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Crispy Dill Refrigerator Pickles

crispy dill refrigerator pickles - featured image

A quick and easy recipe for crunchy, tangy dill pickles ready in 24 hours using simple ingredients and a refrigerator pickling method.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 medium Kirby cucumbers, sliced into spears or rounds
  • 3 garlic cloves, peeled and smashed
  • 4 to 5 fresh dill sprigs
  • 1 1/2 cups white vinegar (distilled or apple cider vinegar)
  • 1 1/2 cups water, filtered if possible
  • 2 tablespoons pickling salt (kosher salt or sea salt without additives)
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Wash the cucumbers thoroughly to remove any dirt or wax. Slice into spears about 3 to 4 inches long or rounds roughly 1/4 inch thick. (Optional: soak cucumbers in ice water for 30 minutes beforehand to boost crunch.)
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups white vinegar, 1 1/2 cups water, 2 tablespoons pickling salt, and 1 tablespoon sugar. Stir until salt and sugar dissolve, about 3 minutes. Adjust water if brine is too sharp.
  3. Place garlic cloves, fresh dill sprigs, black peppercorns, and red pepper flakes (if using) into the bottom of each jar. Pack cucumber slices or spears tightly into jars without crushing.
  4. Pour the brine over cucumbers until fully submerged, leaving about 1/2 inch headspace. Press down any floating cucumbers gently.
  5. Seal jars tightly and refrigerate for at least 24 hours before tasting. Flavors develop more with longer refrigeration.
  6. Enjoy pickles cold. Keep refrigerated for up to 3 weeks.

Notes

Use Kirby cucumbers for best crunch. Pickling salt is preferred over table salt to keep pickles crisp and avoid cloudy brine. Fresh dill is essential for bright flavor. Refrigerate pickles to maintain texture and flavor. Sugar balances acidity; do not skip unless a very sharp vinegar flavor is desired. Variations include adding jalapeño for spice or substituting garlic with fresh ginger.

Nutrition

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