Description
This Easy Refrigerator Dill Pickles recipe offers a quick and simple way to enjoy crunchy, tangy pickles without the need for canning. Using fresh cucumbers, dill, garlic, and a classic vinegar-salt brine, these pickles are ready to eat after a week of refrigeration and keep well for up to six weeks.
Ingredients
Pickles
- 12 pickling cucumbers (quantity can vary depending on size)
Brine
- 4 cups water
- 2 cups white vinegar
- 2 tablespoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
Flavorings
- 1 bunch fresh dill (thick stems removed)
- 1 head garlic, cloves smashed and skins removed (adjust cloves based on garlic strength)
- 1 tablespoon peppercorn kernels (approximately 10 peppercorns per jar)
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients: Thoroughly wash the 12 pickling cucumbers. Slice them into 1/4-inch thick slices or spears according to your preference. Smash the garlic cloves and separate the fresh dill from the thick stems. Sanitize your mason jars by running them through a dishwasher to ensure they are clean and safe for storing pickles.
- Prepare brine: In a medium saucepan, combine 4 cups water, 2 cups white vinegar, 2 tablespoons kosher salt, and 1 teaspoon sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil, swirling the pan gently to help dissolve the sugar and salt completely. Once dissolved, remove the saucepan from heat and let the brine cool to room temperature.
- Make the pickles: In each sanitized jar, alternately layer the cucumber slices or spears with fresh dill, smashed garlic cloves, and peppercorn kernels. Avoid packing the cucumbers too tightly to allow space for the brine to circulate. Pour the cooled brine over the cucumbers, covering them completely. Seal each jar with an airtight lid and store in the refrigerator.
- Storage: Allow the pickles to flavor for at least one week in the refrigerator before consuming to achieve the best taste. These refrigerator dill pickles will keep well for 4 to 6 weeks when stored properly, providing delicious crunch and tang anytime you want.
Notes
- Use pickling cucumbers for best texture and flavor.
- Adjust the amount of garlic based on your preference for garlic intensity.
- Make sure to cool the brine before adding to cucumbers to avoid cooking them.
- Sanitizing jars helps prolong shelf life and safety, even though these are refrigerator pickles.
- Experiment with adding extra spices such as mustard seeds or red pepper flakes for variation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Pickling
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
