How to Pickle Garlic

Links you click on in this post may earn us a small commission at no cost to you. Thank you for your support.

Jump to Recipe

Do you love garlic and also love pickled things?! We’ve got a simple yet incredibly flavorful recipe that will elevate your recipes and add a punch of tangy goodness to your dishes. It’s seriously addictive and you’ll love it. Pickled garlic is not only delicious but also offers potential health benefits, making it a versatile addition to your pantry.

How to Pickle Garlic

Ingredients:

  • Fresh garlic cloves (enough to fill a wide brimmed canning jar)
  • Apple cider vinegar (enough to cover the garlic cloves)
  • A wide brimmed canning jar with a tight-fitting lid

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Garlic: Begin by peeling enough fresh garlic cloves to fill your canning jar. The cloves should be clean and free from any blemishes.
  2. Fill the Jar: Place the peeled garlic cloves into the wide brimmed canning jar. Make sure to leave some space at the top of the jar, about an inch or so.
  3. Cover with Apple Cider Vinegar: Slowly pour the apple cider vinegar over the garlic cloves in the jar, ensuring that all the cloves are completely submerged. The vinegar acts as a preservative and imparts a tangy flavor to the garlic.
  4. Seal the Jar: Securely fasten the lid on the canning jar to create an airtight seal. This is crucial for the pickling process, as it prevents contaminants from entering the jar.
  5. Find a Warm Spot: Place the sealed jar in a warm spot, ideally near a sunny window. The warmth helps kickstart the fermentation process, infusing the garlic with the rich flavors of the apple cider vinegar.
  6. Let It Sit: Allow the jar of garlic and apple cider vinegar to sit undisturbed in the warm spot for 3-4 weeks. During this time, the flavors will develop and intensify, transforming the sharp raw garlic into a delightful, tangy treat.
  7. Taste and Enjoy: After the pickling period, open the jar and sample your homemade pickled garlic. The cloves should be tender and packed with flavor. You can use them in a variety of dishes, from salads and sandwiches to pasta and stir-fries. The pickling liquid can also be used as a tangy dressing or marinade.

Why Pickled Garlic?

Garlic, known for its pungent and robust flavor, is a staple in many dishes. When pickled, it undergoes a transformation that mellows out its sharpness while infusing it with the tangy goodness of apple cider vinegar. This results in a unique taste that’s both delightful and versatile.

The Simple Pickling Process

To pickle garlic, you’ll need fresh garlic cloves, apple cider vinegar, and a wide brimmed canning jar. Start by peeling the garlic cloves and placing them in the jar. Leave some space at the top. Next, cover the cloves with apple cider vinegar, ensuring they are fully submerged. This vinegar not only preserves the garlic but also imparts a tangy flavor.

Seal the jar with a tight-fitting lid, creating an airtight environment that’s essential for the pickling process. Now, find a warm spot for the jar, preferably near a sunny window. The warmth helps initiate the fermentation process, allowing the flavors to develop and intensify.

The Waiting Game

Patience is key when pickling garlic. Let the jar sit undisturbed in the warm spot for 3-4 weeks. During this time, the garlic cloves will absorb the apple cider vinegar, becoming tender and infused with the tangy essence. The pickling liquid itself can be used in various ways – as a zesty dressing, a flavorful marinade, or a secret ingredient in your recipes.

Enjoy the Fruits of Your Labor

Once the pickling period is over, it’s time to savor the fruits of your labor. Open the jar and marvel at the delicious transformation your garlic cloves have undergone. The sharpness of raw garlic has mellowed, making way for a delightful, tangy kick. Use your homemade pickled garlic to elevate salads, sandwiches, pasta dishes, and more. Experiment with the pickling liquid to add a burst of flavor to your favorite recipes.

Final Thoughts on this Pickled Garlic Recipe

Pickled garlic is a fantastic addition to any kitchen. With a simple recipe and a bit of patience, you’ll have a jar of tangy, aromatic goodness ready to take your dishes to the next level. Try it out, and enjoy the unique flavor profile and potential health benefits that pickled garlic brings to the table.

Pickled Garlic Recipe

This easy guide will have you enjoying pickled garlic at home in less than a month! While it requires patience, it will elevate your dishes and make your homecooking that much better.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 days
Servings 50
Calories 5 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • Fresh garlic cloves enough to fill a wide brimmed canning jar
  • Apple cider vinegar enough to cover the garlic cloves
  • A wide brimmed canning jar with a tight-fitting lid

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Garlic: Begin by peeling enough fresh garlic cloves to fill your canning jar. The cloves should be clean and free from any blemishes.
  • Fill the Jar: Carefully place the peeled garlic cloves into the wide brimmed canning jar. Make sure to leave some space at the top of the jar, about an inch or so.
  • Cover with Apple Cider Vinegar: Slowly pour the apple cider vinegar over the garlic cloves in the jar, ensuring that all the cloves are completely submerged. The vinegar acts as a preservative and imparts a tangy flavor to the garlic.
  • Seal the Jar: Securely fasten the lid on the canning jar to create an airtight seal. This is crucial for the pickling process, as it prevents contaminants from entering the jar.
  • Find a Warm Spot: Place the sealed jar in a warm spot, ideally near a sunny window. The warmth helps kickstart the fermentation process, infusing the garlic with the rich flavors of the apple cider vinegar.
  • Let It Sit: Allow the jar of garlic and apple cider vinegar to sit undisturbed in the warm spot for 3-4 weeks. During this time, the flavors will develop and intensify, transforming the sharp raw garlic into a delightful, tangy treat.
  • Taste and Enjoy: After the pickling period, open the jar and sample your homemade pickled garlic. The cloves should be tender and packed with flavor. You can use them in a variety of dishes, from salads and sandwiches to pasta and stir-fries. The pickling liquid can also be used as a tangy dressing or marinade.
Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

You deserve more wellness in your life. We're here to change that.

Subscribe to our email list to get all things wellness in your inbox.