Famous Dave’s Sweet and Spicy Pickles Recipe

Craving that perfect crunch with a balance of sweet heat? Famous Dave’s sweet and spicy pickles have become a favorite sidekick to barbecue, burgers, and even a simple sandwich. Known for their bold flavor and addictive kick, these pickles combine tangy vinegar, natural sweetness, and just the right amount of spice to keep you reaching for more.

Making them at home not only saves you a trip to the store but also lets you enjoy that signature taste any time you want. With just a few fresh cucumbers, pantry spices, and a quick brine, you can recreate this crowd-pleasing recipe in your own kitchen.

Whether you love pickles as a snack, a topping, or a must-have with grilled meats, this copycat Famous Dave’s sweet and spicy pickles recipe is a game-changer for pickle lovers everywhere.

My Personal Experience With This Famous Dave’s Sweet and Spicy Pickles Recipe

The first time I tried this recipe, I was hooked. I wanted a pickle that had the sweetness of bread-and-butter pickles but with an extra kick and that’s exactly what this delivers. The jalapeños and Fresno peppers add a beautiful heat, while the apple cider vinegar and sugar balance everything out perfectly.

I especially love how this recipe allows you to sweat the cucumbers beforehand, ensuring that they stay crisp and never soggy. That little extra step makes a huge difference in texture, and it’s worth the wait.

Over time, I’ve discovered these pickles aren’t just for snacking. They shine when layered on fried chicken sandwiches, served alongside barbecue, or even tossed into salads for a tangy surprise. Honestly, I always keep a jar in my fridge now!

Ingredients Required for Famous Dave’s Sweet and Spicy Pickles Recipe

Gather all the following ingredients, before you start making this Famous Dave’s Sweet and Spicy Pickles

• 2 lbs pickling cucumbers (sliced into ¼-inch rounds)
• 2 jalapeños (or 1 jalapeño + 1 red Fresno pepper), sliced into rounds
• 1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 1 tbsp whole yellow mustard seeds
• ½ tsp turmeric
• ¼ tsp celery seed
• 6–8 whole cloves
• 3 cups apple cider vinegar
• 1 cup water
• 2 cups sugar
• 2 tbsp pickling salt

Kitchen Utensils Required

1. 3–4 pint-sized mason jars
2. Medium pot (for brine)
3. Medium bowl (for sweating cucumbers)
4. Chopstick (to release air bubbles)

Preparation & Cooking Time

Preparation Time: 25 minutes
Sweating Time (optional): 2–3 hours
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes (without sweating) / ~3 hours (with sweating)
Yields: 3–4 pint jars of pickles

Copycat Famous Dave’s Sweet and Spicy Pickles Recipe

Just follow this simple step by step guideline to make your homemade version of Famous Dave’s Sweet and Spicy Pickles in a delicious way.

Step 1. Prepare the Vegetables: Wash and trim the cucumbers, then slice them into ¼-inch rounds. Slice the jalapeños (and Fresno pepper, if using) into thin rings. Peel and thinly slice the onion.

Step 2. Optional Sweating for Crispness: For crunchier pickles, place cucumbers, peppers, and onions into a large bowl, sprinkling with the pickling salt as you layer. Toss well and refrigerate for 2–3 hours. Drain off the liquid and pat the vegetables dry. (If skipping this step, just add the salt directly to the brine later.)

Step 3. Pack the Jars: Evenly divide the cucumbers, peppers, and onions into three to four pint-sized jars. Leave about ½ inch of headspace at the top of each jar to allow room for the brine.

Step 4. Make the Brine: In a medium pot, combine apple cider vinegar, water, sugar, mustard seeds, turmeric, celery seed, and cloves. Bring to a boil over high heat, stirring until the sugar fully dissolves.

Step 5. Add Brine to Jars: Carefully pour the hot brine over the vegetables in each jar, ensuring everything is fully submerged. Use a chopstick or thin utensil to release trapped air bubbles, topping up with extra brine if needed.

Step 6. Seal and Store: Wipe the rims of the jars, seal tightly, and let them cool at room temperature for 1–2 hours. Refrigerate for at least 2–3 days before enjoying. For long-term storage, process jars in a water bath canner for 10 minutes.

Delicious Ways to Customize and Serve ThisFamous Dave’s Sweet and Spicy Pickles

Here are some Variations and Customizations ideas you can try to enjoy this Famous Dave’s Sweet and Spicy Pickles deliciously

1. On Fried Chicken Sandwiches
There’s something magical about biting into crispy fried chicken with a layer of these pickles. The sweetness balances the savory crunch, while the spice adds a kick that keeps you reaching for more.

2. Topping for Burgers
We’ve found that swapping plain dill pickles for these instantly upgrades any burger. That sweet heat paired with melted cheese is just unbeatable.

3. On Charcuterie Boards
Whenever we build a charcuterie board, a small bowl of these pickles always steals the show. They cut through the richness of cheeses and cured meats perfectly.

