Refrigerator Pickles are a charming old-fashioned cucumber pickle recipe that likely comes from a mid-20th century kitchen. Sweet and tangy, these pickles blend sugar, vinegar, and celery seed with crisp cucumbers to create a nostalgic, crunchy treat. They're perfect as a side dish, sandwich topper, or tangy snack. Simple to make and requiring no heat processing, this recipe is beloved for its ease and refreshing flavor. The name “Buffy” may be a playful family moniker or a nod to a popular name from the era.
Ingredients
- 7 cups cucumbers (sliced)
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 cup vinegar
- 2 tsp celery seed
- 1 tbsp salt
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Ingredients
- Wash and thinly slice cucumbers.
- Measure out all other ingredients.
Step 2: Mix and Combine
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cucumbers, sugar, vinegar, celery seed, and salt.
- Stir well to ensure even coating.
Step 3: Pack and Store
- Pack the mixture into a clean glass or plastic container with a lid.
- Seal and refrigerate.
Step 4: Let Pickle
- Refrigerate for at least 12 hours before serving.
- Shake or stir occasionally to redistribute the marinade.
Tips
- Slice cucumbers thinly for faster pickling.
- Add sliced onions for extra flavor.
- Swap celery seed for dill seed to make a dill-style version.
- Add a pinch of turmeric for a yellow “bread & butter” color.
- Use apple cider vinegar for a fruitier flavor.
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy version.
- Use a glass jar instead of a plastic pail for better storage.
- Let the pickles rest 48 hours for stronger flavor.
- Use small pickling cucumbers for the crunchiest results.
- Add a few garlic cloves if you like garlic pickles.
Nutrition
Calories: 585kcalCarbohydrates: 140gProtein: 5gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0.1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 7mgSodium: 358mgPotassium: 517mgFiber: 2gSugar: 137gVitamin A: 231IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 81mgIron: 2mg
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