Simple pickled cherries are my new favorite way to enjoy summertime cherries. Ready in just under an hour and still perfectly sweet.

Looking for a new, fun addition to a great charcuterie board, fresh summer salad, or appetizer?

These pickled cherries are so much fun to eat, and super simple to make. 

A perfect balance of sweet and sour, they burst with juicy cherry goodness. 

And you can’t pop just 1, these little gems are addictive!

Pickling cherries are also a great way to take advantage of the cherry season while they’re at their peak. 

Trust me, you’ve got to try these pickled cherries!

Ingredients for pickled cherries

• Fresh cherries – Fresh works best here. I do not recommend substituting frozen.
• Apple cider vinegar – A vinegar with a slightly sweet apple flavor, will help compliment the sweetness of the cherries.
• Black peppercorns – These will add a peppery bite without being overly spicy.
• Thyme – Thyme is fresh and herbaceous.
• Dark brown sugar – Dark brown sugar adds a deep, molasses flavor.

Are these shelf-stable?

NO!

The final products here are not shelf-stable jars because we do not use canning processes. That means, no water bath or pressure canning techniques are used for this recipe.

These are meant to be kept in the refrigerator.

We’re simply pouring the brine and the fruit into clean jars, and placing them safely in the refrigerator, where they will keep for up to a month. 

Different flavors

If you’re feeling extra spicy, swap out the black peppercorns for red pepper flakes.

Or, if you want to give your pickled cherries a uniquely floral, citrus flavor, try adding coriander seeds.

Looking for a warmer feel? Add a cinnamon stick!

Using different sugars

I’ve decided to use brown sugar because of the deep molasses flavor, but feel free to use light brown sugar or even white sugar. 

How to use pickled cherries

The possibilities are endless!

Aside from just eating them straight out of the jar for a snack, one of my favorite ways to enjoy these cherries is to mix them with greens in a fresh salad. Like in my Pea Shoot, Pickled Cherry and Apple Salad.

They also are a fun garnish for cocktails!

Pickled cherries are also a favorite with cheeses on charcuterie boards, stuffed in sandwiches like my Roast Pork and Pickled Cherry Panini, or on top of a ricotta toast appetizer. 

Storage of pickled cherries

These pickled cherries store nicely in a clean, covered jar, in the refrigerator, for up to a month!

More pickled recipes

• Looking for a classic pickle? Try my Dad’s Pickles
• Want more pickled fruit? Try my Vanilla Bean Pickled Strawberries
• Craving something sweet and spicy? Try my Sweet and Spicy Zucchini Pickles
• Need something quick? Try my Quick and Easy Pickled Red Onions