Learn how to make delicious homemade pickles with this easy cucumber recipe! I'm sharing my expert tips for making this dill pickle canning recipe like a pro, how to make cucumber pickle, achieving the perfect crunch, using a water bath canner, and much more. Impress your taste buds (and friends!) when you pop open a jar of your very own dill pickles!
If your garden is overflowing with cucumbers, you need this recipe!
This is a simple water bath canning recipe that we use on repeat during cucumber season, which is from mid June through early August for us in zone 6B.
I always say that I'm going to give myself permission to sell or give away our abundance of cucumbers once I've made enough jars of pickles for our family, but ever since I learned how to make cucumber pickle, it's been game on!
If you have more cucumbers than you know what to do with, I know you'll love my Tomato Cucumber Feta Salad and Easy Cucumber Salad (cucumbers onion vinegar sugar recipe).
Jump to:
- Why this dill pickle canning recipe works
- Why homemade dill pickles are better than store-bought pickles
- How to choose the right cucumber for pickling
- Helpful tools for canning dill pickles
- Tip: Easiest way to peel garlic
- What causes mushy pickles?
- Ingredients for making pickles
- how to make cucumber pickle (step-by-step)
- Recipe
- VARIATIONS FOR THIS DILL PICKLE RECIPE
- Variations for this dill pickle recipe
- How long do homemade pickles last?
- FAQ about making pickles
- I bet you'd be interested in these!
- If you are a beginner gardener, I wrote these guides just for you!
- Comments
In this easy-to-follow guide, I'll walk you through the simple steps to create delicious pickles right in your own kitchen. Use the jump-to button above to find what you need, fast!
Making really good homemade pickles is totally worth the effort, I promise! I'll cover everything from selecting the perfect cucumbers and essential ingredients for the pickling brine to using the right equipment, like jars and water bath canners.
If you have any questions, check out the frequently asked questions section for quick answers or ask me in the comments!
Get ready to impress your taste buds and friends with these homemade pickles!
Why this dill pickle canning recipe works
Don't take my word for it, try it out! This is a family recipe and we all know no one knows canning like grandma!
Her dill pickle recipe card has a lifetime of handwritten notes in her swirly and precise cursive, resulting in the only pickle recipe you and I will ever need! It's already been perfected, from my grandma's kitchen to yours! It's the best pickles recipe out there!
Other recipes from my grandma's kitchen include her Sweet Cream Sugar Cookies, Peanut Butter Cake, Breakfast Casserole, Rhubarb Crisp and Old Fashioned Italian Cream Cake.
Why homemade dill pickles are better than store-bought pickles
Making pickles at home offers several advantages. First, you have complete control over the freshness and quality of the ingredients. By handpicking the cucumbers and other ingredients, you ensure that your pickles are made with the freshest produce available. You can also choose the types of cucumbers you want to use!
Second, homemade pickles allow for customization of flavors and ingredients. You can experiment with different spices, herbs, and brine combinations to create unique and personalized pickle recipes that cater to your taste preferences.
Lastly, making pickles at home is cost-effective compared to store-bought options. You can buy cucumbers in bulk when they are in season, reducing the overall cost per jar.
Additionally, you can reuse jars and other equipment, further minimizing expenses.
How to choose the right cucumber for pickling
When it comes to choosing the right cucumbers for pickling, there are a few key factors to consider.
1.First and foremost, opt for cucumbers specifically labeled as "pickling cucumbers" or "Kirby cucumbers" if possible. These varieties are known for their firm texture and smaller size, which make them ideal for pickling. My favorite varieties to grow in the garden are Chicago Pickler and Marketmore 76. When in doubt, choose seedless cucumbers! Other less popular pickling cucumbers are English cucumbers, Japanese cucumbers, Persian cucumbers and other thin-skinned slicers. Personally, I would stick to the pickling varieties mentioned above if possible.
2. Look for cucumbers that are firm, with smooth and unwrinkled skin. Avoid cucumbers that are overly soft or have blemishes, as they may not hold up well during the pickling process. Bumpy skin or thin skin, skip'em!
3. Size matters too. Pickling cucumbers are typically smaller, about 3 to 4 inches in length. This ensures that they fit well into jars and result in evenly pickled slices or spears. Smaller cucumbers also tend to have fewer seeds, which can contribute to a better texture in the final pickles.
