Sweet & Tangy Bread And Butter Pickles Recipe Made Simple

Crisp cucumbers dance with zesty spices in these mouthwatering bread and butter pickles that burst with homemade goodness.

Summer gardens yield the freshest ingredients for this classic pickle recipe.

Sweet and tangy flavors mingle together, creating a delectable condiment that elevates sandwiches and summer spreads.

Homemade pickles bring a special touch to any meal, offering a delightful crunch and vibrant taste.

The simple preparation makes these pickles an achievable culinary adventure for home cooks of all skill levels.

Serve these pickles alongside burgers, sandwiches, or enjoy them straight from the jar for a delicious snack that will impress everyone at the table.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 2.5 hours

Calories: 88 kcal

Servings: 9

What Goes In Bread And Butter Pickles

• Cucumbers: Fresh, crisp cucumbers are the star, delivering a satisfying crunch and classic pickle texture. Look for firm, medium-sized cucumbers without soft spots.
• Onions: Adds sharp, tangy flavor and enhances the overall pickle profile. Choose sweet or white onions for balanced taste.

• White Vinegar: Creates the signature tangy pickle flavor and helps preserve the vegetables. Select clean, clear vinegar with 5% acidity.
• Sugar: Balances the vinegar's sharpness and creates a sweet-tangy harmony. Use granulated white sugar for consistent results.
• Mustard Seeds: Provide subtle spicy undertones and aromatic depth. Fresh seeds ensure maximum flavor impact.
• Celery Seeds: Contribute a distinctive herbal note that elevates the pickle's complexity.
• Turmeric: Adds vibrant golden color and earthy warmth. Fresh ground turmeric offers the most robust flavor.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces a gentle heat and exciting spice dimension.
• Black Peppercorns: Deliver a classic peppery kick and aromatic complexity.
• Ginger: Brings a zesty, slightly spicy undertone that brightens the entire pickle profile.

• Kosher Salt: Draws moisture from vegetables and helps maintain crisp texture. Choose pure, additive-free salt.
• Ice Cubes: Assists in creating a crunchy cucumber texture during initial preparation.

Tools You’ll Need For Bread And Butter Pickles

• Large bowl: Essential for salting and draining cucumbers and onions.
• Large saucepan: Perfect for creating the hot pickling brine.
• Sharp knife: Needed to slice cucumbers and onions evenly.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Critical for accurate brine ingredients.
• Sterilized glass jars with lids: Crucial for storing and preserving pickles.
• Colander: Helpful for rinsing and draining cucumber mixture.
• Wooden spoon: Great for stirring brine and mixing ingredients.
• Boiling water bath canner (optional): Used for processing shelf-stable pickles.

How To Make Bread And Butter Pickles

• Prep Cucumber Magic

Toss sliced cucumbers and onions with salt, creating a flavor foundation. Blanket with ice cubes and let sit for 1-2 hours to transform them into crispy delights. Rinse thoroughly under cold water and drain completely.

• Craft Tangy Liquid Gold

In a saucepan, blend vinegar, sugar, and aromatic spices over medium heat. Stir until sugar melts and the mixture transforms into a bubbling, fragrant elixir. Watch as the spices dance and infuse their essence.

• Jar and Preserve

Carefully nestle the cucumber and onion mixture into clean jars. Pour the sizzling hot brine over the veggies, ensuring every morsel is lovingly covered. Seal the jars, trapping the vibrant flavors inside.

• Savor the Crunch

For quick pickles, let them chill in the refrigerator for 24 hours before diving in. They’ll stay fresh and crunchy for two months. Want long-lasting pickles? Process the jars in boiling water for 10 minutes and store in a cool, dark spot for up to a year.

Helpful Tips For Bread And Butter Pickles

• Crisp Pickle Perfection: Tips to elevate your bread and butter pickles with expert techniques and flavor twists.
• Salt Soak Secret: Use kosher salt or pickling salt for maximum crunch – table salt can make pickles too salty and cloudy.
• Temperature Tricks: Keep cucumbers ice-cold before pickling to maintain that satisfying crunch and prevent soft, mushy texture.
• Spice Swap Adventure: Experiment with heat levels by adjusting red pepper flakes or adding jalapeños for a spicier pickle variation.
• Diet-Friendly Modifications: Create low-sugar versions by replacing some sugar with natural sweeteners like stevia or using sugar-free alternatives for diabetic-friendly pickles.

