Taco seasoned dill pickles (View Print Version)

Crisp dill pickles infused with bold taco seasonings for a tangy, spicy, and addictive snack or side.

# What You'll Need:

→ Pickles

01 - 1 quart (4 cups) dill pickle spears or chips, drained

→ Marinade

02 - 1 cup (8 fl oz) pickle brine
03 - 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
04 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
05 - 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

→ Fresh Additions (optional)

06 - 1 clove garlic, sliced
07 - 1 small jalapeño, sliced

# Method:

01 - Place drained pickle spears or chips into a large clean jar or airtight container.
02 - Whisk together pickle brine, taco seasoning, smoked paprika, and crushed red pepper flakes in a bowl until well combined.
03 - Add sliced garlic and jalapeño to the jar if using.
04 - Pour the seasoned brine over the pickles ensuring they are fully submerged.
05 - Seal the container tightly and shake gently to distribute the spices evenly.
06 - Refrigerate for at least 24 hours, shaking or turning the jar occasionally to ensure even seasoning.
07 - Serve chilled as a snack, side dish, or sandwich topping.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • They taste like a shortcut to flavor that actually works, ready in one bowl and a quiet night in the fridge.
  • Zero cooking means you can make them while doing something else, then forget about them until they're perfectly seasoned.
  • They disappear fast at gatherings, leaving people asking what you did differently to plain pickles.
02 -
  • Don't skip draining the original pickle brine; waterlogged pickles turn mushy and dilute your seasonings.
  • The flavor develops over time, so resist the urge to taste-test them after an hour—they need at least 12 hours to really come into their own.
03 -
  • If you make your own taco seasoning, you control the salt level and can adjust heat to your preference without guessing what's in the store-bought blend.
  • These pickles are a sneaky solution for making simple meals feel intentional—throw them on a plate of plain food and suddenly it looks like you planned something thoughtful.
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