February 16, 2024
Review RecipeHomemade Refrigerator Pickles
These tangy refrigerator pickles have plenty of great flavors and are the perfect way to preserve all your spoils from cucumber season, using a simple brine that keeps them fresh in the fridge for up to a month.
Jump to Recipe
Table of Contents
- What Are Refrigerator Pickles?
- Refrigerator Pickle Recipe ingredients
- Fridge Pickles Substitutions And Additions
- How To Make Homemade Refrigerator Pickles
- How To Serve Spicy Homemade Refrigerator Pickles
- How To Store Fridge Pickles
- You Will Love These Simple Refrigerator Pickles
- Refrigerator Pickles FAQs
- More Recipes You’ll Love
- JUMP TO RECIPE
Crunchy refrigerator pickles are the best way to make pickles without having to can them, and they last for weeks in the fridge, so you can always have a snack or side dish on hand. These pickles are tangy and sweet, simple to make, and you can customize the flavor to your liking.
What Are Refrigerator Pickles?
Refrigerator pickles are preserved in vinegar but are not processed using a water bath. They must be stored in the refrigerator, or they will spoil.
Refrigerator Pickle Recipe ingredients
Refrigerator pickles have a unique taste that is sure to delight anyone’s palate. They have the classic crunchy texture of regular pickles but are slightly sweeter because of the brine solution used for refrigeration.
With a subtle sweetness and an unmistakable tang, refrigerator pickles will add depth and flavor to hamburgers, salads, or sandwiches.
To make this easy recipe, you’ll need:
- 3 cups of white vinegar
- 3 cups of granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon of kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons of pickling spice
- 6 dried red chilis, optional
- 6 sprigs of fresh dill
- 1 pound of Kirby cucumbers (pickling cucumber), cut into spears, about 4 small cucumbers
- 1 cup of sliced yellow onion
PRO TIP:
It is important that you are using the correct type of fresh cucumbers for this easy recipe; otherwise, you will end up with soggy pickles.
Fridge Pickles Substitutions And Additions
CUCUMBERS: If you can’t find pickling cucumbers, you can use English cucumbers or Persian cucumbers. Each type will slightly alter the texture and flavor, but all will result in delicious pickles.
Additionally, you can try experimenting with other crunchy veggies like zucchini, carrots, or green beans to create a unique blend of refrigerator pickles.
CHILIS: Feel free to leave out the dried red chili or substitute ½ teaspoon of crushed red chili flakes in each jar instead.
VINEGAR: While white vinegar is commonly used in this recipe, you can substitute it with apple cider vinegar for a slightly milder and fruitier taste.
If you prefer a tangier kick, go for red wine vinegar or rice vinegar. Keep in mind that using balsamic vinegar might drastically change the flavor profile, so it’s best to avoid it in this recipe.
GARLIC: Add an extra layer of flavor by including minced shallots or red onions alongside the garlic. If you prefer a milder garlic taste, roast the garlic before adding it to the brine, as it will lend a sweeter and nuttier profile.
DILL: Fresh dill is fantastic, but dried dill works as a worthy substitute. You can also experiment with other fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano to create your own herb-infused pickles.
How To Make Homemade Refrigerator Pickles
Making refrigerator pickles is a great way to infuse your favorite flavors into crunchy cucumbers.
Making them requires nothing more than slicing up the cucumbers, mixing them with salt and other seasonings in an airtight jar, and then covering the mixture with brine.
The mixture needs to sit for a few days for the flavor to infuse, but you can enjoy the finished pickles right away.
You can make a batch of fridge pickles with these easy steps:
STEP ONE: Add the white vinegar, sugar, salt, pickling spice, and red chilis to a medium saucepan.
Bring the ingredients to a simmer, stirring constantly. Let simmer for 1 to 2 minutes until the sugar is dissolved completely.
The pickling brine mixture will become clearer once all of the sugar is dissolved.
STEP TWO: Let the vinegar brine mixture cool completely to room temperature before adding it to the jars.
STEP THREE: While the mixture is cooling, distribute the cucumber spears, dill, and sliced onions equally to 2 wide-mouth quart-sized jars.
OUR RECIPE DEVELOPER SAYS
The wide-mouth jars make it easier to fill than the canning jars with a narrower opening.
