Ted’s Montana Grill Pickles: Copycat Recipe

A lovely copycat recipe for Ted’s Montana Grill pickles! Now you can recreate the irresistible flavors of these iconic pickles right in your kitchen. 

Bursting with tanginess and a medley of aromatic spices, these homemade pickles offer a perfect balance of flavors that complement sandwiches, burgers, or any meal.

With this recipe, you can capture the essence of Ted’s Montana Grill and savor the joy of enjoying their signature pickles anytime, anywhere. 

Jump to:

• Why you’ll love this recipe
• What ingredients do you need to make this recipe?
• Variations and substitutions
• Tips for making the best pickles at home
• Ted’s Montana Grill Pickles: Copycat Recipe
• Frequently asked questions about Ted’s Montana Pickles

Prepare to embark on a culinary adventure and tantalize your taste buds with these delicious homemade pickles inspired by a restaurant favorite.

Why you’ll love this recipe

1. Authentic Flavors: This recipe captures the authentic flavors of Ted’s Montana Grill pickles, allowing people to recreate the taste of their favorite restaurant pickles at home. The combination of fresh dill, coriander seeds, mustard seeds, black peppercorns, bay leaves, and garlic infuses the cucumbers with a unique and delicious blend of flavors. The pickles have a tangy and slightly spicy profile that perfectly complements sandwiches, burgers, or charcuterie boards.

2. Homemade Goodness: Making pickles from scratch gives people the satisfaction of creating something homemade and delicious. The process of brining the cucumbers into a saltwater solution and letting them marinate for several days allows the flavors to develop fully, resulting in pickles that are crisp, flavorful, and full of character. Fresh ingredients and the absence of artificial preservatives make these pickles a healthier and tastier alternative to store-bought options.

3. Versatility and Customization: These pickles can be enjoyed in various ways, making them a versatile addition to any meal. They perfectly accompany burgers, sandwiches, or hot dogs, adding a satisfying crunch and tanginess. Additionally, they can be used to elevate salads, wraps or even enjoyed on their own as a refreshing snack. The recipe also allows for customization by adjusting the number of spices and herbs to suit personal preferences, enabling culinary experimentation and creating a pickle recipe tailored to individual tastes.

What ingredients do you need to make this recipe?

Certainly! Here’s a description of each ingredient in the Ted’s Montana Grill pickles recipe:

1. Kirby Cucumbers: Kirby cucumbers, also known as pickling cucumbers, are small cucumbers specifically cultivated for pickling. They have a firm texture and a slightly sweeter taste than regular cucumbers. Kirby cucumbers are ideal for pickling as they hold up well during the brining process and maintain their crispness.

2. Fresh Dill: Fresh dill is an herb with feathery leaves and a distinct aroma. It has a delicate, grassy flavor with hints of anise and lemon. Dill is commonly used in pickling to add a refreshing and slightly tangy note. It complements the other spices and enhances the overall flavor profile of the pickles.

3. Coriander Seeds: Coriander seeds come from the coriander plant and have a warm, citrusy flavor with subtle hints of sweetness. They add a distinct aroma and a slightly nutty taste to the pickles. Coriander seeds are commonly used in pickling recipes to provide a depth of flavor and a touch of spice.

4. Mustard Seeds: Mustard seeds come from the mustard plant and have an intense, slightly spicy flavor. They add a sharp and tangy taste to the pickles, enhancing their overall profile. Mustard seeds are often used in pickling to provide a pleasant zing and a characteristic bite.

5. Black Peppercorns: Black peppercorns are the dried berries of the Piper nigrum plant and have a strong, pungent flavor with a mild heat. They add a subtle spiciness and a hint of warmth to the pickles. Black peppercorns are commonly used in pickling to add depth and complexity to the overall flavor profile.

6. Bay Leaves: Bay leaves are aromatic leaves from the bay laurel tree. They have a herbal and slightly floral fragrance with a subtle bitterness. Bay leaves add a unique savory note to the pickles and contribute to their aroma. They are often used in pickling to infuse the brine with a mild earthy flavor.

7. Garlic: Garlic is a bulbous plant with a distinctive intense flavor and aroma. It adds a savory, slightly spicy, and aromatic element to the pickles. Garlic is a common ingredient in pickling recipes, enhancing the overall taste and providing a delicious garlicky undertone.

8. Sea Salt: Sea salt is derived from evaporated seawater and has a clean, salty flavor. It is used in pickling as a natural preservative and to enhance the flavors of the cucumbers and spices. Sea salt also helps draw out moisture from the cucumbers, aiding fermentation and preservation.

