A few days ago, I ordered Famous Dave’s Sweet and Spicy Pickles online. After trying them, I absolutely fell in love with their taste and unique flavor.
The balance of sweet and spicy flavors, with that satisfying crunch, instantly won me over. The blend of sweetness with a hint of heat made it the perfect complement to my favorite sandwiches and burgers. After enjoying them so much, I started thinking—why not try to recreate this delicious pickle recipe at home?
I love experimenting in the kitchen, so I gathered the ingredients and started working on the recipe. After a few failures I finally came up with the exact copycat version of Famous Dave’s Sweet and Spicy Pickles Recipe. After a bit of tweaking, I managed to recreate the same crunchy, flavorful pickles that I loved. Now, I’m excited to share this simple and delicious recipe with you.
Why Famous Dave’s Sweet and Spicy Pickles are So Popular?
Famous Dave’s Sweet and Spicy Pickles are beloved by so many because they strike the perfect balance between sweet and spicy. They’re not too hot, making them enjoyable for a wide range of people.
With the mix of mustard seed, dehydrated onions, red bell peppers, and a hint of garlic, these pickles have a depth of flavor that elevates whatever you pair them with. They’re perfect for picnics, family meals, or just snacking straight from the jar. Plus, you can easily find them in both pickle chips and spears, so there’s a version for every preference.
What Is in Famous Dave’s Sweet and Spicy Pickles Recipe?
Here’s everything you need to make your own Famous Dave’s Sweet and Spicy Pickles at home:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups white distilled vinegar – The vinegar adds the tangy base that’s essential for any good pickle.
- ¾ cup water – Helps dilute the vinegar to ensure the perfect brine balance.
- ¾ cup white granulated sugar – This is where the sweetness comes from! It cuts through the acidity and adds that signature sweet flavor.
- 3 tablespoons kosher salt – Salt not only seasons but helps in the pickling process, keeping everything crisp.
- 1 ½ tablespoons whole black peppercorns – Adds a peppery bite to complement the chilies and garlic.
- 1 tablespoon mustard seed – Gives the pickles a tangy, slightly bitter undertone that pairs beautifully with the sweet brine.
- 4 Thai chilies, slit open (adjust to taste) – These little chilies bring the heat! Adjust the number depending on how spicy you like your pickles.
- 3 garlic cloves, lightly mashed – Garlic adds depth of flavor without overpowering the pickles.
- 5-6 small pickling cucumbers, sliced into thick chips – Pickling cucumbers are smaller and crunchier, making them perfect for this recipe.
Recipe Substitutions
- Thai chilies: For less heat, replace with jalapeños or skip them entirely for a milder pickle.
- White distilled vinegar: Can be substituted with apple cider vinegar for a more robust, fruity flavor.
- Kosher salt: Use sea salt if you prefer a different texture or flavor profile.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Medium pot for making the brine.
- Serrated blade or regular knife to slice the cucumbers into thick chips.
- Cutting board to slice the cucumbers safely.
- Glass jar (like a mason jar or an old pickle jar) for storing the pickles.
- Measuring cups and spoons to ensure you get the right measurements.
- Tongs or a slotted spoon for packing the cucumbers into the jar.
How to Make Famous Dave’s Sweet and Spicy Pickles
Step 01 | Make the Brine:
In a medium pot, combine the white distilled vinegar, water, sugar, kosher salt, peppercorns, mustard seed, and the slit Thai chilies. Stir well and bring to a boil. Once the sugar and salt are fully dissolved, remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature.
Step 02 | Prepare the Cucumbers:
While the brine is cooling, wash the pickling cucumbers and slice them into thick chips. The thickness ensures they stay crunchy during the pickling process.
Step 03 | Pack the Jar:
In a clean glass jar, add the lightly mashed garlic cloves at the bottom. Then, tightly pack the cucumber slices into the jar, leaving a small gap at the top to avoid overflowing when you add the brine.
Step 04 | Add the Brine:
Once the brine has cooled, pour it over the cucumbers in the jar, ensuring the cucumbers are fully submerged. Seal the jar with the lid.
Step 05 | Pickling Time:
Place the jar in the refrigerator and let the cucumbers pickle for at least 24 hours. For the best flavor, allow them to sit for 3 days before enjoying. These pickles will keep for up to 6 months in the fridge.
Step 06 | Enjoy:
After a few days, your sweet and spicy pickles are ready to enjoy! Pop one out of the jar and savor that satisfying crunch.
Tips and Tricks
- Cooling the brine: Be patient! Letting the brine cool before adding it to the cucumbers is key to ensuring they stay crunchy.
- Garlic flavor: Lightly mash the garlic cloves to release the aroma, but don’t crush them too much—you don’t want overwhelming garlic pieces floating in the jar.
