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Spicy Garlic Dill Pickles - Crunchy, Tangy, and Bold

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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Fresh cucumbers (Kirby or pickling cucumbers) – about 2 pounds, small and firm
  • Fresh garlic – 6 to 8 cloves, smashed
  • Fresh dill – 6 to 8 sprigs, plus extra fronds if you like
  • White vinegar (5% acidity) – 2 cups
  • Water – 2 cups
  • Kosher salt or pickling salt – 3 tablespoons
  • Sugar – 1 tablespoon (optional but recommended)
  • Crushed red pepper flakes – 1 to 2 teaspoons, to taste
  • Whole black peppercorns – 2 teaspoons
  • Mustard seeds – 2 teaspoons
  • Bay leaves – 2
  • Optional heat boosters: 1 fresh jalapeño or serrano (sliced), or 1 dried chili
  • Clean glass jars – two 1-quart jars or four pint jars with lids

Method
 

  1. Choose the right cucumbers. Use small, firm pickling cucumbers. Avoid large, seedy ones. Rinse well and pat dry.
  2. Prep the cucumbers. Trim 1/8 inch off the blossom end (it helps keep them crisp). Cut into spears, chips, or leave whole if small.
  3. Sterilize the jars (optional for fridge pickles, but good practice). Wash jars and lids in hot, soapy water and rinse. Let air-dry or run through a dishwasher hot cycle.
  4. Pack the jars. Divide garlic, dill sprigs, peppercorns, mustard seeds, bay leaves, and red pepper flakes among the jars. If using fresh chili, add slices to each jar.
  5. Load the cucumbers. Pack cucumbers snugly but without crushing. Leave about 1/2 inch of headspace at the top.
  6. Make the brine. In a saucepan, combine vinegar, water, salt, and sugar. Bring just to a simmer, stirring to dissolve. Remove from heat.
  7. Pour the brine. Carefully ladle hot brine over cucumbers until fully submerged, still leaving 1/2 inch headspace. Tap jars or run a clean utensil along the inside to release air bubbles.
  8. Seal and cool. Wipe rims, apply lids, and let cool to room temperature.
  9. Chill and wait. Refrigerate for at least 24 hours. For best flavor, wait 3 days. They’ll stay crisp and the flavors will meld.
  10. Taste and adjust. If you want more heat, add extra chili or red pepper flakes to the jar and let it sit another day.