Homemade Claussen Pickle Copycat Recipe (Beginner Recipe) (2024)

FAQs

What are the ingredients in Claussen pickles? ›

Ingredients. Fresh Cucumbers, Water, Salt, Distilled Vinegar, Contains Less than 2% of Dried Garlic, Calcium Chloride, Sodium Benzoate (to Preserve Flavor), Spice, Mustard Seed, Natural Flavor, Dried Red Bell Peppers, Polysorbate 80, Oleoresin Turmeric.

The classic ratio is super easy to remember and is easily scale-able depending on how many pickles you're making. It's 100% vinegar, 50% water, 25% sugar and 12.5% kosher salt by weight. So for example, 200g vinegar, 100g water, 50g sugar and 25g kosher salt (again, you can scale this up or down!).

Fresh cukes, every time: Unlike other pickle brands, Claussen cucumbers go from vine to brine in 10 days or less,and are pickled under refrigeration, meaning they are never heated or pasteurized. With minimal processing, Claussen refrigerated pickles deliver superior color, taste and crunch every time!

Claussen pickles are popular for their reputation for being crunchy, fresh, and having a distinct taste due to their unique brine and fermentation process. While marketing plays a role in their visibility, many fans appreciate Claussen for its taste and texture, often perceiving them as superior to other brands.

Use Calcium Chloride

Sea salt is sodium chloride. In this case, we're talking about calcium chloride! These little granules, which dilute quickly in water, are THE trick to crunchy pickles, as they prevent the enzymes from softening the pickle during lacto-fermentation.

(And technically store bought Claussen pickles have white vinegar, so you do you!) And ya'll. These homemade half sour pickles are so easy to make it's almost criminal. The hardest part is the 2 to 4 day wait for them to be done.

This is a basic 3-2-1 pickle recipe—three parts vinegar, two parts water, one part sugar. Salt and spices are totally up to you. You can also reduce the amount of sugar for a more savory pickle brine.

For quick pickles, a basic brine is equal parts vinegar and water, but you can adjust the ratio to your preference. Any basic vinegar is game — white vinegar, apple cider, white wine, and rice vinegar all work well. You can use these vinegars alone or in combination.

Typically soft pickles are a result of boiling them too long in your hot water bath canner or from having the water too hot. The temperature for the hot water bath shouldn't be higher than 185° F (keep the temperature between 180F to 185F) or it may cause softening in your pickles.

The availability of Claussen pickles has been inconsistent due to the unpredictability of their glass jar supply. Unfortunately, if the COVID-19 pandemic persists, there may be unforeseen tier-based shortages up and down grocery supply chains."

What happened to Claussen pickles? ›

When it comes to the Claussen Pickles specifically, According to Food & Wine, their shortage is due to increased demand for groceries, decreased manufacturing schedules, and a 30 percent decrease in glass recycling. The COVID pandemic is the root of the majority of these issues.

Germany's Best Pickle: Spreewaldgurken.

Always chilled, never heated.

McClure's came the closest to offering the perfect pickle. These pickles manage to infuse the cucumber with a deeply savory tang without compromising the crunch. The combo of dill and garlic keeps the flavor classic and adaptable for just about any application.

Are Claussen pickles good for you? It depends. Claussen pickles do not contain probiotics as they are not fermented. However, they may help expand a diet limited to other vegetables.

Kosher pickles are made according to Jewish dietary laws, while regular pickles may be made using any ingredients and processing methods. Kosher pickles are typically made with a salt brine and flavored with garlic and dill, while regular pickles may be pickled with vinegar and flavored with sugar and other spices.

When it comes to the Claussen Pickles specifically, According to Food & Wine, their shortage is due to increased demand for groceries, decreased manufacturing schedules, and a 30 percent decrease in glass recycling. The COVID pandemic is the root of the majority of these issues.

While drinking pickle juice occasionally is generally safe for most people, consuming it regularly in large amounts might not be ideal due to its high salt content. Excessive salt intake can contribute to health issues like high blood pressure. It's essential to maintain a balanced diet for overall well-being.