Refrigerator crunchy dill pickles are a quick and easy way to enjoy the tangy, savory goodness of pickles without the need for canning. These pickles are perfect for snacking, adding to sandwiches, or serving alongside your favorite summer dishes. In this recipe, we’ll show you how to make refrigerator crunchy dill pickles at home using simple ingredients and a few easy steps.
Ingredients for Refrigerator Crunchy Dill Pickles
- 6-8 pickling cucumbers, sliced into spears or rounds
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 1/4 cup pickling salt
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 4-6 garlic cloves, peeled and smashed
- 2 teaspoons dill seed
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh dill sprigs
How to Make Refrigerator Crunchy Dill Pickles
Step 1: Prepare the Cucumbers
- Wash the cucumbers thoroughly and slice them into spears or rounds, depending on your preference.
- Pack the cucumber slices into clean glass jars, leaving a little space at the top for the brine.
Step 2: Make the Brine
- In a medium saucepan, combine the water, vinegar, pickling salt, and sugar.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring until the salt and sugar are dissolved.
Step 3: Add the Flavorings
- Divide the garlic cloves, dill seed, black peppercorns, mustard seeds, red pepper flakes (if using), and fresh dill sprigs between the jars.
- Pour the hot brine over the cucumbers, covering them completely.
Step 4: Seal and Refrigerate
- Place lids on the jars and let them cool to room temperature.
- Once cooled, refrigerate the pickles for at least 24 hours before eating.
- The pickles will keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
About the Main Ingredients
Pickling Cucumbers: Pickling cucumbers are smaller and firmer than regular cucumbers, making them ideal for pickling. They have fewer seeds and a crisp texture, which helps them retain their crunchiness during the pickling process.
Vinegar: White vinegar is used in this recipe for its acidity, which helps to preserve the pickles and give them their tangy flavor. You can also use apple cider vinegar for a slightly different flavor.
Pickling Salt: Pickling salt is a fine-grained salt that does not contain any additives like iodine or anti-caking agents, which can cause cloudiness in the brine. It dissolves easily and evenly in the brine, ensuring that your pickles are properly seasoned.
Dill Seed: Dill seed adds a distinctively herbal flavor to the pickles, reminiscent of dill weed but with a more intense flavor. It also contributes to the overall dill pickle flavor profile.
Garlic: Garlic adds a savory depth of flavor to the pickles and pairs well with the dill and other spices. Smashing the garlic cloves helps to release their flavor into the brine.
Fresh Dill: Fresh dill sprigs add a bright, herbaceous flavor to the pickles. They also add visual appeal and are a classic ingredient in dill pickles.
