Refrigerator Dill Pickles Recipe – Quick and Easy Homemade
Crunchy, Flavorful, and Easy-to-Make Refrigerator Dill Pickles You’ll Love!
Introduction
If you love pickles, you’ll be delighted with this Refrigerator Dill Pickles recipe! These quick and easy homemade pickles are a perfect addition to any meal. Made with fresh cucumbers, aromatic dill, and a tangy brine, they offer a refreshing crunch that’s both flavorful and satisfying. Plus, they’re so simple to prepare, you won’t need to worry about the hassle of canning. Whether you’re a pickle enthusiast or trying them for the first time, this Refrigerator Dill Pickles recipe will quickly become a favorite!
Without further ado, let’s dive into the recipe and start making your batch of delicious homemade pickles!
Ingredients List:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cucumbers (pickling) | 4-5 medium |
| Fresh Dill Sprigs | 4-5 sprigs |
| Garlic Cloves | 2-3 cloves |
| White Vinegar | 1 cup |
| Water | 1 cup |
| Canning Salt | 1 ½ tbsp |
| Sugar | 1 tbsp |
| Black Peppercorns | 1 tsp |
| Red Pepper Flakes (optional) | ½ tsp |
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Jars:
Begin by sterilizing your mason jars. Wash them with hot soapy water, then boil them in a pot of water for about 10 minutes. This will kill any bacteria and keep your pickles safe. - Prep the Cucumbers:
Wash the cucumbers thoroughly. Slice them into spears or rounds, or leave them whole if you prefer a different texture. Make sure the cucumbers are fresh and firm. - Make the Brine:
In a saucepan, combine the white vinegar, water, salt, sugar, mustard seeds, black peppercorns, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally until the salt and sugar dissolve. Once dissolved, remove from heat and set aside to cool for a few minutes. - Pack the Jars:
Place the garlic cloves and fresh dill sprigs at the bottom of your sterilized jars. Next, pack the cucumber slices tightly into the jars, ensuring they’re snug but not squashed. - Pour the Brine:
Carefully pour the hot brine over the cucumbers in the jars. Make sure the cucumbers are fully submerged, leaving about 1 inch of space at the top of each jar. If necessary, add a little more water to ensure the cucumbers are covered. - Seal the Jars:
Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean cloth to remove any brine. Place the lids and rings on each jar, tightening them just enough to seal. Be sure not to overtighten. - Refrigerate the Pickles:
Once sealed, place the jars in the refrigerator. Let them sit for at least 24 hours before consuming, but the pickles will taste even better after 3-4 days as the flavors meld.
Serving Size
| Serving Size | Approx. Number of Servings |
|---|---|
| 1 pickle spear | 1-2 servings per jar |
| 1/2 cup brine | 6-8 servings (depending on jar size) |
This recipe typically yields about 2-3 jars, depending on how tightly you pack the cucumbers. The servings may vary based on how much brine and cucumber each person prefers!
Nutrition Information
| Per Serving | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 20-30 |
| Total Fat | 0g |
| Sodium | 300mg |
| Carbohydrates | 5g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugars | 4g |
| Protein | 1g |
Tips and Variations
Types of Cucumbers
For the best pickles, use cucumbers labeled as “pickling cucumbers,” which are smaller and have a firmer texture. You can also use English cucumbers, but be sure to remove the seeds for a crunchier bite. Avoid regular garden cucumbers, as they tend to be too watery.
Types of Salt/Alternatives
Use pickling salt or kosher salt for the best results, as they dissolve easily and won’t leave a cloudy residue in your brine. If you don’t have pickling salt, you can substitute with kosher salt, but avoid using regular table salt, which contains additives that can affect the flavor and brine clarity. You can also experiment with sea salt for a slightly different mineral flavor.
Storage
Store your refrigerator dill pickles in the fridge, where they’ll stay fresh for up to 2-3 weeks. The longer they sit, the more flavorful they become. Make sure your jars are sealed tightly to maintain freshness and avoid contamination.
Add Extra Flavor
For more depth in flavor, try adding a few slices of onion, a couple of cloves of garlic, or even a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to your pickle jar.
Sweet and Sour Twist
To make your pickles sweet and sour, you can add a little bit of sugar (about 1-2 tbsp) to the brine mixture.
Pickle Your Vegetables
While this recipe is for dill pickles, you can use the same brine to pickle other vegetables like carrots, green beans, or cauliflower for a delightful variety.
Make It Spicy
Add a few slices of jalapeños or other hot peppers to spice things up. The longer they sit in the brine, the hotter they’ll get!
Let Them Sit
For the best flavor, allow your pickles to sit in the refrigerator for at least 24-48 hours before eating. This gives the flavors time to marinate and intensify.
Change Up the Herbs
While dill is classic, you can experiment with other herbs like tarragon or rosemary for a unique twist on your pickles.
For more tips on healthy eating and making nutritious choices, you might find this Eating Healthy course helpful.
If you’re ready to try your hand at making this delicious Refrigerator Dill Pickles Recipe, why not dive right in? Grab your ingredients, follow the recipe, and enjoy crunchy, flavorful pickles in no time! Don’t forget to share your pickle-making journey with us—whether it’s through comments or social media. If you love this recipe, explore more delicious ideas on our site, from other pickling recipes to healthy food tips that are sure to spice up your kitchen adventures.
Ready to make more preserves? Check out our Pickling Recipes: 30 Best Unique and Flavorful Preserves for even more ways to pickle, preserve, and enjoy fresh, vibrant flavors all year long!
