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Easy Crispy Quick Refrigerator Dill Pickles

easy crispy quick refrigerator dill pickles - featured image

A quick and easy refrigerator pickle recipe that yields crisp, tangy, and garlicky dill pickles without the need for boiling or long wait times.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds pickling cucumbers (about 900 grams), firm and fresh
  • 46 fresh dill sprigs
  • 34 garlic cloves, smashed
  • 1 cup white vinegar (240 ml)
  • 1 cup water (240 ml)
  • 2 tablespoons kosher salt
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon mustard seeds

Instructions

  1. Wash and slice the cucumbers: Rinse under cold water, slice off the ends, and cut into ¼-inch (6 mm) thick rounds or spears. (10 minutes)
  2. Prepare the brine: In a small saucepan, combine white vinegar, water, kosher salt, and sugar. Warm gently over low heat until salt and sugar dissolve. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. (5–7 minutes)
  3. Pack the jar: Place smashed garlic cloves, fresh dill sprigs, black peppercorns, mustard seeds, and red pepper flakes (if using) into the bottom of the jar. Tightly pack cucumber slices on top, leaving about ½ inch headspace. (5 minutes)
  4. Pour the brine over cucumbers: Pour the warm (not hot) brine into the jar until cucumbers are fully submerged. Press down gently to release air bubbles. (2 minutes)
  5. Seal and refrigerate: Screw the lid on tightly and refrigerate for at least 24 hours before tasting. Flavor develops more over 2–3 days. (24+ hours)
  6. Enjoy your pickles: Use tongs or a fork to serve to avoid contamination. (Immediate)

Notes

Use fresh, firm pickling cucumbers for best crunch. Warm the brine to dissolve salt and sugar but cool before pouring to avoid soggy pickles. Pack cucumbers tightly but gently. Use clean utensils to serve. For quicker pickles, slice thinner and soak for 12 hours but expect less crunch. Variations include adding jalapeños for spice or swapping sugar for maple syrup for vegan sweetness.

Nutrition

Keywords: quick pickles, refrigerator pickles, dill pickles, easy pickles, crispy pickles, no canning pickles, snack, vegan pickles, gluten-free pickles