Sweet-Tangy Pickled Apples Are the Coolest Sandwich Filling

And out of them all, pickled apples might be my personal favorite, especially when they’re on a sandwich.

When ATK Kids adapted Cook’s Country’s recipe for Turkey and Cheddar Sandwiches with Pickled Apples for our newest cookbook Kids Can Cook Anything!, we knew we had to keep the pickled apples concept. The apples provide crunchy, tangy contrast to the savory turkey and creamy cheddar cheese—and they’re easy to make, too, thanks to our quick-pickling technique.

While traditional pickling can take anywhere from days to weeks to achieve pickle perfection, quick-pickling can be done in about 10 minutes. You can also save this brine and use it up to twice more.

Now that apple-picking season is here, quick-pickling is a great way to use up the apples that didn’t make the cut for your pies. And there are plenty of ways you can use them: Try them in all sorts of sandwiches, in a melty grilled cheese, or even as a salad topper. Get creative with it—and enjoy your new pickling prowess.

How to Make Quick-Pickled Apples

1. In large microwave-safe bowl, stir together 1 cup cider vinegar, ½ cup sugar, and ½ teaspoon salt. Microwave until mixture is bubbling, about 3 minutes.
2. Add 1 cored and thinly sliced apple to bowl and stir until well combined. Let sit for 5 minutes.
3. Drain apple (brine can be saved and used up to two more times). Add apple slices to sandwiches, grilled cheese sandwiches, and more.