Our family's Favorite Kosher Dill Pickles - Homemade with fresh cucumbers, dill, and garlic. Tested and approved safe canning recipe for shelf stable storage.
I've been "puttin' up" again, y'all! This time it was our favorite kosher dill pickles. And when I say favorite, I really mean these are a favorite.
My daughter and grandson almost beg for these pickles every year. As a matter of fact, my old recipe notes say that the summer before our grandson was born, I put up 30 quarts of these dills. By the time he was born in September over half of them were gone.
I have lots of pickling and preserving recipes like my Pickled Okra, Basic Salsa, and Home Canned Tomatoes. Some I make only occasionally, but these Kosher Dills are a must for every summer!
Use proper canning procedures!
Before I get started with the recipe, I want to take a minute to mention the importance of using proper canning procedures. If you haven't canned before, or if it's been a while since your last canning session, please review the process and get all your equipment ready before you start.
One of the best resources for new and seasoned canners alike is the Ball Blue Book. It's published by the people who make the Ball canning jars. It's available in lots of locations and on the web at amazon.com.
Some other good online resources
- National Center for Home Food Preservation (University of Georgia)
- Home Food Preservation Site (Pennsylvania State University)
- The USDA Complete Guide to Home Canning
- "Some Canning Do's and Don'ts" from The New York Times
The National Center for Home Food Preservation even offers a free online course in food preservation. It's well worth the time for the amount of information you get!
Now, let's get started making Kosher Dill Pickles!
Jump to:
- Use proper canning procedures!
- Some other good online resources
- Notes About the Ingredients
- Pickling (or Kirby) Cucumbers
- Dill Seed or Fresh Dill Heads
- Pickling Salt
- Garlic and Black Peppercorns
- Vinegar
- The Canning Process
- Start by Heating a Canner Filled with Water
- Prepare the Jars, Lids, and Rings
- Prepare the Produce
- Make the Brine
- Fill the Jars
- Add Cucumbers and Hot Brine to Jars
- Clean the Jar Rims and Add the Lids
- Process Using Low Temp Method
- Cool Jars and Test the Seal Before Storing
- 📖 Recipe
Notes About the Ingredients
For each quart jar of pickles, you'll need approximately 5 pickling (or Kirby) cucumbers, one tablespoon of pickling salt, one tablespoon of dill seed (or 3 heads of fresh dill, a sprig or two of fresh dill fronds (optional), five black peppercorns, and two nice fat garlic cloves.
When purchasing your produce, keep in mind that a full boiling water canner can hold seven quart or pint jars. So, if you want to make a full canner load of pickles just purchase enough produce for seven jars.
I tend to use quart jars for kosher dills because they fit the cucumbers best. Pickling (or Kirby) cucumbers are typically no more than 6 inches in length and will fit easily into quart jars.
Pickling (or Kirby) Cucumbers
For making pickles, you will need to find pickling cucumbers, also called "Kirby" cucumbers. You absolutely don't want waxed cucumbers or English cucumbers for your pickling recipe.
Although "Kirby" is a specific variety of cucumber, these days any pickling cucumber tends to be referred to as a Kirby cucumber. They're the shorter, plumper, sort of stubby looking cucumbers with a prickly surface. I've seen these called salad cucumbers in some produce sections but technically they're simply pickling cucumbers.
The cucumbers can be left whole or cut into halves or quarters. I typically cut mine into halves unless they're really large in which case I'll quarter them. It doesn't really matter so do whatever suits you best.
Dill Seed or Fresh Dill Heads
Dill seed is easier to acquire than fresh dill heads. It's available in practically every grocery store and from online spice and herb sellers. Some years I have a good crop of dill so I have fresh dill heads available, but I can't always depend on that. The availability of dill seed is very predictable.
If you happen to have fresh dill heads and want to use them, they work really well in the recipe. You'd use three fresh dill heads in place of each tablespoon of dill seed (1 fresh dill head = 1 teaspoon dill seed).
The fresh dill fronds are optional. I usually place a sprig or two in each jar merely for appearances. They're pretty in there!
Pickling Salt
Yes, you really do need a special kind of salt for pickling. Pickling salt is widely available and easy to find. It doesn't have any kind of anti-caking or anti-clumping agents in it so it's very pure. The additives in other salts can turn your pickles dark or make the liquid cloudy. It's possible to use other salts, but amounts would have to be adjusted to accommodate for the differently sized salt granules. Better to just stick with canning salt.
Garlic and Black Peppercorns
Make sure that the garlic you use is fresh and free from blemishes. The peppercorns should be nicely fragrant.
