Copycat Claussen Pickle Recipe
This Copycat Claussen Pickle Recipe delivers crisp, garlicky, and tangy pickles with the perfect crunch. Made with fresh cucumbers, dill, garlic, mustard seeds, and a simple brine, these refrigerator pickles are easy to make and require no canning.
1 Servings
Ingredients
For the Pickles:
- 1 gallon pickling cucumbers washed and sliced into spears or left whole
- 6 heads fresh dill
- 6 garlic cloves minced
- ⅓ cup instant minced onion
- ½ tablespoon mustard seeds
For the Brine:
- 1½ quarts water
- 2 cups cider vinegar
- ½ cup canning salt
Instructions
Prepare the Cucumbers and Jars
- Thoroughly wash the cucumbers, ensuring all dirt and debris are removed. Slice them lengthwise into spears, or keep them whole if preferred. Arrange the cucumbers in sterilized jars or a food-safe container, such as a gallon-sized glass jar or an ice cream pail.
Add the Flavoring Ingredients
- Distribute the dill heads, minced garlic, minced onion, and mustard seeds evenly among the jars. These ingredients will enhance the flavor of the pickles during the fermentation process.
Prepare the Brine
- In a large saucepan, combine the water, cider vinegar, and canning salt. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally until the salt completely dissolves. Remove the brine from heat and allow it to cool to room temperature.
Pour the Brine Over the Cucumbers
- Once the brine has cooled, carefully pour it over the cucumbers, ensuring they are fully submerged. If needed, use a clean weight or small dish to keep them immersed in the brine.
Fermentation Process
- Cover the jars loosely and leave them at room temperature for three days, gently shaking or turning them occasionally to evenly distribute the brine and flavors.
Refrigerate the Pickles
- After three days, securely seal the jars and transfer them to the refrigerator. The pickles will be ready to enjoy after one week, though the flavors will continue to develop over time. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one year.
Notes
This Copycat Claussen Pickle Recipe is naturally gluten-free, as it contains no wheat-based ingredients. However, to ensure complete gluten-free compliance, verify that the cider vinegar and mustard seeds used are certified gluten-free, as some brands may have potential cross-contamination.