Homemade Pickles

Crisp, tangy, and bursting with flavor, homemade pickles are a delightful addition to any meal or snack. This easy recipe allows you to customize your pickles to your taste, whether you prefer them sweet, spicy, or classic dill!

Servings: 2 glass jars

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Pickling Time: 24 hours

Total Time: 24 hours 15 minutes

Ingredients:

For the Pickles:
- 2 cucumbers
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup white vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons sugar (optional, for sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon mustard seeds
- 1 tablespoon dill seeds (or fresh dill)
- 3-4 garlic cloves
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns

Instructions:

Prepare the Cucumbers:
- Wash cucumbers thoroughly and slice them into rounds, spears, or leave them whole.
Make the Brine:
- In a medium saucepan, combine water, vinegar, salt, and sugar (if using). Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until salt and sugar are dissolved. Remove from heat.
Pack the Jars:
- In sterilized pint jars, layer cucumbers with garlic, mustard seeds, dill seeds, red pepper flakes, and black peppercorns.
Pour the Brine:
- Carefully pour the hot brine over the cucumbers, making sure they are fully submerged. Leave about 1/2 inch of headspace at the top of the jars.
Seal and Cool:
- Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean cloth to remove any residue. Seal jars with lids and let them cool to room temperature.
Refrigerate:
- Once cooled, place jars in the refrigerator. Allow the pickles to sit for at least 24 hours before enjoying. The flavors will continue to develop over time.

Additional Tips:

Customize Your Flavor: Feel free to add spices like coriander seeds, dill sprigs, or even slices of jalapeño for extra heat.
Storage: Homemade pickles can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 months.
Quick Pickles: For a quicker option, let the pickles marinate for just a few hours, though the flavor will be milder.