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Whip up these spicy dill pickles and eat them straight out of the jar. These crunchy delights take little time or skill to make and are such a homemade pickle recipe. They will elevate every burger, salad, sandwich, and wrap (you get the picture) from here on out. The fresh dill and red pepper flakes give this recipe so much flavor and some kick. Play around to make these classic small-batch spicy refrigerator dill pickles your own! Making your old-fashioned pickles is so much fun and no special equipment is needed!
Make spicy dill pickles to brighten up your snacks, sandwiches and salads, or eat them just as they are.
Are you totally into spicy dill pickles? If so, I try dill pickle salad, steak with pickled onions, or brisket sandwich with red pickled onions.
Why You’ll Love It
Perfectly balanced flavor: Each bite adds a tasty mix of tangy vinegar, sweet honey and a little bit of heat from red pepper flakes.
Crunchy and fresh: The crisp cucumbers and tender onions stay perfectly crunchy.
Versatile snack: Enjoy them as a zesty addition to sandwiches, a tangy treat on a relish tray, or a bold snack straight from the jar.
Ingredients for Spicy Dill Pickles
A complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
Apple cider vinegar: The perfect base for the spicy dill pickle recipe.
Rice wine vinegar: Adds a subtle, slightly sweet tang to the brine.
Honey: Adds a natural sweetness.
Red pepper flakes: For a fiery kick, giving these pickles their signature spiciness.
Peppercorns: Classic in a pickle – don’t skip ’em.
Kosher salt: Essential for brining, it draws out moisture and helps preserve the cucumbers. Any pickling salt will do.
Fresh dill sprigs: Add a fragrant, herbal note, giving the pickles a classic dill flavor. Fresh dill weed is not to be missed.
Pickling cucumbers: The crisp, refreshing base of the pickles, scored and sliced. English cucumbers are perfect too.
Red onion: Provides a subtle sweetness and additional crunch – did I mention it’s pretty?
How to Make Spicy Dill Pickles
For more detailed instructions with weights and measurements, jump to the printable recipe card.
Prepare the Brine: In a pot, combine vinegar, honey, pepper flakes, peppercorns and salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
Simmer and cool: Reduce heat to low and let it simmer for 3 minutes. Allow the brine to cool to room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes.
Mix vegetables: In a large bowl, toss the sliced cucumbers and onions.
Add brine and dill: Pour brine over the vegetables. Add the fresh dill, cover, and refrigerate for up to 2 hours.
Package: Portion about 4 ounces of pickles into 8-ounce Mason jars or half pint jars, topping with a few tablespoons of the brine. Seal canned pickles tightly and refrigerate the spicy refrigerator pickles. Discard the brine after use; it should not be reused.
Substitutions and Variations
Vinegar: Swap rice wine vinegar and apple cider vinegar with white vinegar or distilled vinegar.
Honey: Use maple syrup or agave nectar if you prefer a vegan option.
Red pepper flakes: Swap with fresh sliced jalapeños or hot sauce for a different level of heat.
Peppercorns: Try using whole spices like coriander seeds or mustard seeds.
Garlic dill picklers: Add in fresh garlic cloves to turn this recipe into spicy garlic pickles.
Fresh dill: Dried dill can be used in place of fresh, but fresh dill will provide a more vibrant flavor.
Pickling spice: Experiment with other spices like cumin seeds, dill seeds, cilantro seeds (aka coriander seed), a few garlic cloves or bay leaves. Make your own pickling spice recipe to customize your pickles!
Add vegetables: By adding other vegetables like sliced bell peppers, green beans, carrots, or cauliflower.
Fermentation: For a tangier flavor, let the pickles ferment at room temperature for 1 or 2 days before refrigerating.
Minis: You can use mini seedless cucumbers to make your homemade pickles.
Serving Suggestions
Appetizer: Kick off with chickpea flatbread recipe or these easy fresh spring rolls.
Main: Include these pickles in your favorite burger or sandwich.
Dessert: End with a slice of sunny lemon tart or Bisquick apple crumble.
