Hey there, fellow foodies! It’s Natasha here, and today I’m taking you on a wild (and slightly weird) culinary journey. If you’ve ever thought, “Hmm, I wonder what would happen if I combined my love for pickles with my obsession for gummy candy?”—well, you’re in for a treat. I recently stumbled upon a recipe for Homemade Dill Pickle Gummy Worms, and let me tell you, it’s as quirky as it sounds. But trust me, it’s also ridiculously fun to make and surprisingly delicious. So, grab your apron, and let’s dive into this tangy, chewy adventure together!
Why Dill Pickle Gummy Worms?
First things first—why on earth would anyone make dill pickle gummy worms? I get it; it sounds like something out of a mad scientist’s lab. But hear me out. If you’re a pickle lover like me, you know that pickle brine is liquid gold. It’s tangy, salty, and just a little bit sweet. And when you mix it with gelatin, you get this weirdly addictive treat that’s equal parts savory and sweet. Plus, making gummy worms at home means you can control the ingredients, skip the artificial junk, and have a blast in the process.
What You’ll Need
Before we get started, let’s gather our ingredients. Don’t worry; this recipe is super simple, and you probably already have most of this stuff in your kitchen:
- 1/4-1/3 cup unflavored gelatin powder (this is the magic that makes them chewy)
- 3/4 cup pickle brine (save this the next time you finish a jar of pickles!)
- 1 tablespoon honey (for a touch of sweetness to balance the tang)
- Food coloring (optional) (if you want your gummy worms to look extra fun)
You’ll also need:
- A small pot
- A whisk
- Gummy molds (I used worm-shaped ones because, duh, it’s in the name)
- An eye dropper or small spoon
Let’s Make Some Gummy Worms!
Alright, let’s get down to business. Here’s how I made these tangy little treats:
Step 1: Mix the Gelatin and Pickle Brine
In a small pot, I whisked together the gelatin powder and pickle brine. At first, it looked a little clumpy, but that’s totally normal. Then, I added the honey and kept whisking until the honey started to dissolve. Pro tip: if your honey is super thick, you can warm it up a bit to make it easier to mix.
Step 2: Heat It Up
Next, I turned the heat to medium and kept stirring until the gelatin fully dissolved. This part is crucial—you want the mixture to be smooth and free of lumps. Once it was smooth, I reduced the heat to the lowest setting to keep it warm while I worked.
Step 3: Add Some Color (Optional)
This step is totally optional, but I decided to add a few drops of green food coloring to make my gummy worms look more… worm-like. If you’re feeling extra creative, you could even mix colors to make rainbow gummy worms!
Step 4: Fill the Molds
Now for the fun part! Using an eye dropper (a small spoon works too), I carefully filled the gummy molds with the mixture. This part can get a little messy, so take your time. If you’re doing this with kids, they’ll absolutely love helping out here.
Step 5: Let Them Set
Once the molds were filled, I let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes. This helps the mixture gel slightly and prevents spills when you move them to the fridge. After that, I popped them in the fridge for 10-15 minutes to fully set.
Step 6: Pop ‘Em Out and Enjoy!
When the gummies were firm, I gently popped them out of the molds. And just like that, I had a batch of homemade dill pickle gummy worms! I stored them in an airtight container to keep them fresh (though let’s be real, they didn’t last long).
The Verdict: Are They Worth It?
Okay, I know what you’re thinking: “Natsha, do these actually taste good?” And the answer is… yes! They’re tangy, slightly salty, and just sweet enough to balance out the pickle flavor. The texture is spot-on—chewy but not too tough. If you’re a pickle fan, you’ll probably love these as much as I do. And even if you’re not, they’re still a fun project to try.
Tips for Success
- Use high-quality pickle brine. The better the brine, the better the gummies. I used the brine from my favorite brand of dill pickles, and it made all the difference.
- Don’t skip the honey. It adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the tanginess of the brine.
- Experiment with shapes. If you don’t have worm molds, you can use any silicone mold you have on hand. Bears, hearts, or even stars would work!