Serving Ideas For Bread And Butter Pickles

• Picnic Perfect Plate Partner: These tangy bread and butter pickles make an incredible side for summer barbecues, complementing grilled burgers, hot dogs, and sandwiches with their zesty crunch.
• Charcuterie Champion: Elevate your cheese board by adding these homemade pickles alongside cured meats, sharp cheeses, and crusty artisan bread for a gourmet appetizer experience.
• Sandwich Superstar: Layer these pickles inside deli-style sandwiches, pulled pork, or grilled cheese to add bright acidity and a satisfying crisp texture that transforms ordinary meals into something extraordinary.
• Condiment Creativity: Use these pickles as a chopped garnish for potato salads, deviled eggs, or mix into tuna and chicken salad for an unexpected burst of flavor that will surprise and delight taste buds.

Storage Tips For Bread And Butter Pickles

• Fridge Fresh Tactics: Store pickles in airtight glass containers in the refrigerator for maximum crunch and flavor retention.
• Flavor Boost Window: Enjoy peak taste within 2-4 weeks after preparing, when pickling spices have fully infused the vegetables.
• Temperature Guardian: Keep refrigerated at consistent 40°F or below to maintain crisp texture and prevent bacterial growth.
• Smart Portion Planning: Create smaller batches to ensure maximum freshness and prevent potential waste of ingredients.

Tangy Bread And Butter Pickles Recipe

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• Total Time: 2.5 hours
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Homemade bread and butter pickles deliver a tangy, sweet crunch perfect for summer sandwiches. Crisp cucumber slices bathed in a zesty vinegar brine create an irresistible condiment you’ll want to serve alongside grilled meats and burgers.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 6 cups cucumbers (about 45 medium, thinly sliced)
• 1.5 cups onions (thinly sliced, about 1 large onion)
• 2 cups apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar for a sharper taste)
• 1.5 cups granulated sugar
• 0.25 cup kosher salt
• 2 cups ice cubes (to help crisp the cucumbers)
• 1 tbsp mustard seeds
• 1 tsp celery seeds
• 0.5 tsp turmeric (for color and flavor)
• 1 tsp whole black peppercorns
• 0.5 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
• 0.5 tsp ground ginger (optional, for extra warmth)

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Instructions

1. Vegetable Preparation: Slice cucumbers and onions into thin, uniform pieces, ensuring a crisp and visually appealing base for pickling.
2. Salt Treatment: Generously coat cucumber and onion slices with kosher salt, then cover with ice cubes to draw out moisture and enhance textural integrity. Let rest for 1-2 hours, thoroughly rinse and drain to remove excess salt.
3. Brine Creation: In a saucepan, combine vinegar, sugar, mustard seeds, celery seeds, turmeric, red pepper flakes, black peppercorns, and ginger. Heat gently, stirring consistently until sugar dissolves and spices release their vibrant flavors.
4. Jarring Process: Transfer drained vegetable mixture into sterilized glass jars, pressing down to eliminate air pockets. Pour hot, spice-infused brine over vegetables, ensuring full submersion and leaving appropriate headspace.
5. Preservation Technique: For immediate consumption, seal jars and refrigerate for 24 hours to develop robust flavors, with a refrigerator shelf life of 2 months. For long-term storage, process sealed jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes, then store in a cool, dark location for up to one year.

Notes

• Control Salt Intensity: Use precisely measured kosher salt to prevent over-salting, which can make pickles too harsh; taste and adjust salt levels carefully during the dehydration stage.
• Slice with Precision: Maintain consistent cucumber and onion thickness (around 1/4 inch) to ensure uniform pickling and guarantee crisp, even texture across all pickle pieces.
• Temperature Management: Keep brine at gentle simmer, not rapid boil, to preserve spice nuances and prevent aggressive flavor breakdown during liquid preparation.
• Jar Sterilization Technique: Thoroughly clean glass jars with hot, soapy water or run through dishwasher’s sanitize cycle to eliminate potential bacterial contamination and extend pickle preservation.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Appetizer
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 88
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 1120 mg
• Fat: 0 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg