Holiday Spiced Pickled Apples

Holiday Spiced Pickled Apples

Sweet-tart apples quick-pickled with cinnamon, clove, and citrus—perfect for cheese boards, roasts, and festive meals.

🛒 Ingredients

• 2–3 crisp apples (Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, or Fuji)

• 1 cup apple cider vinegar

• 1 cup water

• ½ cup maple syrup or brown sugar

• 1 tsp kosher salt

• 1 cinnamon stick

• 3–4 whole cloves

• 2 star anise pods (optional but very festive)

• 1 strip orange peel (optional, no pith)

• Optional savory twist: 1 sprig fresh rosemary or thyme

🔪 Instructions

1. Slice the apples
   Core apples and slice thinly (⅛–¼ inch). Leave the peel on for color and structure.

2. Make the spiced brine
   In a saucepan, combine vinegar, water, maple syrup, salt, cinnamon stick, cloves, star anise, and orange peel.
   Bring to a gentle boil, then simmer 8–10 minutes until fragrant.

3. Pack the jar
   Place apple slices (and rosemary, if using) into a clean heat-safe jar.

4. Pour & cool
   Carefully pour the hot brine over the apples, making sure they’re fully submerged.
   Cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate.

5. Chill before serving
   Ready in 2–4 hours, best after overnight.

🕰️ Storage

• Keeps 2–3 weeks refrigerated

• Flavor deepens after the first day

🍽️ How to Serve for the Holidays

• Alongside roast pork, ham, turkey, or duck

• On cheese boards with cheddar, brie, or blue cheese

• Tucked into stuffing, grain salads, or roasted squash dishes

• On holiday sandwiches or sliders

• Chopped finely as a relish for leftovers

✨ Flavor Variations

• More cozy: add a slice of fresh ginger

• Less sweet: reduce maple syrup to ⅓ cup

• More savory: add a bay leaf + black peppercorns

• Cranberry-style: toss a few fresh cranberries into the jar.