How to Make Quick Pickles in a Kilner® Universal Glass Push Top Jar

Pickling is one of the oldest and most rewarding ways to preserve the harvest, and you don’t need a cellar full of equipment to get started. With a Kilner® Universal Glass Push Top Jar, you can make crisp, tangy quick pickles in just a few hours—no canning water bath required. These refrigerator pickles are perfect for beginners and seasoned home cooks alike, offering endless flavor possibilities with minimal effort.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about making quick pickles in a Kilner® push top jar. From choosing the right vegetables to crafting the perfect brine, you’ll learn how to create pickles that are crunchy, flavorful, and ready to enjoy in as little as 24 hours.

Why Use a Kilner® Universal Glass Push Top Jar for Pickling?

The Kilner® Universal Glass Push Top Jar is an ideal vessel for quick pickling. Its airtight push-top lid creates a secure seal that keeps your pickles fresh while allowing you to easily open and close the jar as you snack. The glass construction is non-reactive, meaning it won’t absorb flavors or odors, and it’s transparent so you can admire your colorful creations.

Unlike traditional preserving jars that require a full canning process, the push top jar is designed for refrigerator pickles—quick pickles that are stored in the fridge and consumed within a few weeks. This makes it perfect for small batches and experimenting with different flavor combinations without committing to a large batch.

• Airtight seal keeps pickles crisp and flavorful
• Glass is non-reactive and easy to clean
• Available in multiple sizes to suit your needs

Choosing Your Ingredients and Equipment

The beauty of quick pickles is their versatility. You can pickle almost any vegetable: cucumbers, carrots, radishes, green beans, onions, and even cauliflower. For the classic dill pickle, choose firm, fresh cucumbers—smaller ones like Kirby or Persian cucumbers work best because they stay crunchier.

You’ll also need vinegar (white, apple cider, or rice vinegar), water, salt (pickling salt or kosher salt), sugar, and your choice of aromatics such as garlic, dill, peppercorns, mustard seeds, or chili flakes. A Kilner® Universal Glass Push Top Jar in a size that fits your batch is essential, and you may also want a set of measuring spoons and a small saucepan for heating the brine.

• Use fresh, firm vegetables for the best texture
• Experiment with different vinegars for varied flavor profiles
• Add spices and herbs to customize your pickles

Step-by-Step: Making Quick Pickles in Your Kilner® Jar

Start by thoroughly washing your vegetables and cutting them into desired shapes—slices, spears, or whole if small. Pack them tightly into your Kilner® Universal Glass Push Top Jar, layering with aromatics like garlic cloves, fresh dill, and spices.

Next, prepare the brine. In a saucepan, combine equal parts vinegar and water (for example, 1 cup each) with salt and sugar to taste. Bring to a boil, stirring until the salt and sugar dissolve. Pour the hot brine over the vegetables in the jar, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace. Ensure the vegetables are fully submerged.

Allow the jar to cool to room temperature, then seal with the push-top lid and refrigerate. The pickles will be ready to eat after 24 hours, but they develop more flavor over the next few days. For the crispiest results, use cold water in the brine and consider adding a few grape leaves or a pinch of alum (optional).

• Always leave headspace to allow for expansion
• Submerge vegetables completely to prevent spoilage
• Refrigerate and consume within 3-4 weeks for best quality

Flavor Variations and Tips for Success

Quick pickles are a canvas for creativity. For a classic dill pickle, use white vinegar, fresh dill, and garlic. For a sweeter bread-and-butter style, increase the sugar and add sliced onions. For a spicy kick, toss in sliced jalapeños or red pepper flakes. You can also use apple cider vinegar for a fruity note or rice vinegar for a milder, Asian-inspired brine.

To ensure your pickles stay crisp, avoid over-processing—quick pickles rely on the cold temperature and acidity to preserve texture. Also, always use clean utensils and jars to prevent contamination. If you plan to give pickles as gifts, consider using a Kilner® Square Clip Top Preserving Bottle 0.55 Litre or a Kilner® Round Glass Clip Top Preserving Jar, 0.125L for a charming presentation.

• Try adding mustard seeds, coriander, or fennel for extra depth
• Use a vacuum-sealing accessory to extend shelf life
• Label your jars with the date and flavor for easy identification

Storing and Enjoying Your Pickles

Refrigerator pickles are best enjoyed within a month, but they rarely last that long! Store your Kilner® jar in the fridge, and always use a clean fork or tongs to remove pickles to avoid introducing bacteria. The push-top lid makes it easy to open and close, and the airtight seal keeps odors from escaping into your fridge.

These pickles are fantastic on sandwiches, burgers, cheese boards, or simply as a healthy snack. You can also chop them into relishes or salads. For a larger batch, the Kilner® Storage Jar with Dispensing Tap 8 Litre is perfect for fermenting or storing bigger quantities, while the Kilner® Food on the Go Jar 1 Litre is great for taking pickles to work or picnics.

• Keep pickles submerged in brine to maintain flavor
• Use within 3-4 weeks for best texture and taste
• Pair with grilled meats, salads, or enjoy straight from the jar

Making quick pickles at home is a simple, satisfying way to add a burst of flavor to your meals. With a Kilner® Universal Glass Push Top Jar, you can create crisp, delicious pickles in no time. Whether you're a pickling novice or a seasoned pro, these jars make the process easy and fun. Explore the full range of Kilner® jars and accessories to find the perfect fit for your pickling adventures.