Easy Refrigerator Dill Pickles

5 from 352 votes

Easy Refrigerator Dill Pickles take only a few minutes to make. Once you make your own homemade dill pickles, you'll never buy store bought again.

Prep Time10

Cook Time5

Total Time15

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: American

Servings: servings

12 pickling cucumbers quantity can vary depending on size
4 cups water
2 cups white vinegar
2 tablespoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon sugar
1 bunch fresh dill amount can vary depending on preference, thick stems removed
1 head garlic skins removed, cloves smashed (use fewer cloves if its a strong garlic)
1 tablespoon peppercorn kernels I usually use about 10 peppercorns per jar, give or take

Prepare ingredients: Thoroughly wash 12 pickling cucumbers. Slice cucumbers into 1/4-inch thick slices or spears. Set aside. Smash garlic cloves and separate dill from thick stems. Also, sanitize mason jars by running them through the dishwasher.
Prepare brine: To make the brine, combine 4 cups water, 2 cups white vinegar, 2 tablespoons kosher salt, and 1 teaspoon sugar in a medium saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil and swirl the pan to ensure the sugar and salt dissolve. Remove the pan from heat and cool to room temperature.
Make the pickles: Layer the prepared cucumbers with 1 bunch fresh dill, smashed 1 head garlic, and 1 tablespoon peppercorn kernels in the jars. Do not pack them super tight as you you'll want room for the brine. Finish by adding enough brine to cover the cucumbers. Seal with an airtight lid and store in the refrigerator. The flavor is best if stored for at least one week, but they can be eaten at any time. Pickles should be good for at least 4-6 weeks after that.
This recipe made enough for me to fill one pint and fill two quart jars.

Quantities listed make about 3 quart-sized jars
The amount of dill and garlic can vary depending on taste. I prefer to pack my jars with a ton of fresh dill which is why I don't specify a specific quantity, but you can add as little or as much as you prefer.
The intensity of the garlic will impact the intensity of the pickles. If your garlic is particularly strong, use less if you are sensitive to the taste.