Crunchy Dill Refrigerator Pickles
Transform your cucumbers into delicious, tangy, and crunchy dill pickles with this straightforward refrigerator pickle recipe. A cherished favorite from a gardening friend, these pickles are perfect for snacking, sandwiches, or as a zesty side dish. The combination of fresh garlic, aromatic dill, and a touch of sweetness elevates the pickling brine, creating a condiment that pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes. Once you try them, you’ll understand why her family can’t get enough! Easy to prepare and quicker to enjoy, these pickles are best made in small batches so you can savor every last bite.
1
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Distilled white vinegar
2 cups (none)
Granulated sugar
4 tablespoons (none)
Water
8 tablespoons (none)
Kosher salt
3 teaspoons (none)
Whole black peppercorns
5-10 (optional)
Dried dill weed
2 teaspoons (none)
Garlic cloves
4 (Lightly smashed)
Whole bay leaves
3-4 (none)
Fresh whole cucumbers
2-3 (Cut into thick slices)
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan, combine the distilled white vinegar, water, granulated sugar, kosher salt, and whole black peppercorns (if using). Stir the mixture until the sugar and salt are fully dissolved.
2
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, allowing it to bubble for about 2 minutes. Quickly remove from heat and add the dried dill weed. Stir to combine.
3
Set the pickling brine aside and let it cool completely to room temperature.
4
Once cooled, add the lightly smashed garlic cloves and bay leaves into the brine.
5
While the brine cools, prepare a clean one-quart Mason jar by packing it tightly with the thick cucumber slices.
6
After the brine has reached room temperature, carefully pour it over the cucumbers in the jar, ensuring all the slices are fully submerged.
7
Seal the jar with a lid and refrigerate for at least 12 hours before serving. For best results, let them sit for 24-48 hours to develop more flavor.
8
Serve the pickles chilled and enjoy them as a zesty snack or side dish!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Crunchy Dill Refrigerator Pickles?
They are a tangy, crunchy condiment made by pickling thick cucumber slices in a brine of vinegar, sugar, and spices, then stored in the refrigerator instead of being canned.
What type of vinegar is used in this recipe?
The recipe requires 2 cups of distilled white vinegar.
How much sugar is added to the brine?
The brine uses 4 tablespoons of granulated sugar.
What kind of salt should I use for pickling?
This recipe specifically calls for 3 teaspoons of kosher salt.
How many cucumbers are needed?
You will need 2 to 3 fresh whole cucumbers.
How should the cucumbers be prepared?
The cucumbers should be cut into thick slices and packed tightly into a one-quart Mason jar.
What spices provide the dill flavor?
The recipe uses 2 teaspoons of dried dill weed.
How many garlic cloves are included?
The recipe calls for 4 garlic cloves, which should be lightly smashed.
Do I need to boil the brine?
Yes, you should combine the vinegar, water, sugar, salt, and peppercorns, then bring them to a boil for about 2 minutes.
When should I add the dried dill weed?
Add the dried dill weed immediately after removing the boiling brine from the heat.
Should the brine be hot when poured over the cucumbers?
No, the brine must be cooled completely to room temperature before being added to the cucumbers.
When do I add the garlic and bay leaves?
The smashed garlic cloves and 3 to 4 whole bay leaves should be added to the brine once it has cooled.
How many peppercorns are recommended?
The recipe suggests using 5 to 10 whole black peppercorns.
Is the peppercorn mandatory?
The recipe notes that the whole black peppercorns are optional.
How much water is used in the brine?
The recipe uses 8 tablespoons of water.
What size jar is needed for this recipe?
A clean one-quart Mason jar is required.
How long do the pickles need to sit before eating?
They should be refrigerated for at least 12 hours before serving.
What is the ideal time for maximum flavor development?
For the best results, let the pickles sit in the refrigerator for 24 to 48 hours.
Are these pickles shelf-stable?
No, these are refrigerator pickles and must be stored in the fridge.
Can I use these pickles on sandwiches?
Yes, they are described as perfect for snacking, sandwiches, or as a zesty side dish.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
The recipe is scaled for 1 serving, though it fills a one-quart jar.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 ingredients in total.
What is the recipe category?
This recipe is categorized under Vegetable.
Can I make these in large batches?
The description suggests they are best made in small batches so you can savor them while they are fresh.
How do I ensure the cucumbers are properly pickled?
Ensure all cucumber slices are fully submerged in the brine before sealing the jar.
What makes these pickles 'zesty'?
The combination of fresh garlic, aromatic dill, and the vinegar brine creates their zesty flavor profile.
Do I need to peel the cucumbers?
The recipe does not mention peeling; it specifies cutting fresh whole cucumbers into thick slices.
Is this a family recipe?
Yes, it is a cherished favorite from a gardening friend whose family enjoys them regularly.
How should I stir the brine?
Stir the initial mixture until the sugar and salt are fully dissolved before boiling.
What should I do if the cucumbers aren't submerged?
You should pack the jar tightly and carefully pour the room-temperature brine to ensure full coverage.