These pickled eggs with garlic are a yummy, savory snack. They require only a few ingredients and use a simple no-canning method.
They are commonly served in pubs and taverns but I love to have them on hand at home. I make these almost every week for my family; we go through a lot of pickled eggs! Besides eating them as a snack we also like to use them as an appetizer and serve them sliced on charcuterie boards when having guests over.

Ingredients
- 12 large eggs
- 3 cloves garlic - peeled and slightly crushed
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 cups white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons pickling salt - not to be confused with pickling spice
Tools
You will also need a sterilized 1 quart jar to store the eggs in plus a saucepan.
How to Make Them
Step 1
Place the eggs in a saucepan. Add just enough water to the pot to cover the eggs by an inch.
Step 2
Bring the water to a boil. Cover with a lid and turn off the heat. Let sit for 12-15 minutes, until hard-boiled.
Step 3
Drain the eggs and transfer them to a bowl of ice and water. Let them chill for 15 minutes.
Step 4
Add the garlic cloves and bay leaves to a sterilized 1 quart jar. Shell the eggs and place them in the jar.
Step 5
Add the vinegar, sugar and salt to a saucepan and bring to a boil. Stir until the sugar and salt is dissolved.
Step 6
Remove from heat and ladle the liquid into the jar over the eggs, making sure they are completely covered.
Step 7
Let cool for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Step 8
Seal the jar and transfer it to the refrigerator. Let them sit in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours before eating. The pickled eggs must stay refrigerated for food safety purposes.
Tips & Tweaks
- For a simple variation you can replace some of the white vinegar with balsamic vinegar or apple cider vinegar to give the eggs some color and slightly different flavor.
- If you are pressed for time, you can buy pre-cooked/peeled eggs but keep in mind that it’s cheaper to make them from scratch and you can support local by purchasing farm eggs.
- For a spicy version, add 1 or 2 Thai red chili peppers to the jar or some red pepper flakes.
Storage
The pickled eggs must stay refrigerated for food safety purposes. They should be eaten within 3 to 4 months for best results.
FAQ
Let them sit in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours before eating so they can soak up the delicious vinegar flavor and tang. Wait longer for stronger flavor.
This could simply be due to the length of time the eggs are in the brine. The white part of the egg can also become rubbery from overcooking it.
A lack of refrigeration can cause botulism in pickled eggs, so always keep them in the fridge.
I love the taste and texture of these pickled eggs. Let me know what you thought in the comments and please share the recipe!
📋Recipe
Pickled Eggs (Easy No Canning Method)
Ingredients
- 12 large eggs
- 3 cloves garlic - peeled and slightly crushed
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 cups white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons pickling salt
Instructions
- Place the eggs in a saucepan. Add just enough water to the pot to cover the eggs by an inch.12 large eggs
- Bring the water to a boil. Cover with a lid and turn off the heat. Let sit for 12 minutes, until hard-boiled.
- Drain the eggs and transfer them to a bowl of ice and water. Let them chill for 15 minutes.
- Add the garlic cloves and bay leaves to a sterilized 1 quart jar. Shell the eggs and place them in the jar.3 cloves garlic, 2 bay leaves
- Add the vinegar, sugar and salt to a saucepan and bring to a boil. Stir until the sugar and salt is dissolved.2 cups white vinegar, 1 tablespoon sugar, 2 teaspoons pickling salt
- Remove from heat and ladle the liquid into the jar over the eggs, making sure they are completely covered.
- Let cool for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
- Seal the jar and transfer it to the refrigerator. Let them sit in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours before eating. The pickled eggs must stay refrigerated for food safety purposes.
Equipment
Notes
- For a simple variation you can replace some of the white vinegar with balsamic vinegar or apple cider vinegar to give the eggs some color and slightly different flavor.
- If you are pressed for time, you can buy pre-cooked/peeled eggs but keep in mind that it’s cheaper to make them from scratch and you can support local by purchasing farm eggs.
- For a spicy version, add 1 or 2 Thai red chili peppers to the jar or some red pepper flakes.
- Let them sit in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours before eating so they can soak up the delicious vinegar flavor and tang. Wait longer for stronger flavor.
- The pickled eggs must stay refrigerated for food safety purposes. They should be eaten within 3 to 4 months for best results.
Nutrition
Nutrition information on In the Kitch is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. It may not include toppings and/or sauces.
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