9. Water: Water creates the brine where the cucumbers are immersed. It dissolves the sea salt and acts as a medium to infuse the flavors of the spices and herbs into the pickles. The water should be clean and preferably filtered to ensure the best pickles.

Variations and substitutions

Certainly! Here are some variations and substitutions you can try for the Ted’s Montana Grill pickles recipe:

1. Cucumber Variations: While Kirby cucumbers are traditionally used for pickling, you can experiment with different cucumber varieties to create unique flavors. English cucumbers or Persian cucumbers can be great alternatives. Remember that other cucumbers may vary in texture and water content, affecting the final result.

2. Herb Substitutions: If fresh dill is unavailable, you can substitute it with dried dill weed or other fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or tarragon. Each herb will impart its distinct flavor profile, so choose according to your preference.

3. Spice Variations: Customize the spice blend to suit your preferences. You can add or substitute spices like red pepper flakes, crushed chili peppers, allspice berries, or cloves to add a touch of heat or warmth to the pickles. Experiment with different combinations to create your desired flavor profile.

4. Vinegar Addition: Add vinegar to the brine if you prefer a tangier flavor. White vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or rice vinegar can be used. Start with a small amount and adjust to your liking, keeping in mind that vinegar can alter the pickles’ overall taste and acidity level.

5. Sweet Pickles: You can incorporate sugar or honey into the brine if you enjoy sweeter pickles. Add a tablespoon or two of sweeteners to balance the tanginess. Adjust the amount to achieve your desired level of sweetness.

6. Garlic Variations: While the recipe calls for minced garlic, you can experiment with other garlic forms, such as whole garlic cloves, sliced garlic, or roasted garlic. These variations will provide different intensities of garlic flavor and can add a unique twist to the pickles.

7. Brine Strength: The recipe suggests a specific water-to-salt ratio, but you can adjust the saltiness of the brine according to your preference. Increase or decrease the sea salt in the brine to suit your taste.

8. Additional Vegetables: Expand your pickles’ flavor and texture profile by adding other vegetables to the jar. Sliced onions, bell peppers, or even small carrots can be pickled alongside the cucumbers to create a medley of flavors.

Remember, pickling is a versatile process, and these variations and substitutions allow you to personalize the recipe to your liking. Feel free to get creative and explore combinations to discover your favorite flavor profile.

Tips for making the best pickles at home

1. Choose Fresh and Firm Cucumbers: Select fresh, firm cucumbers without any signs of soft spots or wrinkling. Fresh cucumbers will yield crispier pickles. If possible, pick cucumbers specifically labeled as pickling or use small-sized cucumbers like Kirby cucumbers for optimal texture.

2. Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality ingredients, including fresh herbs, spices, and sea salt. Using fresh herbs like dill and whole spices will enhance the flavor of the pickles. Also, consider using sea salt instead of table salt, which adds a more nuanced flavor.

3. Maintain Proper Hygiene: Ensure your equipment, utensils, and jars are thoroughly cleaned and sterilized before pickling. Any residual bacteria can affect the quality and safety of the pickles. Working in a clean and sanitized environment throughout the pickling process is important.

4. Properly Dissolve Salt: When preparing the brine, dissolve the sea salt completely in the water. Stir the mixture until the salt is fully dissolved before adding it to the cucumbers. This will ensure that the brine is evenly distributed and the pickles are properly seasoned.

5. Let the Flavors Develop: Patience is key when pickling. Allow the pickles to marinate for the recommended time, usually several days to a week, to fully develop the flavors. The longer the pickles sit in the brine, the more pronounced the flavors will be. Be sure to refrigerate them during the fermentation process.

6. Adjust Seasonings to Taste: Pickling recipes can be adjusted to suit your taste preferences. Feel free to experiment with the amount of spices, herbs, and seasonings to achieve your desired flavor profile. Keep notes on your adjustments so you can replicate your favorite batch in the future.

7. Properly Seal Jars: Ensure the jars are properly sealed before refrigerating the pickles. This will help preserve the pickles and maintain their freshness. If using canning jars, follow the appropriate canning procedures to create a proper seal for long-term storage.

8. Give Pickles Time to Mature: While pickles are typically ready to eat after the recommended fermentation time, they can continue to improve in flavor and texture with additional time. Allow the pickles to mature in the refrigerator for a week or more for optimal taste.

9. Store Pickles Correctly: Once ready, store them in clean, airtight jars in the refrigerator. Proper storage helps maintain their quality and extends their shelf life. Pickles can last for several weeks to a few months when stored properly.

Frequently asked questions about Ted’s Montana Pickles