Refrigerator Pickles

July 24, 2020

Refrigerator Pickles are easy to make and are perfectly crunchy and flavorful. Crispy pickles have been a family favorite for years and are now so simple to make from scratch at home!

For a creative way to use your refrigerator pickles and their juice, try using them to make Copycat Chic-fil-a Nuggets or a Chic-fil-a Chicken Sandwich. Add a pickle on the sandwich too for the perfect crunch!

Refrigerator Canned Pickles

Vibrant and crisp pickles make such a refreshing snack or addition to any sandwich. Store bought jars can lack the pungent flavor and crunchy bite that makes a pickle so delicious. That’s why pickling cucumbers at home is so amazing. You are guaranteed they will be light and fresh and you can create the exact taste you want in your pickle by making variations in your brine.

These refrigerator pickles are loaded with the bright and fresh taste of vinegar and a hint of sweetness from the sugar and garlic. It is so easy to become obsessed with these incredible pickles. They will be a huge hit at any barbecue or picnic and everyone will be so impressed they are homemade!

Pickle Jar Ingredients:

Refrigerator pickles are naturally low carb, low calories, and fat free. They are a great healthy snack. The ingredients in the brine are pantry staples that give the pickles their signature flavor.

Pickling Cucumbers: These are different than the smooth cucumbers you may be picturing. Instead, look for short, bumpy skinned cucumbers.
Fresh Dill: Adds the dill flavor you expect in a pickle.
Water: The base of the brine that the cucumbers soak in.
Vinegar: Helps break down the cucumber and soak in the flavors.
Pickling Spices: Add even more great taste to these pickles.
Sugar: Balances the other salty flavors.
Salt: If you are on a low sodium diet, reduce the amount of salt you add in.
Garlic: Place a garlic clove on top of the brine for a rich smooth flavor.

Let’s Make Pickles!

Pickles are surprisingly easy to make at home. Simply cut cucumber and allow it to soak in the vinegar and pickling spice mixture. This is a no fail recipe that requires little effort and time, but delivers huge flavor that your whole family will enjoy!

Cut cucumbers: Slice cucumbers as desired, lengthwise or horizontal. Place in 2 (16 ounce) mason jars.
Fill jars: Place the dill into the jars.
Mix brine: In a bowl combine water, vinegar, pickling spices, salt and sugar. Pour into the jar until the liquid is covering the cucumbers. Place a garlic clove on top and seal.
Refrigerate: Let the pickles soak for at least 24 hours.

Tips and Variations for Homemade Pickles:

To make canned pickles even better, tweak the brine to suit your taste preferences. You can load the pickles up with your favorite spices and have total control over the ingredients. Every bite will be bursting with personalized flavor!

Serve with: Zesty pickles are great stacked up on burgers and sandwiches like this Big Mac burger or an ultimate Cuban sandwich. They also make a great snack alongside Chicken Caesar Salad wraps on a picnic.
Spicy Pickles: If you love spicy pickles add a bit of red pepper flakes to your liquid.
Boil the brine: For even more amazing flavor, try boiling your brine. Just make sure to let it cool completely before adding in your pickles or they will become soft. If you decide to boil your brine, do not use pans with metal in them like copper or cast iron, or you will get a metallic taste. Instead, stick to stainless steel or ceramic.
Presentation: Slice the cucumbers differently depending on their use. For example, cut them into spears for snacking. However, when making them to use in sandwiches you will want to slice them into round slices or long thin slices.

How Long Do Canned Pickles Last?

Your homemade pickles will be fresh in your refrigerator for up to 2 months. However, once you try them you will see they will not last that long! They do become more soggy the longer they sit, so for the best crunch use soon after making them.

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