Use this easy dill pickle recipe to transform cucumbers into the star of your sandwich.

This is the best dill pickle recipe in our recipe collection.

What Are the Best Cucumbers for Pickling?

Best Ever Dill Pickles

Credit: Andy Lyons

The cucumbers we prefer for this purpose include Kirby, Persian, and gherkin varieties.

Look for thebest pickling cucumbersat your local farmers' market in early to midsummer.

Choose cucumbers that are firm and bright with no soft spots.

scrub and wash cucumbers

Credit:BHG / Andrea Araiza

Test Kitchen Tip:If pickling cucumbers aren’t available, use regular-size cucumbers from the garden.

Do not use waxed cucumbers that are sold in the supermarket.

What Else Can I Add To Dill Pickles?

slice cucumbers into spears

Credit:BHG / Andrea Araiza

Making pickles at home offers the opportunity to get creative.

Cut Cucumbers

Remove stems and blossoms; slice off each blossom end.

Cut cucumbers lengthwise into quarters.

make vinegar mixture for pickles

Credit:BHG / Andrea Araiza

Boil Water

In a 4- to 5-qt.

stainless steel, enameled, or nonstick pot combine water, vinegar, sugar and pickling salt.

Bring to boiling, stirring to dissolve sugar.

pour vinegar into jars with cucumber spears

Credit:BHG / Andrea Araiza

Add 1 tablespoon dillseeds to each jar.

Pour Mixture Over

Pour hot vinegar mixture over cucumbers, leaving a 1/2-inch headspace.

Discard any remaining hot vinegar mixture.

process canning jars

Credit:BHG / Andrea Araiza

Wipe jar rims; adjust lids and screw bands.

Remove and Store

Remove jars from canner; cool on a wire rack.

Let stand at room temperature 1 week before serving.

canned dill pickled on cooling rack

Credit:BHG / Andrea Araiza

Store opened jars in the refrigerator for up to three months, checking for signs of spoilage before serving.

Store in a cool, dark place, avoiding temperature fluctuations or direct sunlight.

Check for spoilage before and after opening.

Store pickles in the refrigerator up to 1 month.

YesYou can use fresh dill, if preferred, for homemade dill pickles.

2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.