Crisp Bread and Butter Pickles – Sweet Tangy Flavor

Bread and butter pickles are more than just a condiment; they’re a nostalgic trip back to sunny days and grandma’s kitchen. The perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy, these delightful pickles have a way of elevating even the simplest of meals. Think about that satisfying crunch, the burst of flavor that cuts through richness, or the way they add a vibrant zest to a classic burger or a humble beef ham sandwich. What truly makes these bread and butter pickles so special is their unique sweetness, a gentle contrast to the usual vinegary bite, achieved through a carefully orchestrated blend of sugar, vinegar, and warming spices like mustard seed and celery seed. They’re a labor of love, yes, but the reward of a perfectly brined, wonderfully crisp bread and butter pickle is absolutely worth every moment spent in the kitchen, promising a taste that’s both comforting and utterly addictive.

Bread and Butter Pickles

There’s something undeniably special about homemade bread and butter pickles. They offer that perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and subtly spiced flavor that elevates everything from a simple beef ham sandwich to a gourmet burger. Forget the soggy, overly sweet versions you might have encountered; these are crisp, vibrant, and bursting with authentic taste. Making them at home is surprisingly straightforward, and the reward of pulling a jar of your own perfectly preserved pickles from the pantry is incredibly satisfying. This recipe yields a delightful batch that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients:

• 1 & 1/2 pounds pickling cucumbers (about 6-8 medium cucumbers), sliced 1/4-inch thick (about 5 & 1/2 cups)
• 1 & 1/2 tablespoons coarse salt
• 1 cup thinly sliced sweet onion
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup white vinegar
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar
• 1 & 1/2 teaspoons mustard seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon celery seeds
• 1/8 teaspoon ground turmeric

Instructions:

1. Preparing the Cucumbers for Crispness

   The key to perfectly crisp pickles, especially bread and butter pickles which can sometimes lean towards the softer side, starts with how you prepare the cucumbers. Begin by thoroughly washing your pickling cucumbers. You don’t necessarily need to peel them; the skin adds to the texture and nutritional value. Slice them evenly into 1/4-inch thick rounds. This uniformity is important for consistent pickling. Once sliced, place the cucumber rounds in a large non-reactive bowl. Sprinkle them with the 1 & 1/2 tablespoons of coarse salt. Gently toss the cucumbers to ensure they are evenly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and let them sit at room temperature for at least 2 hours, or even up to 4 hours. This salting process draws out excess water from the cucumbers, which is crucial for preventing a watery brine and ensuring a crisp final product. You’ll notice that a significant amount of liquid will accumulate at the bottom of the bowl; this is exactly what we want.

2. Rinsing and Draining

   After the cucumbers have rested and released their excess moisture, it’s time to prepare them for the brine. Drain the liquid that has accumulated in the bowl. Then, rinse the salted cucumber slices very thoroughly under cold running water. You want to wash away as much of the salt as possible. This step is essential to prevent your pickles from being overly salty. After rinsing, drain the cucumbers exceptionally well. You can do this by placing them in a colander set over a bowl and gently pressing them down with your hands or a spatula to remove as much water as possible. Some people even like to pat them dry with paper towels, though thorough draining is usually sufficient. The goal is to get them as dry as possible before they go into the cooking brine.

3. Creating the Sweet and Tangy Brine

   Now, it’s time to craft the delicious brine that will transform these cucumbers into bread and butter pickles. In a large, non-reactive saucepan (stainless steel or enamelware are ideal), combine the thinly sliced sweet onion, granulated sugar, white vinegar, apple cider vinegar, and light brown sugar. Stir these ingredients together until the sugars begin to dissolve. Add the mustard seeds, celery seeds, and ground turmeric to the saucepan. The turmeric is responsible for that characteristic beautiful yellow hue of bread and butter pickles. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally. Once the mixture comes to a rolling boil, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This simmering time allows the flavors of the spices and sugars to meld beautifully and for the onion to soften slightly.

4. Combining and Cooking the Pickles

   Gently add the well-drained cucumber slices and the sliced onion to the simmering brine in the saucepan. Stir everything together carefully to ensure the cucumbers and onions are fully submerged in the liquid. Increase the heat back to medium and bring the mixture to a gentle boil once more. This is the critical cooking phase. Continue to cook the pickles in the brine for about 10 to 15 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and to ensure even cooking. You’ll want the cucumbers to soften slightly but still retain a pleasant crispness. Overcooking will result in mushy pickles, so keep a close eye on them. The onions should become tender and translucent during this cooking time.

