Save to Pinterest My neighbor Sarah brought a jar of these to our last block party and I honestly thought they were going to be weird. Who puts taco seasoning on pickles? But then I watched them disappear in twenty minutes flat while people kept asking what was in them. Now I keep a constant batch in the fridge because somehow the smoky spice and dill brine just work together like they have been doing this forever.
Last Tuesday my brother-in-law stood at my kitchen counter eating straight from the jar with a fork while pretending to help me prep dinner. He kept saying just one more and then I looked over and half the jar was gone. That is when I knew this recipe was something special because that man is usually suspicious of anything that is not strictly traditional.
Ingredients
- Dill pickles: Spears hold up better than chips but both work perfectly so use whatever you have on hand
- Pickle brine: Never throw away that liquid because it is the foundation of the whole marinade
- Taco seasoning: Homemade lets you control the salt but the store bought packets work beautifully here
- Smoked paprika: This adds that deep smoky flavor that makes people ask what your secret ingredient is
- Red pepper flakes: Totally optional if you want to keep things family friendly
- Garlic and jalapeño: These fresh additions make everything taste brighter and more homemade
Instructions
- Get your jar ready:
- Start with a clean quart-sized jar and pack those drained pickles in tight because they will settle a bit once the brine gets added
- Make the magic brine:
- Whisk your reserved pickle juice with the taco seasoning smoked paprika and red pepper flakes until everything is totally dissolved
- Add the fresh stuff:
- Toss in your sliced garlic and jalapeño pieces if you are using them because they look beautiful floating in the jar
- Pour and seal:
- Pour that seasoned brine right over the pickles making sure everything is fully submerged then give it a gentle shake
- Wait it out:
- Park this in your fridge for at least twenty-four hours and give the jar a little shake every time you walk past it
Save to Pinterest My daughter asked if we could bring these to her school potluck and I felt like the coolest parent ever when kids were actually excited about pickles. Sometimes the simplest recipes are the ones that become part of your family story.
Perfect Pairings
These pickles have saved so many boring meals around here. I chop them into potato salad for instant kick or layer them on veggie burgers when I want something that actually has flavor. My husband puts them on his breakfast tacos and I cannot argue with the results.
Make It Your Own
Once you make the basic version your brain will start coming up with all kinds of variations. That is the beauty of something so simple. Try adding a splash of lime juice or some cumin seeds. Ground coriander adds this citrusy brightness that people cannot quite identify.
Storage And Serving Ideas
These keep forever in the fridge but they never last that long in my house. The flavors actually get better and more complex over the first week. I make double batches now because giving away jars has become my go-to host gift.
- Use the leftover brine as a marinade for roasted vegetables
- Chop them into mac and cheese for a surprise burst of flavor
- Keep a jar at work for an instant snack upgrade
Save to Pinterest These pickles started as a happy accident and turned into something I cannot imagine my kitchen without. Hope they bring as much joy to your table as they have to mine.
Common Questions
- → How long should taco pickles marinate?
Refrigerate for at least 24 hours to allow the flavors to penetrate the pickles thoroughly. The longer they marinate, the more intense the taco seasoning flavor becomes. They can be kept for up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator.
- → Can I make these less spicy?
Absolutely. Simply omit the red pepper flakes and jalapeño slices from the recipe. The taco seasoning still provides plenty of flavor without the additional heat, making them enjoyable for milder palates.
- → What type of pickles work best?
Dill pickle spears or chips both work wonderfully. Spears are great for snacking, while chips are perfect for topping burgers and sandwiches. Make sure to drain them well before adding the seasoned brine.
- → Do I need to make fresh brine?
No need to make fresh brine. Simply use the existing pickle brine from the jar as your base. This maintains the classic dill flavor while infusing it with taco seasoning spices.
- → What can I serve with taco pickles?
These versatile pickles shine as a standalone snack, but they also complement nachos, burgers, sandwiches, and salads beautifully. They add a zesty kick wherever traditional pickles are used.