24 Hour Refrigerator Pickles

24 Hour Refrigerator Pickles is a easy Jewish recipe that serves 4. 15 calories per serving. Recipe by David Woolf on YouTube.

Prep: 10 min | Cook: 1 min | Total: 15 min

Cost: $9.26 total, $2.31 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1.25 cups Distilled White Vinegar (for the brine)
  • 3 tablespoons Kosher Salt (fine kosher salt)
  • 2 tablespoons Granulated Sugar
  • 2 cups Water (filtered)
  • 2 tablespoons Coriander Seeds
  • 1 teaspoon Mustard Seeds (white)
  • 0.25 teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional for heat)
  • 2 pieces Garlic Cloves (halved, not thinly sliced)
  • 12 sprigs Fresh Dill Sprigs (roughly 10‑15 sprigs, fresh)
  • 2 pounds Kirby Cucumbers (short, stout; cut into spears)

Instructions

  1. Make the Brine

    Combine the distilled white vinegar, kosher salt, and granulated sugar in a microwave‑safe bowl. Whisk briefly, then microwave on high for about 1 minute until the salt and sugar are fully dissolved.

    Time: PT2M

  2. Add Spices and Water

    Stir the coriander seeds, white mustard seeds, crushed red pepper flakes, and 2 cups of water into the hot brine. Mix until evenly distributed.

    Time: PT1M

  3. Prepare the Cucumbers

    Wash the Kirby cucumbers, trim the ends, and cut each cucumber into spears about ½ inch thick.

    Time: PT5M

  4. Prep Garlic and Dill

    Halve the garlic cloves and separate the dill sprigs.

    Time: PT2M

  5. Pack the Jar

    Place cucumber spears upright in the glass jar. Add the halved garlic cloves, dill sprigs, and any remaining whole spices, pressing gently to fill the jar tightly.

    Time: PT2M

  6. Add the Brine

    Pour the prepared brine over the packed cucumbers, ensuring they are completely covered. If the brine doesn’t reach the top, add a splash of water. Seal the jar with its lid and give it a gentle shake.

    Time: PT1M

  7. Refrigerate

    Place the sealed jar in the refrigerator. Allow the pickles to sit for at least 24 hours before serving; they will improve in flavor over the next few weeks.

    Time: PT0M

    Temperature: 4°C

Nutrition Facts

Calories
15
Protein
0g
Carbohydrates
3g
Fat
0g
Fiber
1g

Dietary info: Vegan, Gluten‑Free, Dairy‑Free, Kosher

Allergens: Mustard

Last updated: April 18, 2026

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24 Hour Refrigerator Pickles

Recipe by David Woolf

A fast, no‑ferment refrigerator dill pickle recipe that takes only 15 minutes of active prep and is ready to eat after 24 hours in the fridge. Uses crisp Kirby cucumbers, a simple vinegar brine, and classic dill, garlic, and spice flavors.

EasyJewishServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
13m
Prep
0m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
23m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$9.26
Total cost
$2.31
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Fully dissolve salt and sugar in the brine (Step 1).
  • Pack cucumbers tightly and upright to stay submerged (Step 5).
  • Ensure the brine completely covers the cucumbers; add water if needed (Step 6).

Safety Warnings

  • The brine will be hot after microwaving; handle with care to avoid burns.
  • Use a glass jar that is rated for cold storage; sudden temperature changes can cause cracking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of dill pickles in Jewish cuisine?

A

Dill pickles have long been a staple in Jewish households, especially in Eastern Europe, where they were preserved for winter months and served at Shabbat meals as a crunchy, tangy side.

cultural
Q

What are traditional regional variations of dill pickles in Eastern European Jewish cooking?

A

In Poland and Lithuania, pickles are often fermented on a windowsill for weeks, while in Israel many families now use quick refrigerator methods like this recipe for convenience.

cultural
Q

How are dill pickles traditionally served during Shabbat meals in Jewish households?

A

They are typically presented on a platter alongside challah, hummus, and other mezze, providing a bright, acidic contrast to richer dishes and helping cleanse the palate.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations are dill pickles associated with in Jewish culture?

A

Pickles appear at holiday tables such as Passover (when kosher for Passover) and at family gatherings like Simchat Torah, where they are enjoyed as a simple, home‑made snack.

cultural
Q

How does dill pickle fit into the broader Eastern European cuisine?

A

Pickling vegetables, especially cucumbers with dill, is a cornerstone of Eastern European food preservation, reflecting the region’s need to store harvests through long winters.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Jewish dill pickles versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Traditional recipes use kosher salt, white vinegar, fresh dill, garlic, and mustard seeds. Acceptable substitutes include apple cider vinegar (flavor changes) or sea salt, but the classic flavor comes from the original ingredients.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making refrigerator dill pickles?

A

Common errors include not fully dissolving the salt and sugar, packing the cucumbers too loosely so they float, and not ensuring the brine completely covers the spears, which can lead to uneven pickling.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe use a microwave to dissolve the brine instead of stovetop heating?

A

Microwaving is faster and eliminates the need for an extra pot, allowing the brine to be ready in under a minute while still fully dissolving the salt and sugar for a clear, consistent pickling solution.

technical
Q

How do I know when the refrigerator dill pickles are ready to eat?

A

After 24 hours in the fridge the cucumbers will have absorbed the tangy brine and should taste crisp and mildly sour. Taste a spear; if you prefer more sourness, let them sit a few days longer.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel David Woolf specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel David Woolf focuses on practical, home‑cooking tutorials that blend traditional techniques with modern shortcuts, often highlighting quick, family‑friendly recipes.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel David Woolf's approach to quick pickling differ from other cooking channels?

A

David Woolf emphasizes minimal equipment and fast preparation, using a microwave for the brine and a single jar, whereas many other channels demonstrate longer fermentation methods or require specialized canning gear.

channel

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