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Quick Crispy Garlic Dill Refrigerator Pickles

Quick Crispy Garlic Dill Refrigerator Pickles - featured image

A fast and easy homemade pickle recipe that delivers crunchy, flavorful garlic dill pickles ready in under 48 hours, perfect for snacking or pairing with meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450 grams) Kirby cucumbers, sliced into spears or rounds
  • 45 large garlic cloves, peeled and smashed
  • 34 fresh dill sprigs or 2 tablespoons dried dill
  • 1 cup (240 ml) white vinegar
  • 1 cup (240 ml) water, filtered or distilled
  • 1 tablespoon pickling salt (kosher salt can be used, avoid iodized table salt)
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
  • 1 teaspoon mustard seeds (optional)
  • Pinch or two of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Wash about 1 pound (450 grams) of Kirby cucumbers thoroughly. Slice into spears about 3 inches (7.5 cm) long or thick rounds. Dry lightly with a clean towel.
  2. Peel 4-5 large garlic cloves and smash them with the flat side of a knife.
  3. In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup white vinegar, 1 cup water, 1 tablespoon pickling salt, and 1 teaspoon granulated sugar. Add 1 teaspoon black peppercorns and 1 teaspoon mustard seeds. Bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve salt and sugar. Remove from heat once boiling.
  4. Place garlic cloves and 3-4 fresh dill sprigs (or dried dill) at the bottom of a clean quart-sized glass jar.
  5. Pack cucumber slices tightly but gently into the jar to avoid bruising. Sprinkle red pepper flakes on top if using.
  6. Pour the hot brine over the cucumbers until fully submerged, leaving about half an inch of space at the top.
  7. Seal the jar tightly and let it cool to room temperature.
  8. Place the jar in the refrigerator. Pickles are ready after 24 hours but taste best after 48 hours.

Notes

Do not skip drying cucumbers before packing to keep pickles crispy. Always cool the jar to room temperature before refrigerating to avoid condensation and sogginess. Turn the jar occasionally to redistribute brine and flavor. Use fresh, firm Kirby cucumbers for best crunch. Optional additions include jalapeños for spice or bay leaf for aroma.

Nutrition

Keywords: quick pickles, refrigerator pickles, garlic dill pickles, homemade pickles, crispy pickles, easy snack, no canning pickles