5. Jarring and Storing Your Homemade Delights

   Once the pickles have reached your desired tenderness, it’s time to preserve them. Carefully ladle the hot pickles and brine into sterilized jars. You can sterilize your jars by washing them thoroughly and then boiling them in water for at least 10 minutes, or by running them through the sanitizing cycle of your dishwasher. Leave about 1/2 inch of headspace at the top of each jar. Use a clean spoon or spatula to gently remove any air bubbles that might be trapped within the jars. Wipe the rims of the jars clean with a damp cloth to ensure a good seal. Place the sterilized lids on the jars and screw on the bands until they are finger-tight. For longer storage, you can process the jars in a boiling water bath according to standard canning guidelines, but for immediate consumption and refrigeration, this isn’t strictly necessary. Allow the pickles to cool completely at room temperature before refrigerating. The flavors will continue to develop as they chill. For the best taste and texture, let them meld in the refrigerator for at least 24-48 hours before enjoying. These homemade bread and butter pickles will keep in the refrigerator for several weeks, offering a delightful tangy-sweet crunch whenever you need it.

Conclusion:

There you have it! Crafting your own delicious bread and butter pickles from scratch is a rewarding experience that yields a vibrant, sweet, and tangy treat. This recipe is fantastic because it’s incredibly versatile, allowing you to control the sweetness and spice to your exact preference. Plus, the satisfaction of enjoying homemade preserves is unmatched. These pickles are perfect for elevating any sandwich, adding a bright pop to charcuterie boards, or simply enjoying straight from the jar. Don’t be afraid to experiment! Consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat, or a sprig of fresh dill for an extra layer of herbaceousness. Give this bread and butter pickle recipe a try – I’m confident you’ll be hooked on the homemade goodness!

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is the best way to store bread and butter pickles?

Once your bread and butter pickles have cooled completely after processing (if canning) or once they’ve chilled in the refrigerator, store them in airtight jars in the refrigerator. Properly stored, they should stay fresh and delicious for several weeks, if not months!

Can I make bread and butter pickles without canning?

Absolutely! If you plan to consume your bread and butter pickles relatively quickly, you can skip the canning process. Simply store them in clean, airtight jars in the refrigerator. They’ll be ready to enjoy after they’ve had a day or two to meld their flavors in the fridge.

What are some other serving suggestions for these pickles?

Beyond sandwiches, these pickles are delightful with burgers, fried chicken, or on a cheese board. They also pair wonderfully with beef dishes and can even be chopped and added to potato salad or tuna salad for an extra zing!

Bread and Butter Pickles

Sweet and tangy bread and butter pickles perfect for sandwiches and snacks.

Prep Time
30 Minutes

Cook Time
15 Minutes

Total Time
45 Minutes

Servings
About 4-5 pints

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds pickling cucumbers, sliced 1/4-inch thick (about 5 1/2 cups)
• 1 1/2 tablespoons coarse salt
• 1 cup thinly sliced sweet onion
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup white vinegar
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons mustard seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon celery seeds
• 1/8 teaspoon ground turmeric

Instructions

1. Step 1
   Place sliced cucumbers in a large bowl, sprinkle with coarse salt, and toss to combine. Cover and refrigerate for 2 to 4 hours, or overnight. Drain the cucumbers thoroughly and rinse them under cold water to remove excess salt. Pat them dry with paper towels.
2. Step 2
   In a large non-reactive pot, combine the sliced sweet onion, granulated sugar, white vinegar, apple cider vinegar, light brown sugar, mustard seeds, celery seeds, and turmeric.
3. Step 3
   Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring until the sugars are dissolved.
4. Step 4
   Add the drained cucumbers to the pot. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cucumbers are slightly tender.
5. Step 5
   Carefully ladle the hot pickles and brine into sterilized jars, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace.
6. Step 6
   Wipe the rims of the jars clean, secure the lids, and process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes (adjusting for altitude if necessary). If not canning, refrigerate the pickles once cooled.

Important Information

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.