Copycat Claussen Crisp Garlic Dill Pickles Recipe

Name: Copycat Claussen Crisp Garlic Dill Pickles Recipe (Refrigerator)
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 16 servings
Cuisine: Dips & Appetizers
Ingredients: 900 g Fresh small Kirby pickling cucumbers, blossom ends trimmed and cut into spears; 4 heads (or 30g sprigs) Fresh dill heads or fresh dill weed sprigs; 8 cloves Fresh garlic cloves, peeled and smashed; 10 g Whole black peppercorns & mustard seeds; 360 ml White distilled vinegar (5% acidity); 480 ml Filtered cold water; 35 g Pickling salt or coarse kosher salt (non-iodized); 2.5 g Red pepper chili flakes (optional for spicy crunch)

Jump to Recipe Step-by-Step

Every reliable kitchen repertoire needs a dependable crowd-pleaser like this Copycat Claussen Crisp Garlic Dill Pickles Recipe (Refrigerator). Built around kirby pickling cucumbers, blossom ends trimmed and cut into spears, dill heads or dill weed sprigs and garlic , and smashed, this dish comes together smoothly in 20 min, delivering deep comfort, savory depth, and effortless weeknight satisfaction.

Ingredients

16 servings

2 lbs (about 8-10 small cucumbers) Fresh small Kirby pickling cucumbers, blossom ends trimmed and cut into spears
4 heads Fresh dill heads or fresh dill weed sprigs
8 cloves Fresh garlic cloves, peeled and smashed
1 tsp each Whole black peppercorns & mustard seeds
1.5 cups White distilled vinegar (5% acidity)
2 cups Filtered cold water
2 tbsp Pickling salt or coarse kosher salt (non-iodized)
1/2 tsp Red pepper chili flakes (optional for spicy crunch)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Divide fresh dill, smashed garlic, peppercorns, and mustard seeds between two clean 1-quart glass mason jars. Pack cucumber spears tightly into jars vertically.

In a pitcher, whisk cold filtered water, white vinegar, and pickling salt for **2 minutes** until salt is completely dissolved.

Pour brine over cucumber spears in jars, ensuring cucumbers are completely submerged beneath liquid.

Seal tightly with lids. Transfer to refrigerator; **let cure for 3 days (72 hours)** before enjoying for maximum crunch and flavor.

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Chef Amara’s Kitchen Secrets & Pro Tips

Always use non-iodized pickling or kosher salt so the brine stays crystal clear without cloudiness.
Add 1 fresh grape leaf or bay leaf to each jar; the natural tannins keep pickles crunchy for months.

1. Build Deep Flavor from the Fond: When browning ingredients, scrape up the caramelized golden bits (fond) from the pan bottom with a splash of liquid. That concentrated brown crust is where true savory umami lives. 2. Protect Minced Garlic from Burning: Garlic cooks and turns fragrant in just 30 to 45 seconds. Add it toward the end of sautéing onions or aromatics so it perfumes the dish without acquiring a bitter edge. 3. Chef's Kitchen Secret: Always use non-iodized pickling or kosher salt so the brine stays crystal clear without cloudiness.

Chef’s Cooking Guide & FAQs

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Troubleshooting & Quick Fixes

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What if the Sauce for Copycat Claussen Crisp Garlic Dill Pickles Recipe (Refrigerator) Separates or Feels Greasy?: If a dairy or emulsion sauce breaks, immediately take the pan off direct heat. Vigorously whisk in a tablespoon of hot water, broth, or cream until the velvety sheen re-emulsifies.
How to Rescue a Dish That Tastes Overly Salty?: Dilute with additional unsalted liquid (broth, cream, or water), or splash in a small touch of acid like fresh lemon juice or vinegar to soften sharp salinity.

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Storage, Freezing & Reheating Guidelines

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Store leftovers in an airtight glass container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a preheated 350°F oven or covered skillet over medium-low heat until steaming hot throughout.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Q: Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time? A: Yes, this dish can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance, kept covered in the refrigerator, and baked or cooked when ready to serve.

Q: Can I substitute common pantry ingredients? A: Yes, this recipe is forgiving. Check our substitution notes in the ingredient card for dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan alternatives.

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Kitchen Notes & Discussion

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Nutrition Facts

Per serving (1 of 16)

10 Calories

2g Carbs 1% DV

0g Protein 0% DV

0g Fat 0% DV

0g Fiber 0% DV

320mg Sodium 14% DV

Carbs 100% Protein 0% Fat 0%

*Percent Daily Values (% DV) are based on a 2,000-calorie reference diet (USDA FoodData Central).

Quick Info

Cuisine Dips & Appetizers
Dietary Vegan, Keto, Gluten-Free
Total Time 20 min
Yield 16 servings

Chef Amara

Passionate culinary explorer, recipe tester, and culinary director at YumAroma.

View Full Culinary Bio →

Copycat Claussen Crisp Garlic Dill Pickles Recipe (Refrigerator)

Ingredients

Step-by-Step Instructions

Pack the Jars

Mix Cold Brine

Pour & Submerge