Joe's Garden Fresh Claussen-Style Pickles
Looking to recreate the authentic crunch and flavor of Claussen pickles at home? Inspired by a delightful conversation with Joe Knutowski, this recipe will help you craft delicious, fresh dill pickles that burst with garlic and savory seasoning. Utilizing only the finest pickling cucumbers, this easy-to-follow method ensures that your homemade pickles maintain crispness and flavor for over a year when stored properly in the fridge. Perfect as a snack or a sandwich accompaniment, these pickles bring the essence of garden freshness to your kitchen. Join the pickle revolution and enjoy the taste of summer in every bite!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cucumber
1 gallon (Fresh pickling cucumbers, washed and sliced lengthwise into quarters or spears)
Instant minced onion
1/3 cup (No preparation needed)
Garlic cloves
6 (Minced)
Mustard seeds
1/2 tablespoon (No preparation needed)
Fresh dill
6 heads (No preparation needed)
Water
1 1/2 quarts (No preparation needed)
Cider vinegar
2 cups (No preparation needed)
Canning salt
1/2 cup (No preparation needed)
Instructions
1
Begin by selecting fresh, unwaxed pickling cucumbers from your local grocery store or farmer's market. Avoid regular grocery store cucumbers, as they are often coated with wax which affects the pickling process.
2
Thoroughly wash and sterilize your jars or ice cream pails to prepare for the pickling process.
3
Slice the cucumbers lengthwise into quarters or spears, depending on your preference, and pack them into the sterilized jars along with the fresh dill heads.
4
In a large pot, combine the water, cider vinegar, canning salt, minced onion, garlic, and mustard seeds. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil, stirring until the salt is fully dissolved.
5
Once the mixture reaches a boil, remove it from heat and allow it to cool to room temperature.
6
After cooling, pour the vinegar mixture over the packed cucumbers in the jars, ensuring that they are completely submerged in the liquid.
7
Cover the jars and let them sit at room temperature for three days, shaking or gently turning them occasionally to ensure even brining.
8
After three days, transfer the pickles to the refrigerator. Enjoy them as a flavorful snack or side dish! Joe claims they can stay fresh for up to a year!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Joe's Garden Fresh Claussen-Style Pickles?
These are homemade fresh dill pickles inspired by Joe Knutowski, designed to recreate the authentic crunch and flavor of Claussen pickles using a room-temperature brining method followed by refrigeration.
What kind of cucumbers should I use for this recipe?
You should use fresh, unwaxed pickling cucumbers. Avoid regular grocery store cucumbers as their wax coating can interfere with the pickling process.
How many cucumbers do I need?
The recipe calls for 1 gallon of fresh pickling cucumbers.
How should the cucumbers be prepared?
The cucumbers should be washed and sliced lengthwise into quarters or spears, depending on your personal preference.
What type of vinegar is required for these pickles?
This recipe uses 2 cups of cider vinegar to achieve its specific flavor profile.
Can I use regular table salt?
It is recommended to use 1/2 cup of canning salt, as it is designed for pickling and helps maintain brine clarity.
How much garlic is used in the recipe?
The recipe requires 6 cloves of garlic, which should be minced before being added to the brine.
What role does the dill play and how much is needed?
The recipe uses 6 fresh dill heads, which are packed directly into the jars with the cucumbers to provide a burst of fresh flavor.
Do I need to use mustard seeds?
Yes, the recipe includes 1/2 tablespoon of mustard seeds for savory seasoning.
How much onion is included in the brine?
The recipe calls for 1/3 cup of instant minced onion.
What is the water to vinegar ratio for the brine?
The brine consists of 1 1/2 quarts of water mixed with 2 cups of cider vinegar.
Should I boil the jars?
The jars or ice cream pails should be thoroughly washed and sterilized before you begin packing the cucumbers.
How do I make the pickle brine?
Combine water, cider vinegar, canning salt, minced onion, garlic, and mustard seeds in a large pot and bring to a gentle boil until the salt dissolves.
Do I pour the hot brine directly onto the cucumbers?
No, you must allow the boiled brine mixture to cool to room temperature before pouring it over the packed cucumbers.
How long do the pickles sit out on the counter?
The covered jars should sit at room temperature for three days before being moved to the refrigerator.
Should I move or shake the jars during the room temperature phase?
Yes, you should shake or gently turn the jars occasionally during the three-day period to ensure even brining.
When are the pickles ready to eat?
After sitting for three days at room temperature, they are transferred to the fridge and are then ready to enjoy.
How long do these pickles last in the refrigerator?
When stored properly in the fridge, these pickles can stay fresh and maintain their crunch for up to a year.
Are these pickles shelf-stable?
No, these are refrigerator pickles and must be stored in the fridge after the initial three-day brining period.
Can I use an ice cream pail instead of glass jars?
Yes, the recipe instructions explicitly mention that sterilized ice cream pails can be used for the pickling process.
Is there any sugar in this pickle recipe?
No, this recipe does not contain sugar, focusing instead on savory, garlic, and dill flavors.
What is the primary flavor profile of these pickles?
They are described as having an authentic crunch with a burst of garlic, fresh dill, and savory seasoning.
Why is it called 'Claussen-Style'?
It is named 'Claussen-Style' because the method and ingredients aim to replicate the specific crunch and fresh taste associated with the Claussen brand.
Do I need to peel the cucumbers?
No, the cucumbers should be kept unpeeled to maintain their signature crunch.
Are the pickles spicy?
The base recipe is not spicy, but it is heavily seasoned with garlic, onion, and mustard seeds.
How many garlic cloves should I mince?
You should mince 6 garlic cloves for this 1-gallon batch.
Is the dill dried or fresh?
This recipe specifically calls for 6 fresh dill heads for the best flavor.
What happens if I don't submerge the cucumbers completely?
It is important to ensure cucumbers are completely submerged in the liquid to ensure even pickling and safety.
What is the texture of these pickles?
The pickles are known for being exceptionally crisp and crunchy, maintaining this texture for a long time in the fridge.
Can I use white vinegar instead of cider vinegar?
The recipe specifies cider vinegar for its particular flavor, but white vinegar could be used as a substitute, though the taste will be sharper.