Bread and Butter Pickles Recipe Made the Old-Fashioned Way

Bread and butter pickles burst with tangy-sweet magic, turning humble cucumbers into a culinary sensation.

These vibrant condiments blend nostalgia and gourmet flair in every crisp bite.

Generations of kitchen enthusiasts have perfected this beloved preservation technique.

Spices and vinegar dance together, creating a symphony of flavors that electrify simple ingredients.

Sliced cucumbers absorb a remarkable marinade that transforms them from ordinary to extraordinary.

Summer’s essence sparkles in each jar of these zesty pickles.

Check out a pickle-making adventure that will revolutionize your taste buds.

Serving These Pickles with Everything

• Pair with Protein Platters: Serve these tangy pickles alongside grilled chicken, pulled pork, or roasted beef for a zesty flavor boost.
• Create Sandwich Enhancements: Slice pickles and layer them into deli sandwiches, burgers, or wrap fillings for added crunch and tang.
• Design Charcuterie Magic: Arrange pickles on a wooden board with cheeses, cured meats, and crusty bread for an eye-catching appetizer spread.
• Craft Salad Toppers: Chop pickles into small pieces and sprinkle over green salads or potato salads for unexpected brightness and texture.

Pickle Storage Made Simple

• Preserve Fresh Flavor: Store pickles in a cool, dark pantry or cupboard away from direct sunlight and heat sources to maintain their crisp texture and vibrant taste.
• Seal and Protect: Ensure jar lids are tightly closed after processing to prevent air exposure, which can compromise pickle quality and lead to potential spoilage.
• Refrigeration Rules: Once opened, keep pickles in the refrigerator and consume within three months for optimal flavor and crunch. Always use clean utensils when serving to prevent bacterial contamination.
• Track Freshness: Label jars with the preparation date and batch number. Unopened pickles can safely stay in your pantry for up to one year, providing a delicious homemade condiment ready whenever you need a tangy, crunchy side dish.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 150 kcal

Servings: 10

Bread & Butter Pickles Ingredients

• Cucumber: Select firm, dark green cucumbers without soft spots or blemishes.
• Onion: Choose crisp, fresh onions with tight, papery skins and no sprouting.

• White Vinegar: Pick high-quality distilled vinegar with clear appearance.
• Sugar: Use granulated white sugar for consistent sweetness.
• Pickling Spices: Select fresh, aromatic mixed spice blend for robust flavor.

• Glass Jars: Seek clean, unblemished mason jars without chips.
• Jar Lids: Opt for new, unused lids to ensure proper sealing.
• Pickling Salt: Select pure, additive-free salt without iodine or anti-caking agents.

Tools for Brining and Canning Pickles

• Large bowl: Spacious container for mixing and salting vegetables.
• Cutting board: Sturdy surface for slicing cucumbers and onions.
• Sharp knife: Essential for trimming and cutting vegetables precisely.
• Measuring spoons: Accurate tools for portioning pickling salt.
• Cotton towel: Thin, clean cloth for covering vegetables during chilling.
• 16-quart canning pot: Large pot with metal rack for sterilizing jars.
• 4-6 quart pot: Cooking vessel for preparing pickling syrup.
• Slotted spoon: Handy for transferring hot vegetables into jars.
• Paper towels: Soft cloths for wiping jar rims clean.
• Tongs or jar lifters: Safe tools for handling hot jars.
• Glass jars with lids: Containers for storing and preserving pickles.

Making These Sweet, Tangy Pickles at Home

• Prep Your Veggie Mix

Grab fresh cucumbers and give them a good wash. Slice them into thin, crispy rounds along with some onions. This is where the magic begins for your homemade pickles.

• Salt And Transform

Sprinkle salt over your cucumber and onion slices. Let the mixture sit in the refrigerator, allowing the salt to work its flavor-enhancing charm. The vegetables will start to release moisture and become wonderfully tender.

• Sterilize Your Canning Gear

Get your jars and lids sparkling clean. Boil them in water to ensure everything is perfectly sanitized. This step keeps your pickles safe and delicious for months to come.

• Craft The Pickling Liquid

Combine vinegar, sugar, and spices in a pot. Heat until the sugar melts completely, creating a tangy, sweet syrup that will infuse your vegetables with incredible flavor. Bring the sliced vegetables into this bubbling mixture.

