Classic Dill Pickles

Crisp, tangy homemade dill pickles made with fresh kirby cucumbers, aromatic spices, and fresh dill in a vinegar brine. These pickles can be stored for up to 2 months in the refrigerator.

8 servings
45 min

Ingredients

  • 1 cup distilled white vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons kosher salt
  • 2 teaspoons sugar
  • 2 tablespoons spices (e.g., peppercorns, coriander seeds, and/or mustard seeds)
  • 2 cups water
  • 2 pounds kirby cucumbers, quartered
  • 10 sprigs large dill sprigs
  • Hot brine
  • 2 teaspoons black peppercorns
  • 2 teaspoons caraway seeds
  • 2 quart canning jars with lids

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Bring 1 cup distilled white vinegar, 2 tablespoons kosher salt, 2 teaspoons sugar, up to 2 tablespoons spices (e.g., peppercorns, coriander seeds, and/or mustard seeds), and 2 cups water to a boil in a saucepan. Pour over vegetables in jars.

    10 min

  2. 2.

    Divide 2 pounds kirby cucumbers, quartered, and 10 large dill sprigs between jars.

    5 min

  3. 3.

    Dividing evenly, pour hot brine (see formula, left)-using 2 teaspoons black peppercorns and 2 teaspoons caraway seeds for the spices-into jars and cover. Let cool, then chill.

    30 min

  4. 4.

    Cucumbers can be pickled 2 months ahead. Keep chilled.