Crispy Spicy Refrigerator Pickle Spears with Fresh Dill
A quick and easy recipe for refrigerator pickles that are crisp, spicy, and bright with fresh dill. Perfect for snacking or adding a punch to meals.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 24 hours
- Yield: About 3-4 jars (1 quart each), approximately 12-18 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 6 small to medium Kirby cucumbers, sliced into spears
- 3–4 sprigs fresh dill, roughly chopped
- 3 large garlic cloves, smashed
- 1 ½ cups (360 ml) white vinegar
- 1 ½ cups (360 ml) water, filtered if possible
- 2 tablespoons pickling salt or kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds (optional)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Wash and slice the cucumbers: Rinse Kirby cucumbers thoroughly, cut off the blossom end, then slice lengthwise into 3-4 inch spears.
- Prepare the brine: In a mixing bowl, combine white vinegar, water, pickling salt, and granulated sugar. Stir until dissolved. Heating the mixture gently is optional.
- Pack the jars: Place smashed garlic, fresh dill, black peppercorns, mustard seeds, cayenne pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) at the bottom of a mason jar. Pack cucumber spears tightly but without crushing.
- Pour the brine over the cucumbers until fully submerged. Use a weight if needed to keep spears submerged.
- Seal the jar tightly and refrigerate for at least 24 hours before tasting. Flavor improves over 3-4 days.
- After 24 hours, taste and serve chilled. Adjust spice level in future batches if desired.
Notes
[‘Cut off the cucumber blossom end to help keep pickles crisp.’, ‘Use pickling or kosher salt to avoid cloudiness and maintain texture.’, ‘Keep cucumbers cold and refrigerate promptly after packing.’, ‘Do not overcrowd the jar; pack spears snugly but gently.’, ‘Fresh dill is essential for bright flavor; dried dill is a less vibrant substitute.’, ‘Flavor improves over several days; wait at least 24 hours before tasting.’, ‘Adjust cayenne pepper gradually to control spice level.’, ‘Consume pickles within 3-4 weeks for best quality.’, ‘To re-crisp softened pickles, soak in ice water for 10-15 minutes before serving.’]
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pickle spear
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 0.5
- Sodium: 15020
- Carbohydrates: 1
- Fiber: 0.2
Keywords: refrigerator pickles, spicy pickles, dill pickles, quick pickles, easy pickle recipe, crunchy pickles, homemade pickles