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Crispy Garlic Dill Refrigerator Pickles

crispy garlic dill refrigerator pickles - featured image

A quick and easy refrigerator pickle recipe delivering a perfect balance of crunch, tang, and garlicky dill flavor in just 24 hours. Ideal for homemade pickle goodness without the long wait.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 45 small Kirby or pickling cucumbers (about 1.5 lbs / 700 g)
  • 45 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
  • 45 fresh dill sprigs
  • 1 cup (240 ml) white distilled vinegar
  • 1 cup (240 ml) water
  • 1 tablespoon (18 g) kosher salt or pickling salt
  • 1 teaspoon (4 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
  • 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Wash and trim the ends off 4-5 small Kirby cucumbers (about 1.5 lbs / 700 g). Slice into 1/4-inch (6 mm) thick rounds or spears. Pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
  2. Place cucumber slices in a mixing bowl and toss with 1 tablespoon (18 g) kosher or pickling salt. Let sit for 30 minutes to draw out excess water.
  3. While cucumbers rest, combine 1 cup (240 ml) white distilled vinegar, 1 cup (240 ml) water, 1 teaspoon (4 g) granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon black peppercorns, 1 teaspoon mustard seeds, and optional 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring until sugar and salt dissolve. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  4. Rinse the salted cucumbers under cold water to remove excess salt. Drain and pat dry thoroughly.
  5. In clean glass jars, place 4-5 fresh dill sprigs and 4-5 thinly sliced garlic cloves at the bottom. Pack cucumbers tightly but without smashing. Tuck more garlic and dill sprigs throughout the jar.
  6. Pour the warm (not hot) brine over the cucumbers, making sure they’re fully submerged. Leave about 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) headspace at the top. Seal the jars with lids.
  7. Place the jars in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours before enjoying. Flavor will deepen over the next few days.
  8. After 24 hours, taste a pickle. Adjust flavor by leaving longer or adding more fresh dill and garlic next time if desired.

Notes

Never skip the salting step to keep pickles crispy. Pat cucumbers dry before brining. Use fresh dill sprigs for best flavor. Let brine cool before pouring to avoid cooking cucumbers. Pack jars without smashing cucumbers to allow brine circulation. For milder flavor, reduce salt and increase refrigeration time to 48 hours. Store pickles in fridge up to 3 weeks. Avoid microwaving when reheating; let come to room temperature naturally.

Nutrition

Keywords: refrigerator pickles, garlic dill pickles, quick pickles, crispy pickles, easy pickle recipe, homemade pickles