Grandmas Pickled Eggs

Name: Grandma's Pickled Eggs
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Ingredients: 12 large eggs hard boiled and peeled; 2 cups white vinegar; 1 cup apple cider vinegar; 1 cup water; 2 tablespoons pickling spices; 1 teaspoon dill seed; 1 teaspoon coarse salt; 10 black peppercorns; 1 sweet onion thinly sliced; 3 sprigs fresh dill; 2 garlic cloves

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Do you love the tangy, delicious flavor of pickled eggs? Learn how to make them at home with this easy step-by-step guide. Impress your friends and family with your homemade pickled eggs! It is so easy, just heat the liquid mixture, pour over hard-boiled eggs, cover, and refrigerate for the most flavorful pickled eggs you have ever had.

Pickled eggs in a large mason jar with fresh eggs in the background.

Enjoy them for a quick high-protein snack, in your favorite egg salad recipe, or on top of a fresh garden salad. They are so easy, and no knowledge of canning skills is required. We love everything pickled around here. Have you tried pickled jalapenos or pickled red onions?

Ingredients Needed

See the complete list of ingredients below on the recipe card.

Eggs: I like to use the large ones, but you can pickle any size
Vinegar: I like to use a combination of white and apple cider vinegar
Pickling spices: McCormick makes a pretty good pickling spice
Other spices: dried dill seed, coarse salt, black peppercorns, and sprigs of fresh dill
Onion: preferably sweet yellow or Vidalia. Both add sweetness and texture
Garlic: fresh, of course

How to Make Pickled Eggs

This is a summary version; for the complete list of ingredients and instructions, please refer to the recipe card below.

Hard-boil a dozen eggs, peel them, and place them in a mason jar or taller bowl that does not require too much liquid to soak them. Meanwhile, make the brine by adding both kinds of vinegar, water, pickling spices, dill seed, salt, black peppercorns, and onions to a saucepan and bringing it to a boil.

Then, simmer for about five minutes. Pour over the hard-boiled eggs and add the fresh dill sprigs, onion slices, and garlic cloves. Finally, cover it with the lid, place it in the refrigerator, and let it sit for 3-4 days before enjoying.

Over view of an open jar of pickled eggs with peppercorns and dill sprigs.

Preparation Tips

For whiter eggs, remove most of the cloves from the pickling spice.
Pickled eggs are best after several days in the pickling solution; however, I have enjoyed them after twenty-four hours. The longer the eggs stay in the brine, the stronger the pickle taste.
Store the pickled eggs in an airtight container in the fridge. They should be refrigerated and below the brine solution at all times. They will last up to 3 months when properly stored.
Enjoy the pickled onions in the jar as well. They are delicious.

Steam the Eggs for Easy Peeling

I have never had trouble peeling steamed eggs. Fill a large saucepan with enough water to reach the bottom of a steamer basket. Bring it to a boil and carefully add the eggs to the steamer basket using a long-handled spoon or tongs.

Cover the pot and steam for 12-15 minutes. A single layer of medium eggs will require less time, while a double layer of large eggs will require the most time. Remove eggs to icy cold water to stop the cooking process, or let the cold water run directly into the pan for several minutes to cool them down quickly.

The side view of a large glass jar filled with pickled eggs, pickling spices, dill sprigs, and peppercorns.

Do pickled eggs need to be refrigerated?

Yes they must be refrigerated to avoid bacterial growth. Please keep them below the brine solution at all times.

How long do pickled eggs last?

Store the pickled eggs in an airtight container in the fridge. They should be refrigerated and below the brine solution at all times. They will last up to 3 months when properly stored.

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