Save I opened a jar of pickles at a backyard cookout last summer and someone joked about making them spicier. I took it as a challenge. The next weekend, I dumped taco seasoning into pickle brine and let it sit overnight. When I brought them back to the next gathering, they disappeared faster than the burgers. Now I keep a jar in my fridge at all times.
The first batch I made was almost too spicy because I got heavy handed with the red pepper flakes. My friend grabbed one, took a bite, and spent the next five minutes fanning her mouth while laughing. I dialed it back after that, but she still asks me to make the hot ones just for her. Its become our thing at every potluck now.
Ingredients
- Dill pickle spears or chips: Use whatever shape you prefer, spears are great for snacking whole and chips work better for topping burgers or nachos.
- Pickle brine: Dont toss the liquid from the jar, its already perfectly seasoned and salty which makes it the ideal base for this marinade.
- Taco seasoning: Store bought works fine, but homemade gives you control over the heat and salt, I like to go a little lighter on the cumin.
- Smoked paprika: This adds a deeper, almost campfire like flavor that makes the pickles taste more complex than they have any right to be.
- Crushed red pepper flakes: Optional but recommended if you like a little kick, start with less and add more next time if you want.
- Garlic and jalapeno: Fresh additions that infuse the brine with extra flavor, the jalapeno especially amps up the heat without overwhelming the tang.
Instructions
- Load the jar:
- Place your drained pickles into a clean jar or airtight container, making sure theres enough room for the brine to cover them completely. If theyre packed too tight, the seasoning wont reach every piece.
- Mix the marinade:
- Whisk together the pickle brine, taco seasoning, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes in a bowl until the spices are fully dissolved and the liquid looks evenly colored. Taste it if youre brave, it should be salty, tangy, and a little fiery.
- Add the extras:
- Toss in the sliced garlic and jalapeno if youre using them, tucking them between the pickles so they distribute evenly. These will infuse the brine as it sits.
- Pour and seal:
- Pour the seasoned brine over the pickles until theyre fully submerged, then seal the container tightly. Give it a gentle shake to coat everything and get the spices moving.
- Marinate and wait:
- Refrigerate for at least 24 hours, shaking or flipping the jar a few times during that period so every pickle gets its fair share of seasoning. The longer they sit, the bolder they taste.
- Serve cold:
- Pull them out of the fridge and serve them straight from the jar, or chop them up to top tacos, burgers, or salads. They stay good in the fridge for up to two weeks if you can make them last that long.
Save I brought these to a family taco night once and my cousin put them on top of her nachos. She looked at me like Id just invented fire. Now she makes her own batch every week and sends me photos of her latest experiments with different seasonings. Its funny how something this simple can turn into a little tradition.
Serving Suggestions
These pickles shine as a standalone snack, but they really come alive when you chop them up and scatter them over nachos or fold them into a quesadilla. Ive also used them as a burger topping, where the taco spice cuts through the richness of cheese and beef in a way that feels almost necessary. Try them alongside pulled pork or fried chicken, the tangy heat plays beautifully with smoky or savory flavors.
Adjusting the Heat
If youre serving these to a crowd with mixed spice tolerance, leave out the red pepper flakes and jalapeno, then set out hot sauce on the side. You can also make two batches, one mild and one fire level, and label them clearly so no one gets surprised. I learned this after watching my nephew bite into a spicy one and immediately reach for a glass of milk.
Storage and Shelf Life
Keep the pickles in their sealed jar in the fridge and theyll stay crisp and flavorful for up to two weeks. The brine actually gets more intense as it sits, so if you find them too strong after a week, just rinse one off before eating. I like to reuse the brine for a second batch of pickles, though the flavor will be a bit milder the second time around.
- Always use a clean fork or spoon when grabbing pickles to avoid contaminating the brine.
- If the brine starts looking cloudy or smells off, toss the batch and start fresh.
- Label your jar with the date you made them so you remember when to use them up.
Save Once you make these, youll find yourself looking for excuses to serve them. Theyre the kind of snack that starts conversations and ends with empty jars.
Recipe FAQs
- → How long do taco pickles need to marinate?
Taco pickles require at least 24 hours of refrigeration for optimal flavor development. Shake or turn the jar occasionally during this time to ensure even seasoning distribution. They can be stored for up to two weeks in the refrigerator.
- → Can I adjust the spice level?
Yes, spice levels are fully customizable. For a milder version, omit the red pepper flakes and jalapeño entirely. For extra heat, increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add more jalapeño slices. Smoked paprika can also be adjusted or omitted based on preference.
- → What makes this vegan and gluten-free?
This snack uses only drained dill pickles, pickle brine, taco seasoning, fresh vegetables, and optional spices—all naturally plant-based and grain-free. Always verify that store-bought taco seasoning doesn't contain hidden wheat or animal-derived ingredients.
- → How should I serve taco pickles?
Serve chilled straight from the jar as a standalone snack, alongside nachos and burgers, chopped into salads, or as a unique sandwich topper. They pair well with Mexican-inspired dishes and add a zesty kick to appetizer platters.
- → Can I make homemade taco seasoning?
Absolutely. Homemade taco seasoning gives you better control over salt and spice levels. Combine chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and black pepper in your desired proportions for a fresher, customized blend.
- → Are there allergen concerns?
The base ingredients contain no major allergens. However, always check store-bought taco seasoning and pickle jar contents for hidden allergens like wheat, soy, or dairy. Some commercial seasonings may contain these ingredients.