Vinegar
Although I didn't include it in the ingredients photo above, vinegar is a very important part of the pickling process. It's the ingredient that gives pickles their distinctive tart taste and, most importantly, the ingredient that prevents botulism from forming in pickled foods.
Most pickle recipes call for distilled white vinegar and that's what I use. I've been asked whether other types of vinegar can be used such as cider vinegar and the answer is yes. As long as the vinegar is at least 5% acidity.
Just keep in mind that substituting cider vinegar will change the taste and color of your pickles. They'll have a more mellow taste and will also be darker in color.
Vinegar such as wine vinegar, salad vinegar, or homemade vinegar should not be used unless you can verify that it has an acetic value of at least 5%.
You'll find detailed measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable version of the recipe at the bottom of this post.
The Canning Process
I always like to show you the photos and step-by-step instructions for my recipes to help you picture how to make them in your own kitchen. If you just want to print out a copy, you can skip to the bottom of the post where you'll find the recipe card.
Start by Heating a Canner Filled with Water
The first thing I do when I start a canning session is to fill my canner with water and start it heating on the stove. It takes quite a long time to bring that much water to the boil, so I try to get a start on it first thing in the process. Check the canner periodically while you work to make sure the water stays at a steady simmer.
Prepare the Jars, Lids, and Rings
My second step is to wash the jars in hot, soapy water. Rinse them well making sure all traces of soap are removed. Drain on a clean kitchen towel.
I put the clean jars in the canner and let them heat up along with the water. Some people hold them in a 200 degree oven. The canner just works best for me.
You need the jars to be hot when you're ready to fill them because putting hot food in a cold jar can cause breakage. Likewise, putting a cold jar of food into boiling water is just asking for broken jars and all your hard work to end up in the bottom of the canner.
Put the lids in a small pan with enough water to cover them. Set the pan on the stove with the lowest heat possible just to keep them warm until they're needed. Set the rings aside.
Use Caution! Remember you're working with lots of boiling water when canning. Always use a jar lifter for removing jars from the hot water to prevent scalding.
Prepare the Produce
Peel and halve the garlic. If you're using fresh dill heads, trim them and set them aside with the garlic.
Prepare the cucumbers by removing 1/16 inch from the blossom end of each. You'll need to remove that tiny little sliver because there is an enzyme that remains in the blossom end of cucumbers which can cause your pickles to become soft while in storage. Cut into halves or quarters as you wish.
Make the Brine
For each quart jar of pickles, measure 1 cup water and 1 cup vinegar into a saucepan. Bring the water and vinegar to the boil. While the brine is coming to the boil, fill the jars (see next section).
Fill the Jars
In each quart jar place 1 tablespoon salt, 1 tablespoon dill seed (or 3 heads fresh dill), 6 black peppercorns, and 2 halved garlic cloves. As noted above, each dill head counts as a teaspoon of dill seed. I only had a few heads this time so I used one head of dill and 2 teaspoons of seeds in each jar.
Add Cucumbers and Hot Brine to Jars
Pack the halved or quartered cucumbers into the hot jars.
Using a canning funnel, pour the boiling vinegar and water solution over the jar contents leaving ½ inch of headspace (the space between the top of the liquid and the top of the jar).
I realized right before I was about to put the lids and rings on that I had not included the garlic in the jars. Yikes! Just goes to show you that with this recipe it's never too late to add an ingredient. You could even slip a hot red pepper in there at this point if you wanted to!
Clean the Jar Rims and Add the Lids
Wipe the top rim of each jar carefully with a dampened paper towel. This is to make sure that there is nothing on there that would prevent the lid from forming a complete seal.
Place the lids on top of the jars and screw on the rings until just finger tight. Don't force the rings or tighten too much. The jars must be able to expel air during the canning process in order to create a seal.
Process Using Low Temp Method
Place the jars in the canner rack and lower them into the simmering hot water. Place the cover on the pot. Process in simmering hot water (180-185 degrees) for 15 minutes (low temp pasteurization method).
Notes about processing times: Normally, you begin timing at the point that the water has returned to the boil. However, for these pickles, I use what is called the low temperature pasteurization method. This method prevents over cooking the pickles and helps them to retain crispness during storage. The low temp method can only be used for high acid recipes and must be monitored carefully to make sure the water remains above 180 degrees for the entire processing time.
Processing time must also be adjusted for altitude. For this recipe using quart jars, the processing time is:
- 15 minutes for altitudes from sea level to 1,000 feet
- 20 minutes for altitudes from 1,001 to 6,000 feet
- 25 minutes for altitudes over 6,000 feet
If using pint jars, processing times are:
- 10 minutes at 0-1,000 ft altitude
- 15 minutes for 1,001-6,000 ft altitude
- 20 minutes above 6,000 ft altitude
Cool Jars and Test the Seal Before Storing
At the end of the processing time, carefully remove the jars from the canner, place them on a clean dish towel, and allow them to cool completely (24 hours recommended).
