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Crunchy Garlic Dill Refrigerator Pickles

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A quick and easy homemade recipe for fresh, crunchy garlic dill refrigerator pickles with a perfect tangy flavor, ready in just 24 hours.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 45 medium Kirby or pickling cucumbers (about 1.5 pounds / 700 grams)
  • 45 large garlic cloves, peeled and slightly crushed
  • 34 sprigs fresh dill, stems included (or 1 tablespoon dried dill)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) white vinegar (distilled vinegar recommended)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) water (filtered or bottled preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon pickling salt or kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Wash and slice cucumbers: Rinse cucumbers under cold water, cut off the blossom end to reduce bitterness, and slice into 1/4-inch (6 mm) thick rounds or spears.
  2. Prepare the brine: In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup white vinegar, 1 cup water, 1 tablespoon pickling salt, and 1 teaspoon sugar. Stir until salt and sugar dissolve. Optionally warm gently on the stove for 2-3 minutes.
  3. Pack the jar: Place sliced cucumbers into a quart-sized glass jar, layering in garlic cloves, fresh dill sprigs, black peppercorns, and red pepper flakes if using. Press down lightly.
  4. Pour the brine: Pour brine over cucumbers until fully submerged, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace. Use a small clean weight or cabbage leaf to keep cucumbers submerged if needed.
  5. Seal and refrigerate: Screw the lid on tightly, shake gently to distribute spices, and refrigerate for at least 24 hours before tasting. For best flavor, wait up to 1 week.
  6. Enjoy: Serve cold as a snack, burger topping, or alongside sandwiches. Pickles stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 weeks.

Notes

Use fresh, firm cucumbers and remove the blossom end to prevent mushy pickles. Keep cucumbers fully submerged in brine using a weight or cabbage leaf. Warming the brine helps dissolve salt and sugar faster but is optional. For a spicier version, add more red pepper flakes or jalapeño. Low sodium versions can be made by reducing salt and adding lemon juice for brightness. Pickles improve in flavor the longer they rest, up to one week.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic dill pickles, refrigerator pickles, quick pickles, crunchy pickles, homemade pickles, easy pickles, dill pickles recipe