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Quick Refrigerator Garlic-Dill Pickles

These Quick Refrigerator Garlic-Dill Pickles are a fresh, crunchy, and tangy snack ready in just a few hours. Perfect for a zesty addition to any meal!
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 English cucumber sliced into spears or rounds
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup white vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 2 tablespoons salt
  • 4 cloves garlic peeled and smashed
  • 1 tablespoon dill seeds
  • 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
  • 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cucumbers

  • Start by washing your English cucumber thoroughly under cool running water. Slice the cucumber into your preferred shape—either spears for easy snacking or rounds if you want classic pickle slices. Set these aside in a clean bowl.

Step 2: Make the Brine

  • In a small saucepan, combine water, white vinegar, sugar, and salt. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar and salt dissolve completely. Remove the brine from heat and let it cool slightly while you prepare the spices.

Step 3: Add the Aromatics and Spices

  • In a heatproof jar or container, place the smashed garlic cloves, dill seeds, mustard seeds, and red pepper flakes. These spices infuse the brine with their unique flavors, elevating the taste of your pickles.

Step 4: Pack the Cucumbers

  • Transfer the cucumber slices into the jar with the spices. Press them down gently to fit as many as possible without bruising.

Step 5: Pour the Brine Over the Cucumbers

  • Carefully pour the warm brine over the cucumbers and spices, making sure the cucumbers are fully submerged. If needed, weigh them down with a small lid or clean weight to ensure full coverage.

Step 6: Refrigerate and Wait

  • Seal the jar tightly and place it in the refrigerator. Your Quick Refrigerator Garlic-Dill Pickles will be ready to enjoy in as little as 4 hours, but for best flavor, wait 24 hours. The flavor will intensify the longer they sit, but they’re delicious even on day one.

Equipment

  • Small Saucepan
  • Heatproof jar or container
  • Knife
  • Cutting Board

Notes

  • Use fresh English cucumbers for the best crispness and fewer seeds.
  • Smash garlic cloves to release maximum flavor.
  • Adjust sugar and vinegar levels to customize sweetness and tanginess.
  • Store pickles fully submerged in brine in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
  • Try adding fresh dill sprigs or jalapeños for variations in flavor and heat.