If you’re craving a tangy, sweet treat that brings the perfect crunch and zest, this Bread and Butter Pickles Recipe is an absolute must-try. Combining crisp cucumbers with onions infused in a beautifully balanced brine, this classic recipe delivers a burst of flavor that will elevate sandwiches, burgers, or snack time. It’s quick to prepare, wonderfully satisfying, and makes your kitchen smell like a little pickle paradise.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Bread and Butter Pickles Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a key role: cucumbers provide the crisp texture, onions add subtle sweetness, and the combination of spices rounds out the perfect flavor profile.
- 4 cups sliced cucumbers: The star ingredient, fresh and crunchy for that ideal pickle bite.
- 1 cup sliced onions: Adds a mild sweetness and depth to the pickle’s flavor.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Balances the acidity with its gentle sweetness.
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar: Offers a bright tang that preserves and flavors the pickles.
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds: Adds a subtle spice and nice texture contrast.
- 1 teaspoon celery seeds: Contributes an aromatic, slightly earthy note.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric: Gives color and a warm, subtle flavor kick.
- 1/2 teaspoon fine salt: Enhances all the flavors and helps draw moisture from the cucumbers.
How to Make Bread and Butter Pickles Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Vegetables
Start by thinly slicing your cucumbers and onions. Place them in a large mixing bowl and toss gently so that the slices are evenly combined. This ensures that every bite of your pickles captures both flavors.
Step 2: Make Pickling Brine
Next, in a medium saucepan, combine sugar, apple cider vinegar, mustard seeds, celery seeds, ground turmeric, and salt. Stir everything well and bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium heat. This hot brine is the magic potion that transforms your fresh vegetables into delicious pickles.
Step 3: Combine Vegetables and Brine
Pour the boiling brine over the cucumber and onion mixture, making sure the vegetables are fully covered. The heat helps soften the vegetables slightly while letting the spices permeate their flavors beautifully.
Step 4: Cool Mixture
Allow the mixture to rest at room temperature, letting the flavors meld together as it cools. This step is key to achieving that classic tangy, sweet pickle taste we all love.
Step 5: Jar and Refrigerate
Transfer your cooled Bread and Butter Pickles into sterilized jars, sealing them tightly with airtight lids. Pop the jars into the refrigerator and let them chill for at least 24 hours before serving to allow the flavors to fully develop and deepen.
How to Serve Bread and Butter Pickles Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your pickles by pairing them with fresh herbs like dill or parsley for a pop of color and an extra layer of freshness. A sprinkle of cracked black pepper just before serving can add a subtle kick that complements the sweetness perfectly.
Side Dishes
These pickles shine alongside classic barbecue fare, from pulled pork sandwiches to grilled hot dogs. They also pair wonderfully with cheese boards, adding a bright contrast to creamy or sharp cheeses.
Creative Ways to Present
Take those Bread and Butter Pickles out of the jar and use them as a topping on burgers, sliders, or even tacos. You can chop them finely and mix into potato salad or coleslaw to add a lively crunch and tang. For a fun twist, try layering them in a sandwich with thick slices of cheddar and roasted turkey.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your pickles, store leftovers in airtight jars in the refrigerator. This will keep them fresh and flavorful for up to 2 weeks, giving you plenty of time to savor every last bite.
Freezing
While it’s possible to freeze pickles, it’s not typically recommended for Bread and Butter Pickles because freezing can change their texture, making them less crisp. It’s best to enjoy them fresh or refrigerated.
Reheating
This Bread and Butter Pickles Recipe is meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature. There’s no need to reheat as doing so may soften the lovely crunch and alter the vibrant flavors.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cucumbers for this recipe?
Absolutely! While Kirby cucumbers are traditionally preferred for their firm texture, you can use any firm, fresh cucumber. Just try to avoid ones that are overly watery or bitter.
How long do these pickles last if refrigerated?
When stored properly in airtight containers, Bread and Butter Pickles can last around 2 weeks in the fridge while maintaining their best flavor and crunch.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Definitely! You can add sliced jalapeños or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the brine to introduce a bit of heat that complements the sweetness beautifully.
Do I need to sterilize the jars for storage?
While refrigeration limits bacterial growth, sterilizing jars is a great practice to ensure your pickles stay fresh longer and helps prevent any unwanted flavors or spoilage.
Is it necessary to let the pickles sit for 24 hours before eating?
For the best flavor, yes. The resting period allows the cucumbers and onions to soak up all the delicious brine, making the pickles taste vibrant and fully developed.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Bread and Butter Pickles Recipe enough if you want to add an irresistible, homemade touch to your meals. It’s straightforward to make, wonderfully flavorful, and sure to become a staple in your kitchen. So grab those fresh cucumbers and give it a try—you’ll be sharing this recipe with friends in no time!
Print
Bread and Butter Pickles Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes (plus 24 hours refrigeration)
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Classic Bread and Butter Pickles are a tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy treat made with crisp cucumbers and onions pickled in a flavorful brine of apple cider vinegar, sugar, mustard seeds, celery seeds, turmeric, and salt. Ready in just 30 minutes plus chilling time, these pickles make a perfect condiment for sandwiches, burgers, or as a zesty snack.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 4 cups sliced cucumbers
- 1 cup sliced onions
Pickling Brine
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon celery seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
Instructions
- Prepare Vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers and onions. Toss them together to ensure even distribution.
- Make Pickling Brine: In a medium saucepan, add sugar, apple cider vinegar, mustard seeds, celery seeds, turmeric, and salt. Stir the ingredients well and bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium heat to dissolve the sugar and infuse the spices.
- Combine Vegetables and Brine: Carefully pour the hot brine over the cucumber and onion mixture in the bowl, making sure the vegetables are fully submerged.
- Cool Mixture: Let the mixture cool down to room temperature to allow the flavors to meld and the pickles to develop their characteristic taste.
- Jar and Refrigerate: Transfer the cooled pickle mixture into sterilized jars. Seal tightly with airtight lids and refrigerate for at least 24 hours before serving to enhance the flavor and texture.
Notes
- For best results, use firm, fresh cucumbers such as Kirby cucumbers.
- Slicing cucumbers and onions uniformly helps ensure consistent pickling.
- Sterilizing jars before storing prevents spoilage and extends shelf life.
- Though ready after 24 hours, pickles improve in flavor if left to chill for 2-3 days.
- These pickles can be kept refrigerated for up to 2 weeks.
