Homemade Pickles to Elevate Your Christmas Feast

Christmas is a time of indulgence, and while we often think of rich roasts and decadent desserts, there's something special about the tangy crunch of a good pickle alongside your festive fare. 

Pickles add a delightful sharpness and vibrant colour to your Christmas spread, cutting through the richness and complementing a variety of dishes. 

Why not make your own this year? It’s simpler than you might think, and the results are far superior to shop-bought versions. Plus, they make for a lovely homemade gift!

Here’s how you can create some deliciously unique pickles to impress your guests this Christmas.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For Basic Pickling Brine (makes enough for 2-3 jars):

500ml white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar

500ml water

100g caster sugar

2 tbsp sea salt

Spices & Aromatics (adjust to taste):

2-3 bay leaves

1 tbsp mustard seeds

1 tbsp coriander seeds

1 tsp black peppercorns

A few sprigs of fresh dill

1-2 garlic cloves, lightly crushed

1 small chilli, sliced (optional, for heat)

Vegetables for Pickling:

2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced (for classic cucumber pickles)

300g baby onions or shallots, peeled (perfect for pickled onions)

1 head of cauliflower, cut into small florets (a festive vegetable pickle)

200g carrots, sliced into sticks or rounds (adds a lovely colour and crunch)

200g radishes, halved (for a peppery bite)

Instructions:

Prepare the Vegetables

Ensure your vegetables are fresh and evenly cut to ensure consistent pickling. For particularly hard vegetables like carrots, blanch them in boiling water for 2-3 minutes to slightly soften them before pickling. This will allow them to absorb the brine more easily.

Sterilise Your Jars

Sterilise your glass jars by washing them in hot, soapy water, then placing them in a low oven (about 140°C) for 10 minutes. Alternatively, you can run them through a dishwasher on a high-temperature setting. Sterilising is important to prevent any bacteria from spoiling your pickles.

Make the Pickling Brine

In a medium saucepan, combine the vinegar, water, sugar, and salt. Heat the mixture gently, stirring until the sugar and salt have dissolved completely. Once done, remove from heat.

Pack the Jars

While the brine is still warm, tightly pack your prepared vegetables into the sterilised jars. Add your chosen spices and aromatics. The bay leaves, garlic, mustard seeds, and dill are classics, but you can experiment with other flavours like ginger, star anise, or even cinnamon for a festive twist.

Pour the Brine

Carefully pour the hot brine over the vegetables in each jar, ensuring that the vegetables are fully submerged. Leave a small gap at the top of the jar before sealing tightly with a lid.

Let the Flavours Develop

For the best flavour, store your pickles in the fridge or a cool, dark place for at least 2-3 days before eating, though they’ll be even better after a week. Most pickles can last up to two months when refrigerated, though they tend to get eaten much sooner!

Christmas Pairings

Cucumber and Dill Pickles: Crisp and refreshing, they pair wonderfully with cold cuts of leftover turkey or ham, and even work well in Boxing Day sandwiches.

Pickled Onions: A classic alongside a hearty cheeseboard or served with pâtés and terrines.

Spiced Carrots & Cauliflower: These make a striking addition to your buffet table and add a festive twist with their warm spices.

Radish Pickles: With their peppery undertones, these are perfect alongside roast meats or even as part of a crunchy salad.

Personal Touch

Homemade pickles also make a thoughtful, personal gift during the festive season. Simply tie a ribbon around the jar, add a handmade label, and they’re ready to give. Your friends and family will appreciate the effort, and they’ll think of you every time they enjoy the tangy crunch of your pickles with their Christmas dinner.

A Festive Essential

Making your own pickles is not only satisfying but also allows you to customise the flavours exactly to your liking. Whether you're enjoying a roast, a cheeseboard, or the iconic leftovers sandwich, these pickles will be the perfect accompaniment to elevate your Christmas feast. Plus, the vibrant colours and fresh flavours are just the thing to balance out the rich, indulgent foods that define the season.

So, this Christmas, why not add a homemade touch to your table and discover the joy of pickling? You’ll find that these tangy treats quickly become a festive essential.

You can transfer some of your homemade pickles into smaller sterilised jars to use for great, personalised Christmas gifts.