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Easy Classic Pickled Eggs Recipe

*Updated* / By: 241 Comments

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Easy Classic Pickled Eggs Recipe is a true pub favourite.

Popular bar styled food made at home with this easy no canning method. All you need is a nice big jar, hard-boiled eggs, and a brine to make the best-pickled eggs ever.

Easy Classic Pickled Eggs in a jar.

Who would have thought a hard-boiled egg cured in vinegar or pickling brine would create such a great snack and appetizer? Egg pickles!

Since I was a kid, my mom made these all the time. In fact, she was a true “canner”. All kinds of pickles, fruits, jams, canned tomatoes, sauces and of course sauerkraut, lined the walls of the cold cellar.

RECIPE and INSTRUCTIONS for this old fashioned pickled egg recipe is at the bottom of this post.

I am more of a quick pickle person. This recipe is a no canning method, just like my zucchini pickles and pickled onions recipe! According to my husband, she made the best pickled eggs, until he tried them done my way.

If you love pickles without all the work, check out this roundup 30 Easy Refrigerator Pickles.

I still remember that room in the basement of my parent’s house. It was dark and only had a small light bulb that did not provide much light at all. The door was hard to open, and the cement floor was uneven. Inside the wooden shelves were lined with various sizes of glass jars. 

She also made homemade sauerkraut, which we called kapusta. It is so delicious in the traditional Ukrainian Kobasa Kapusta recipe. Often seen on the holiday dinner tables.

Peeled hard boiled eggs in a jar.

Those days of traditional canning does not happen in my house. 

Simple Pickling Ingredients  

Like with ALL quick pickles, ingredients are easy to find. 

Mom would make these for every stag or bachelor party that was hosted by the family. Seems the guys loved eating these, especially when they drank beer.

I guess that is why they are a pub favourite, especially in the UK. They are found in fish and chip shops too.

I thought they were Ukrainian pickled eggs. Who knew they would be SO DELICIOUS!

Overhead shot of the eggs in a jar, with the brine and pickling spice off to the side.

Of course, my husband happens to be one of those people who loved my mom’s recipe. He would always be so happy when mom made them. In fact, she would make a jar just for him. 

Now my grandkids can say grandma’s pickled eggs are the BEST! Just like the kind you can find in the bar.

How To Make Easy Pickled Eggs

This is a super easy no canning method.

  1. Sterilize a clean large glass jar. I add boiling water to it and let it sit for 5 minutes. Pour the water out and you are good to go.
  2. Have your hard-boiled eggs cooked and peeled (the hardest part is peeling those eggs).
  3. Place them in the jar.
  4. Boil the brine ingredients in a small pot.
  5. Pour over the eggs.
  6. Put on the lid.
  7. Let cool slightly, then place in the fridge.
  8. Let sit until seasoned (at least 3 days). Ok…this is the second hardest part.
pickled eggs in a glass jar, pickling spice sprinkled on the counter.

After looking at my mom’s recipe, I just could not see how this would be tasty. Vinegar, salt, and mustard powder? Really? What happened to balance? Isn’t there supposed to be water, sugar, and seasoning?

The typical British recipe uses vinegar, salt and sugar. Mine is a no sugar recipe.

I knew I needed something different. I wanted my recipe to be infused with more flavour.

Egg Pickle Variations 

  • Brines can be all vinegar (usually white vinegar or malt vinegar)
  • You can use beet juice or pickle juice in the brine
  • Some recipes include salt and vinegar
  • Some use only one or the other
  • Additional seasonings such as dill, onion, jalapeno (for a kick of heat) can be added
  • You can also use a pickling spice blend
A wooden board containing crackers, cheese, a dish of pickled eggs, and beer in the background.

Ok now for the test. I let hubby do the honours. Well to my surprise, he LOVED them. In fact even better than moms!! 

This DIY easy pickling recipe is a must-try. You can make them YOUR way. Spicy, flavoured, coloured. Skip the eggs in a jar from Costco. These are better than store-bought hands down.

