Citrus Free Classic Dill Pickles
Crunchy, garlicky, and loaded with fresh dill flavor, these homemade pickles are the kind of thing you'll want to keep stocked in the fridge at all times. Many store-bought pickle brands sneak in citrus-based preservatives or natural flavors derived from lemon or lime, making label-reading a frustrating chore — but this brine is built entirely from distilled white vinegar, water, salt, and a touch of sugar, so there's nothing hidden to worry about. The aromatics do all the heavy lifting here: smashed garlic, fresh dill sprigs, dill seeds, black peppercorns, and mustard seeds create that classic, deeply savory pickle flavor without a drop of citrus anywhere in the jar. Trimming the blossom end of each cucumber is a small but smart step that keeps the texture satisfyingly snappy rather than soft. If you want to go the extra mile, a grape leaf or horseradish leaf tucked into each jar adds even more crunch thanks to natural tannins. After just 24 to 48 hours in the fridge, you'll have bright, bold pickles that are perfect alongside sandwiches, burgers, or honestly just eaten straight from the jar.
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Learn more →Ingredients
8 servings
- 2 lbs kirby or persian cucumbers (about 8–10 small cucumbers)
- 1 ½ cups distilled white vinegar
- 1 ½ cups water
- 1 tbsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp granulated sugar
- 4 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
- 4 sprigs fresh dill
- 1 tsp dill seeds
- 1 tsp black peppercorns
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ tsp mustard seeds
- 2 grape leaves or 2 horseradish leaves (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Trim about 1/8 inch off the blossom end (the end opposite the stem) of each cucumber — this removes enzymes that can soften the pickles. Cut the cucumbers into spears by halving lengthwise, then halving again, or slice into 1/4-inch rounds.
- 2
Divide the garlic, fresh dill sprigs, dill seeds, black peppercorns, mustard seeds, and red pepper flakes (if using) evenly between two clean wide-mouth quart mason jars. If using grape or horseradish leaves, place one in each jar against the inside wall.
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