Ingredients

Scale

Here’s everything you’ll need to make Hot Honey Pickled Garlic and what each ingredient contributes.

2 cups fresh garlic cloves, peeled — The main ingredient. Fresh, firm cloves provide the best texture and absorb all the sweet, spicy, tangy flavors from the brine.
1 cup white vinegar — Creates the sharp, acidic foundation of the pickling liquid.
1 cup water — Balances the strength of the vinegar and creates a smoother brine.
1 tbsp kosher salt or pickling salt — Seasons the garlic and enhances the other flavors.
2 tbsp honey — Provides the signature sweetness that balances the vinegar and chile heat.
1 tbsp hot sauce — Adds tangy heat throughout the brine.
1 tsp red pepper flakes — Provides additional chile flavor and spicy warmth.
1 fresh red chili, thinly sliced — Adds fresh chile flavor, color, and another layer of heat.
1 dried chili pepper — Infuses the brine with deeper chile flavor as the garlic pickles.
1 tsp black peppercorns — Add peppery warmth and classic pickling flavor.
½ tsp mustard seeds — Contribute subtle earthy, sharp notes that complement the garlic.
½ tsp smoked paprika — Adds mild smokiness and depth.
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, optional — Adds another bright, citrusy layer of acidity to the brine.

Instructions

This refrigerator pickle requires only a few simple steps.

Step 1: Prepare the Garlic

Peel the fresh garlic cloves.

Place the peeled cloves into a clean glass jar, arranging them so there’s enough room for the brine to flow around them.

Step 2: Make the Hot Honey Pickling Brine

In a small saucepan, combine the white vinegar, water, kosher or pickling salt, honey, hot sauce, red pepper flakes, sliced fresh red chili, dried chili pepper, black peppercorns, mustard seeds, and smoked paprika.

Add the fresh lemon juice if you’re using it.

Step 3: Heat the Brine

Place the saucepan over medium heat.

Stir the mixture until the salt and honey have completely dissolved.

Bring the brine to a gentle simmer, then remove the saucepan from the heat.

Step 4: Pour the Brine Over the Garlic

Carefully pour the warm hot honey brine over the garlic cloves.

Make sure all the cloves are completely covered by the liquid so they can pickle evenly.

Step 5: Cool the Jar

Leave the jar uncovered until it has cooled to room temperature.

Once cooled, seal it tightly.

Step 6: Refrigerate and Pickle

Transfer the jar to the refrigerator.

Allow the garlic to pickle for at least 3 days before eating.

For the best balance of sweet, spicy, tangy, and garlicky flavor, allow it to pickle for 5–7 days.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes

Nutrition

Serving Size: 12
Calories: 25 per serving