4. If you're unable to find pickling cucumbers, you can still use regular slicing cucumbers for pickling. However, be sure to select cucumbers that are on the smaller side, with thinner skin, and fewer seeds.
Remember, the quality and freshness of the cucumbers are crucial for tasty pickles, so consider purchasing them from local farmers' markets or growing your own if possible.
Helpful tools for canning dill pickles
As an amazon associate, this post contains affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. See my full disclosure here.
When it comes to canning cucumber pickles, having the right tools at hand can make the process a breeze.
- A reliable water bath canner: This will ensure the right temperature and water level for safe preservation. I'm linking my Presto canner, which is compatible with my induction range. I use it for both pressure canning and water bath canning. Ideally, the pot should be at least 3 inches deeper than the height of the jar you are canning. This allows the jar to be covered by at least an inch of water without boiling over!
- Jar lifter: This comes in handy for lifting hot jars out of the canner as easily as possible. I've linked a jar lifter that includes a funnel, magnetic lid lifter, and a bubble popper at a reasonable price with good reviews.
- Canning jars, canning lids & rings: I'm linking to amazon to show you canning jars, but I recommend buying locally for a lower price. Pickles are most often canned in wide-mouth quart jars. Use a new lid every time you can, but the jars and rings can be used over and over again.
- Ball Complete Book of Home Preserving: Once you learn how to preserve pickles, odds are you'll want to can even more! This is my go-to book, and you'll find tried and true recipes for all kinds of foods!
Tip: Easiest way to peel garlic
To prepare a garlic clove for use in a pickle recipe, start by selecting fresh garlic bulbs with plump cloves. Separate a desired number of cloves from the bulb, leaving the skins intact.
Using the flat side of a chef's knife, gently press down on each clove to loosen the skin.
Once loosened, the skin can be easily peeled away, revealing the aromatic clove ready to be added to your pickle recipe. Repeat this process for the desired quantity of garlic cloves needed for your pickles.
What causes mushy pickles?
There's nothing quite as disappointing as a jar of soft cucumber pickles. So what causes this? There are 4 main reasons your homemade pickles might have a crunch problem. These are where I begin when I'm troubleshooting less than appealing pickles.
1. The brine might not have had enough salt: It takes the proper ratio of salt in the brine to properly penetrate the cucumbers and preserve them.
2. Cucumbers not fully submerged: If the cucumber is exposed to air or resting out of the brine, it will become soft.
3. Too hot for too long: When processing a batch of cucumbers, it is super important to follow the recipe for using the water bath canner. When the recipe says they're done, go ahead and get them out of the boiling water ASAP!
4. Poor cucumbers: If your cucumbers had been picked days ago, over ripened, or were too big, these factors can all cause a mushy pickle.
Ingredients for making pickles
When it comes to making homemade pickles, you'll need a few essential ingredients to get started. The basic ingredients for pickling include cucumbers, vinegar, water, salt, and sugar. These ingredients form the foundation of the pickling brine that adds flavor and preserves the cucumbers.
- 5% Acidity Distilled White Vinegar
- Filtered Water
- Canning Salt
- Cucumbers
- Garlic
- Dill Seeds or Fresh Dill
- Mustard Seeds
- (optional) Jalapeños or other garden peppers
See recipe card for quantities.
how to make cucumber pickle (step-by-step)
Making homemade pickles is a straightforward process that can be broken down into simple steps. Let's dive into the step-by-step guide for how to pickle cucumbers with vinegar:
1. Prepare the cucumbers by washing them thoroughly under cool running water and trim off the ends if desired. I recommend soaking the pickles for thirty minutes in a sink or bucket filled with ice water before starting this recipe.
2. Next, decide whether you prefer sliced pickles or pickle spears. Trim off both ends and any flawed areas. For slices, use a sharp knife or a mandolin slicer to cut the cucumbers into evenly sized rounds. If you prefer spears, slice the cucumbers lengthwise into quarters or eighths, depending on your desired thickness.
3. In a non-reactive pot, bring the vinegar, water and canning salt to a boil. This is creating the brine. Heat until the brine simmers and the salt has dissolved, about 2 minutes.
4. Divide the dill, garlic, mustard, and jalapeños or banana peppers evenly between the jars. Add the cucumbers to the quart jars, fitting them snugly together. Each jar should be packed nice and tight!
