Famous Dave’s Sweet and Spicy Pickles Recipe

Garden season brings many happy problems, and having too many fresh cucumbers is one of them. When my neighbor brought over a huge bag of cucumbers from her backyard garden, I knew it was time to try something new.

She told me about how her family makes pickles every summer, just like her grandmother did years ago. They would spend whole afternoons in the kitchen, filling jars with crisp cucumbers and sweet brine.

This got me thinking about Famous Dave’s, the popular barbecue restaurant chain known for serving pit-smoked meats and award-winning sauces.

Their sweet and spicy pickles are a customer favorite that many people love to order with their meals. The pickles have that perfect mix of sweet and tangy flavors with just the right amount of heat.

Today I am sharing this copycat Famous Dave’s Sweet and Spicy Pickles Recipe that brings those same great flavors right to your kitchen.

What Cucumbers Make the Best Pickles?

Choosing the right cucumbers can make or break your Famous Dave’s Sweet and Spicy Pickles Recipe. Pickling cucumbers are your best choice because they stay crisp and hold their shape well during the pickling process.

These cucumbers are shorter and thicker than regular eating cucumbers. They have fewer seeds and thicker skin, which helps them stay crunchy.

Kirby cucumbers are another great option that works well for this recipe. Garden cucumbers can work too, but pick smaller ones that feel firm when you squeeze them gently.

Avoid large, soft cucumbers because they will turn mushy in the brine. Fresh cucumbers work better than older ones that have been sitting around for days.

Look for cucumbers that are bright green with no yellow spots or wrinkled skin.

How to Cut Cucumbers for Pickles?

The way cucumbers are cut affects how they soak up flavor. For the Famous Dave’s Sweet and Spicy Pickles Recipe, thick slices give a satisfying crunch and won’t break apart in the jar.

A crinkle cutter makes ridged chips like the restaurant version, but a sharp knife works just as well for smooth slices.

Cut the cucumbers into even rounds about ¼–½ inch thick so they all pickle at the same rate.

Spears or halves can also be used, but adjust the brining time because larger pieces take longer to absorb the sweet and spicy mix.

Famous Dave’s Sweet and Spicy Pickles Ingredients

• 4 lbs Fresh Cucumbers: Choose firm, fresh pickling cucumbers or regular cucumbers. Pickling varieties stay crunchier. You can substitute with any fresh cucumbers from your garden or store.
• 1 Hot Pepper: Use jalapeño, serrano, or any hot chili pepper you enjoy. For mild heat, remove seeds. For extra spice, add more peppers or keep all the seeds.
• 6 Tablespoons Kosher Salt: Kosher salt draws moisture from cucumbers and creates the perfect brine base. You can use pickling salt or sea salt as alternatives.
• 4 Cups White Distilled Vinegar: This provides the classic tangy pickle flavor and preserves the cucumbers. White vinegar gives the cleanest taste – avoid substituting with other vinegars.
• 1/2 Cup Water: Helps balance the acidity of the vinegar and creates the right brine consistency. Use filtered water for best results.
• 4 Cups Granulated Sugar: Creates the signature sweetness that balances the spicy heat. Do not reduce the amount – this measurement creates the perfect sweet-spicy balance.
• 2 Tablespoons Mustard Seeds: Adds traditional pickle flavor and slight heat. Yellow mustard seeds work best, but brown seeds offer more intense flavor.
• 2 Teaspoons Celery Seeds: Provides classic deli-style pickle taste. These small seeds pack big flavor – a little goes a long way.
• 1 Teaspoon Ground Turmeric: Gives pickles their bright yellow color and adds mild earthy flavor. Turmeric also has natural preservative qualities.
• 2 Teaspoons Black Peppercorns: Creates little bursts of heat and aroma throughout the pickles. Use whole peppercorns for best flavor release.
• 2 Garlic Cloves: Adds depth and subtle kick to the brine. Smash cloves to release maximum flavor before adding to the recipe.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

1. Cutting Board
   For slicing cucumbers and peppers.
2. Sharp Knife or Crinkle Cutter
   I used a wavy cutter I got from a fair. Makes those cool ridges on the pickles!
3. Large Mixing Bowl
   To toss the cucumbers with salt.
4. Colander
   For rinsing the cucumbers after salting.
5. Large Pot
   To cook the brine with vinegar, sugar, and spices.
6. Whisk or Spoon
   For mixing the brine until the sugar dissolves.
7. Mason Jars or Storage Containers
   For storing the finished pickles.