STEP FOUR: Add the cooled liquid to the jars and top with the mason jar lids. Refrigerate for 3 days for the best result.
PRO TIP:
Once you add the lids, give the jars a good shake to make sure all of the spices and liquids are evenly distributed.
How To Serve Spicy Homemade Refrigerator Pickles
Refrigerator pickles are a quick and tasty condiment that can make a meal instantly more pleasing. The tart, vinegary flavor pairs nicely with many dishes.
They can add a flavorful crunch to burgers and tacos, or play a supporting role in potato salads and pasta salads.
They also make interesting snacks when served with a simple cheese plate, olives, and crackers.
These sweet and tangy pickles are the perfect pickle to enjoy on sandwiches or subs. Add them to our party sub or fried chicken sandwich for two great recipes that would be made even better with pickles.
Of course, you could also just snack on them right out of the jar!
Our cucumber salad and cucumber bites are two more ways you can use up your garden cucumbers this year.
MORE PICKLE RECIPES
How To Store Fridge Pickles
Let’s have a look at how to store them properly so you can enjoy their freshness for as long as possible.
IN THE FRIDGE: Keep the homemade pickles in the jar tightly covered. The pickles are not processed in a water bath, so please store them under refrigeration.
Label your jars so that you know how long you have to enjoy them.
IN THE FREEZER: We do not recommend storing these spicy refrigerator pickles in the freezer. They are best stored in the fridge and consumed within a month.
You Will Love These Simple Refrigerator Pickles
Satisfy your pickle craving with this zesty refrigerator dill pickle recipe. No canning or processing is required, so this recipe makes it quick and easy to whip up a batch of refrigerator pickles to keep in the fridge to satisfy a craving for a crunchy snack.
Refrigerator Pickles FAQs
How do these pickles taste?
These crisp pickles, based on a vintage recipe, are tangy and sweet. The sweet-tart flavor of the pickle spears is the perfect accompaniment to hearty sandwiches and party subs.
How long will homemade refrigerator pickles last?
The jar of pickles will last for about a month in the refrigerator.
What are refrigerator pickles?
Refrigerator pickles are a great way to use up an abundance of cucumbers. You don’t need to worry about canning them in a water bath. You just make a syrup using simple pantry ingredients and pour it over the pickles.
What is another variation I can make?
You can slice the cucumbers instead of cutting them into spears to make pickle chips. You can also add fresh garlic cloves to each jar if you like garlic-flavored pickles. Slightly smash the garlic cloves before adding them to the jar.
Can I can these pickles?
This easy refrigerator pickles recipe is not designed to be used for pickles that are being canned.
What is the difference between refrigerator pickles and regular pickles?
Refrigerator pickles are preserved in vinegar, but they are not processed using a water bath. They must be stored in the refrigerator or they will spoil.
Canned pickles, on the other hand, are processed with a water bath and are shelf-stable, meaning they don’t have to be stored in the fridge.
How long do refrigerator pickles last?
Refrigerator pickles can keep in the fridge for around 2-3 months.
More Recipes You’ll Love
- Dill Pickle Dip
- Cast Iron Banana Bread
- Dill Pickle Chex Mix
- Pickled Cucumber Salad
- Chili Recipe
- Baked Ham and Cheese Sandwiches
- Fried Zucchini
- Cream Cheese Pinwheels
- Asian Cucumber Salad
- Cucumber Sandwiches
- Air Fryer Zucchini
Refrigerator Pickle Recipe
These tangy refrigerator pickles have plenty of great flavors and are the perfect way to preserve all your spoils from cucumber season, using a simple brine that keeps them fresh in the fridge for up to a month.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 3 days 20 minutes
Servings 2
Ingredients
- 3 cups white vinegar
- 3 cups granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons pickling spice
- 6 dried red chilis, optional
- 6 sprigs fresh dill
- 1 pound Kirby cucumbers, pickling cucumber, cut into spears about 4 small cucumbers
- 1 cup sliced yellow onion
Instructions
- Add the white vinegar, sugar, salt, pickling spice, and red chilis to a medium saucepan. Bring the ingredients to a simmer, stirring constantly. Let simmer for 1 to 2 minutes until the sugar is dissolved completely. The mixture will become clearer once all of the sugar is dissolved.