Recipe Tips

  • If you want the pickling brine to be clear (like the ones you see in the store) do not use the pickling spice (cloves turn the brine brown).
  • Be sure to let the eggs sit for AT LEAST 3 days in the fridge before eating.
  • You can experiment with the brine ingredients, creating the brine you prefer.
  • Be sure to serve at room temperature.
  • Ways to serve pickled eggs include: snacks, party appetizers (especially game night) and sandwich fillings.
  • The longer the eggs stay in the brine, the stronger the taste.
  • Prolonged time in the brine tends to create a rubbery texture.
How Long Do Pickled Eggs Last?

I would say safely 3-4 months. Since this is a quick pickle method, the shelf life is not as long as the traditional canned method, or the ones purchased in the grocery stores.

Do You Need To Keep Them Refrigerated?

Yes for food safety you will want to keep them in the fridge. 

Do You Have To Peel The Eggs?

The hard-boiled eggs are peeled before they are put into the pickling brine. Unpeeled eggs will not work in this recipe.

Can You Use Pickle Juice?

People have used pickle juice to make pickled eggs. This recipe uses a seasoned brine. If you use dill pickle juice, the eggs will have a dill pickle taste. Pickled eggs with beet juice will make them pink.

Still Looking For Some Great Egg Recipes?

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Classic Pickled Eggs Pin Image
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Easy Old Fashioned Pickled Eggs

Eggs pickled in a brine, no sugar and no canning. Just like in thehe pub.
4.94 from 62 votes
Print Rate Save
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: British
Keyword: Pub Food
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Resting Time: 3 days
Total Time: 3 days 35 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Calories: 64kcal
Author: Gloria Duggan | Homemade & Yummy

Ingredients

  • 12 large eggs (hard boiled & peeled)
  • 4 cups white vinegar
  • 1 ½ cups water
  • 1 ½ tsp course sea salt
  • 1 tbs pickling spice
US Customary – Metric

Instructions

  • Sterilize a large mouth jar.
  • Hard boil and peel the eggs.

To make the Brine:

  • In a pot combine the vinegar, water, salt and pickling spice.
  • Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

To Pickle:

  • Place peeled eggs into the clean jar.
  • Pour brine over eggs.
  • Seal jar. Leave on kitchen counter for about 1 hour, then place in fridge.
  • Let eggs sit in brine for at least 3 days before eating.
  • ENJOY!!

Nutrition Information

Calories: 64kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 164mg | Sodium: 354mg | Potassium: 66mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 238IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 28mg | Iron: 1mg

Notes

***Always keep the pickled eggs refrigerated until ready to eat*** These will keep for several months.
You can take them out of the brine and bring them to room temperature before eating if you wish.
You can make less brine if you wish. I wanted to make sure I had the eggs completely submerged in the liquid.
Tried this recipe?Take a picture and tag @homemadeandyummy
Nutritional information on this site is generated via a plugin. I am not responsible for the accuracy of the plugin information.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Diana

    I so want to try this recipe! Question though, you state white vinegar, is it distilled? If not, I can’t seem to find white vinegar that is not distilled?

    Reply

  2. Melissa

    I have a question and I can not find an answer on any website. My eggs float, so one of them is not completely submerged in the brine. Is that okay or is it going to go bad because the tip is exposed? This is my first time making them and I can’t find a place online that answers this question.

    Reply

  3. Jill

    Hi! Do you have to add the pickling spice to brine? I don’t want the brine to turn brown but also don’t know if you need the pickling spice for flavor? I’ve never made pickled eggs before but am looking forward to it! Thanks for the recipe!

    Reply

  4. Jo

    Pickled eggs are amazing to snack on. I’m a huge fan of eggs, eggs in any form. This will be great with drinks on friday night

    Reply

  5. Imee

    I have learned a new recipe from this blog, I haven’t tried pickled eggs before, and I never thought we can also pickle eggs. Will surely try this recipe.

    Reply

  6. Jamie

    I love all the detailed instructions you listed for these eggs! I have about a dozen eggs in the fridge and I’ll be making this soon. This looks simple and delicious!

    Reply

  7. Daniela

    Wowie I’ve never pickled eggs and am so inspired to after reading your recipe! Def wanna pickle eggs now! Thanks so much for sharing :).

    Reply

  8. Neha Khanuja

    I have to admit, I never tried pickling eggs before even when I love to pickle all that I can. Thanks for giving me another ingredient to work with, sounds so yum!

    Reply

  9. Chandice Probst

    I’ve been looking for this recipe everywhere, thank you so much! I love how easy to follow it too.

    Reply

  10. Jenny

    I love pickled eggs so much but never made them. Always thought it would be too complicated. but your recipe is easy and delicious. Thanks so much!

    Reply

  11. Paula Montenegro

    I never made pickled eggs and I love pickles so much. This recipe is a must-try! I love how the pickling spice can be customized, I might start having it ready at all times. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply

  12. Heidy

    I have always made pickled eggs with beets and onions but came across this recipe and I have to tell you they were outstanding! Bookmarking to make them again!!

    Reply

  14. Lisa

    These pickled eggs are LEGIT. Totally snack-able with the perfect balance of flavors. My husband’s favorite game day snack.

    Reply

  16. Ashley Marie Lecker

    One of my favorite snacks at a bar is a pickles egg. It is very traditional to see them in large jars in the older taverns. I would love to snack on one right now! I can’t wait to try your recipe!

    Reply

  18. Amy D

    When I was a kid we always enjoyed pickled veggies and eggs. I miss the tradition of my father getting a jar to eat before dinner.

    Reply

  19. Choclette

    Your eggs look really nice. the only pickled eggs I’ve ever eaten were tinged with brown from the vinegar which doesn’t make them particularly appealing. You used to get them in fish and chip shops all the time, but I haven’t seen any in years.

    Reply

  20. Bruce Grieve

    I have always loved pickled eggs, and now that I am venturing into a low/no sugar diet eggs will be a big part of my diet. I will certainly be adding fresh garlic and possibly red pepper flakes too and might experiment with liquid Hickory smoke too. Thanks for this recipe!

    Reply

  22. Russell

    Very good, but they needed some fresh garlic and pepper flakes.
    I made a double batch, placing the eggs in the 1/2 gallon jar first, and then pouring in the liquid.
    That way I didn’t have any waste and the eggs were covered.
    I figured I was boiling the liquid anyway, so why not.

    Reply

  23. Patricia Sumner

    I used to make pickled eggs when my family was young. But what intrigued me was that you pickled SMOKED hard-boiled eggs! That sounds wonderful. By chance, I just bought a small, virtually hand held smoker, and I think I’ll try your recipe next after smoking some eggs.
    Thank you! Patricia

    Reply

  24. Lyne

    This is the recipe I was looking for! They remind me of my grandpa who was taking me to the café where they served those eggs and we would always get some. I loved them then and still love them today!
    My question is, since I have 4 kids the eggs disappeared quite fast and I was wondering if I can just cook more eggs and throw them in the same brine as the previous batch or do I have to make a new brine every time?
    Thank you so much for the recipe!

    Reply

    • Gloria | Homemade & Yummy

      I am so glad you found this recipe. Love the memories it has created for you. I have responded to you via email. Here is the answer: As long as the brine is not TOO old, I do not see an issue. Alternatively, get a larger jar and make more at a time. So awesome the kids like these too.

      Reply

  25. Trish Bozeman

    OK, I’m going to admit that I’ve never had a pickled egg! I honestly just don’t come across them very often. But you have me very intrigued! I’m a pickle lover, so I’ve got to try it out right? Love that there’s no canning involved and these are super easy to make. Trying for sure!

    Reply

  26. Carmy

    I’ve somehow never tried pickled eggs before! Love how clearly this is explained because I’m going to have to give it a go! I’d also love to try your mom’s version.

    Reply

  27. Lisa

    I admit- i’ve never tried pickled eggs. I think I’ve had the same skittishness as you did. But your talk of stag parties and pub food make me think I’ve been a little close-minded. This would be a great high protein- low carb snack too— so I’ll have to try your recipe!?

    Reply

  28. Michelle

    I’ve never tried pickled eggs, but it seems like one of those “have to try it at least once” kind of foods.” This recipe looks like a great place to start. All the tips are amazing!

    Reply

  31. Whitney

    I have a love/hate relationship with eggs. I eat them often or not at all. I haven’t had a pickled egg but you may have convinced me to try one, lol.

    Reply

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