- Store them properly. Keep your gummy worms in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge. They’ll last for about a week (if you don’t eat them all first).
FAQs About Homemade Dill Pickle Gummy Worms
Can I use flavored gelatin instead of unflavored?
Nope, unflavored gelatin is key here because it lets the pickle brine shine. Flavored gelatin would overpower the tangy pickle taste, and we don’t want that!
What if I don’t have gummy molds?
No worries! You can use any silicone mold you have on hand—think ice cube trays, candy molds, or even mini muffin tins. Just make sure to grease them lightly with a neutral oil for easy removal.
Can I use something other than honey?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of honey, you can swap it for maple syrup, agave, or even a bit of sugar. Just adjust to taste, as the sweetness balances the tanginess of the brine.
How long do these gummy worms last?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature or in the fridge, they’ll stay fresh for about a week. But let’s be honest, they’ll probably disappear way before then!
Can I make these vegan?
Yes! Swap the gelatin for agar-agar, a plant-based alternative. Keep in mind that the texture might be slightly different, but it’ll still work.
What kind of pickles should I use?
I recommend using classic dill pickles for that tangy, savory flavor. But feel free to experiment with other types, like spicy pickles or bread-and-butter pickles, for a unique twist.
Why do I need to let the mixture gel at room temperature first?
Letting it sit for 10 minutes helps the mixture thicken slightly, which makes it easier to transfer to the fridge without spilling. It’s a small step, but it makes a big difference!
Can I double the recipe?
Definitely! Just double all the ingredients and use a larger pot. You’ll have even more tangy, chewy goodness to enjoy (or share, if you’re feeling generous).
Are these kid-friendly?
Yes, but with a caveat. Kids might love the fun shapes and colors, but the tangy pickle flavor might be a bit adventurous for some. If you’re making these for little ones, you could try using less brine and adding a bit more honey to mellow the flavor.
What’s the best way to store these gummies?
Keep them in an airtight container or zipper baggie. If they start to stick together, you can dust them with a little cornstarch to keep them separate.
Final Thoughts
Making homemade dill pickle gummy worms was one of the most fun (and slightly bizarre) kitchen experiments I’ve tried in a while. It’s a great way to use up leftover pickle brine, and it’s a guaranteed conversation starter. Whether you’re making them for yourself, your kids, or just to freak out your friends, these gummy worms are a must-try.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab some pickle brine and get cooking! And if you try this recipe, let me know how it turns out. I’d love to hear about your tangy, chewy adventures.
Until next time, happy snacking!
— Natasha
Homemade Dill Pickle Gummy Worms
Ingredients
- 1/4-1/3 cup unflavored gelatin powder
- 3/4 cup pickle brine
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Food coloring optional
Instructions
- In a small pot, whisk together the gelatin powder and pickle brine. Add the honey and whisk until the honey starts to dissolve.
- Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring until the gelatin fully dissolves and the mixture becomes smooth. Reduce the heat to the lowest setting.
- If using food coloring, add it now and mix thoroughly.
- Quickly transfer the mixture into clean gummy molds using an eye dropper.
- Let the gummies set. This takes about an hour at room temperature or 10-15 minutes in the refrigerator. For best results, let the mixture gel slightly (around 10 minutes) at room temperature before refrigerating—it helps prevent spills when moving the molds to the fridge!
- Once the gummies are fully set, pop them out of the molds and store them in an airtight container or zipper baggie.
Notes
- Gelatin Adjustment: For a firmer texture, use the higher end of the gelatin range (1/3 cup).
- Pickle Brine Flavor: The final taste will vary based on the brine used; experiment with sweet, spicy, or garlic dill brine for unique flavors.
- Honey Substitute: Agave syrup or a pinch of sugar can replace honey if needed.
- Color Variations: Use natural food coloring for a more vibrant or themed look.
- Storage: Keep gummies in a cool, dry place to prevent them from becoming sticky. Refrigerate for longer shelf life.
