How To Make Dill Pickles (Easy Canning Recipe) (2024)

This post may contain affiliate links, my full disclosure can be read here. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Learning how to make dill pickles is so worth it! If you loved the taste of grandmas old fashioned homemade garlic dill pickles when you were a kid then this easy recipe will become your new favorite. Enjoy this super easy canning recipe on your hamburgers and sandwiches all year long.

Dill pickles have always been one of my favorite snacks even when I was a kid I would always be into the pickles especially the garlic dill pickles!

They are cold and crunchy with a slightly sour taste and perfect for serving with a wide range of meals or enjoying on their own.

So it’s no wonder that I just couldn’t get enough of them. I’m still the same way!

Of all the different things we can each year I always look forward to making many different types of pickles.

The good news is, that it’s so easy to make homemade dill pickles! You can make up a few pint or quart jars in only 40 minutes or less including the processing time.

Tips For Making Perfect Dill Pickles

Use The Best Cucumbers

One of the most important parts of making great homemade pickles is to start off with the right cucumbers.

Make sure you are using pickling cucumbers as many types sold as slicing cucumbers don’t hold up well to pickling and canning.

Select fresh cucumbers that feel firm, avoid cucumbers that feel limp, wrinkly or soft.

What Size Of Cucumbers Are Best For Pickles?

Cucumbers for pickling are best picked between 2 and 5 inches long. The smaller sized ones are perfect for making baby dill pickles and the larger ones work great cut into rounds, pickle spears or long slices.

Trim Off The Flower Ends

Always remove a thin slice from the end of the cucumber that had the flower growing. It contains enzymes that can cause the cucumbers to go soft.

How Long Until Homemade Dill Pickles Are Ready?

Have you been wondering how long does it take for a cucumber to pickle? Once the jars have been processed and stored, let them sit for 4 to 5 weeks before opening.

Cucumbers need at least this long to allow the brine to fully soak in and develop that great pickle taste.

Do I Need To Sterilize Jars For Pickles?

The jars you use to pack your pickles in need to be clean but according to current standards, there is no need to sterilize them if you are processing the jars for 10 minutes or more. The jars will be sterilized during the canning process.

How To Substitute Dill Heads?

I love using dill heads in my pickle jars because they look pretty and add a great flavor. But if you don’t have any fresh dill then substitute 1 tsp. of dill seed for each head of dill.

How To Make Dill Pickles

Supplies You Need For Canning Pickles:

• Water bath canner
• Ladle
• Canning funnel
• Jar lifter
• Canning jars
• Jar lids and rings
• Sharp knife
• Large pot
• Large bowl
• Towles or dishcloths
• Cucumbers
• Fresh dill
• Pickling spice
• Pickling salt
• Garlic

Before starting make sure to wash and remove the spines from the pickling cucumbers and then set them aside.

Wash your quart-sized canning jars and set them on top of a towel or wooden surface. Then into each quart jar place 1 fresh dill head, 2 cloves of peeled garlic and 1 tbs. pickling salt.

Next, get your cucumbers and take a thin slice (1/16th) off the blossom end of each cucumber and then pack into your prepared jars.

You can cut the cucumbers into any shape you like. I use this same recipe for making icicle pickles, rounds, long thin slices that are perfect for burgers and yes even whole pickles.

This homemade pickle recipe is very flexible so just cut them up any way you like or do a mixture of styles.

To make the brine combine the vinegar and water in a large pot and bring to a boil. Pour the brine over the pickles, leaving 1/2 inch of headroom.

Remove any air bubbles from the jars and wipe the rims clean and place the lids on finger tight. Place the jars into a water bath canner and process for 15 minutes adjusted for your altitude.

See making your own homemade dill pickles wasn’t hard, was it? With just a few minutes in the kitchen, you can easily make up a few batches of pickles and enjoy their tangy, crunchy taste all year!

More Yummy Pickle Recipes

• Spicy Volcano Dill Pickles
• Bread And Butter Pickles
• Pickled Dilly Beans
• Pickled Beets