How long do refrigerator pickles take

24 to 48 hours. At 24 hours they are lightly pickled and crisp; at 48 hours they have deeper flavor. They keep up to two weeks refrigerated.

Do I need special cucumbers

Kirby or Persian cucumbers give the crispiest result. Slicing cucumbers work but go softer faster because they have more water and softer skins.

Can I use the brine again

Yes, once. The second batch will be lighter in flavor and color; top up with a little fresh vinegar and salt if you want a stronger brine.

Is a gallon bag too big for pickles

It is exactly right. You need a gallon of brine to cover two pounds of cucumbers, and the flat bag stores in the fridge far more efficiently than a tall pickle jar.

Easy Refrigerator Pickles

Name: Easy Refrigerator Pickles
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 24 h
Yield: about 1 gallon
Ingredients: 2 pounds cucumbers; 1.5 cups vinegar; 1.5 cups water; 2 tablespoons kosher salt; 2 tablespoons sugar; 4 garlic cloves; Dill, peppercorns, pepper flakes

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Batch Prep

Easy Refrigerator Pickles

A gallon of cucumbers pickled in a gallon bag is the math that works. The cucumbers go in with aromatics, the brine pours over them, and the flat bag lays in the refrigerator shelf without stacking jars. No canning, no boiling water bath, no special equipment. The Clear bag lets you watch the cucumbers change color and the brine go cloudy as they cure. In 24 to 48 hours you have crisp refrigerator pickles that keep for two weeks.

Cure24-48 h

Active15 min

Makes~1 gallon

Bag1 gallon

What you need

2 pounds cucumbers (Kirby or Persian), sliced 1/4 inch thick
1.5 cups white or apple cider vinegar
1.5 cups cold water
2 tablespoons kosher salt
2 tablespoons sugar
4 garlic cloves, smashed
Large bunch of fresh dill
1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1 XXL Silicone Food Storage Bag (Clear)

Directions

Slice the cucumbers 1/4 inch thick and pack them into the Clear bag with the smashed garlic, dill sprigs, peppercorns, and pepper flakes.
In a measuring cup or bowl, stir the vinegar, water, salt, and sugar together until completely dissolved.
Pour the brine into the bag over the cucumbers and aromatics, making sure everything is covered.
Press out the air and seal the leakproof zipper. Lay the bag flat in the fridge.
Cure 24 to 48 hours, flipping the bag once halfway through so the brine reaches all surfaces evenly.
Eat straight from the bag, kept cold. The pickles peak around 48 hours and keep for up to two weeks refrigerated.

Tips and notes

Kirby and Persian cucumbers stay crispier than slicing cucumbers; their thin skins and fewer seeds hold up better in brine.
Make sure the salt and sugar are fully dissolved before pouring; undissolved salt leaves uneven seasoning.
The pickles are at their crunchiest right after 24 hours; the longer they sit the more deeply flavored and softer they get.
For a garlic-dill variation, double the garlic. For bread-and-butter style, add 1/4 teaspoon turmeric and an extra tablespoon of sugar.

Get the XXL Silicone Bag

The Clear XXL bag holds two pounds of cucumbers plus a full gallon of brine flat in the fridge, and see-through silicone lets you watch them cure. No jars, no canning, and the leakproof seal keeps brine off your shelf.

See the Clear Bag

Albino Monkey XXL Silicone Food Storage Bag (Clear)

Common questions

How long do refrigerator pickles take: 24 to 48 hours. At 24 hours they are lightly pickled and crisp; at 48 hours they have deeper flavor. They keep up to two weeks refrigerated.
Do I need special cucumbers: Kirby or Persian cucumbers give the crispiest result. Slicing cucumbers work but go softer faster because they have more water and softer skins.
Can I use the brine again: Yes, once. The second batch will be lighter in flavor and color; top up with a little fresh vinegar and salt if you want a stronger brine.
Is a gallon bag too big for pickles: It is exactly right. You need a gallon of brine to cover two pounds of cucumbers, and the flat bag stores in the fridge far more efficiently than a tall pickle jar.