How to Make Garlic and Dill 24-Hour Refrigerator Pickles

refrigerator pickles : if you’ve ever bitten into a crunchy, tangy, homemade pickle and wondered if you could recreate it at home without all the hassle of canning, the answer is a delicious yes. Enter Garlic and Dill 24-Hour Refrigerator Pickles — a simple, fast, and flavor-packed way to preserve cucumbers in your own kitchen. These pickles are crisp, punchy, and incredibly satisfying, ready in just a day and requiring no special equipment.

Whether you’re overflowing with garden cucumbers or just want a homemade alternative to store-bought options, this recipe is a no-brainer. Plus, it’s beginner-friendly and endlessly customizable. According to the University of Illinois Extension, using the right type of cucumber—like Kirby or English varieties—can make all the difference in achieving that perfect crunch.

Unlike traditional canned pickles that require sterilization and long shelf-stability processes, these refrigerator pickles are made quickly and stored cold. It’s a method supported by USDA pickling safety guidelines, which highlight the benefits and limitations of quick-pickling at home. With just a few ingredients and a little prep, you’ll have crisp, garlicky spears or rounds to enjoy within 24 hours.

Why You’ll Love These Pickles

• No canning required — just prep, pour, and chill
• Ready in only 24 hours
• Crunchy, fresh, and tangy with bold garlic and dill flavor
• Perfect as a snack or on sandwiches, burgers, and wraps
• A great way to use up seasonal cucumbers

What Are Refrigerator Pickles?

Refrigerator pickles are vegetables preserved in a vinegar-based brine, stored in the fridge rather than sealed in sterilized jars. They are:

• Not shelf-stable, unlike canned pickles
• Intended for short-term use (up to 4 weeks)
• Crisp and fresh-tasting, not softened by heat-processing
• Quick to prepare — no special tools or water baths required

This technique gives you that bright, zingy flavor with minimal effort.

Ingredients Breakdown

Here’s what you need for this easy garlic and dill refrigerator pickle recipe:

• Cucumbers – Preferably Kirby, English, or slicing cucumbers. Small and firm is best.
• Garlic – Fresh cloves, lightly crushed to release flavor
• Fresh dill – Or substitute freeze-dried or dried dill weed
• White vinegar – At least 5% acidity; you can also use apple cider vinegar
• Water – Filtered if possible, for a clean taste
• Sugar – Just enough to balance the acidity (not sweet pickles)
• Kosher salt – Avoid iodized salt to prevent discoloration
• Spices – Mustard seeds and black peppercorns for a savory kick

Tools You’ll Need

• 2 pint-size mason jars (heat-safe)
• Medium saucepan
• Funnel (optional)
• Measuring cups and spoons

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these easy steps to make your 24-hour garlic and dill refrigerator pickles:

1. Prep the cucumbers
   • Wash and trim ends.
   • Cut into spears or round slices, depending on your preference.
2. Pack the jars
   • Divide cucumbers between two jars.
   • Add 1 crushed garlic clove, ½ tsp mustard seeds, ½ tsp peppercorns, and 1 tsp chopped dill per jar.
3. Make the brine
   • In a saucepan, combine:
     • 1 cup white vinegar
     • 1 cup water
     • 2 tbsp sugar
     • 1 tbsp kosher salt
   • Bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve.
4. Pour and cool
   • Carefully pour hot brine over cucumbers, covering them fully.
   • Let cool for 30 minutes with lids off.
5. Seal and refrigerate
   • Cap the jars tightly.
   • Chill in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours before serving.

Tips for Success

• Use fresh, unwaxed cucumbers for the crispiest pickles.
• Warm the jars before pouring in hot brine to prevent breakage.
• Ensure cucumbers are completely submerged to avoid spoilage.
• If brine doesn’t cover the pickles after some are eaten, top off with equal parts vinegar and water.

Flavor Variations

You can easily tweak this base recipe for more flavor:

• Spicy pickles – Add ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes to each jar
• Sweet pickles – Increase sugar to ¼ cup for a sweet-sour flavor
• Pickled zucchini or carrots – Great alternatives to cucumbers
• Different vinegars – Apple cider vinegar offers a mellower tang

Storage & Shelf Life

These pickles:

• Must be refrigerated at all times
• Will last 3 to 4 weeks in the fridge
• Get more flavorful the longer they sit
• May soften slightly over time, especially after 2 weeks

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using cold jars — can lead to cracking when adding hot brine
• Under-filling the jars — cucumbers exposed to air will spoil
• Expecting long shelf life — this is not a canning recipe
• Using iodized salt — can cause garlic to turn blue and affect clarity

How to Serve These Pickles

These garlicky dill pickles are versatile and addictive:

• On sandwiches, burgers, or hot dogs
• As a crunchy snack on their own
• Chopped into salads or egg dishes
• On charcuterie or cheese boards

Related Quick Pickle Ideas

If you love this method, try:

• 30-Minute Quick Pickles – Perfect for same-day eating
• Refrigerator Pickled Onions – Great on tacos and salads
• Pickled Carrots – Garlicky, spicy, and colorful
• Pickled Beets – A tangy-sweet twist on a canned classic

FAQs – People Also Ask

Can I use regular cucumbers for refrigerator pickles?
Yes! Choose small, firm ones with fewer seeds. Slicing cucumbers work well if Kirby or English are unavailable.

How long do 24-hour pickles last in the fridge?
They typically last 3–4 weeks. Store them in tightly sealed jars and always keep them chilled.

Can you reuse the brine?
You can reuse it once, but the flavor and acidity may weaken. Add more vinegar if reusing.

Do the pickles get better over time?
Yes! The flavor deepens and becomes more intense over the first week.

Can I make these without sugar?
You can reduce or omit the sugar, but it may make the pickles too tart. Adjust to taste.

Why did my garlic turn blue?
It’s a harmless reaction between garlic and vinegar. Use kosher salt and fresh garlic to minimize this.

Final Thoughts

With just 15 minutes of prep and a few pantry staples, these Garlic and Dill 24-Hour Refrigerator Pickles are a homemade treat that anyone can master. They’re crisp, flavorful, and endlessly customizable. Once you try them, you might never buy pickles again.

Grab some fresh cucumbers and start your own batch today—you’ll be hooked by tomorrow!