- Let the mixture cool completely before adding it to the jars.
- While the mixture is cooling, distribute the cucumber spears, dill, and sliced onions equally to 2 wide-mouth quart-sized jars.
- Add the cooled liquid to the jars and top with the mason jar lids. Refrigerate for 3 days for the best result.
Notes
- It is important that you are using the correct type of fresh cucumbers for this easy recipe; otherwise, you will end up with soggy pickles.
- The wide-mouth jars make it easier to fill than the canning jars with a narrower opening.
- Once you add the lids, give the jars a good shake to make sure all of the spices and liquids are evenly distributed.
Nutrition
Calories: 1354kcal | Carbohydrates: 328g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 0.3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Sodium: 3525mg | Potassium: 959mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 313g | Vitamin A: 1714IU | Vitamin C: 212mg | Calcium: 143mg | Iron: 3mg
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Comments
Brigid Wolny says
This sounds perfect! Love pickles and think making my own could be fun. I am not one for spicy but think the sugar might tone that down a little, will have to try both ways!!
Dee says
I have never made refrigerator pickles in the fridge before. These look wonderful.
Melissa Stuteville says
Those look yummy!! I’ll take some mild ones.
Donna G Kmelius says
It looks like a pretty easy recipe. I am going to try to make these.
George Burke says
I think I would first try the mild, but I’d also try the spicy.
Deborah Auble says
This recipe sounds amazing. I will be trying it out. I have made refrigerator pickles before but never a sweet and sour. Can’t wait to make them.
Pam McClammy says
I have made refrigerator pickles with my mother-in-law that had a mild garlic dill flavor. We used them to make tuna salad sandwiches and many other recipes that called for relish or just serving with a relish tray on the dinner table. My family loved just eating them straight as a snack They didn’t last long in the fridge at our house. We loved them this recipe looks really good too.
Glenda Harding says
I have never made refrigerator pickles , but I do love me a pickle. I would add chili flakes and garlic. These look easy enough to make due to your great explanation and pictures (I love the pictures especially). Thank you#
Lakisha says
I love pickles yummmy never had spicy ones nor made homemade but i was glad to see this recipe lil garlic no it makes me sick i eat pickles all the time
Jennifer Bonsness says
I have not done homemade pickles before as the idea of jarring/canning seems overwhelming to me. I would definitely try them with garlic! I will do this recipe. Sounds delicious!
Debi says
I’ve made green tomato pickles and bread and butter.
Kim says
These are the best refrigerator pickles i have eaten. Easy to make and no more pressure cooking. Kids love helping make these as well as counting down days to eating them. I sometimes do slices instead of spears
Jordan says
I have never made pickles in the refrigerator but I love when other people do! This looks clear and easy to follow so I am excited to try!
Jooles says
Being from the UK, Kirby cucumbers are not the usual kind but will be having a try as my Husband loves cucumber. As a coeliac I’m more careful but will try pickling other veg.
Thank-you for the idea and making a fun use of veg.
Jooles
Linda says
I have made refrigerator pickles for years and serve them with any type of sandwich meal. Always a staple at cookouts. I’m looking forward to trying your recipe which will add a little spice to my version. Thanks for a new recipe to try.
David Coleman says
No, I have never made these. But I will attempt to now !!!
Peggy says
I would add some garlic😊👍❤
Shannon says
I’ve never made refrigerator pickles but we are totally making them today! Yum!
Mary says
I have tried this recipe they are so delicious and crispy. Plan on making more after a visit to my local fresh vegetable market!
Korene says
These sound amazing! I would like a sweet and spicy version.
Kayla Standley says
I make these all the time but add fresh garlic cloves. I also do this with okra as well, my kids and I love pickles whenever so we love making this recipe, easy and convenient.
Al McIntosh says
I like spicy
Linda says
I’ve never made refrigerator pickles before.But this recipe has my tongue tingly…can’t wait to try it!
Linda says
This recipe has my tongue tingly…can’t wait to try it!
Heather M Paddock says
I would add garlic to this recipe. I LOVE pickles.
