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Quick Garlic Dill Refrigerator Pickles

quick garlic dill refrigerator pickles - featured image

A quick and easy recipe for crunchy, tangy garlic dill pickles ready in just 24 hours without the wait of traditional pickling.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 medium fresh cucumbers (about 2 pounds / 900g), preferably Kirby or pickling cucumbers
  • 45 fresh dill sprigs
  • 45 large garlic cloves, peeled and smashed
  • 1 cup (240 ml) white distilled vinegar (5% acidity)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) water
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt (or pickling salt)
  • 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Rinse and dry the cucumbers. Cut off the blossom ends and slice into 1/4-inch (6 mm) thick rounds or spears.
  2. In a small saucepan, combine vinegar, water, sugar, and salt. Warm over medium heat, stirring until sugar and salt dissolve. Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes.
  3. Place smashed garlic cloves, fresh dill sprigs, black peppercorns, and optional red pepper flakes into the bottom of a quart-sized glass jar.
  4. Tightly pack the cucumber slices or spears on top, leaving about 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) headspace.
  5. Pour the warm (not hot) brine over the cucumbers, ensuring they are fully submerged. Press down if needed. Seal the jar with the lid.
  6. Refrigerate the jar for at least 24 hours before serving.
  7. Serve chilled as a snack, sandwich topping, or side dish. Keep refrigerated for up to 2 weeks.

Notes

Trim the blossom ends of cucumbers to prevent sogginess. Warm the brine just enough to dissolve salt and sugar, then cool before pouring over cucumbers to keep them crisp. Smash garlic cloves instead of finely chopping to release flavor without overpowering. Use whole peppercorns for subtle heat. If pickles are not fully submerged, top off with extra vinegar or water to avoid spoilage. Store refrigerated and consume within 2 weeks for best flavor and crunch.

Nutrition

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