Pickled Garlic Cloves With Pickling Spice

Sharing is caring!

Last Updated on August 29, 2023 by Toya

This easy recipe for pickled garlic cloves with pickling spice is the easiest way to enjoy your own homemade pickled garlic. My pickled garlic cloves recipe is infused with a flavorful blend of whole or coarsely ground spices that truly take this recipe to the next level! This flavorful pickling spice blend has also been used to make the most delicious homemade pickled eggs, pickled cucumbers, and homemade pickled red onions!

Pickled garlic takes less than 10 minutes to make and is typically made using garlic cloves, water, vinegar, salt and sugar, and some spices.

They’re a delight that can be used in many recipes such as salads, wraps, pasta, burgers, and more. Today’s recipe is a bit more unique. It is made featuring my very own homemade pickling spice recipe and creates a final product that is tangy, mildly pungent, slightly sweet, and incredibly aromatic!

Ingredients for Pickled garlic cloves

• 4 heads of garlic
• ¾ cup water
• ¾ cup distilled vinegar
• ¾ tbsp sea salt
• ¾ tbsp sugar
• 1 ½ tbsp pickling spice
• A few sprigs of fresh dill

How to make pickled garlic cloves

Peel the garlic and pack the garlic cloves into a 16-ounce mason jar. Also, add 1 ½ tablespoons of pickling spice to the jar.

Then make the brine.

Star by grabbing a saucepan and pour ¾ cup of water and ¾ cup of distilled vinegar Into it. Also, add ¾ tablespoon sugar and ¾ tablespoon sea salt to the pot. 

Turn on the heat to medium and simmer for 1 -2 minutes. Make sure to stir so that the salt and sugar dissolve. 

Pour the brine into a mason jar and close shut. Then let it cool for one or two hours on the countertop. 

Once cool, store in the fridge. You can use them as soon as you like, but for the best results, wait 3 weeks!

Uses of pickled garlic cloves

Pickled garlic cloves, with their unique combination of pungency, tanginess, and a hint of sweetness, are versatile ingredients that can elevate a wide range of dishes including:

1. Charcuterie and Cheese Boards: Pickled garlic cloves add a zesty and flavorful element to charcuterie and cheese boards. Their tangy profile complements the richness of cheeses, cured meats, and other accompaniments.
2. Salads: Toss pickled garlic cloves into salads for an extra burst of flavor. They work well in both leafy green salads and heartier grain-based salads, adding a delightful kick without overpowering the other salad ingredients.
3. Sandwiches and Wraps: Whether it’s a classic deli sandwich or a hearty wrap, pickled garlic cloves bring a zingy and crunchy texture that cuts through the layers of fillings and bread, enhancing the overall taste.
4. Pasta and Grain Dishes: Stir pickled garlic cloves into pasta sauces, risotto, and other grain-based dishes to introduce a new dimension of flavor. The tangy notes help balance out the richness of creamy sauces and the earthiness of grains.
5. Asian-Inspired Dishes: Pickled garlic cloves can be an excellent addition to various Asian dishes, such as stir-fries, fried rice, and noodle bowls. They provide an acidic contrast that complements the umami flavors commonly found in Asian cuisine.
6. Pizza: Top your pizzas with pickled garlic cloves to give each slice a burst of tangy goodness. They work particularly well on white pizzas or those featuring milder toppings.
7. Burgers: Elevate your burgers by placing a pickled garlic clove or two on top of the patty. This adds a unique layer of flavor and texture to your burger experience.
8. Seafood Dishes: Pickled garlic cloves pair wonderfully with seafood, adding brightness to dishes like grilled fish, shrimp scampi, or seafood tacos.
9. Dips and Spreads: Blend pickled garlic cloves into creamy dips like hummus, guacamole, or yogurt-based sauces to create a zesty twist on familiar favorites.
10. Appetizers: Skewer pickled garlic cloves with olives, cheese cubes, and other bite-sized treats to create easy and impressive appetizers.

These are some of the easy ways you can enjoy those flavorful pickled garlic cloves. If you’re ready to make it, check out the full recipe below!