Print

Easy Garlic Dill Refrigerator Pickle Spears Recipe for Perfect Crunchy Snack

garlic dill refrigerator pickle spears - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and easy recipe for crunchy garlic dill refrigerator pickle spears with a perfect balance of tangy, herbaceous, and garlicky flavors. Ready to enjoy in just 24 hours, these pickles are a delicious homemade snack or sandwich addition.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4–5 medium Kirby or pickling cucumbers, sliced into spears
  • 3–4 sprigs fresh dill per jar, roughly chopped
  • 4 large garlic cloves, lightly crushed
  • 1 cup (240 ml) white vinegar
  • 1 cup (240 ml) water
  • 1 tablespoon pickling salt or kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon mustard seeds (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black peppercorns

Instructions

  1. Wash cucumbers thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt or wax coating. Dry well with a clean towel.
  2. Slice cucumbers into spears by cutting each cucumber lengthwise into quarters. If some are larger, slice into sixths to keep the spears manageable.
  3. Lightly crush the garlic cloves with the flat side of a knife—don’t chop finely; you want big pieces that infuse flavor but don’t overpower.
  4. Prepare the brine: In a small saucepan, combine white vinegar, water, salt, and sugar. Warm gently over medium heat just until the salt and sugar dissolve—do not boil.
  5. Place cucumbers, garlic, dill sprigs, mustard seeds, and peppercorns into your clean mason jars, packing the spears snugly but without crushing.
  6. Pour the warm brine over the cucumbers until fully submerged. Leave about 1/2 inch of headspace at the top.
  7. Seal the jars tightly and let cool to room temperature before transferring to the refrigerator.
  8. Refrigerate for at least 24 hours before tasting. The flavors will deepen and the spears will firm up to that signature crunch.

Notes

For crisper pickles, add a couple of grape leaves or a pinch of calcium chloride (pickle crisp) to the jar. Shake the jar gently once or twice a day to distribute flavors evenly. Use pickling or kosher salt to keep the brine clear and avoid off flavors. Crushing garlic cloves releases more flavor than slicing but avoid pulverizing to prevent bitterness.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic dill pickles, refrigerator pickles, crunchy pickles, easy pickle recipe, quick pickles, homemade pickles, dill pickles, garlic pickles

Find it online: https://emmaoven.com/easy-garlic-dill-refrigerator-pickle-spears-recipe-for-perfect-crunchy-snack/