Why Make This Recipe
Refrigerator garlic dill pickles are a delightful and tangy addition to any meal. They are easy to make and require no canning experience. Plus, making them at home allows you to customize the flavor and crunch to your liking. You will always have a fresh batch ready in your fridge for snacking, sandwiches, or as a side.
How to Make Refrigerator Garlic Dill Pickles
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs. kirby or other pickling cucumbers
- 2 cups water (unfiltered untreated water is highly recommended)
- 1 cup 5% white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon pickling salt
- 2 cloves garlic (peeled)
- 4 sprigs of fresh dill per jar
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns (or pickling spice)
- 1/2 teaspoon hot pepper flakes (adjust for personal taste)
Directions:
-
Sterilize the jars: Start by washing your jars and lids with hot, soapy water. Rinse well and let them air dry or place them in a warm oven for a few minutes to sterilize.
-
Prepare canning jars: Pack the washed cucumbers into the sterilized jars. You can cut them into spears or leave them whole, depending on your preference.
-
Make the brine: In a pot, combine the water, vinegar, pickling salt, garlic, dill, black peppercorns, and hot pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring until the salt dissolves. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
-
Pour the brine: Carefully pour the hot brine over the cucumbers in the jars, ensuring that they are fully submerged. Leave some space at the top and seal the jars with the lids.
-
Cool and refrigerate: Allow the jars to cool to room temperature. Once cooled, place them in the fridge. Your pickles will be ready to enjoy after a couple of days!
How to Serve Refrigerator Garlic Dill Pickles
Refrigerator garlic dill pickles are perfect as a crunchy snack on their own or served alongside sandwiches. You can also add them to a cheese platter or use them as a tasty topping for burgers and salads.
How to Store Refrigerator Garlic Dill Pickles
Store the pickles in the refrigerator. They should last about 4 to 6 weeks, but their flavor will get stronger over time. Always keep the jars tightly sealed and make sure the pickles are submerged in brine.
Tips to Make Refrigerator Garlic Dill Pickles
- Choose fresh, firm cucumbers for the best crunch.
- Adjust the garlic and hot pepper flakes according to your taste.
- Use filtered water for a cleaner brine taste.
- Feel free to experiment with additional spices like mustard seeds or coriander for a unique flavor twist.
Variation
For a sweeter pickle, add a touch of sugar to the brine. You can also try using different herbs like tarragon or basil to change the flavor profile.
FAQs
1. How long do refrigerator pickles last?
Refrigerator pickles can last about 4 to 6 weeks in the fridge.
2. Can I use other types of cucumbers?
Yes, you can use any type of cucumbers, but pickling varieties like kirby are best for crunch.
3. Do I need to sterilize the jars?
While it’s a good practice to sterilize the jars, refrigerator pickles do not require the same canning processes as shelf-stable pickles. Just ensure your jars are clean.
