Onion Pickled Wieners

Ready to jazz up your snack game? These Onion Pickled Wieners are tangy, zesty, and packed with flavor. Perfect for parties, barbecues, or just a tasty treat!

Ingredients

• 12 beef or pork hot dogs (wieners)
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
• 1 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 2 sprigs fresh dill (optional)

Directions

Prepare the Ingredients:

1. Thinly slice the onion and smash the garlic cloves. Set aside.

Make the Pickling Brine:

2. In a medium saucepan, combine apple cider vinegar, water, granulated sugar, kosher salt, black peppercorns, mustard seeds, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar and salt are fully dissolved. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Prepare the Wieners:

3. Slice the hot dogs into 2-3 pieces each, if desired. Place the hot dogs, sliced onion, and garlic cloves into a clean jar or container.

Add the Brine:

4. Pour the warm pickling brine over the hot dogs, onions, and garlic in the jar. Ensure that the wieners are fully submerged. Add fresh dill sprigs if using.

Seal and Refrigerate:

5. Seal the jar or container with a lid. Refrigerate for at least 24 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld. The pickled wieners can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Serve:

6. Enjoy the pickled wieners as a tasty snack, appetizer, or side dish. They’re perfect on their own or as a flavorful addition to a charcuterie board!

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Refrigeration Time: 24 hours
• Total Time: 24 hours 15 minutes
• Servings: 6 servings (2 wieners per serving)

Variations

• Heat Adjustment: Reduce or omit the crushed red pepper flakes for a milder flavor.
• Flavor Additions: Experiment with additional spices like cloves or bay leaves for a unique twist.
• Herb Alternatives: Use other fresh herbs such as thyme or rosemary if fresh dill is unavailable.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Keep the pickled wieners in the refrigerator in a sealed jar for up to 2 weeks.
• Reheating: These pickled wieners are enjoyed cold and do not need reheating.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use chicken or turkey hot dogs?
   Yes, chicken or turkey hot dogs can be used instead of beef or pork.
2. What if I don’t have apple cider vinegar?
   White vinegar or red wine vinegar can be used as alternatives.
3. How long do the pickled wieners need to sit?
   Allow them to sit in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours for the best flavor.
4. Can I double the recipe?
   Yes, you can double or triple the recipe as long as you have a large enough jar or container.
5. What if I don’t have fresh dill?
   You can omit the dill or use dried dill if fresh is not available.
6. How can I make them spicier?
   Increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add hot sauce to the brine.
7. Can I use pre-cooked hot dogs?
   Yes, pre-cooked hot dogs can be used; just slice and pickle as directed.
8. How do I make the pickles less sweet?
   Reduce the amount of sugar in the brine to adjust the sweetness to your taste.
9. Can I use a different type of vinegar?
   Yes, other types of vinegar like white or malt vinegar can be used, but they will alter the flavor slightly.
10. How should I serve these wieners?
    Serve them cold as a snack, appetizer, or as part of a charcuterie board.

Conclusion

These Onion Pickled Wieners are a flavorful and tangy addition to any gathering. With their zesty brine and crunchy onions, they make for a delightful snack or appetizer. Easy to prepare and store, they are a great way to add a touch of gourmet flair to your everyday meals. Enjoy the burst of flavor in every bite!