• Jar And Seal

Carefully transfer the hot pickled vegetables into your sterilized jars. Pour the remaining pickling liquid over them, leaving just a bit of space at the top. Seal the jars tightly, preparing them for their final transformation.

• Process And Preserve

Submerge the sealed jars in a boiling water bath. This crucial step ensures your pickles will be safely preserved and packed with mouthwatering flavor. Let them bubble away, sealing in all the deliciousness.

• Cool And Store

Remove the jars and let them cool completely. Listen for the satisfying pop of the lids sealing. Store in a cool, dark place, ready to be enjoyed whenever you want a tangy, crunchy treat. Once opened, keep in the refrigerator and enjoy within a few months.

Tips for Crisp Texture and Bold Flavor

Mix and match flavors, textures, and techniques to create your signature pickle recipe.

Add fresh dill, red pepper flakes, or whole peppercorns to the vinegar syrup for an extra kick of heat and complexity.

Adjust cucumber thickness or soak time to control pickle crunchiness – thinner slices mean faster pickling and softer texture.

Experiment with different jar sizes and shapes to make unique gift presentations or storage options that fit your kitchen style.

Homemade Bread And Butter Pickles Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 10 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Summer gardens yield delightful bread and butter pickles perfect for crunchy sandwich companions. Crisp cucumber slices kissed with sweet vinegar and spices create a classic American condiment you’ll savor all season long.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2.5 lbs (1.13 kg) pickling cucumbers, fresh from market
• 1 lb (454 g) white or yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 2.25 cups (450 g) sugar
• 1.25 cups (296 ml) white distilled vinegar (5% acidity)
• 1 cup (237 ml) apple cider vinegar (5% acidity)
• ¼ cup (60 ml) pickling salt
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) mustard seeds
• 1 tsp (5 ml) crushed red pepper flakes
• ¾ tsp (3.75 ml) celery seeds
• ½ tsp (2.5 ml) ground turmeric
• 1 inch (2.54 cm) cinnamon stick
• 6 allspice berries plus pinch ground allspice
• 6 whole cloves plus pinch ground cloves

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preparation: Cleanse cucumbers under running water, gently scrubbing to remove dirt. Trim ends and slice into uniform rounds.
2. Salting: Transfer cucumber slices to a large mixing bowl, sprinkle with pickling salt, and add sliced onions. Cover with a thin cloth and ice, then refrigerate for 4 hours to draw out moisture.
3. Rinsing: Discard ice and thoroughly rinse cucumber and onion slices to remove excess salt.
4. Jar Preparation: Set up a canning pot with a metal rack. Warm glass jars by submerging in water and bring to a gentle simmer. Sanitize jar lids with hot, soapy water.
5. Syrup Creation: In a separate pot, combine pickling herbs and sugar. Heat gradually, stirring until sugar dissolves completely.
6. Vegetable Infusion: Add cucumber and onion slices to the syrup, bringing the mixture to a rolling boil.
7. Jarring: Using a slotted spoon, transfer vegetable mixture into heated jars, leaving 1 inch of headspace. Pour hot vinegar sugar syrup over vegetables, leaving 1/2 inch of space from the jar’s rim.
8. Sealing: Wipe jar rims clean with a sterile paper towel. Place sanitized lids and secure with metal screw bands.
9. Processing: Lower filled jars into the canning pot, ensuring they are covered by at least 1 inch of water. Maintain a steady boil for 15 minutes, then remove jars carefully.
10. Cooling and Storage: Allow jars to cool naturally, listening for the sealing pop. Store properly sealed bread and butter pickles in a cool, dark location for up to one year. Refrigerate any unsealed jars and consume within 3 months.

Notes

• Prep Carefully: Thoroughly wash and trim cucumbers to ensure clean, uniform slices for consistent pickling quality.
• Salt Smartly: Use the salting technique to draw out moisture, creating crisp and flavorful pickle texture.
• Sanitize Completely: Sterilize jars, lids, and utensils to prevent bacterial growth and extend pickle shelf life.
• Process Precisely: Maintain proper boiling time and water coverage to guarantee safe preservation and delicious results.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Appetizer
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 10
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 0 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg