Easy Homemade Dill Pickles (Quick Refrigerator Pickles)
These easy homemade dill pickles are crisp, tangy, and packed with fresh dill and garlic. Made with simple real-food ingredients, they’re the perfect quick refrigerator pickle recipe.
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If you’ve ever wanted to make homemade dill pickles but thought the process sounded complicated, these easy refrigerator dill pickles are for you. This simple dill pickles recipe comes together in just minutes using fresh cucumbers, garlic, dill, and a tangy homemade brine made with real ingredients.
These homemade dill pickles are crisp, flavorful, and packed with fresh dill flavor with just the right balance of tangy and slightly sweet. Best of all, there’s no canning required, making this the perfect quick pickle recipe for beginners.
Whether you serve them alongside burgers, sandwiches, barbecue, or enjoy them straight from the jar, these easy homemade pickles are a delicious way to add fresh flavor to your meals.
At My Colorado Kitchen, I love creating simple from-scratch recipes using real ingredients, and these refrigerator dill pickles are one of the easiest ways to make homemade food feel extra special.
Looking for Sweet Pickles? Check out my Easy Homemade Sweet Pickle Recipe HERE.
Why You’ll Love These Homemade Dill Pickles
- Quick and easy to make
- No canning required
- Made with simple real-food ingredients
- Crisp, tangy, and full of flavor
- Naturally sweetened with pure maple syrup
- Perfect for sandwiches, burgers, wraps, and snack boards
- Ready to enjoy after chilling in the refrigerator
Ingredients You’ll Need
Cucumbers
You can use 1 large cucumber or 2 smaller cucumbers for this recipe. Pickling cucumbers work great, but English cucumbers also work well for refrigerator pickles.
Water
Water helps balance the acidity of the vinegar while creating the perfect pickle brine.
Rice Vinegar
Rice vinegar gives these pickles a smooth tangy flavor without being overpowering.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar adds depth and classic pickle flavor.
Pure Maple Syrup
A touch of pure maple syrup balances the acidity naturally while keeping the recipe refined sugar-free.
Fresh Dill
Fresh dill gives these pickles their classic dill pickle flavor.
Garlic Cloves
Smashed garlic cloves infuse the brine with delicious savory flavor.
Bay Leaves
Bay leaves add subtle depth and help create an extra flavorful pickle brine.
Salt, Pepper, and Red Pepper Flakes
These simple seasonings bring everything together while adding a tiny hint of spice.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
This post may contain affiliate links. As an amazon associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.
How to Make Homemade Dill Pickles
Step 1: Prepare the Brine
Using a wide-mouth quart jar, add:
- 1 cup water
- 3/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Stir gently until combined.
Step 2: Slice the Cucumbers
Slice 1 large cucumber or 2 smaller cucumbers into either spears or rounds depending on your preference.
Add the cucumbers directly into the jar.
Step 3: Add the Flavorings
Add:
- 3–4 sprigs fresh dill
- 2 smashed garlic cloves
- 3 bay leaves
Place them around the sides of the cucumbers so the flavors infuse throughout the jar.
Step 4: Refrigerate
Seal the jar with a lid and refrigerate.
For the best flavor, allow the pickles to chill for at least 24 hours before serving. The flavor gets even better after a couple of days.
Tips for the Best Refrigerator Dill Pickles
Use Fresh Cucumbers
Fresh, firm cucumbers will give you the crispiest homemade pickles.
Let Them Chill Overnight
The longer the cucumbers sit in the brine, the more flavorful they become.
Keep Cucumbers Submerged
Make sure the cucumbers stay covered in the brine while refrigerated.
Adjust the Spice Level
If you enjoy spicy pickles, add extra red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños.
Variations
Spicy Dill Pickles
Add sliced jalapeños or extra red pepper flakes for more heat.
Sweeter Pickles
Add an additional teaspoon of maple syrup for a slightly sweeter flavor.
Extra Garlic Pickles
Love garlic? Add an extra clove or two for bold garlic dill pickles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Serving Suggestions
These easy homemade dill pickles are delicious served with:
- Burgers
- Sandwiches
- Pulled pork
- Barbecue meals
- Charcuterie boards
- Wraps
- Potato salad
- Picnic lunches
They also make a perfect crunchy afternoon snack straight from the jar.
More
From-Scratch Recipes You’ll Love
Storage Tips
Store your refrigerator dill pickles in an airtight jar in the refrigerator. For best freshness and texture, enjoy within 2–3 weeks.
Always keep the cucumbers submerged in the brine for the best flavor and texture.
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Easy Homemade Dill Pickles
These easy homemade dill pickles are crisp, tangy, and packed with fresh dill and garlic. Made with simple real-food ingredients, they’re the perfect quick refrigerator pickle recipe.
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 3/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 large cucumber or 2 smaller cucumbers
- 3–4 sprigs fresh dill
- 2 smashed garlic cloves
- 3 bay leaves
Instructions
- In a wide-mouth quart or liter jar, add the water, rice vinegar, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, salt, red pepper flakes, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Slice the cucumber into spears or rounds and place into the jar.
- Add the dill, smashed garlic cloves, and bay leaves around the cucumbers.
- Seal the jar and refrigerate for at least 24 hours before serving.
- Store refrigerated and enjoy within 2–3 weeks.
Notes
- For the best crunchy dill pickles, use fresh firm cucumbers.
- English cucumbers or pickling cucumbers both work well in this recipe.
- These are refrigerator pickles, so no canning or boiling is required.
- The pickles taste best after chilling for at least 24 hours.
- Store the pickles in the refrigerator and keep the cucumbers submerged in the brine.
- Flavor will continue to develop over the next couple of days.
- For spicier pickles, add additional red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños.
- Enjoy within 2–3 weeks for the best flavor and texture.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 16 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 11Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gSodium: 70mgCarbohydrates: 2gFiber: 0gSugar: 1gProtein: 0g
Nutrition facts are calculated automatically and are approximate.
