Briny and tangy homemade Refrigerator Pickles are easy to make and delicious to eat. Using a method that’s quicker than traditional canning, enjoy these pickles with just about anything!

pickles in a jar

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Easy Refrigerator Pickles

I love a good pickle! Straight from the refrigerator, on burgers, with salads, and more, pickles are always a good idea.

Instead of traditional canning, this recipe follows a quick-brine method, requiring just 24 hours in the refrigerator. It’s never been easier to whip up a batch of homemade pickles! You’ll have a big batch of tangy, crunchy pickles in no time.

Be sure to try my Ranch Fried Pickles and Sweet Pickle Relish too!

Why You’ll Love this Dill Pickle Recipe:

  • HEALTHY: Pickles are a tasty way to eat your veggies. This recipe is also naturally gluten-free and vegan.
  • SIMPLE: With minimal ingredients and only 10 minutes of hands-on time, these pickles couldn’t be easier to make.
  • QUICK: These refrigerator pickles are ready in just 24 hours – fast compared to traditional pickles which take about 3 weeks to soak up the flavorful brine.

Chilled, crunchy, and perfectly seasoned, what’s not to love about homemade pickles?

pickles on a wood serving board
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How to Make Refrigerator Pickles

You can jump to the recipe card for full ingredients & instructions!

  1. Add the cucumbers, dill, and garlic to a mason jar.
  2. Make the brine and let it cool.
  3. Pour the brine into the jar.
  4. Seal and refrigerate.
step by step photos for how to make refrigerator pickles
pickles on a wood serving board
What are pickling cucumbers?

Pickling cucumbers are shorter than regular English cucumbers with thinner skins and a firmer texture. You can certainly pickle regular cucumbers, but they contain more water so have less of a crunch.

Can I cut the cucumbers into any shape?

Absolutely! Cut the cucumbers into spears, rounds, or even use a crinkle cutter to mix things up.

What size mason jar should I use for these pickles?

I used a 1-quart mason jar for this recipe. Any jar around that size should work! Or, use smaller jars and divide up the cucumbers and brine as needed.

Can I reuse the pickle brine?

Yes! Once you’ve enjoyed these refrigerator pickles, keep the brine in the jar. Simply add fresh dill weed (if desired) and more cucumbers. Refrigerate for at least 24 hours and enjoy.

Can I use this recipe to pickle other veggies?

Definitely. Replace the cucumbers with sliced carrots or cauliflower florets for a little something different.

These refrigerator pickles are a must-try! They add a flavorful crunch to burgers and sandwiches and are refreshing on hot summer days.

pickles in a glass jar
pickles on a wood serving board

Once you realize how easy it is to make pickles at home, you’ll never buy them from the store again! Have fun customizing the brine to your taste preferences – make it spicier, sweeter, or more herby depending on what you love.

Storage Instructions

Store pickles in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to 1 month. They’ll become less crunchy the longer they stay in the refrigerator, but they’ll still be tasty!

Double Batch

If making a double batch of refrigerator pickles, make sure to use a large enough mason jar (or a couple smaller jars) to fit the cucumbers and the brine.

Tips for Refrigerator Pickles

  • For milder, sweeter pickles, add another teaspoon of granulated sugar in step 2.
  • For spicier pickles, add extra hot pepper flakes in step 2.
  • Let the brine cool for 15 minutes before adding to the mason jar.
  • Make sure the cucumbers are fully submerged in brine before refrigerating.

More Gluten Free Recipes We Love

pickles in a jar with one being pulled out

One bite of these crunchy pickles and you’ll be hooked!

More Easy Vegetable Recipes to Try:

If you make this recipe be sure to upload a photo in the comment section below or leave a rating. Enjoy! You can also jump to recipe.

Recipe Card

Refrigerator Pickles Recipe

5 from 5 votes
Prep: 20 minutes
Cook: 5 minutes
Refrigeration Time: 1 day
Total: 1 day 25 minutes
Servings: 12 pickles
Author: Becky Hardin
featured refrigerator pickles
Briny and tangy homemade Refrigerator Pickles are easy to make and delicious to eat. Using a method that's quicker than traditional canning, enjoy these pickles with just about anything!
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Ingredients 

  • 3 pickling cucumbers quartered
  • 2-4 sprigs fresh dill weed
  • 2 cloves garlic smashed
  • ½ cup apple cider vinegar
  • ½ cup water
  • ½ tablespoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pickling spices
  • Pinch crushed red pepper flakes optional

Instructions 

  • Add the cucumber quarters, dill, and garlic cloves to a 1-quart mason jar. Set aside.
    3 pickling cucumbers, 2-4 sprigs fresh dill weed, 2 cloves garlic
    ingredients for refrigerator pickles
  • Make the brine. In a small saucepan set over medium-high heat, bring the vinegar, water, salt, sugar, pickling spices, and red pepper flakes (if using) to a simmer, stirring occasionally until the sugar and salt are dissolved.
    ½ cup apple cider vinegar, ½ cup water, ½ tablespoon kosher salt, 1 teaspoon granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon pickling spices, Pinch crushed red pepper flakes
    brine ingredients in a saucepan
  • Remove the pan from the heat and allow the brine to cool slightly, about 15 minutes. Pour the brine over the contents of the jar, filling it until everything is covered.
    pouring brine into a glass jar filled with cucumber spears
  • Close the lid and refrigerate for at least 24 hours before serving.
    pickles in a glass jar

Video

Becky’s Tips

Storage: Store pickles in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.
Calories: 14kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 1gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 293mgPotassium: 113mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 58IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 14mgIron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Did you make this? Leave a comment!

Meet Becky Hardin

Becky Hardin is a wife and mother living in Saint Louis Missouri. She founded The Cookie Rookie in 2012 as a creative way to share recipes. Now, she is a trusted resource for easy cooking around the world, being featured in Taste of Home, The Kitchn, ABC’s Home and Family, and more. Here at The Cookie Rookie she is the editor in chief of all recipes and continues to enjoy sharing her passion for cooking for busy families. She has since founded two additional food blogs, Easy Chicken Recipes and Easy Dessert Recipes.

5 from 5 votes (3 ratings without comment)
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4 Comments
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Cheryl
Cheryl
June 5, 2022 7:59 pm

Easy, did not take long!!! Thank You!!!5 stars

DAC45DE5-B409-466B-9338-1D5A3914086E.jpeg
Becky Hardin
Becky Hardin
June 6, 2022 3:11 pm
Reply to  Cheryl

Perfect!!

Shannan Reid
Shannan Reid
May 24, 2022 9:59 am

Delicious5 stars

Becky Hardin
Becky Hardin
May 25, 2022 1:03 pm
Reply to  Shannan Reid

Thank you!