Customizable Pickling Spice Blend Recipe for Every Jar

Use this simple pickling spice recipe to elevate any homemade pickle with a blend that reflects your taste. This easy, customizable mix works for classic cucumber pickles, pickled beets, onions, or mixed vegetables. With a balance of warm spices, bright heat, and a hint of sweetness, it gives pickles a depth that store-bought blends often lack.

Some links in this article are affiliate links and if you click on them I will receive a small commission at no cost to you.

Pickling is one of my favorite ways to preserve fresh produce. Whether you’re making jar-by-jar cucumber pickles, refrigerator pickled beets, or fermented mixed vegetables, the core methods—vinegar and aromatics for quick pickles or salt and water for fermentation—are simple. Adding a homemade pickling spice blend brings extra complexity and lets you tailor flavors to each vegetable.

What is pickling spice?

Pickling spice refers to a combination of whole seeds and spices used when pickling. Whole spices hold up to heat and long storage, contributing aroma and texture without clouding the brine.

What spices are in pickling spice?

A classic pickling spice usually includes mustard seeds, black peppercorns, red pepper flakes or dried chilies, one or more warm “sweet” spices such as cinnamon or allspice, and additional elements like bay leaves or dill seed. The exact mix is flexible—make it to suit your preferences or the vegetable you’re preserving.

Store-bought blends are convenient but vary widely in ingredients and quality. Many contain extra components (sometimes powdered spices or unexpected additives) you may not want. Mixing your own lets you avoid unwanted flavors and keep the blend simple and fresh.

Customize the blend:

• For dill pickles, add dill seed and a little allspice.
• If you dislike cloves, omit them.
• For gingery beets, include dried ginger pieces.

With a homemade pickling spice on hand, you can craft pickles that match your preferred flavor profile and use what you already have in the pantry. It’s also more economical in the long run if you buy spices in bulk.

Recipe Ingredients

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

Core ingredients I always include:

• Mustard seeds (yellow or brown)
• Whole black peppercorns
• Red pepper flakes or small dried chilies for heat
• Dried bay leaves, crumbled
• Cinnamon stick, crushed

Optional additions:

• Dill seed – great for dill pickles or dilly beans
• Allspice berries – lovely with beets
• Whole cloves – use sparingly or omit if you prefer
• Other options: coriander seeds, dried ginger root, fennel seeds, juniper berries

TIP: Avoid powdered spices in pickling blends. Powder makes brine cloudy and ingredients like turmeric can tint vegetables yellow.

Make This Pickling Spice Recipe

Storage

Although assembling all the spices may seem costly at first, whole spices store for years and buying in bulk is cheaper than small jars. Your pickling spice will keep for years if stored in an airtight container on a dry pantry shelf. Shake or re-stir before using if the heavier seeds settle.

Recipes to Use Pickling Spice With

• Easy Refrigerator Garlic Dill Pickles
• Easy Pickled Beets for Canning or Refrigerator
• Spicy Garlic Canned Pickled Beans (use the blend to personalize the flavor)

I hope you enjoy making this pickling spice—adjust it to match your pantry and taste, then use it to make memorable, homemade pickles.