Bread and Butter Pickles Recipe

I absolutely love sharing this Bread and Butter Pickles Recipe because it brings back so many cozy memories from my kitchen. When I first tried making these pickles, I was amazed at how the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors came together to create something truly special. Whether you’re making a big batch for summer barbecues or a small jar just to brighten up your sandwiches, you’ll find that this recipe is straightforward but incredibly rewarding.

This recipe works beautifully when you want a crisp, refreshing snack or a zesty addition to your meals. Plus, I adore how versatile these pickles are – they keep well, taste even better after a week or two, and jazz up everything from burgers to cheese plates. Trust me, once you try this Bread and Butter Pickles Recipe, it’ll earn a permanent spot in your pantry!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients come together to make a vibrant, tasty pickle that’s rich with natural flavors and bright acidity. Fresh cucumbers and quality vinegars are key — they create that refreshing base that lets the spices shine.

• Pickling cucumbers: Choose firm, fresh cucumbers that haven’t started to soften for the best crunch.
• Pickling salt: This salt dissolves quickly and doesn’t contain additives, which helps in drawing out moisture evenly.
• White or yellow onions: Thinly sliced onions add a lovely sharpness and a bit of sweetness to contrast with the cucumbers.
• White distilled vinegar: Use a 5% acidity vinegar for balanced tartness without overpowering flavors.
• Apple cider vinegar: Adds a milder, fruity tang that rounds out the flavor beautifully.
• Sugar: Sweetens and balances the acidity perfectly, creating that classic bread and butter pickle taste.
• Mustard seeds: Bring a subtle pungency that’s essential to these pickles.
• Crushed red pepper flakes: For a hint of heat; you can adjust according to your spice preference.
• Celery seeds: Add a nice herbal depth and complexity.
• Cinnamon stick: Just a touch gives warmth without overpowering.
• Allspice berries and ground allspice: Offer that unmistakable aromatic quality, making the flavor multidimensional.
• Whole cloves and ground cloves: Small amounts provide subtle spice notes that lift the profile.
• Ground turmeric: This brings a beautiful golden color and earthiness to the pickles.

Variations

I like to mix things up sometimes depending on the season or mood. Feel free to tweak the spice levels or switch up the vinegar types to suit your kitchen style. Bread and Butter Pickles Recipe is forgiving that way — it’s all about making it your own.

• Spice it up: One time, I added extra red pepper flakes for a fiery kick, and my family went crazy for it at our summer picnic!
• Low sugar option: Reduce the sugar slightly or swap some of it for honey for a more natural sweetness.
• Different vinegars: Try using all apple cider vinegar for a fruitier, mellower pickle experience.
• Herbal twist: Adding fresh dill or thyme during the cooking process creates a unique flavor spin that’s fantastic on sandwiches.

How to Make Bread and Butter Pickles Recipe

Step 1: Rinse and Slice Your Cucumbers

Start by giving your cucumbers a good scrub — I like to run them under cool water and gently brush off any dirt, especially from the ribs. Then slice off the ends (about 1/8 inch) because those parts can be bitter. Slice the cucumbers into 1/4-inch thick rounds. This thickness is just right – not too thin so they don’t get mushy, and not too thick so they soak up the vinegar mixture perfectly.

Step 2: Salt, Chill, and Drain the Cucumber Slices

Mix the sliced onions and salt with your cucumber slices, making sure everything is evenly coated. I cover this with a clean tea towel then ice on top to keep everything chilled. Pop it into the fridge for about 4 hours — this step draws out excess water and keeps your pickles crisp. When time’s up, rinse the cucumbers and onions thoroughly to remove the salt (and any bitterness it’s pulled out), then drain well. Don’t skip the second rinse and drain; it really makes a difference in the final flavor.

Step 3: Prepare and Heat Your Jars (If Canning for Storage)

If you want your pickles to last shelf-stable, you’ll need to heat your jars in a hot water bath. Place clean jars on a rack in a large pot and fill with warm water at least an inch above the jars, then bring it to a boil. Reduce heat to keep jars warm until ready to use. If you plan to store pickles in the fridge and eat them quickly, you can skip this step and the water bath later on.

Step 4: Make the Pickling Syrup

Combine both vinegars, sugar, and all the pickling spices (except salt) in a large pot. Bring it to a boil and stir until the sugar completely dissolves. Then add your cucumbers and onions back into the pot and bring everything back to a rolling boil. This is where all those warm spices infuse perfectly – you’ll start to smell that comforting aroma filling your kitchen!

Step 5: Pack Jars and Pour Pickling Syrup

Using a slotted spoon, pack your hot cucumbers and onions into the heated jars, leaving about an inch from the top. Then ladle the hot syrup over them, leaving about half an inch of headspace. Wipe each jar’s rim with a clean paper towel to ensure a good seal, then place on a lid and screw on the band until finger-tight. Repeat with remaining jars.

Step 6: Process in a Hot Water Bath (If Canning)

Return filled jars to your canning pot filled with hot water that covers the jars by at least one inch. Bring to a boil and boil vigorously for 15 minutes. If you live above 1,000 feet elevation, adjust your processing time accordingly. Remove the jars carefully and let them cool to room temperature. You should hear those satisfying popping sounds as the lids seal.

Step 7: Cool, Store, and Enjoy!

Let your pickles sit for at least 24 hours before opening, but if you can wait 3 weeks or more, the flavor deepens immensely. Store properly sealed jars in a cool, dark place for up to a year. Once opened, keep refrigerated and try to enjoy within three months. Refrigerated-only batches are best eaten within 3 months as well.

How to Serve Bread and Butter Pickles Recipe

Garnishes

I usually love to serve these pickles with a sprinkle of fresh dill or a few mustard seeds on top to echo those lovely flavors inside. Sometimes, I’ll add a few thin slices of red onion or a dash of cracked black pepper for a little extra zing just before serving.

Side Dishes

These bread and butter pickles pair perfectly with grilled cheese sandwiches, burgers, or fried chicken — they really brighten those richer dishes. I also enjoy them alongside potato salads or as part of a charcuterie board for a tangy contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Once, for a holiday gathering, I served the pickles in pretty small mason jars tied with twine and a handwritten label — they made lovely party favors that everyone raved about. You can also layer them in clear containers alternating colors with fresh herbs or sliced peppers for a festive, colorful look on your table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I’ve found that storing opened jars in the fridge tightly sealed works best — they stay crisp and flavorful for up to three months. Always use clean utensils to avoid introducing bacteria. I’ve lost a jar once by not sealing well, so double-check those lids!

Freezing

Freezing pickles generally isn’t recommended because it affects their texture, making them mushy. I usually avoid freezing — instead, I make smaller batches or can for long-term storage to keep them fresh and crisp.

Reheating

These pickles are best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. I never heat them because the warmth can soften the cucumbers and dull the flavor. Just open a jar, let it sit a little while at room temp, and enjoy that crunch!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I’ve always had a soft spot for bread and butter pickles, and making them from scratch feels like a little kitchen celebration every time. It’s a simple recipe, but it produces that comforting, nostalgic flavor that makes any meal a little brighter. I really hope you give this Bread and Butter Pickles Recipe a try — once you taste the crunch and perfect sweet-tangy flavor, I bet it will become a beloved staple in your home, just like mine.

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