4. With BBQ Pulled Pork
We love piling these pickles on top of pulled pork sandwiches. The tangy-sweet crunch against smoky barbecue sauce is pure harmony.

5. In Potato Salad
Chopping a few into potato salad gives it a zesty, unexpected flavor twist. Everyone always asks what the “secret ingredient” is!

6. On Hot Dogs or Brats
We’ve tested this at summer cookouts, and let’s just say once you try them on hot dogs or brats, you’ll never go back.

7. As a Snack Straight from the Jar
Confession: half the time, we eat them straight out of the fridge. No shame it’s that good crunch.

8. On Grilled Cheese
Layering a few slices inside a gooey grilled cheese sandwich adds both tang and heat. It’s a total comfort food upgrade.

9. With Fried Fish or Tacos
We discovered that they pair beautifully with crispy fish tacos bright, tangy, and just enough heat to wake up the flavors.

10. Mixed Into Coleslaw
Adding chopped pickles into creamy coleslaw gives it a sweet-spicy kick that pairs perfectly with ribs, wings, or any barbecue spread.

Some Notable Tips and Tricks on This Famous Dave’s Sweet and Spicy Pickles Recipe

Here are some tips and tricks you should follow when trying this recipe.

1. Pick the right cucumbers
Use little pickling cucumbers. They stay crunchy and don’t get mushy.

2. Cut the veggies the same size
Slice the cucumbers and peppers about the same thickness. That way, they all pickle evenly.

3. Try the “sweating step”
Sprinkle salt on the veggies and let them rest in the fridge. This makes them extra crisp.

4. Don’t skip the sugar
It may look like a lot, but the sugar is what makes these pickles taste sweet and yummy.

5. Use apple cider vinegar
It gives the pickles that tangy bite and golden color. White vinegar works too, but cider is better.

6. Warm the brine until sugar melts
Stir, stir, stir! The sugar and spices need to dissolve before pouring.

7. Leave some space in the jar
Don’t fill it to the very top. Leave about ½ inch for the brine to cover the veggies.

8. Pop the air bubbles
Use a chopstick or spoon handle to poke around the jar. This helps the brine soak in.

9. Let them rest before eating
Waiting 2–3 days in the fridge makes the flavors blend and taste better.

10. Try canning if you want longer storage
A quick water bath seals the jars so you can enjoy pickles for months.

How to Store and Reheat Leftover Famous Dave’s Sweet and Spicy Pickles Properly?

If you have any leftover (hopefully you don’t have) you can process them properly as follows,

These pickles store beautifully in the refrigerator for several weeks. If you prefer long-term storage, process the sealed jars in a water bath canner for 10 minutes. No reheating is required simply enjoy them chilled straight from the jar.

FAQs on this Copycat Famous Dave’s Sweet and Spicy Pickles Recipe

When you give this Famous Dave’s Sweet and Spicy Pickles Recipe a try, you might have a few questions. Don’t worry-we’ve rounded up answers to the most common ones to help you out.

1. Can I use regular cucumbers instead of pickling cucumbers?

We’ve tried it, and while it works, they do get softer over time. Pickling cucumbers stay crunchy much longer.

2. Do I really need to do the “sweating step”?

It’s optional, but from our experience, it makes a huge difference. Sweating pulls out water so the pickles stay extra crisp.

3. How spicy are these pickles?

They’re not over-the-top spicy. The jalapeños and Fresno give just enough heat. If you want less spice, remove the seeds.

4. Can I make them without sugar?

We tested it once, and honestly, they didn’t taste the same. The sweetness is what balances the spice it’s the heart of this recipe.

5. How long should I wait before eating the pickles?

We always recommend at least 2–3 days. They taste okay right away, but after resting, the flavor is so much better.

6. Do I have to can them, or can I just refrigerate?

You don’t have to can. We often just pop the jars in the fridge, and they last weeks. Canning is only if you want long storage.

7. Can I reuse the leftover brine?

Yes! We save it all the time. Just bring it back to a boil and pour it over a new batch of veggies.

8. What if I don’t have Fresno peppers?

No problem we’ve swapped in extra jalapeños or even red bell pepper for color. It always turns out tasty.

9. Why are my pickles soft instead of crunchy?

This usually happens if you skip sweating or use the wrong cucumbers. We learned the hard way stick to pickling cucumbers.

10. What do these pickles taste best with?

From our kitchen experiments fried chicken sandwiches, BBQ pork, burgers, even potato salad. Honestly, we snack on them straight from the jar too!

This Famous Dave’s Sweet and Spicy Pickles Recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves that perfect marriage of sweetness, tang, and spice. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll have jars of crunchy, flavor-packed pickles ready to enjoy.

We’d love to hear how this recipe turns out for you! Give it a try, then drop a comment below to share your thoughts and tips with us.

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