Description
Hot Honey Pickled Carrots are a vibrant and tangy snack made by soaking fresh carrot sticks or rounds in a flavorful brine of vinegar, honey, garlic, and spices. With a perfect balance of sweetness, heat, and acidity, these quick pickles are ideal for adding a zesty crunch to sandwiches, salads, or as a standalone treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Carrots
- 4–5 medium carrots, peeled and sliced into sticks or rounds
Brine
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 1 cup water
- 2 tbsp honey (preferably hot honey or add chili flakes to regular honey)
- 1 tbsp sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
- 2 cloves garlic, smashed
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp mustard seeds (optional)
- ¼ tsp black peppercorns
Instructions
- Prep the carrots: Peel and cut the carrots into your desired shape, either sticks or rounds, to ensure even pickling and easy snacking.
- Make the brine: In a saucepan, combine the white vinegar, water, honey, salt, sugar (if using), smashed garlic cloves, red pepper flakes, mustard seeds, and black peppercorns. Bring this mixture to a boil to dissolve the sugar and salt while extracting flavors from the spices.
- Pack the jars: Place the prepared carrot pieces into a clean, heatproof quart-sized jar, packing them in tightly but without crushing.
- Add brine: Carefully pour the hot brine over the carrots in the jar, ensuring they are fully submerged to maximize the pickling effect and flavor distribution.
- Cool and refrigerate: Allow the jar to cool to room temperature before sealing it tightly. Refrigerate the pickled carrots and let them sit for at least 24 hours to develop full flavor. They keep well in the fridge for 2–3 weeks.
Notes
- Use hot honey or add chili flakes to regular honey to control the heat level.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice tolerance.
- The pickles taste best after 24 hours but continue to develop flavor over time.
- Ensure the jar is clean and heatproof to avoid contamination and cracking from hot brine.
- These pickles make a great topping for tacos, sandwiches, or served alongside charcuterie boards.
