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Pickled Apples

Pickled Apples

Pickled apples offer a vibrant and tangy burst of flavor with a refreshing crunch that beautifully enhances both sweet and savory dishes. This simple recipe uses crisp apples and a balanced spiced vinegar brine to create a versatile accompaniment perfect for salads, sandwiches, cheeses, and roasted meats.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 3 fresh firm apples (such as Granny Smith or Fuji), washed, cored, and thinly sliced
  • 1 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/4 cup sugar (adjustable to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 4 whole cloves
  • 1 teaspoon whole peppercorns

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Apples: Wash, core, and thinly slice the apples evenly, leaving the skin on to add color and texture to the pickled apples.
  2. Make the Brine: In a saucepan, combine apple cider vinegar, water, sugar, salt, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and peppercorns. Bring to a gentle simmer while stirring until the sugar dissolves completely and the spices begin to release their aroma.
  3. Pack the Jars: Place the sliced apples neatly into sterilized jars or airtight containers, layering to maximize space. Pour the hot brine over the apples, fully submerging them and removing any air bubbles.
  4. Let Them Pickle: Seal the jars and allow them to cool to room temperature before refrigerating. For best results, let the pickled apples sit for 24 to 48 hours before enjoying; flavors deepen over time.

Notes

  • Use fresh, firm apples like Granny Smith, Fuji, or Honeycrisp for best texture and flavor retention.
  • Thinly slice apples for faster and more even absorption of the pickling brine.
  • Allow the apples to marinate for at least 1-2 days for optimal flavor development.
  • Sterilize jars properly to extend shelf life and maintain freshness.
  • Adjust sugar quantity based on your taste preference and the sweetness of your apples.
  • Store pickled apples in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks in an airtight container.
  • Freezing pickled apples is not recommended as it affects texture.
  • Serve pickled apples cold or at room temperature; reheating is unnecessary.

Nutrition

Keywords: pickled apples, apple pickles, tangy snacks, appetizer, easy pickles, spiced apples, vinegar preserved apples