How to Store Refrigerator Dill Pickles
Store: The spicy dill pickles can be stored in airtight mason jars in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.
Freezer: Freezing is not recommended for these refrigerator pickles.
Top Tips
Use super fresh ingredients: Use firm, fresh cucumbers and crisp, vibrant dill for the best flavor and texture. Overripe or soft cucumbers won’t hold up well in the brine.
Cool the brine properly: Allow it to cool completely before pouring it over the cucumbers and onions. This prevents the heat from cooking the vegetables, preserving their crunch.
Keep an eye on salt: Adjust the amount of salt to taste, especially if you’re using a different type than kosher salt, as salt levels can vary between types.
Customize your heat: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on your heat preference. Start with a smaller amount and taste before adding more.
Experiment with flavors: Feel free to add other spices or herbs to the brine to create your own unique pickle flavor profile.
Homemade Spicy Dill Pickles FAQs
Fresh dill is preferred for its robust flavor. However, dried dill can be used as a substitute. Adjust the quantity as dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor.
To ensure their safety and prevent contamination, it is recommended that the jars and their lids be sterilized and washed through one dishwasher cycle.
Yes, you can reduce the amount of red chili flakes in your spicy dill pickles recipe when simmering the brine or add more if you want it spicier.
Ideally, they should marinate for at least an hour. The longer it marinates, the spicier they will be!
Spicy Dill Pickles Recipe
Spicy Dill Pickles
Ingredients
- 1½ Cups rice wine vinegar
- 1½ Cups apple cider vinegar
- 3 Tablespoons honey
- 1 Teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 Tablespoons peppercorns
- 2 Tablespoons kosher salt
- 8 Sprigs fresh dill weed
- 2 Pounds cucumber, scored and sliced
- 1 red onion, medium, julienne-cut
Instructions
- Mix the vinegar, honey, pepper flakes, peppercorns, and salt in a pot and bring to a boil over medium heat.
- Reduce to simmer and cook for 3 minutes.
- Let cool to room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, toss the sliced cucumbers and onions together. Pour the cooled liquid over. Add the dill, cover and refrigerate for 2 hours.
- Serve with a relish tray or on sandwiches.
Notes
Cool the brine properly: Allow it to cool completely before pouring it over the cucumbers and onions. This prevents the heat from cooking the vegetables, preserving their crunch.
Keep an eye on salt: Adjust the amount of salt to taste, especially if you’re using a different type than kosher salt, as salt levels can vary between types.
Customize your heat: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on your heat preference. Start with a smaller amount and taste before adding more.
Experiment with flavors: Feel free to add other spices or herbs to the brine to create your own unique pickle flavor profile.
Nutrition
Craft these homemade spicy dill pickles for the crunchiest treats that are quick and easy to make, requiring minimal effort. They’ll make every burger, salad, sandwich, and wrap extra yummy. The fresh dill and red pepper flakes pack this recipe with incredible flavor. Customize the spice level to make these spicy fridge pickles your own!
Other Recipes With Cucumber To Try
- Try this easy-going, bright, and breezy rice salad.
- I adore this fresh summer salad: watermelon, cucumber, and feta – so tasty.
- Make my easy beef bulgogi bowls for lots of flavor.
- Start the day off with green juice – loaded with cucumbers and other fresh ingredients.
- This Greek-style chicken gyros recipe comes with a creamy, cucumber-loaded tzatziki.
Bella Bucchiotti
Bella Bucchiotti is a Canadian-based syndicated food, travel, and lifestyle writer, photographer, and creator at xoxoBella. She founded xoxoBella in 2015, where she shares her love for food, dogs, sustainability, fitness, crafts, outdoor adventures, travel, and philanthropy to encourage others to run the extra mile, try new recipes, visit unfamiliar places, and stand for a cause. Bella creates stress-free and family-friendly recipes for weeknight dinners and festive feasts.
These pickles were fantastic! So crunchy and flavorful, with just the right amount of heat. I loved adding them to my sandwiches. Will be making more soon!