Quick & Zesty Refrigerator Dill Pickles
These Quick & Zesty Refrigerator Dill Pickles are a delightful, easy-to-make treat that bring the tangy crunch of homemade pickles right to your kitchen without the long wait! Using a simple brine and fresh ingredients, this recipe creates vibrant, flavorful pickles that make perfect snacks or additions to sandwiches and charcuterie boards. Plus, they last in the fridge for an impressive six months, but good luck keeping them around that long! Whether you're a pickle aficionado or new to making your own, this family recipe from Texas will have everyone asking for more.
16
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Dill pickles
1 gallon (whole)
Onion
1 large (chopped)
Cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon (ground)
Garlic cloves
8 (peeled and whole)
Vinegar
1 cup (white or apple cider)
Canning salt
1/3 cup (coarse)
Water
4 1/2 cups (filtered)
Dill
1 bunch (fresh, whole)
Instructions
1
Begin by removing the dill pickles from their jar and discarding the original brine.
2
In the bottom of the empty pickle jar, place a generous handful of fresh dill.
3
Slice the pickles into circular slices and carefully layer them into the jar alongside the chopped onion and whole garlic cloves.
4
Finish layering the pickles by topping them with any remaining fresh dill.
5
In a pot, bring the water, vinegar, salt, and cayenne to a rolling boil, ensuring all ingredients are dissolved.
6
Once boiling, carefully pour the hot brine over the piled pickles, filling the jar to the top.
7
Seal the jar with the lid and allow it to come to room temperature before refrigerating to let the flavors meld.
8
Refrigerate the pickles for at least 24 hours before enjoying for the best flavor.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Quick & Zesty Refrigerator Dill Pickles?
They are a tangy and crunchy homemade snack made using a simple brine and fresh ingredients like dill, garlic, and onion.
How long do these pickles last in the refrigerator?
These refrigerator pickles can last for an impressive six months when stored properly in the fridge.
What is the origin of this pickle recipe?
This is a family recipe originating from Texas.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
There are 8 main ingredients: dill pickles, onion, cayenne pepper, garlic cloves, vinegar, canning salt, filtered water, and fresh dill.
How long should I wait before eating the pickles?
For the best flavor, you should refrigerate the pickles for at least 24 hours before enjoying them.
Should I keep the original brine from the store-bought pickles?
No, the instructions specify to discard the original brine before starting the process.
What type of vinegar should I use?
You can use either white vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe calls for 8 peeled and whole garlic cloves.
What type of salt is best for this recipe?
Canning salt is recommended for this recipe to ensure a clear brine.
How much cayenne pepper is included?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of ground cayenne pepper to provide a zesty kick.
How should the pickles be sliced?
The pickles should be cut into circular slices before being layered in the jar.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to remove the pickles from their original jar and discard the brine.
How should I layer the ingredients in the jar?
Start with fresh dill at the bottom, then layer sliced pickles with chopped onion and garlic, and top with more dill.
Does the brine need to be boiled?
Yes, you must bring the water, vinegar, salt, and cayenne to a rolling boil.
Should the brine be hot or cold when poured over the pickles?
The hot brine should be poured carefully over the piled pickles, filling the jar to the top.
Do I need to let the jar cool before refrigerating?
Yes, allow the sealed jar to come to room temperature before placing it in the refrigerator.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to provide approximately 16 servings.
What type of water is recommended?
Filtered water is recommended for the brine.
How much water is needed for the brine?
The recipe requires 4.5 cups of filtered water.
What kind of dill should be used?
One bunch of fresh, whole dill is required for the best flavor.
Are these pickles spicy?
They are described as 'zesty' due to the inclusion of cayenne pepper and garlic.
What is the preparation for the onion?
One large onion should be chopped before being layered with the pickles.
Is this a canning recipe?
No, these are refrigerator pickles, meaning they are stored in the fridge rather than being shelf-stable through heat processing.
What category does this recipe fall into?
This recipe is categorized under Vegetable dishes.
Can I use this recipe for sandwiches?
Yes, these pickles are perfect additions to sandwiches and charcuterie boards.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include pickles, refrigerator pickles, dill, homemade, easy recipe, quick pickles, snack, condiment, and texas recipe.
How much vinegar is used?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of vinegar.
What size jar is needed?
Since the base is 1 gallon of pickles, you will need a gallon-sized jar or equivalent containers.
Why is fresh dill placed at both the bottom and top of the jar?
This ensures the dill flavor is evenly distributed throughout the jar as the brine sits.
Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
Yes, it is described as an easy-to-make treat that is perfect for those new to making their own pickles.