Description
These Homemade Claussen Pickles are crisp, tangy, and packed with delicious garlic and dill flavors. Made with a simple brine, these refrigerator pickles require no canning and stay wonderfully crunchy. Whether you enjoy them as a snack, on sandwiches, or alongside your favorite dishes, these pickles will quickly become a household favorite!
Ingredients
- 2 lbs pickling cucumbers 🥒 (Kirby or Persian cucumbers work best)
- 2 cups water 💧
- 1 cup white vinegar 🍶
- 1 tablespoon sugar 🍬
- 2 tablespoons pickling salt 🧂
- 2 cloves garlic, smashed 🧄
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds 🌼
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes 🌶️ (optional, for spice)
- 1/2 teaspoon dill seeds 🌿
- 1/2 teaspoon black peppercorns 🌑
Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Cucumbers – Wash the cucumbers thoroughly and slice them into spears or chips. Trim off both ends to ensure crispness.
2️⃣ Make the Brine – In a saucepan over medium heat, combine water, vinegar, sugar, and pickling salt. Stir until dissolved, then remove from heat.
3️⃣ Add the Spices – Mix in the garlic, mustard seeds, red pepper flakes (if using), dill seeds, and black peppercorns. Let the brine sit for a few minutes.
4️⃣ Pack the Jars – Place the cucumber slices in clean jars, arranging them tightly without crushing them.
5️⃣ Pour the Brine – Carefully pour the warm brine over the cucumbers, ensuring they are fully submerged. Leave a little space at the top of the jar.
6️⃣ Seal and Cool – Close the jars with lids and let them cool to room temperature.
7️⃣ Refrigerate & Wait – Store the pickles in the fridge for at least 24 hours before eating. For the best flavor, let them sit for 3-5 days before enjoying!
Notes
- For extra crunch, add a grape leaf or a pinch of calcium chloride to the jar.
- Adjust the spice level by adding more or less red pepper flakes.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 months, ensuring the pickles remain fully submerged in brine.
- For a no-vinegar version, try fermenting the pickles with a saltwater brine instead.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 24 hours (for best flavor, 3-5 days)