Easy Spicy Garlic Refrigerator Dill Pickles
A quick and easy recipe for spicy garlic refrigerator dill pickles that are crisp, tangy, and perfect for homemade snacks. Ready in about 24 hours with simple pantry ingredients and no canning required.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 24 hours
- Yield: About 1 quart (4 servings) 1x
- Category: Snack
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 small to medium Kirby cucumbers, sliced into spears or rounds
- 4–6 large garlic cloves, peeled and smashed
- A handful of fresh dill sprigs (stems included) or 1 tablespoon dried dill
- 1 to 2 teaspoons red pepper flakes, adjust to taste
- 1 cup (240 ml) white vinegar
- 1 cup (240 ml) water
- 1 tablespoon pickling salt or kosher salt (avoid iodized salt)
- 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
- Optional: 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
Instructions
- Wash and slice the cucumbers into ¼-inch (6 mm) thick spears or rounds.
- In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup white vinegar, 1 cup water, and 1 tablespoon pickling or kosher salt. Stir until salt dissolves.
- Place 4-6 smashed garlic cloves, fresh dill sprigs, 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns, 1 to 2 teaspoons red pepper flakes, and optional mustard seeds into a large glass jar.
- Tightly pack the cucumber slices into the jar, leaving about ½ inch (1.3 cm) headspace.
- Pour the brine over the cucumbers and spices, ensuring everything is submerged. Press down if needed.
- Seal the jar with a lid and refrigerate for at least 24 hours before tasting. Flavor improves up to 48-72 hours.
- Enjoy chilled. Store refrigerated and consume within 2 weeks.
Notes
Use fresh, firm cucumbers for best crunch. Dissolve salt fully in brine for even flavor. Adjust red pepper flakes to control spiciness. Keep cucumbers submerged under brine to prevent spoilage. For crisper pickles, soak cucumbers in ice water for 30 minutes before packing. Avoid iodized salt to prevent cloudy brine. Pickles develop more flavor if left 48-72 hours. Consume within 2 weeks refrigerated.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 3 spears
- Calories: 1015
- Sodium: 400
- Carbohydrates: 2
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 0.5
Keywords: spicy garlic pickles, refrigerator pickles, dill pickles, quick pickles, homemade pickles, easy pickle recipe, spicy pickles