6+ Homemade Old Fashioned Pickled Onion Recipes You’ll Want to Make Today!
Introduction
There’s nothing quite like the tangy, crisp bite of old fashioned pickled onions to elevate everything from sandwiches to salads and cheese boards. Whether you’re looking for a way to preserve a bounty of onions, add a punch of flavor to your meals, or just delight your tastebuds with a homemade treat, these recipes are simple, versatile, and absolutely crowd-pleasing.
Why Old Fashioned Pickled Onions Belong in Your Kitchen
Old fashioned pickled onions stand out for their simplicity, flavor, and versatility. That perfect blend of sharpness and subtle sweetness transforms even the plainest dish into something memorable. Plus, making them at home allows you to control the flavors—think extra garlic, a touch of spice, or even a hint of honey. You’ll never look at store-bought pickles the same way again!
Classic English Pickled Onions
These traditional brown pickled onions are a staple on British pub menus and are famously served with cheddar and a hunk of crusty bread. The secret? A sharp malt vinegar brine and whole spices.
Sweet & Tangy Refrigerator Pickled Onions
The quick-pickle method brings you perfectly crisp slices in just a few hours—no canning required. A touch of sugar tempers the acidity, making these a favorite for topping burgers and tacos.
Balsamic Red Onion Pickles
Red onions pickled in balsamic vinegar pack a punch of color and a gentle sweetness. These pair beautifully with grilled meats and roasted veggies.
Southern-Style Sweet Pickled Pearl Onions
These bite-sized beauties are loaded with charm, sweetness, and a little nostalgic Southern flair. They’re perfect in martinis or on holiday relish trays.
Spicy Pickled Onions with Jalapeño
If you love a little heat, try tossing in fresh jalapeño slices or red pepper flakes. These are the ideal finishing touch for tacos, nachos, and grain bowls.
Garlic & Herb Old Fashioned Pickled Onions
Classic pickled onions get an herbaceous upgrade with the addition of garlic, fresh thyme, and bay leaves. Serve them with roasted potatoes or grilled chicken.
Bonus: Asian-Style Quick Pickled Onions
Thinly sliced onions pickled with rice vinegar, ginger, and a touch of soy sauce. These are amazing with noodle bowls, stir fries, or sushi.
Ingredients
💡Meal Planning Tip: Save your favorite pickled onion recipes to CookifyAI and instantly generate a shopping list with all your chosen variations—no more missed ingredients or duplicate purchases!
Instructions
- Prepare the onions: Peel onions by trimming the ends and soaking in hot water for 1-2 minutes to loosen the skins. Slice larger onions or leave small ones whole.
- Make the brine: In a saucepan, combine vinegar, water, sugar, salt, and your chosen spices. Heat until the sugar and salt dissolve, then bring to a boil.
- Pack the jars: Place peeled onions, garlic, spices, and any add-ins (jalapeño, herbs) in clean glass jars.
- Add the brine: Pour the hot brine over the onions, ensuring they’re completely covered. Seal jars tightly.
- Pickle: Let jars cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 24 hours for quick pickles or process in a hot water bath for 10 minutes if you plan to store them long-term.
- Enjoy! Pickled onions are ready after a day and improve with time. Store in the fridge; use within 2 months for best flavor and crunch.
Serving Suggestions for Homemade Pickled Onions
Add to sandwiches, burgers, salads, tacos, or cheese boards. Garnish grain bowls or roasted vegetables, or serve as part of a charcuterie platter. Each style brings its own personality to your meal!
Nutritional Information and Serving Size
Each jar (about 1/4 cup serving) contains roughly 20-30 calories, negligible fat, and a small amount of sodium. With simple, whole ingredients, pickled onions are a healthful way to pack flavor without excess calories or preservatives.
Recap: 6+ Homemade Old Fashioned Pickled Onion Recipes
With endless variations—from traditional English-style to bold, spicy, or herb-flecked—homemade pickled onions are a fantastic way to transform everyday dishes with minimal effort. Choose your favorite flavor profile, prep a batch (or two!), and enjoy zesty, crunchy onions for weeks.
Weekly Meal Planning
Quick pickles like these are perfect for batch prep—they keep well and add big flavor to multiple meals throughout the week. Save, plan, and schedule your pickled onion recipes with CookifyAI to effortlessly create meal plans and cross-referenced shopping lists.
Planning Benefits:
- Automatically consolidates onions, vinegar, and repeat ingredients so you buy exactly what you need—no more waste!
- Sorts your shopping list by store section for quick, organized trips.
- Keeps track of flavor variations so you prep the perfect mix of pickled onion jars for every meal or event.
Pro tip: Schedule your pickling session alongside other meal prep recipes in CookifyAI, and get at-a-glance quantities for overlapping ingredients like vinegar, sugar, and onions.
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 15-25 minutes (depends on onion size and style)
Cook Time: 5 minutes (for making brine)
Total Time: 30 minutes (plus pickling time; best after 24 hours)
