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Quick Tangy Garlic Dill Refrigerator Pickles

quick tangy garlic dill refrigerator pickles - featured image

A quick and easy recipe for tangy, crunchy garlic dill refrigerator pickles that come together in just 5 minutes of prep plus chill time. Perfect for snacks, sides, and adding punch to sandwiches or burgers.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 45 small Kirby cucumbers or Persian cucumbers, sliced into rounds or spears
  • 34 garlic cloves, peeled and smashed
  • 23 sprigs fresh dill, roughly chopped
  • 1 cup (240 ml) white vinegar
  • 1 cup (240 ml) water
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Wash cucumbers well and slice into ¼-inch thick rounds or spears.
  2. In a small saucepan, combine white vinegar, water, kosher salt, and sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until salt and sugar dissolve (about 3-4 minutes). Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  3. Place smashed garlic cloves, fresh dill, black peppercorns, and red pepper flakes (if using) at the bottom of a 1-quart Mason jar or glass container.
  4. Pack cucumber slices or spears tightly on top, pressing down gently to remove air pockets.
  5. Pour the warm brine over the cucumbers, ensuring they are fully submerged. Leave about ½ inch of headspace at the top. Press down with a spoon or add a small sterilized weight if needed.
  6. Seal the jar tightly and refrigerate. Let chill for at least 24 hours for best flavor, though they are good after 12 hours.
  7. Enjoy chilled. Pickles keep well refrigerated for up to 2 weeks.

Notes

Use firm, fresh Kirby or Persian cucumbers for best crunch. Smash garlic cloves instead of mincing for bolder flavor. Warm brine should not boil to preserve fresh dill and garlic taste. Press cucumbers down to keep submerged and avoid soggy pickles. Adjust salt and vinegar levels to taste. Shake jar gently once or twice daily to distribute flavors evenly. Pickles are best eaten within 7-10 days for optimal crunch and flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: quick pickles, refrigerator pickles, garlic dill pickles, easy homemade pickles, tangy pickles, crunchy pickles, no canning pickles