Mitzi says
I have never made refrigerator pickles but I would love to try these a little spicy. I think they would be great in a Bloody Mary 🙂
Doris Ryan d says
Spicy
Cat says
I love making refrigerator pickles! Spicier the better! Yum!
Oliver Davidson says
I never made homemade pickles in the fridge,but will try this recipe and will add a little garlic to the recipe.
Susan Ruch says
This is great with the red chilies! My son loved these pickles!
Kerrie H. says
These look so delicious! Don’t know how long they’d last at our house, we snack on pickles on the daily!! Not big on spicy here, so ours would be mild and why not try a little garlic too!!
Penny says
I would probably want to add garlic to mine
Debra Edison says
I love my pickles sweet and spicy. I love all the recipes. They are so easy to follow! Thank you so much❤️.
Erin says
I’ve never made refrigerator pickles before but excited to try this recipe!
Chantel says
Non spicy and with lots of garlic. So good.
Janice Whalen says
I am a pickle addict. However, not a spicy lover so I would change that out in the recipe but otherwise, pickles, pickles, pickles! I have just made some beet pickles and mustard bean pickles….can’t wait to eat them!
Janice
Eileen Emerson says
Yes I’ve made pickles before but not these refrigerated ones. I’ll give it a whirl… Typically I love the garlic and some heat when pickling, especially my dilly beans. Once a jar is opened they’re devoured the same day, they go quickly!
Ramona Tomasello says
I have made refrigerator pickles but not like this I will be trying these sound very good .Thank you Ramona Tomasello
Miki Schmal says
This recipe sounds great and SO easy. I’ve never made refrigerator pickles, or any other kind for that matter. I always thought the process was long and I’ve never canned a food in my life. So I love the idea of a refrigerator pickle. My entire family eats them with a sandwich, on burgers or as a snack (my 8 yr old granddaughter eats them after school almost every day!) I’m very eager to try this so I’ll get the Kirby cucumber next time I grocery shop. Thanks for yet another great recipe!
Kelli says
I have never made refrigerator pickles but I am going to try these this week. I love pickles! Will be fun to taste the outcome! Thank you 😊
Shaunda Snider says
Yes I would put garlic in the pickles. Garlic makes dill pickles so much better.
Nancy A. says
These sound delicious! My family loves pickles and I would love to make these. We like them on the mild side and eat them with everything, and even by themselves.
Summer says
OMG! I will be making these in both a mild and spicy version! Is there a version with a sugar sub that you can recommend?
Layne Kangas says
Hi, Summer – we haven’t tested these with a sugar substitute so I don’t have a recommendation for them. Enjoy!
Betty moore says
I would like mine mild. They look delicious.
Marion Church says
Love these pickles.
Stephanie says
This looks like an easier recipe then most & I look forward to trying it as I have never ever made pickles🤗
Jess says
No I’ve never made homemade pickles. I like spicy and love garlic. I will serve with anything.
Stephanie says
I’m not a pickle fan, but made them for my daughter in law and my granddaughter—they loved them. Keeping this receipt
Mary ALEXIN says
I have never made pickles
Love to eat them though
Will have to give this a try
Tracey says
I like my pickles with garlic.
Melissa says
I have never made refrigerator pickles, but these look easy and tasty! Not sure about the heat, we’re heat wimps! 😁
Dawn M says
OMG, I love pickles. I have never made them in the refrigerator before, and I would like mine a little spicy and definitely would add garlic. I love to eat pickles whenever especially for a snack!!
Jennifer says
I have never made fridge pickles. I don’t like sweet pickles, or spicy (but love garlic and dill) can it be modified?
Layne Kangas says
Hi, Jennifer – you could definitely add garlic to these!
Megan says
I would def put garlic in my pickles 😎
Jennifer Rogerson says
I haven’t made homemade pickles but when I do I would make both spicy and mild and I would add garlic
Jordan Harrison says
I have never made refrigerated pickles until this day. Was surprisingly good 😊🥰
Andrea Stoeckel says
Have you ever made homemade pickles in the fridge? Yes, in fact we had the last of them last night
Would you like these pickles spicy or mild? NO jalepanos
Would you add garlic to your pickles? Doesn’t everyone
When do you serve pickles? ANYTIME, they are one of MY favorites
Brenda Wilson says
I’d try this recipe. I like my pickles hot & spicy!