Easy Homemade Spicy Dilly Beans Recipe – Perfect for Pickling Lovers

Discover the tantalizing crunch of homemade dilly beans! These vibrant green pickles pack a punch with fiery red chile flakes and aromatic garlic, all infused with the classic dill flavor.

Dilly beans are a beloved pickle, cherished for their crisp texture and bold taste. These pickled green beans maintain their satisfying crunch even after canning, making them a perfect year-round treat. Whether you’re a pickling novice or a seasoned pro, this recipe will guide you through creating your own jar of dilly bean magic.

What Makes Dilly Beans Special?

Dilly beans are more than just pickled green beans. They’re a flavor-packed condiment that brings zest to any meal. Suspended in a tangy vinegar brine and seasoned with garlic, black peppercorns, and dill, these beans retain their snappy texture through the canning process. Even months later, you’ll be rewarded with a crunchy, flavor-packed pickle that’s sure to impress.

While often considered a regional delicacy in Vermont and the Southern United States, you can now bring this gourmet pickle to your own kitchen. Homemade dilly beans are not only delicious but also budget-friendly, allowing you to make four pints for the price of one store-bought jar.

Spice It Up or Keep It Mild

This recipe offers a fiery version of dilly beans, perfect for those who love a kick. These spicy pickles are ideal for jazzing up a Bloody Mary or satisfying heat-loving taste buds. However, if you prefer a milder flavor, simply omit the red chile flakes for a classic, family-friendly pickle.

Canning Success: Tips for Perfect Dilly Beans

• Start with the freshest beans possible for maximum crispness.
• Use regular mouth jars to keep the beans submerged in brine.
• Trim beans to fit your jars, using leftover pieces to fill a separate jar.
• Place spices at the bottom of the jar to prevent loss during liquid addition.
• Pack beans tightly, adding extras after pouring in the brine.
• Tap jars to remove air bubbles for safe preservation.
• Allow pickles to rest for at least a week before enjoying to develop full flavor.

Spicy Dilly Beans Recipe

Ingredients

• 3 pounds (1.4 kg) green beans
• 2 1/2 cups (20 ounces) white vinegar
• 2 1/2 cups (20 ounces) water
• 4 tablespoons pickling salt
• 5 medium cloves garlic
• 5 teaspoons (10g) dill seed (not dill weed)
• 5 teaspoons (10g) red chile flakes

Directions

1. Prepare your canning station: Set up a boiling water bath and sterilize 5 regular mouth pint jars. Place lids in a small saucepan over very low heat to simmer while you prepare the pickles.
2. Prep the beans: Wash and trim the green beans to fit your jars. If you have extra-long beans, cut them in half. In a medium saucepan, combine vinegar, water, and salt. Bring this pickling liquid to a boil. While it’s heating, pack the beans into the jars, leaving 1/2 inch of headspace. Add 1 clove of garlic, 1 teaspoon dill seeds, and 1 teaspoon red chile flakes to each jar.
3. Fill the jars: Carefully pour the hot brine over the beans, maintaining 1/2 inch of headspace. Use a wooden chopstick to remove air bubbles from the jars. Check the headspace again and top up with more brine if needed.
4. Process the pickles: Wipe the jar rims clean, then apply lids and rings. Process in the boiling water bath for 10 minutes. Let your dilly beans mature for at least 1 week before tasting to allow the flavors to develop fully.