Spicy Garlic Dill Pickles
Ingredients
- 2 pounds cucumbers
regular or kirby
- 6 cloves garlic
peeled and slightly smashed
- 2-4 dried chilis
cut in half
- 1 teaspoon peppercorns
- 2 tablespoons kosher salt
- 1/2 cup fresh dill
- 1 1/2 cups apple cider vinegar
- 1 1/2 cups water
Directions
- 1
Cut cucumbers into spears, rounds or other shape of your choice and place them into 2 1-quart wide mouth mason jars.
- 2
Place crushed/smashed garlic cloves, dried chili peppers and peppercorns in the jars with the pickles.
- 3
Add the salt to the jars (1 tablespoon in each jar) then the fresh dill on top.
- 4
Combine the apple cider vinegar and water in a small bowl or measuring cup and pour to the top of each jar, just covering the top of the ingredients.
- 5
Using a spoon, press all the ingredients down into the liquid making sure they're submerged.
- 6
Cover tightly with the lids and place in the refrigerator for at least 3 days before eating (*see note).
Spicy Garlic Dill Pickles
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About this Recipe
Craving that satisfying crunch and zesty kick of a perfectly brined pickle? This recipe for Spicy Garlic Dill Pickles brings the vibrant flavors of homemade pickling to your kitchen with surprising ease, requiring no special equipment—just a few simple ingredients and a little patience.
What sets these pickles apart is their vibrant, fresh flavor profile and remarkable simplicity. This recipe excels because it leverages the natural acidity of apple cider vinegar to create a bright, tangy brine that perfectly complements the fresh ingredients. The combination of peeled and slightly smashed garlic cloves and generous fresh dill infuses the cucumbers with an authentic, robust flavor that store-bought options rarely achieve. Plus, the easy addition of dried chilis allows you to customize the heat to your exact preference, from a gentle warmth to a fiery bite.
Prepare your palate for a delightful sensory experience. You'll encounter crisp, firm cucumbers, each bite delivering a harmonious blend of sharp tanginess from the vinegar and savory depth from the garlic. The aromatic dill provides a refreshing, herbal counterpoint, while the dried chilis introduce a lingering warmth that excites the taste buds without overpowering the classic dill pickle essence. The overall experience is one of bright, clean flavors with a gratifying crunch, making these pickles incredibly addictive.
Making these spicy garlic dill pickles your own is part of the fun. To adjust the spice level, simply increase or decrease the quantity of dried chilis—use fewer for a milder kick or more for serious heat. While the recipe suggests regular or Kirby cucumbers, feel free to experiment with other pickling varieties for different textures. You can also play with the amount of fresh dill for a more or less pronounced herbal note, or even add a pinch of mustard seeds for an extra layer of flavor.
These homemade pickles are fantastic alongside a classic deli sandwich, or as a bright, crunchy addition to grilled burgers and hot dogs. They also make a refreshing and flavorful snack straight from the jar, or can be chopped and added to potato salad or tuna salad for an extra zing. Their bold flavor makes them a versatile condiment for almost any meal.