Quick Description
These Homemade Dill Pickle Spears are crunchy, salty, garlicky, and full of classic deli-style flavor. Perfect for burgers, sandwiches, snacks, or charcuterie boards, these refrigerator pickles are easy to make with simple ingredients and no canning required.
If you love bold pickle flavor, this recipe is a must-try.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crisp and crunchy texture
- Easy no-canning method
- Better than store-bought
- Great for meal prep
- Low calorie snack
- Perfect for sandwiches and burgers
- Ready in a few days
Servings & Timing
- Servings: 1 large jar
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Chill Time: 24–72 hours
- Total Time: 20 minutes + chilling
Ingredients
- 4–5 pickling cucumbers or small cucumbers
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
- 3 cloves garlic, smashed
- 1 tablespoon dill seeds or fresh dill sprigs
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds (optional)
How to Make Dill Pickle Spears
Step 1: Prepare Cucumbers
Wash cucumbers well.
Cut into spears or slices.
Step 2: Pack the Jar
Place into clean jar:
- cucumber spears
- garlic
- dill
- peppercorns
- mustard seeds
- chili flakes
Pack tightly.
Step 3: Make Brine
In a saucepan combine:
- water
- vinegar
- salt
- sugar
Heat until salt dissolves. No need to boil hard.
Step 4: Pour Over Cucumbers
Let brine cool slightly, then pour into jar until cucumbers are covered.
Step 5: Chill
Seal jar and refrigerate.
Best after 24 hours, even better after 3 days.
Nutrition (Approx Per Serving)
- Calories: 10–20
- Carbs: 2g
- Fat: 0g
- Protein: 0g
Serving Ideas
- Burgers
- Sandwiches
- BBQ plates
- Snack trays
- Chopped into tuna salad
- With grilled meats
Storage
- Refrigerate up to 3 weeks
- Keep submerged in brine for best texture
Expert Tips
- Use fresh firm cucumbers
- Trim blossom end for extra crunch
- Add grape leaf if desired for crispness
- Let sit longer for stronger flavor
- Use wide-mouth jars for easier packing
Easy Variations
Spicy Dill Pickles
Add jalapeños or extra chili flakes.
Garlic Lover Version
Double the garlic.
Sweet Dill Pickles
Add 2 tablespoons sugar.
Extra Tangy Version
Use more vinegar.
Benefits
Low Calorie Snack
Great when cravings hit.
Hydrating
Cucumbers contain lots of water.
Easy Homemade Option
Control salt, sugar, and spice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to can these?
No, this is a refrigerator pickle recipe.
How long until ready?
Good after 24 hours, best after 3 days.
Can I reuse brine?
Best to make fresh brine for safety and flavor.
Final Thoughts
These Homemade Dill Pickle Spears are simple, crunchy, and packed with flavor. Once you make them fresh at home, it’s hard to go back to store-bought.
Perfect for pickle lovers and super easy for beginners