- Customizing spice level: Adjust the number of Thai chilies to your liking, or use a different pepper entirely depending on your spice tolerance.
Serving Suggestions
Now that you have a jar full of delicious Famous Dave’s Sweet and Spicy Pickles, how do you serve them? Here are a few ideas:
- Add them to burgers or sandwiches for a sweet and spicy crunch.
- Serve them as a side dish at barbecues or with grilled meats.
- Chop them up and mix into a potato salad or coleslaw for extra flavor.
- Eat them straight out of the jar for a tangy snack.
Storage Tips
To keep your homemade Famous Dave’s Sweet and Spicy Pickles fresh, follow these simple storage tips:
- Always store the pickles in the refrigerator.
- Make sure the cucumbers are fully submerged in the brine to keep them from drying out.
- These pickles can last up to 6 months in the fridge, but they’re best within the first few weeks for maximum crunch.
Famous Dave’s Sweet and Spicy Pickles FAQs
Can I use regular cucumbers instead of pickling cucumbers?
Yes, you can use regular cucumbers, but pickling cucumbers will give you a better crunch.
How can I reduce the spiciness?
You can reduce the spiciness by using fewer Thai chilies or substituting them with jalapeños or even leaving them out completely.
Do I have to wait 24 hours before eating them?
For the best flavor, wait at least 24 hours. However, letting them sit for 3 days will give you even better results.
What if my pickles are too sweet?
If you find the pickles too sweet, reduce the amount of sugar next time. You can also add a little more vinegar to balance the sweetness.
Can I use regular cucumbers instead of pickling cucumbers?
You can, but pickling cucumbers are preferred because they stay crisper.
Can I reuse the brine?
Yes, you can reuse the brine once for a second batch of pickles, but the flavor might be slightly milder.

Famous Dave’s Sweet and Spicy Pickles Recipe
Famous Dave’s Sweet and Spicy Pickles are a tasty treat loved by many. These pickles have the perfect mix of sweetness and a little kick of spice, making them a great addition to sandwiches, burgers, or just as a snack. You can enjoy them as crunchy pickle chips or spears. Making your own version at home is easy and fun, so let’s get started with this delicious recipe.
Ingredients
- 2 cups white distilled vinegar
- ¾ cup water
- ¾ cup white granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons kosher salt
- 1 ½ tablespoons whole black peppercorns
- 1 tablespoon mustard seed
- 4 Thai chilies, slit open (adjust to taste)
- 3 garlic cloves, lightly mashed
- 5-6 small pickling cucumbers, sliced into thick chips
Substitutions
- Thai chilies: For less heat, replace with jalapeños or skip them entirely for a milder pickle.
- White distilled vinegar: Can be substituted with apple cider vinegar for a more robust, fruity flavor.
- Kosher salt: Use sea salt if you prefer a different texture or flavor profile.
Kitchen Tools Needed
- Medium pot
- Serrated blade or regular knife
- Cutting board
- Glass jar (mason jar or old pickle jar)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Tongs or slotted spoon
Instructions
- In a medium pot, combine the white distilled vinegar, water, sugar, kosher salt, peppercorns, mustard seed, and the slit Thai chilies. Stir well and bring to a boil. Once the sugar and salt are fully dissolved, remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature.
- While the brine is cooling, wash the pickling cucumbers and slice them into thick chips. The thickness ensures they stay crunchy during the pickling process.
- In a clean glass jar, add the lightly mashed garlic cloves at the bottom. Then, tightly pack the cucumber slices into the jar, leaving a small gap at the top to avoid overflowing when you add the brine.
- Once the brine has cooled, pour it over the cucumbers in the jar, ensuring the cucumbers are fully submerged. Seal the jar with the lid.
- Place the jar in the refrigerator and let the cucumbers pickle for at least 24 hours. For the best flavor, allow them to sit for 3 days before enjoying. These pickles will keep for up to 6 months in the fridge.
- After a few days, your sweet and spicy pickles are ready to enjoy! Pop one out of the jar and savor that satisfying crunch.
Nutrition Information
Serving Size Makes 1 jar (approx. 10 servings)Amount Per Serving Calories 25Sodium 400mgCarbohydrates 6gSugar 5g
Final Words
I hope you give this Famous Dave’s Sweet and Spicy Pickles Recipe a try! I had so much fun making them, and the taste is just incredible. They’re perfect for adding that little something extra to your meals, or just for snacking right out of the jar.
I can’t wait for you to enjoy the crunchy, sweet, and spicy goodness at home. If you do try the recipe, please share your experience with me—I’d love to hear how yours turns out! And don’t forget to follow us on Pinterest for more fun and tasty recipes.