Go Back

Best Refrigerator Pickles

These quick refrigerator pickles are a vibrant addition to any meal, bursting with flavor and crispness, perfect for barbecues and picnics.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 30
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pickling Ingredients
  • 2-6 pieces fresh cucumbers Use pickling cucumbers for best results.
  • 3/4 cup water
  • 3/4 cup distilled white vinegar
  • 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons sea salt (kosher or pickling salt works best)
  • 1 tablespoon sugar To balance acidity.
  • 6 sprigs fresh dill Can substitute with 1 Tbsp of dry dill.
  • 3 cloves peeled fresh garlic
  • 1 teaspoon peppercorns
  • 1 teaspoon mustard seed
  • scant 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes For a bit of heat.
Optional Ingredients
  • 2 pieces whole grape leaves Or substitutes like horseradish, oak, or black tea leaves.
  • to taste slices onion For extra flavor.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Wash the fresh dill and cucumbers, avoiding any bruised or damaged cucumbers.
  2. Trim off the ends of each cucumber.
Cutting Cucumbers
  1. Cut cucumbers into desired shapes such as slices, spears, or halves.
  2. Soak the cut cucumbers in ice water for several hours for extra crunchiness.
Brine Creation
  1. In a saucepan, combine the water, distilled white vinegar, apple cider vinegar, sugar, and salt to create the pickling brine.
  2. Heat lightly until the sugar and salt have dissolved, then remove from heat and let cool.
Packing the Jar
  1. At the bottom of a clean quart jar, add fresh dill, garlic, and any other spices.
  2. If using grape leaves or substitutes for crispness, place them down first.
Adding Cucumbers
  1. Carefully pack the cut cucumbers into the jar, reducing wasted space.
Brining the Cucumbers
  1. Pour the cooled brine over the cucumbers until they’re completely submerged.
  2. If necessary, top off with plain white vinegar to cover.
Sealing and Refrigerating
  1. Place an airtight lid on the jar and store it in the refrigerator.
  2. Allow to sit for a minimum of 5 days before enjoying.

Notes

For best flavor, choose the freshest produce and consider using pickling cucumbers. Explore variations by adding different spices or herbs.