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Easy Garlic Dill Pickles: Cottage Weekend Must-Have

Crisp refrigerator dill pickles with garlic, fresh dill, and a simple tangy brine.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Condiment, Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 22
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the pickles
  • 2 pounds pickling cucumbers washed and cut into spears
  • 1 1/2 cups fresh dill fronds
  • 6 cloves garlic peeled and lightly crushed
For the brine
  • 2 cups water
  • 2 cups white vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons kosher salt
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons black peppercorns
  • 2 teaspoons mustard seeds
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional

Equipment

  • 2 mason jars large, with lids
  • 1 small saucepan
  • 1 cutting board
  • 1 knife
  • 1 measuring cups
  • 1 measuring spoons

Method
 

Prepare the jars and cucumbers
  1. Wash the cucumbers well, trim the ends, and cut them into spears sized to fit neatly inside the jars.
  2. Wash and dry 2 large mason jars and their lids thoroughly.
  3. Divide the fresh dill and crushed garlic cloves evenly between the jars.
  4. Pack the cucumber spears tightly into the jars, leaving a little room at the top.
Make the brine
  1. In a small saucepan, combine the water, white vinegar, kosher salt, sugar, black peppercorns, mustard seeds, and red pepper flakes if using.
  2. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring until the salt and sugar dissolve, about 5 to 10 minutes.
Fill and chill
  1. Carefully pour the hot brine over the cucumbers in each jar, making sure the cucumbers are fully submerged.
  2. Let the jars cool to room temperature, then seal with lids.
  3. Transfer the jars to the refrigerator and chill for at least 24 hours before serving. For best flavor, chill 2 to 3 days.

Notes

Keep these pickles refrigerated at all times. For best quality, enjoy within 2 to 3 weeks. Use very fresh pickling cucumbers for the crispest texture, and always use a clean utensil when removing pickles from the jar.