetly. Crunch intensifies.
  • Your Famous Dave's Sweet and Spicy Pickles recipe is done. First taste tomorrow. Patience pays off big.

Notes

  • Use fresh, firm cucumbers for max crunch.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes – more for fire, less for kids.
  • Slice uniform for even pickling.
  • Variation: Add sliced jalapeños for extra Famous Dave's heat.
  • Variation: Swap half sugar for honey for floral twist.
  • Pro tip: Quick pickles? Ready in 24 hours, best after 3 days.
  • Boil brine extra minute for thicker syrup.
Keyword Famous Dave's Sweet and Spicy Pickles Recipe