Pin It I stumbled onto this combination by accident during a summer barbecue when I ran out of regular pickles but had a jar of taco seasoning staring at me from the pantry. Now I keep a batch going constantly because they disappear faster than I can make them. Something about that dill punch meeting Mexican spices just works in a way that shouldn't but absolutely does.
Last summer I brought a jar to a potluck and spent the entire evening being interrogated about what I had done to these pickles. People kept wandering back to the kitchen for just one more slice until the jar was completely empty. Now they are my go to when I need to bring something that feels impressive but requires almost zero effort.
Ingredients
- 1 quart dill pickle spears or chips: Drain them well but save every drop of that precious brine liquid
- 1 cup pickle brine: This is the foundation that carries all the spices into the pickles
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning: Homemade lets you control the salt but store bought works perfectly fine
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: This adds a layer of depth that makes people wonder what your secret ingredient is
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: Adjust this based on your heat tolerance but dont skip it entirely
- 1 clove garlic sliced: Fresh garlic mellows beautifully in the brine over a couple days
- 1 small jalapeño sliced: Leave the seeds in if you want real heat or scrape them out for just a little kick
Instructions
- Pack your pickles tight:
- Place the drained pickle spears or chips into a large clean jar or airtight container leaving just enough room to pour in the liquid
- Whisk up the magic:
- In a bowl combine the pickle brine taco seasoning smoked paprika and red pepper flakes until completely dissolved
- Add the fresh layers:
- Toss in sliced garlic and jalapeño if using them tucking them around the pickles so they can infuse throughout
- Pour and submerge:
- Pour the seasoned brine over the pickles making sure every single piece is completely covered by liquid
- Seal and shake:
- Put the lid on tightly and give the jar a gentle shake to distribute everything evenly
- Wait patiently:
- Refrigerate for at least 24 hours but give the jar a little shake or flip whenever you remember to
- Serve and disappear:
- Keep them chilled and serve straight from the jar or as a topping on tacos burgers and sandwiches
Pin It My brother texted me at midnight last week asking if I had an emergency jar he could come pick up immediately. Apparently his pregnant wife had a craving and nothing else would satisfy her. That text made me realize these pickles have somehow become my signature thing without me ever intending it to happen.
Making Them Your Own
The beauty of this recipe is how easily it adapts to whatever you have on hand or whatever flavor profile sounds good. Sometimes I add a pinch of cumin or swap in different chili powders depending on my mood.
Serving Ideas
Beyond just eating them straight up these pickles elevate so many dishes in ways you would not expect until you try it. They add this bright spicy crunch that cuts through rich heavy food perfectly.
Storage Tips
Always use a clean fork every time you reach into the jar to avoid introducing anything that could make them spoil faster. The brine gets more flavorful over time so do not throw it away when the pickles are gone.
- Try adding chopped pickles to potato salad or egg salad
- Mince them finely and mix into cream cheese for an incredible bagel spread
- The leftover brine makes an instant spicy martini or bloody mary mixer
Pin It Every time someone discovers these pickles for the first time I get to watch that moment of confusion followed by pure happiness. That tiny moment of unexpected joy is exactly why I keep making them.
Recipe FAQs
- → How long should taco pickles marinate?
Let the pickles marinate in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours to develop full flavor. Shake or turn the jar occasionally for even seasoning distribution. They'll continue to develop deeper flavors over 2-3 days.
- → Can I use different types of pickles?
Absolutely. While dill pickle spears or chips work best, you can use bread-and-butter pickles for a sweeter result, or even try this method with cucumber slices for fresh taco-seasoned pickles.
- → How can I make these less spicy?
Omit the red pepper flakes and jalapeño entirely. You can also reduce the taco seasoning to 1 tablespoon for milder flavor while still maintaining the signature taco taste profile.
- → What's the best way to serve taco pickles?
Serve them chilled alongside nachos, burgers, or sandwiches. Chop them into potato salad, taco salad, or use as a zesty garnish for Bloody Marys. They also make excellent standalone party snacks.
- → How long do these pickles stay fresh?
When stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, taco pickles stay fresh and crispy for up to two weeks. Keep them submerged in brine for maximum shelf life.
- → Can I make homemade taco seasoning?
Yes. Combine chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and a pinch of salt and oregano. This gives you better control over sodium levels and allows customization of the spice blend.