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Quick Tangy Garlic Herb Refrigerator Pickles

Quick Tangy Garlic Herb Refrigerator Pickles - featured image

A quick and easy refrigerator pickle recipe featuring a tangy apple cider vinegar brine infused with garlic and fresh herbs, perfect for a crunchy, flavorful snack ready in under 24 hours.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups sliced Kirby or pickling cucumbers
  • 4 large garlic cloves, peeled and crushed
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 ½ cups apple cider vinegar
  • 1 ½ cups filtered water
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt or pickling salt
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Wash and slice 4 cups of Kirby or pickling cucumbers into ¼-inch thick rounds or spears.
  2. In a small saucepan, combine 1 ½ cups apple cider vinegar, 1 ½ cups filtered water, 1 tablespoon kosher salt, and 1 teaspoon sugar. Heat gently over medium heat, stirring occasionally until salt and sugar dissolve, about 3 minutes. Let cool.
  3. In a clean quart-sized glass jar, add 4 crushed garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons fresh dill, 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, 1 teaspoon black peppercorns, and ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes if using.
  4. Tightly pack the sliced cucumbers into the jar, leaving about ½ inch of headspace.
  5. Pour the cooled brine over the cucumbers and herbs, ensuring cucumbers are fully submerged. Press down if needed to remove air pockets.
  6. Seal the jar with its lid, shake gently to distribute spices, and refrigerate for at least 12 hours, preferably 24 hours for full flavor.
  7. Pickles will keep well for up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator.

Notes

Use fresh herbs for best flavor; dried herbs can be substituted at one-third the amount. Use Kirby or pickling cucumbers for optimal crunch. Soaking cucumber slices in ice water for 30 minutes before pickling can enhance crispness. Always use a non-reactive container like glass. Label jars with date. Keep cucumbers fully submerged in brine to prevent spoilage. Refrigerate promptly to maintain texture and safety.

Nutrition

Keywords: quick pickles, refrigerator pickles, garlic pickles, herb pickles, tangy pickles, easy snack, homemade pickles