5. Ladle the hot brine into the jars using a funnel. Leave ½ inch of headspace. Use a chopstick or knife to release any air pockets in the jars. Wipe the rim with a paper towel and place the lid on the jar. Finger tighten the ring and use a jar lifter to lower the jar into the water bath canner. The jars need to be covered by at least one inch of water.
6. Bring the water bath canner to a rolling boil and start a timer for 10 minutes. Remove the jars from the canner and transfer them to a heat-safe surface, like a baking sheet lined with a towel. Leave them alone for 12 hours (or even 24 hours). Remove the rings and test the lid seals before labeling and storing.
7. The dill pickles will taste best if they sit for 6-8 weeks before opening to taste. Once the jar has been opened, store the pickles in the refrigerator.
If you make this recipe, please leave a comment below! This provides helpful feedback to both me and other readers. For more delicious recipes from scratch and homesteading tips, follow me on instagram @NinnescahHomestead
Recipe
Dill Pickle Canning Recipe
Equipment
- water bath canner
- jar lifter
- 6 quart mason jars, lids & rings
Ingredients
- 8 cups 5% distilled white vinegar
- 8 cups filtered water
- ¾ cups canning salt
- 12 cucumbers or ¼ bushel
- 2 bulbs garlic
- 6 teaspoons dill seeds
- 6 teaspoons mustard seeds
- 1-2 jalapeños optional
Instructions
- Prepare the cucumbers by washing them thoroughly under cool running water and trim off the ends if desired. I recommend soaking the pickles for thirty minutes in a sink or bucket filled with ice water before starting this recipe.
- Next, decide whether you prefer sliced pickles or pickle spears. Trim off both ends and any flawed areas. For slices, use a sharp knife or a mandolin slicer to cut the cucumbers into evenly sized rounds. If you prefer spears, slice the cucumbers lengthwise into quarters or eighths, depending on your desired thickness.
- In a non-reactive pot, bring the vinegar, water and canning salt to a boil. This is creating the brine. Heat until the brine and simmer until the salt has dissolved, about 2 minutes.
- Divide the dill, garlic, mustard, and jalapeños or banana peppers evenly between the quart jars. Add the cucumbers to the jar, fitting them snugly together. Your jar should be packed nice and tight!
- Ladle the hot brine into the jars using a funnel. Leave ½ inch of headspace. Use a chopstick or knife to release any air pockets in the jars. Wipe the rim with a paper towel and place the lid on the jar. Finger tighten the ring and use a jar lifter to lower the jar into the water bath canner. The jars need to be covered by at least one inch of water.
- Bring the water bath canner to a rolling boil and start a timer for 10 minutes. Remove the jars from the canner and transfer them to a heat-safe surface, like a baking sheet lined with a towel. Leave them alone for 12 hours (or even 24 hours). Remove the rings and test the lid seals before labeling and storing.
- The dill pickles will taste best if they sit for 6-8 weeks before opening to taste. Once the jar has been opened, store the pickles in the refrigerator.
Notes
VARIATIONS FOR THIS DILL PICKLE RECIPE
For those looking to experiment with flavors, there are various optional ingredients and variations to consider. You can enhance the taste of your pickles by adding herbs like dill, garlic cloves, mustard seeds, black peppercorns, red onions, or red pepper flakes. We love to make spicy pickles by adding garden jalapeños and other hot peppers. I add the pepper seeds for a really hot batch! Feel free to get creative and adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences, making each batch of pickles uniquely yours.- maple leaves
- bay leaves
- black tea leaves
Nutrition
Variations for this dill pickle recipe
For those looking to experiment with flavors, there are various optional ingredients and variations to consider. You can enhance the taste of your pickles by adding herbs like dill, garlic cloves, mustard seeds, black peppercorns, red onions, or red pepper flakes.
We love to make spicy pickles by adding garden jalapeños and other hot peppers. I add the pepper seeds for a really hot batch!
Feel free to get creative and adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences, making each batch of pickles uniquely yours.
How long do homemade pickles last?
What determines the shelf-life of a canned pickle is the canning lid. Nearly all canning lids guarantee their seal for 18 months. In my experience, canned pickles won't last a long time in the pantry once your family finds them!
Store the canned pickles out of direct sunlight, such as in a pantry or shelf in a storage room. Rotate your stock so that the oldest jars are at the front and will be used first.
FAQ about making pickles
Yes! Even though this is a cucumber pickle recipe made with a vinegar brine, it still needs to be refrigerated after the jar is opened. As long as the jar seal is unbroken, they are shelf stable.
