Bread and Butter Pickles Recipe

If you’ve ever treasured the tangy-sweet crunch of classic southern pickles, you’re going to absolutely adore this Bread and Butter Pickles Recipe. These pickles are the perfect blend of flavors that brighten up sandwiches, burgers, and even just a snack straight from the jar. Trust me, once you make them at home, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients for this Bread and Butter Pickles Recipe is a breeze, and each plays an important role—from the crisp cucumbers to the carefully balanced vinegars and spices that create that classic flavor profile.

• Pickling cucumbers (2 1/2 pounds): Fresh, firm, and crisp for that satisfying crunch in every bite.
• Pickling salt (1/4 cup): Helps draw out moisture from cucumbers and enhances flavor without added chemicals.
• White or yellow onions (1 pound): Thinly sliced for a sweet, mildly pungent contrast.
• White distilled vinegar (1 1/4 cups): Adds sharp acidity and brightness.
• Apple cider vinegar (1 cup): Provides a mellow fruity tang and balances the flavors beautifully.
• Sugar (2 1/4 cups): The sweet backbone of these pickles that balances the tartness perfectly.
• Pickling spices: A lively mix including mustard seeds, red pepper flakes, celery seeds, cinnamon stick, allspice berries and ground spices, cloves, and turmeric—all creating layers of aroma and flavor.

Variations

This Bread and Butter Pickles Recipe is a fabulous foundation for customizing according to your tastes or pantry staples. Feel free to experiment with spices or adjust sweetness and acidity to create your signature pickle.

• Spice it up: Add more crushed red pepper flakes or toss in a few sliced jalapeños for a fiery kick.
• Herbal hint: Toss in fresh dill or a bay leaf during the pickling process for an herbaceous twist.
• Low sugar option: Reduce the sugar amount for a less sweet, tarter pickle that still retains great flavor.
• Vinegar swap: Use all apple cider vinegar or experiment with rice vinegar for unique flavor profiles.

How to Make Bread and Butter Pickles Recipe

Step 1: Rinse and Slice the Cucumbers

Start by giving your cucumbers a good scrub under running water to wash away any dirt nestled in the ribs. Trim off a thin slice (1/8 inch) from each end, then slice the cucumbers into uniform 1/4-inch thick rounds. This thickness ensures they soak up the syrup without losing their crunch.

Step 2: Salt, Chill, and Drain

Mix the sliced cucumbers with the thinly sliced onions and the pickling salt. This salt bath draws out excess moisture, intensifying the crunch and flavor. Cover the mixture with a clean tea towel, then a thick layer of ice before chilling it in the fridge for 4 hours. After chilling, rinse thoroughly and drain well to remove the saltiness and moisture.

Step 3: Heat the Jars

If you plan to shelf-store your pickles for months, heat your canning jars in a boiling water bath to ensure proper sterilization. This simple step prevents spoilage and keeps your pickles fresh longer. If you’re storing them only in the fridge, you can skip this.

Step 4: Make the Pickling Syrup

Combine the white distilled vinegar, apple cider vinegar, sugar, and the entire bouquet of pickling spices in a large pot. Bring this mixture to a boil, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Add the cucumber and onion slices, and boil again briefly to infuse those amazing spiced flavors into the veggies.

Step 5: Pack Jars and Add Syrup

Using a slotted spoon, pack the cucumber and onion mixture into your warm jars, leaving about an inch of headspace. Then ladle the hot pickling syrup over the slices, leaving just a little breathing room at the top. Wipe the jar rims clean to ensure a good seal and screw on the lids snugly.

Step 6: Process in a Hot Water Bath

For safe storage outside the fridge, place your filled jars back into the boiling water bath. Keep the water level at least one inch above the jar tops and boil for 15 minutes. Use special jar lifters to remove the jars carefully and place them on a towel to cool and seal properly. If you live at high altitudes, be sure to adjust the canning times accordingly.

Step 7: Cool and Store

Let your jars cool completely at room temperature. You’ll hear that satisfying “pop” as the lids seal, confirming your pickles are safely preserved. Any jars that don’t seal should be kept refrigerated and used within three months. Properly canned jars can rest in a cool, dark pantry for up to a year!

How to Serve Bread and Butter Pickles Recipe

Garnishes

A little goes a long way with garnishes here. Fresh chopped dill or a sprinkle of extra crushed red pepper can elevate the pickles when serving. They add an inviting fresh aroma and a touch of heat to each bite.

Side Dishes

These pickles shine beside classic dishes like grilled burgers, BBQ ribs, or fried chicken. They also add zest to potato salads, creamy coleslaw, or on a charcuterie board to balance richer meats and cheeses.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try stacking your Bread and Butter Pickles Recipe slices in layered serving dishes or mini mason jars for party favors. Use them as a crunchy garnish on deviled eggs, or finely chop some to mix into salad dressings and dips for a punch of flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you didn’t process your jars in a water bath, keep your pickles refrigerated and consume within three months for the best flavor and crispness. Once opened, always store pickles in the fridge with the lid tightly screwed on.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended for pickles, as the texture will suffer and become mushy upon thawing. It’s best to enjoy these Bread and Butter Pickles fresh or properly canned for extended storage.

Reheating

This recipe is typically enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary. Simply open the jar, and they’re ready to brighten any dish or snack!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Bread and Butter Pickles Recipe is truly a pantry staple in the making, delivering sweet, tangy, and crunchy joy in every jar. Whether you’re a pickle lover or new to homemade pickling, it’s a rewarding project that brightens up so many meals. Dive in and share the love of these time-tested flavors with your family and friends!

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