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Classic Flavorful Bread and Butter Pickles

bread and butter pickles - featured image

A simple and nostalgic recipe for sweet and tangy bread and butter pickles made from cucumbers, onions, and pantry staples. Perfect for sandwiches, BBQs, and picnic spreads.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups thinly sliced cucumbers (preferably Kirby cucumbers)
  • 1 medium onion, thinly sliced (yellow or sweet onion)
  • 3 tablespoons kosher salt
  • 2 cups white vinegar (5% acidity)
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon mustard seeds
  • 1 teaspoon celery seeds
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes or fresh dill

Instructions

  1. Slice the cucumbers and onions thinly, about 1/8 inch thick, using a sharp knife or mandoline.
  2. Place the sliced cucumbers and onions in a large mixing bowl. Sprinkle with 3 tablespoons kosher salt and toss gently to coat. Let sit for 1 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally to draw out moisture.
  3. Drain and rinse the salted vegetables thoroughly under cold water to remove excess salt. Shake to drain completely.
  4. In a large saucepan, combine 2 cups white vinegar, 1 cup water, 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon mustard seeds, 1 teaspoon celery seeds, 1/2 teaspoon turmeric, and 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper. Bring to a rolling boil over medium-high heat, stirring to dissolve sugar.
  5. Pack the cucumber and onion slices into sterilized jars, leaving about 1/2 inch headspace without compacting too tightly.
  6. Pour the hot brine over the vegetables in the jars, filling completely but leaving 1/2 inch headspace. Tap jars gently to release air bubbles.
  7. Wipe jar rims clean and seal with lids. Let jars cool to room temperature before refrigerating.
  8. Refrigerate for at least 24 hours before eating, but best after 3 days for full flavor.

Notes

For extra crisp pickles, soak sliced cucumbers in ice water for 30 minutes before salting. Use a non-reactive saucepan to avoid metallic taste. Waiting 3 days before eating improves flavor. Avoid compacting cucumbers too tightly in jars to allow brine circulation. Optional additions include red pepper flakes for heat or fresh dill for herbal notes.

Nutrition

Keywords: bread and butter pickles, homemade pickles, easy pickles, sweet and tangy pickles, refrigerator pickles, cucumber pickles