Honey Free Quick Refrigerator Dill Pickles
Crisp, garlicky, and loaded with fresh dill, these refrigerator pickles deliver that satisfying crunch you'd expect from a classic deli jar ā without any sweeteners beyond a single teaspoon of granulated sugar to balance the brine. Many commercial pickle brands sneak honey or honey-derived ingredients into their recipes, so making your own is the cleanest way to know exactly what's in the jar. The brine comes together in just a few minutes on the stovetop, and the real magic happens while the cucumbers soak in the fridge, soaking up all that vinegar, garlic, and dill flavor. Trimming the blossom end of each cucumber is a small but smart step that keeps the spears genuinely snappy rather than soft. You can go with spears for snacking or slice them into rounds if you're planning to pile them onto sandwiches and burgers. By 48 to 72 hours, the flavor deepens into something bold and briny that tastes like it took far more effort than it actually did.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
Learn more āIngredients
8 servings
- 2 lbs pickling cucumbers (about 8ā10 small)
- 4 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
- 1 bunch fresh dill (about 6ā8 sprigs)
- 1 tsp black peppercorns
- 1 tsp mustard seeds
- Ā½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
For the brine
- 1 Ā½ cups distilled white vinegar
- 1 Ā½ cups water
- 1 tbsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp granulated sugar
Instructions
- 1
Trim 1/8 inch off the blossom end (the end opposite the stem) of each cucumber ā this removes enzymes that can soften the pickles. Cut the cucumbers lengthwise into quarters to make spears, or slice into 1/4-inch rounds if you prefer chips.
- 2
Divide the garlic, dill sprigs, black peppercorns, mustard seeds, and red pepper flakes (if using) evenly between two clean wide-mouth quart mason jars. Pack the cucumber spears in vertically, fitting them snugly.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!