This Famous Dave’s Copycat Sweet and Spicy Pickles recipe brings that beloved restaurant flavor right into your kitchen. Made with crisp dill pickles, sweet onions, and a perfectly balanced brine of sugar, vinegar, and spices, these refrigerator pickles require no canning. They transform in just 24 hours into the perfect tangy, sweet, and spicy condiment for all your favorite meals.

How to Make Famous Dave's Copycat Sweet and Spicy Pickles

I first discovered the magic of these pickles on a road trip through the Midwest, where they served as the perfect counterpoint to rich, smoky barbecue. That unforgettable combination of sweet heat and crisp tang inspired me to recreate the magic at home, and this copycat version has become a staple in my refrigerator. I love serving them alongside Honey BBQ Chicken Rice or as part of a vibrant Chips & Dip Charcuterie Board, where they add that essential punch of flavor that elevates every bite.

What Makes These Copycat Pickles Special

Restaurant Quality at Home: You get that signature Famous Dave’s flavor without leaving your kitchen.
No Canning Required: This easy refrigerator pickle recipe requires no special equipment or skills.
Perfect Flavor Balance: The sweet and spicy brine creates an irresistible contrast in every bite.
Meal Prep Champion: They keep for weeks, ready to enhance sandwiches, burgers, and snacks instantly.

What You’ll Need for Perfect Copycat Pickles

Be sure to see the recipe card below for the full listing of ingredients, instructions, notes, and estimated nutritional information.

Whole dill pickles: Look for quality, crisp pickles as your foundation for the best texture.
Granulated sugar: Creates the signature sweetness that balances the vinegar and heat.
White vinegar: Provides the sharp tang essential for proper pickling and flavor development.
Crushed red pepper flakes: Delivers the characteristic spicy kick that makes these pickles addictive.
Mustard seeds: Adds subtle earthy notes and complexity to the pickling brine.
Celery seeds: Contributes a warm, aromatic flavor that complements the other spices perfectly.
Sea salt: Enhances all the flavors while helping to preserve the pickles properly.
White onion: Thinly sliced into half-moons that pickle beautifully alongside the cucumbers.

Famous Dave’s Copycat Sweet and Spicy Pickles

Make Famous Dave’s Copycat Sweet and Spicy Pickles at home with this easy recipe. Perfect sweet heat flavor in 24 hours.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 5

Total Time 1 20

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 1 batch

Calories 50 kcal

Equipment

colander
knife
cutting board
mixing bowl
saucepan
whisk
wooden spoon
measuring cups
measuring spoons
slotted spoon
airtight containers

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

2 quarts whole dill pickles
1 medium white onion

Brine

2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup white vinegar
1 tablespoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon mustard seeds
1 teaspoon celery seeds
2 teaspoons sea salt

Instructions

Drain the 2 quarts of whole dill pickles in a colander. Slice the pickles into 1/4-inch thick rounds using a sharp knife and cutting board.
Thinly slice the medium white onion into half-moons. Combine the sliced pickles and onions in a large, non-reactive mixing bowl.
In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the 2 cups sugar, 1 cup white vinegar, 1 tablespoon crushed red pepper flakes, 1 tablespoon mustard seeds, 1 teaspoon celery seeds, and 2 teaspoons sea salt. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly with a whisk until the sugar dissolves completely.
Once boiling, carefully pour the hot brine over the pickles and onions in the bowl. Use a wooden spoon to gently stir and ensure all slices are submerged.
Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature on the countertop, about 1 hour. Then, cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 24 hours, stirring once or twice.
Transfer the pickles and onions to clean jars or airtight containers using a slotted spoon. Pour enough brine over them to cover. Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.

Notes

The pickles will become crisp-tender and deeply infused with flavor. Stir once or twice during refrigeration.

Keyword copycat, homemade, pickles, sweet and spicy

Ways to Customize Your Pickles

Extra Spicy Version: Double the red pepper flakes or add sliced fresh jalapeños to the brine.
Sweet Heat Twist: Replace half the sugar with honey for a more complex sweetness that pairs wonderfully with Jalapeño Cornbread Bites.
Garlic Lover’s Pickles: Add 4-5 smashed garlic cloves to the brine for robust aromatic flavor.

My Favorite Tips for Pickle Success

Slice Consistently: Uniform 1/4-inch slices ensure even pickling and perfect texture in every bite.
Use Non-Reactive Bowls: Glass, ceramic, or stainless steel prevent metallic flavors in your brine.
Patience Pays Off: The full 24-hour rest allows flavors to fully develop and penetrate the pickles.
Stir Occasionally: Gently mixing during refrigeration ensures all pieces pickle evenly throughout.

Cozy Serving of Famous Dave's Copycat Sweet and Spicy Pickles

Keeping Your Homemade Pickles Fresh

Store: Keep pickles in airtight jars or containers completely submerged in brine in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.
Freeze: Freezing is not recommended as it will drastically change the texture of the pickles, making them mushy.
Serve: Always use clean utensils to remove pickles from the jar to prevent contamination and spoilage.
Make-Ahead Tip: These pickles actually improve with time, making them perfect for preparing days before your football food spread or gathering.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do homemade refrigerator pickles last?

Properly stored in airtight containers with brine covering them completely, these pickles will stay crisp and flavorful for up to one month in the refrigerator. Always use clean utensils when removing pickles to prevent contamination.

Can I use pickle spears instead of slices?

Absolutely! Spears work wonderfully with this recipe. Just ensure they fit in your storage containers and note that the pickling time may need an extra 12-24 hours for the flavors to fully penetrate the thicker pieces.

Why are my pickles not getting crisp?

Starting with quality, crisp pickles is key. Also, avoid overcooking the brine – just bring it to a boil until the sugar dissolves, then immediately pour over the pickles. The quick heating preserves their natural crunch.

Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?

You can reduce the sugar slightly, but keep in mind it balances the vinegar’s acidity and contributes to the proper preservation texture. For best results, I recommend trying the recipe as written first, then adjusting to taste in future batches.

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Why This Copycat Pickle Recipe Works Perfectly

The magic happens in that 24-hour rest when the sweet and spicy brine works its way into every crisp pickle slice, creating that addictive flavor contrast Famous Dave’s made famous. With their perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and spicy notes, these pickles transform ordinary sandwiches, burgers, and snacks into extraordinary eating experiences that keep everyone coming back for just one more.

Famous Dave’s Sweet Spicy Pickles