We’ve all been there—standing in the grocery aisle, staring at the countless jars of condiments, wondering if anything really beats the tangy flavor of a good dill pickle relish. The truth? Once you try making your own at home, store-bought just doesn’t cut it anymore. Whether you’re adding it to hot dogs, potato salad, or even mixing it into a creamy dip, this homemade dill pickle relish will elevate your dishes in ways you didn’t even think were possible.
Now, before we dive into the recipe, let me just say: making your own relish is way easier than you might think. And when you’re done, you’ll have a delicious, fresh condiment that you can brag about at your next BBQ. Trust me, once you whip up a batch, you’ll wonder why you didn’t start making your own condiments sooner! Plus, for more ideas on homemade condiments, check out this fantastic White Barbecue Sauce that will take your BBQ game to a whole new level.
Let’s be honest—making your own dill pickle relish gives you full control over the flavor. Whether you want it extra tangy, a bit sweeter, or with a hint of garlic, you can tweak it exactly to your liking. And the best part? It’s long-lasting, so you’ll have jars of homemade goodness for all your sandwiches, burgers, and salads.
What Exactly Is Dill Pickle Relish?
Okay, so before we get into how to make it, let’s talk about what dill pickle relish actually is. It’s a condiment made from finely chopped cucumbers and seasoned with dill, vinegar, and other spices to give it that perfect balance of tang and crunch. This relish is a staple for hot dogs, burgers, and potato salads, giving dishes a burst of flavor that cuts through the richness of meats and carbs.
Unlike sweet pickle relish, which contains sugar to sweeten it up, dill pickle relish is all about that vinegar bite. It’s what you reach for when you want something with a bit of sharpness. And it’s super versatile, so don’t just limit yourself to topping hot dogs—this stuff belongs in everything from tuna salad to deviled eggs.
Why You Should Be Making Your Own Dill Pickle Relish
You might be asking, “Why go through the trouble of making dill pickle relish when I can just grab a jar from the store?” Well, let me give you some reasons:
- It tastes way better: Homemade relish has a freshness you just can’t find in store-bought varieties. The cucumbers are crunchier, the vinegar is sharper, and the flavor is so much more vibrant.
- You can customize it: Want it spicier? Sweeter? More garlicky? When you make your own, you’re in control. You can tweak the flavors to suit your taste.
- It lasts forever: Okay, maybe not forever, but it can be canned and stored for months! You’ll have fresh, homemade relish on hand whenever you need it.
- It’s a great way to use up cucumbers: If your garden is overflowing with cucumbers, this is the perfect way to use them up.
So, now that you know why you should be making your own relish, let’s talk about what goes into it.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Homemade Dill Pickle Relish
Ready to get started? Here’s everything you need to make the best dill pickle relish you’ve ever tasted:
- Cucumbers: You don’t need to use pickling cucumbers for this recipe, although they do give the best texture. Regular cucumbers work just as well, as long as they’re firm and fresh.
- Canning Salt: Canning salt (or kosher salt) is used to preserve the relish and give it that proper pickle flavor. Don’t substitute table salt—it can mess with the texture.
- Turmeric Powder: This gives your relish a vibrant yellow color, and while it doesn’t add much in terms of flavor, it makes the relish look amazing.
- Yellow Onion: Adding a chopped onion balances out the tartness of the vinegar and gives the relish a nice depth of flavor.
- Granulated Sugar: This isn’t a sweet relish, but a little sugar helps to balance the vinegar and rounds out the flavors.
- White or Apple Cider Vinegar: Vinegar is the key ingredient in any pickle relish. Use white vinegar for a sharp, clean flavor, or apple cider vinegar for a slightly sweeter tang.
- Dill Seed or Fresh Dill: Dill seed works perfectly in this recipe, but if you’re a fan of fresh dill, you can use that instead for a brighter flavor.
How to Make Dill Pickle Relish: Step-by-Step Guide
Alright, let’s get to the good stuff—making your own dill pickle relish. It’s easier than you might think, and once you’ve got the basic steps down, you’ll be making it on repeat.
Step 1: Wash and Prep the Cucumbers
First, wash your cucumbers thoroughly to get rid of any dirt. Trim off both ends, especially the blossom end, which can make your relish soft. You can leave the skin on for texture and color.
If your cucumbers are on the larger side, you might want to cut them in half and scoop out the seeds. This isn’t necessary for smaller cucumbers, but for larger ones, it can help keep the relish from being too watery.
Step 2: Chop the Cucumbers
Chop your cucumbers finely. You can use a food processor for this to make the process quicker, but make sure not to over-process them. You want small pieces, not a puree.
Step 3: Salting and Soaking
Once your cucumbers are chopped, toss them in a bowl with canning salt and turmeric. Add enough cold water to cover the cucumbers, then let them sit for about 2 hours. This step is crucial—it helps to draw out excess water from the cucumbers, so your relish doesn’t end up too watery.
Step 4: Rinse and Drain
After the cucumbers have soaked, drain them and give them a good rinse to get rid of the excess salt. Make sure they’re well-drained before you move on to the next step.
