If you’ve ever enjoyed the mouthwatering, tangy crunch of Famous Dave’s pickles, you know they are a perfect balance of sweet, sour, and spicy flavors that elevate any meal. Whether served alongside BBQ ribs, burgers, or simply on their own as a zesty snack, these pickles have a cult following.
The good news? You don’t have to visit a restaurant to enjoy this iconic treat.
Making Famous Dave’s pickles at home is easier than you think and allows you to customize the flavors to your liking. In this detailed recipe, I’ll guide you through all the steps to recreate these irresistible pickles right in your kitchen.
From selecting the right cucumbers to preparing the perfect brine, this recipe will help you achieve that signature Famous Dave’s pickle taste. Ready to impress your family and friends with your pickling prowess?
Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Famous Dave’s pickles recipe is a delightful combination of tangy, sweet, and spicy notes that awaken your taste buds. The pickles are crunchy, refreshing, and packed with flavor, making them a fantastic addition to any dish or a satisfying snack on their own.
Quick to prepare and requiring minimal ingredients, this recipe is perfect for both beginners and seasoned cooks. Plus, making pickles at home means you control the ingredients, so you can avoid preservatives and artificial additives found in store-bought versions.
Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or craving a snack with a kick, these pickles deliver every time. Plus, they store well, meaning you can enjoy them for weeks!
Ingredients
- 2 pounds fresh Kirby cucumbers (small, firm cucumbers perfect for pickling)
- 3 cups water
- 2 cups white vinegar (5% acidity)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons kosher salt (non-iodized)
- 4 cloves garlic, smashed
- 1 tablespoon mustard seeds
- 1 tablespoon dill seeds
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste for spice)
- 4 fresh dill sprigs
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
- Optional: 1 small jalapeño sliced for extra heat
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Sharp knife for slicing cucumbers
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Large saucepan for heating the brine
- Clean glass jars with lids (quart size recommended)
- Tongs or fork for handling pickles
- Cooling rack or towel
Instructions
- Prepare the cucumbers: Wash the Kirby cucumbers thoroughly under cold running water. Trim off the blossom ends as they contain enzymes that may soften the pickles. Slice the cucumbers into 1/4-inch thick rounds or spears, depending on your preference.
- Make the brine: In a large saucepan, combine 3 cups water, 2 cups white vinegar, 1/4 cup sugar, and 2 tablespoons kosher salt. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar and salt dissolve completely. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Prepare the jars: Sterilize your glass jars by washing them in hot soapy water and rinsing well. You can also run them through a dishwasher cycle on high heat. Place the garlic cloves, mustard seeds, dill seeds, red pepper flakes, black peppercorns, and fresh dill sprigs evenly into the jars. Add jalapeño slices if using.
- Pack the cucumbers: Tightly pack the sliced cucumbers into the jars, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace at the top. Press down gently but firmly to remove air pockets.
- Add the brine: Pour the warm brine over the cucumbers, covering them completely. Leave a little space at the top to allow for expansion.
- Seal and cool: Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean cloth and screw on the lids tightly. Let the jars cool to room temperature on a cooling rack or towel.
- Refrigerate: Place the jars in the refrigerator. Let the pickles marinate for at least 48 hours for the best flavor. They will taste even better after 3-5 days.
- Enjoy: Once ready, use tongs or a fork to remove pickles from the jar. Store pickles in the fridge and consume within 4 weeks for maximum freshness.
Tips & Variations
“For extra crunchy pickles, soak sliced cucumbers in ice water for 1-2 hours before pickling.”
“Experiment with adding a pinch of celery seeds or a splash of apple cider vinegar for unique flavor twists.”
If you prefer sweeter pickles, increase the sugar to 1/3 cup. For spicier versions, add more crushed red pepper flakes or include a few peppercorns.
You can also try pickling other vegetables like carrots or green beans using the same brine.
Want to make these pickles shelf-stable? Consider a hot water bath canning process, but be sure to follow safe canning guidelines.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per serving (1 pickle slice) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 5 |
| Total Fat | 0 g |
| Sodium | 300 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 1 g |
| Sugars | 0.8 g |
| Protein | 0 g |
Serving Suggestions
Famous Dave’s pickles are incredibly versatile. Here are some delicious ways to enjoy them:
- Serve as a crunchy side with BBQ ribs or pulled pork sandwiches for an authentic southern touch.
- Add sliced pickles to burgers, hot dogs, or sandwiches for that tangy crunch.
- Chop and mix into potato or egg salad for added zest and texture.
- Enjoy straight from the jar as a refreshing snack or appetizer.
Conclusion
Making Famous Dave’s pickles at home is a rewarding experience that brings restaurant-quality flavor right to your kitchen. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create pickles that are crunchy, tangy, and just the right amount of spicy.
Homemade pickles also give you the freedom to adjust sweetness and heat levels to your preference, making every bite uniquely yours.
Whether you’re a pickle enthusiast or just looking to add a flavorful twist to your meals, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire. So grab some Kirby cucumbers and start pickling today—you’ll be amazed at how easy and delicious it is!
For more tasty recipes to complement your pickles, check out our Smoked Brisket Recipe, Grilled BBQ Chicken, and Homemade Macaroni and Cheese.
📖 Recipe Card: Famous Dave's Pickles
Description: Crisp and tangy pickles with a perfect balance of spices, inspired by Famous Dave's signature recipe. These pickles are great for snacking or adding to sandwiches.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT10M
Total Time: PT25M
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups sliced cucumbers
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 2 cloves garlic, smashed
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon dill seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 4 sprigs fresh dill
Instructions
- Combine vinegar, water, sugar, and salt in a saucepan and bring to a boil.
- Place cucumbers, garlic, mustard seeds, dill seeds, red pepper flakes, and fresh dill in a jar.
- Pour hot brine over the cucumber mixture, covering completely.
- Let pickles cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 24 hours.
- Serve chilled for best flavor.
Nutrition: Calories: 15 kcal | Protein: 0.5 g | Fat: 0 g | Carbs: 3 g
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