How to Make Famous Dave’s Sweet and Spicy Pickles

Step 1 | Prepare the Cucumbers and Pepper

Wash the cucumbers thoroughly. Using a sharp knife or crinkle cutter, slice them into even chips, about ¼ to ½ inch thick. Slice the hot pepper into rounds, keeping the seeds for added heat.

Step 2 | Draw Out Moisture

Place the cucumber and pepper slices in a large bowl. Toss them with the kosher salt until everything is evenly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 3 to 4 hours. This process pulls out water and is crucial for crunchy pickles.

Step 3 | Rinse Well

After chilling, transfer the salted vegetables to a colander. Rinse them under cold running water for 4 to 5 minutes, washing away all the excess salt.

Step 4 | Create the Brine

While the cucumbers are rinsing, combine the distilled vinegar, water, sugar, smashed garlic, mustard seeds, celery seeds, turmeric, and peppercorns in a large pot. Warm over medium heat.

Whisk frequently until the sugar has completely dissolved, which should take about 2 to 3 minutes.

Step 5 | Combine and Simmer

Add the well-rinsed cucumber and pepper slices to the pot of warm brine. Increase the heat slightly and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it simmer for exactly 5 minutes. Do not allow it to reach a rolling boil.

Step 6 | Jar the Pickles

Carefully spoon the hot pickles and brine into clean mason jars, ensuring the pickles are fully submerged. Let the jars cool to room temperature before sealing them with lids.

Step 7 | Refrigerate

Place the sealed jars in the refrigerator. The pickles need to chill for at least 24 hours before eating. This waiting time allows the flavors to fully develop.

What to Serve with This Famous Dave’s Sweet and Spicy Pickles

Famous Dave’s restaurant often serves their sweet and spicy pickles alongside smoked meats, barbecue sandwiches, and ribs.

At home, they pair well with burgers, pulled pork, grilled chicken, or even as a topping on hot dogs. They can also be chopped and mixed into potato salad or tuna salad for a sweet-spicy crunch.

The mix of tangy, sweet, and heat cuts through rich foods, making these pickles a great side at cookouts, picnics, or family dinners.

For a quick snack, they’re delicious right from the jar.

Storage & Shelf Life

Store your finished pickles in clean mason jars or food-safe containers in the refrigerator. Make sure all pickle pieces stay completely covered with the brine – this prevents spoilage and keeps them fresh longer.

Properly stored pickles will stay good for up to 2 months in the refrigerator. The flavor actually improves after the first day as the cucumbers absorb more of the sweet and spicy brine.

Always use clean utensils when removing pickles from the container to prevent introducing bacteria.

The brine may become slightly cloudy over time, but this is normal and does not mean the pickles have gone bad.

Check for any off smells, unusual colors, or soft textures before eating – these signs indicate the pickles should be discarded.

Famous Dave’s Sweet and Spicy Pickles Recipe FAQs

1. How long should the pickles sit before eating?

Letting the pickles rest for at least 24 hours in the fridge allows the brine to fully flavor the cucumbers. For the best taste, wait 2–3 days. The longer they sit, the stronger the sweet and spicy flavor becomes.

2. Are Famous Dave’s Sweet and Spicy Pickles fermented?

No, these pickles are not fermented. They’re made using a quick-pickle or “refrigerator” method with vinegar, sugar, and spices. Fermented pickles rely on natural bacteria and salt to develop flavor over weeks, while this recipe creates a sweet and spicy taste within a day or two.

3. How long do sealed jars last?

Properly processed and sealed jars stored in a cool, dark place can last up to one year. Once opened, keep in the fridge and eat within a few months.

4. Why are my pickles not crunchy?

The most common reason is not salting the cucumbers long enough. The salt draws out water, which is key for a crisp texture. Using very fresh, firm cucumbers also helps. Overcooking the pickles in the brine can make them soft, so keep the simmer gentle and brief.

5. Can I reduce the amount of sugar?

The large amount of sugar is necessary to create the signature sweet taste that balances the vinegar and spices. Reducing the sugar will make the pickles very tart and vinegary. It will significantly change the final flavor profile.

6. How can I make the pickles spicier?

To increase the heat, add more hot peppers. You can also include additional pepper seeds, as they contain much of the spice. For a deep, slow heat, adding a sliced habanero pepper will make the pickles very spicy.

The Famous Dave’s Sweet and Spicy Pickles Recipe brings together flavors that are bold yet easy to enjoy. Each bite gives a mix of sweet, tangy, and warm spice that feels satisfying with many meals.

These pickles are simple to prepare, easy to store, and always ready when you want something full of flavor.

Making them at home is a smart way to keep a tasty side on hand for family and friends.