After jars are completely cooled, you may remove the bands. Be sure to test for a complete seal. Any jars that failed to seal are not shelf-stable but may be stored in the refrigerator.
How to test the seal? First, gently press the center of each lid. If there is any movement then the jar did not seal. Next, gently pull upward trying to lift the jar by the edges of the lid. If the lid pulls away, obviously it didn't seal. The pickles are still good, but can't be stored outside of refrigeration.
You will notice when you remove the jars from the canner that the cucumbers have become a more olive color and there is undissolved salt in the bottom of the jar. That's normal. By the time the jars have cooled overnight all the salt should have dissolved. If the salt still hasn't dissolved after sitting overnight, gently turn the jar over a couple of times to mix and disperse.
Store the jars in a dark, cool place. I recommend six weeks of standing time for the flavors to fully develop. For best quality, the pickles should be used within one year.
And just like that, you have seven beautiful jars of Favorite Kosher Dill Pickles!
You May Also Like ...
You May Also Like ...- Pickled Okra
- Basic Salsa
- Sugar-Free Bread and Butter Pickles
- Home Canned Tomatoes
- Tart Pickled Cherries and Pickled Celery Sticks
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📖 Recipe
Favorite Kosher Dill Pickles
Ingredients
- 35 cucumbers pickling type (estimate 5 cucumbers per quart; more or less may be needed)
- 7 tablespoons pickling salt
- 7 cups white vinegar 5% acidity
- 7 cups water
- 7 tablespoons dill seed or 21 heads fresh dill
- 42 black peppercorns
- 14 garlic cloves peeled and halved
Instructions
- Prepare home canning jars and lids according to manufacturer's directions.
- For each quart of pickles, bring 1 cup water and 1 cup vinegar to the boil.
- Meanwhile, in each jar place 1 tablespoon pickling salt, 1 tablespoon dill seed (or 3 heads fresh dill), 6 black peppercorns and 2 halved garlic cloves.
- Pack halved or quartered cucumbers into jars. Pour boiling vinegar and water over cucumbers in jars. Affix the lids and rings.
- Process in simmering hot water (180-185 degrees) for 15 minutes (low temp pasteurization method).
- Remove jars from canner and allow to cool completely (24 hours recommended). Remove bands and test for complete seal. Store in a dark, cool place.
- Recommend six weeks of standing time for flavors to fully develop.
Notes
- 15 minutes for altitudes from sea level to 1,000 feet
- 20 minutes for altitudes from 1,001 to 6,000 feet
- 25 minutes for altitudes over 6,000 feet
- 10 minutes at 0-1,000 ft altitude
- 15 minutes for 1,001-6,000 ft altitude
- 20 minutes above 6,000 ft altitude
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information is calculated by software based on the ingredients in each recipe. It is an estimate only and is provided for informational purposes. You should consult your health care provider or a registered dietitian if precise nutrition calculations are needed for health reasons.
sherry says
I need to find out how I can can 6 pints of dill pickles. Need help
Lana Stuart says
You can them exactly the same way and for the same time as in this recipe. Just use the pint jars in place of quarts. You may have to select smaller cucumbers or cut down larger ones to fit.
Joan Strunk says
Tried these last summer. Best dills ever! All my grandkids love them so they are definitely a redo each year. They are a bit salty for my taste but the kids say don’t change a thing! Thanks for a great recipe. ❤️❤️❤️
Lana Stuart says
My grandkids love these, too! By the way, you can reduce the salt in these pickles without affecting the pH. There's so much vinegar that they will still be safe for canning with half the amount of salt.
Robin says
Question- is that much salt needed to keep them shelf stable or is it for taste? Trying to figure if I can lower the salt a bit. Thanks!
Lana Stuart says
It's for taste. You can safely reduce the amount of salt. In this recipe, the vinegar's acidity keeps the product shelf stable.
Glen says
About to try your recipe. Query: You indicated you should cut the ends of the cucumbers off so they would not become soft. I actually prefer soft, but not mushy. If I do not cut the two ends off, will I end up with soft or too mushy to eat?
Thanks
Lana Stuart says
I can't say, Glen, since I always cut that little sliver off when making pickles. Always have. but I wouldn't think they'd become too mushy to eat.
Glen says
Thanks. Follow up query. Should the jars be fully submerged during the boiling process, or can the water level stop just below the top of the jars?
Lana Stuart says
The tops of the jars should be covered by at least 1-inch of water. The water level cannot be below the tops of the jars.