Pecan Free Classic Dill Pickles
There is something deeply satisfying about making your own pickles from scratch, and this brine-forward recipe delivers that perfect tangy crunch you'd find in a great deli jar. Kirby and Persian cucumbers are the stars here — their firm flesh holds up beautifully to the hot vinegar brine, staying crisp rather than turning mushy. The combination of fresh dill sprigs, dill seeds, smashed garlic, mustard seeds, and black peppercorns builds a layered, aromatic flavor that store-bought versions rarely match. Trimming the blossom end of each cucumber is a small but smart step that keeps the texture snappy all the way through the jar. The optional grape or horseradish leaves are a classic trick that adds tannins to reinforce that satisfying crunch. Every ingredient in this recipe is naturally free of tree nuts, so there's no label-reading stress or cross-contamination concern to navigate — just straightforward, wholesome pickling. After 48 hours in the fridge, you'll have bright, garlicky spears that are incredible 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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