Step 5: Cook the Relish
Now comes the fun part—cooking the relish! In a large pot, combine your drained cucumbers with the chopped onions, sugar, dill seeds (or fresh dill), and vinegar. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.
As it cooks, the mixture will thicken and the flavors will start to come together. Your kitchen is going to smell amazing!
Step 6: Jar It Up
While the relish is cooking, get your jars ready for canning. Sterilize them by boiling them in water for 10 minutes, then carefully ladle the hot relish into the jars, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace.
Wipe the rims of the jars clean, then screw on the lids and bands until they’re fingertip-tight. Now you’re ready for the water bath!
Canning Dill Pickle Relish for Long-Term Storage
If you’re new to canning, don’t worry—it’s not as intimidating as it sounds. Plus, once you’ve canned your relish, you can store it for up to a year in your pantry, which means you’ll always have a jar on hand when you need it.
Here’s how to do it:
- Prepare a Water Bath: Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a simmer. You want enough water to cover the jars by at least 1-2 inches.
- Process the Jars: Using a jar lifter, carefully place the jars in the simmering water. Bring the water to a full boil, then process the jars for 15 minutes. This will seal the jars and ensure that the relish is shelf-stable.
- Cool the Jars: After 15 minutes, turn off the heat and let the jars sit in the water for 5 minutes. Then, remove them and place them on a towel to cool for 24 hours. During this time, you’ll hear a little “pop” as the lids seal. That’s how you know they’re ready to be stored!
For a more detailed guide on water bath canning, check out this helpful Water Bath Canning Guide.
Creative Ways to Use Dill Pickle Relish
You’ve made your dill pickle relish—now, how are you going to use it? Sure, you can stick to the classics (hot dogs, burgers), but why not get a little creative? Here are some ideas:
- Potato Salad: Stir a few spoonfuls of dill pickle relish into potato salad for an extra tangy bite.
- Tuna Salad: Mix it into tuna or chicken salad for a punch of flavor.
- Egg Salad: Add relish to your egg salad for a little extra crunch and acidity.
- Tartar Sauce: Make your own tartar sauce by combining relish with mayonnaise, lemon juice, and a dash of hot sauce.
- Grilled Cheese: Trust me, try adding some dill pickle relish to your next grilled cheese sandwich. It’s a game-changer!
Variations and Substitutions for Dill Pickle Relish
One of the best things about making your own dill pickle relish is how easy it is to customize. Here are some variations you can try:
- Spicy Relish: Add a chopped jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes to give your relish some heat.
- Garlic Lovers: Throw in some minced garlic or garlic powder for a more robust flavor.
- Sweeter Relish: If you like a bit of sweetness, add an extra tablespoon of sugar or use apple cider vinegar instead of white vinegar.
- Fresh Dill: If you have fresh dill on hand, use it! Fresh dill gives the relish a brighter, herbier flavor compared to dill seed.
FAQs About Dill Pickle Relish
Got questions? Here are some frequently asked questions about dill pickle relish.
Can I use regular cucumbers instead of pickling cucumbers?
Absolutely! Just make sure they’re firm and fresh. If they’re larger, you may want to scoop out the seeds to avoid a watery relish.
How long does homemade dill pickle relish last?
If you’ve canned it properly, your homemade relish will last up to a year in the pantry. Once opened, store it in the refrigerator and use it within a month.
Can I freeze dill pickle relish?
Freezing isn’t recommended for dill pickle relish because the texture will become mushy after it thaws. Stick to canning or refrigerating it.
Can I make dill pickle relish without canning?
Yes! You can store the relish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a month if you don’t want to go through the canning process.
What’s the difference between dill pickle relish and sweet pickle relish?
The main difference is the sugar. Dill pickle relish is more tangy and vinegary, while sweet relish has added sugar for sweetness.
More FAQs from People Also Ask
Is dill pickle relish gluten-free?
Yes, most homemade dill pickle relishes are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check the ingredients, especially the vinegar, to make sure it’s gluten-free.
Can I use fresh dill instead of dill seed?
Yes! Fresh dill works wonderfully in this recipe. You’ll need about a tablespoon of fresh dill for every teaspoon of dill seed.
Is dill pickle relish healthy?
Dill pickle relish is low in calories and fat, but it can be high in sodium due to the salt used in the recipe. To make it a bit healthier, use a low-sodium version of the ingredients or reduce the amount of salt.
Conclusion: Why Homemade Dill Pickle Relish Is a Must-Try
There you have it—everything you need to know about making your own dill pickle relish. Not only is it easy to make, but it also tastes way better than anything you’ll find in a store. You can customize it to your heart’s content, and with proper canning, you’ll have jars of homemade relish to last you for months.
Whether you’re using it to top off a hot dog, mix into a salad, or create your own signature tartar sauce, dill pickle relish is a versatile condiment that deserves a spot in your kitchen. So, grab some cucumbers, break out your canning jars, and get ready to make the best relish of your life!