Grandma Dellar'S Dill Pickles
Grandma Dellar's Dill Pickles are crisp, tangy, and aromatic, perfect for adding a homemade touch to your meals and delighting pickle lovers with fresh dill and garlic flavor.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sterilize canning jars, lids, and rings.
- Combine water, cider vinegar, canning salt, and alum in a large pot and bring to a boil.
- Prepare small cleaned cucumbers, fresh dill, and fresh garlic for packing.
- Pack the cucumbers into sterilized jars, adding dill and garlic to each jar as desired.
- Pour the hot vinegar solution over the cucumbers, leaving appropriate headspace.
- Seal the jars with lids and rings.
- Process the jars in boiling water bath for recommended time to ensure proper preservation.
- Allow the pickles to cure for at least a few weeks for best flavor.
Tips & Substitutions
For optimal flavor, choose small, firm cucumbers; pickling varieties like Kirby are ideal. If you prefer a milder taste, reduce the amount of garlic or omit the alum. Fresh dill is crucial for authentic flavor, but you can substitute with dill seed if needed. Ensure jars are completely sterilized to prevent spoilage.
Serving Suggestions
These dill pickles make a great snack on their own or as a tangy addition to sandwiches and charcuterie boards. They pair beautifully with My Favorite Hot And Spicy Pickles for a variety of flavors. For a refreshing meal, serve alongside grilled meats or as part of a salad like My Mother'S 'Best' Salad Dressing.
Storage & Reheating
Store the sealed jars in a cool, dark place to maintain freshness. Once opened, keep the pickles refrigerated and consume within a few weeks. If you have leftovers after opening, use a clean utensil to avoid contamination and ensure the pickles remain crisp and flavorful.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandma Dellar'S Dill Pickles contains roughly 55 calories, with 3g protein, 11g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (18% of the Daily Value), potassium (15% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (13% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do the pickles need to cure before they are ready to eat?
For the best flavor, allow the pickles to cure for at least 2 to 4 weeks. This curing time lets the spices and flavors meld, resulting in a more delicious pickle. Some enthusiasts recommend waiting even longer for the best taste.
Can I use other types of cucumbers for this recipe?
While small pickling cucumbers are preferred for their texture and size, you can use other varieties. Just be aware that larger cucumbers may result in a less crisp pickle. If using larger cucumbers, consider slicing them into spears or chips.
What can I do if my pickles turn out too salty?
If your pickles are too salty, you can soak them in fresh water for a few hours to draw out some of the saltiness. After soaking, rinse and repack them in fresh brine or enjoy them in recipes that balance their saltiness, like a salad or sandwich.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).