Pickles in a vinegar brine are an acidic food, and do not need to be pressure canned. Today we are using a simple water bath canner while we learn how to make cucumber pickle.
While it isn't necessary to include any of these leaves in your pickle jar, here are a few ingredients that are known to keep cucumbers crisp during pickling.
Crunchy pickles, in my experience, are more likely due to the variety of cucumber and the length of heat processing.
- grape leaves
- maple leaves
- bay leaves
- black tea leaves
If you want to experiment with the varieties of vinegar used in the recipe, for example rice vinegar, apple cider vinegar, white wine vinegar or red wine vinegar, I would suggest following a recipe for refrigerator pickles instead of this canning recipe.
This recipe was specifically written for 5% white vinegar, but quick pickles have more flexibility because they aren't being preserved for long term storage.
Just search for quick pickle recipe or use the quick pickled cucumber recipe in my blog post about perfect venison burgers.
I bet you'd be interested in these!
Looking for more recipes and tips about preserving food? Try these:
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When you are just learning to grow fruits and vegetables, it can feel overwhelming. Here are a few of my favorite grow guides for common veggies that will help you!
Aaron
Best pickles on the planet
Melissa
Easy and delicious.
ANASTASIA LUJAN
First time making pickles. Vey easy to follow recipe and they look great so far. The process and instructions were perfect. I can't wait to try them in 6 weeks.
Heather Coleman
Just made these today! Can't wait to try them in 6 weeks
Shelly R
I just found your blog as I was searching for a dill pickle recipe to use up all these cukes from our garden this year! You had me at your blog name — the Ninnescah River is near me! (Sumner County, KS) and then I saw you’re a Kansas girl! Awesome! This recipe was easy to follow and I can hardly wait to eat my pickles in a few weeks!
Meg
Hi Shelly! What a small world! You might just be the first person to randomly stumble upon my site and actually know what the Ninnescah river is LOL. I'm so glad you found me! I can't wait to hear how your pickles turn out.
- Meg
Sarah Kamel
I used this recipe for my first time water-bathing and they turned out so well! I used pint jars because I thought I saw that somewhere but now I can’t find it. I have a lot of cucumbers to use and only quart jars currently. I just wanted to confirm that I can use quart size and still follow the recipe with 1/2 inch headspace and everything? I was doing a canning class and it said to make sure because headspace can change when you move up in size.
Meg
Hi! Great question. The USDA recommends leaving 1/2" head space for all water bath pickle canning recipes. I'm not sure what the reasoning is, but that is the measurement for both pints and quarts. Happy canning!
- Meg
Stephanie Lee Houde
Hello,
I just made this recipe and have a ton of brine left over. Six mason jars makes less than 16 cups (your 8 cups vinegar and 8 cups filtered water) Are you supposed to boil it down to less? I boiled mine for about a half hour. The instructions don’t say how long to boil/ simmer. Could you add that to the recipe?
Meg
Hello! There is brine left over after this recipe. 16 cups of brine will be enough for approximately 6 quart jars of dill pickles, depending on how tightly the cucumbers are packed in the jars. There's nothing worse than running out of brine, so I always make extra! If you happen to have more cucumbers available, you can always make a few more jars of pickles with the extra! The brine needs to be brought to a simmer long enough for the salt to dissolve. Once the simmer starts, the salt will dissolve in just a few minutes. It's pretty fast!
Thanks for asking and happy canning!
Meg
Devin
Hi,
I'm excited to try to make these. I have made pickles before (not this recipe) and they didn't come out very well. I have a few questions to be sure I'm preparing them correctly.
1) Can I use pink himalayan salt in this recipe?
2) Do I start to time the pickles once I put them in the water bath? Or once the water starts to boil? The pickles I made before were super soft so I'm wondering if they were boiled too long.
3) Does the timing stay the same for pickle chips and pickle spears?
Thanks for any help.
Nevin
I made these and they’re almost too sour for me. Can I reduce the vinegar a bit or will that affect the picking process??
OGGardenBlossom
Have you ever experimented with adding unconventional ingredients like sriracha or ginger to your cucumber pickle recipe for a unique twist on this classic condiment? Share your experiences and any tips for those looking to spice up their pickle game!
Meg
I have not tried sriracha or ginger, but it sounds delicious! One of our favorite inclusions are fresh garlic scapes. Thanks for sharing your tips!