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Crispy Garlic Dill Refrigerator Pickles

crispy garlic dill refrigerator pickles - featured image

A quick and easy refrigerator pickle recipe that delivers crunchy, garlicky dill pickles ready in about 24 hours. Perfect for last-minute snacking or as a flavorful side.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 45 medium Kirby cucumbers or pickling cucumbers, sliced into spears or rounds
  • 1/2 cup fresh dill sprigs (or 2 tbsp dried dill)
  • 45 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup white vinegar (5% acidity, distilled)
  • 1 cup water (filtered or boiled and cooled)
  • 1 tbsp kosher salt (or pickling salt)
  • 1 tsp granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp whole black peppercorns
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Rinse and dry the cucumbers well. Slice into 3-4 inch spears or 1/4-inch thick rounds.
  2. Optional but recommended: Place sliced cucumbers in a colander, sprinkle with 1 tsp kosher salt, and let sit for 30 minutes to draw out excess water. Rinse quickly under cold water and pat dry.
  3. In a small saucepan, combine white vinegar, water, 1 tbsp kosher salt, and 1 tsp sugar. Warm over medium heat, stirring until salt and sugar dissolve. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  4. Layer cucumbers, sliced garlic, fresh dill sprigs, black peppercorns, and red pepper flakes (if using) tightly into a large mason jar or glass container, leaving about 1 inch of headspace.
  5. Pour the warm brine over the cucumbers, covering them completely. Press down gently to submerge cucumbers fully. Seal the jar with a lid.
  6. Place the jar in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours before tasting. Flavors improve over a few days.
  7. Enjoy chilled. Store in the refrigerator and consume within 2-3 weeks for best texture and flavor.

Notes

Salt soak cucumbers for 30 minutes to keep pickles extra crisp. Let brine cool before pouring to avoid softening cucumbers. Use fresh dill for best flavor. Keep cucumbers fully submerged in brine to prevent spoilage. Add a grape leaf or calcium chloride to maintain crispness if needed. Variations include adding jalapeños for spice or swapping dill for tarragon or thyme.

Nutrition

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