Sweet & Tangy Bread and Butter Pickles Recipe for Summer Snacking

Summer cookouts demand something special, and these crisp bread and butter pickles bring zesty charm to every plate.

Sweet and tangy flavors dance across your palate with each crunchy bite.

Garden-fresh cucumbers transform into magical condiments through simple pickling magic.

Home cooks treasure this classic recipe that requires minimal kitchen skills.

Small jars of these vibrant pickles make perfect gifts for neighbors and colleagues.

Friends will beg you to share your secret technique after tasting these incredible slices.

Grab some cucumbers and get ready to create pickle perfection that will make everyone smile.

What You’ll Need For Bread And Butter Pickles

• Cucumber: Fresh, crisp cucumbers are the star of these pickles, providing a crunchy texture.
• Onion: Adds a sharp, tangy flavor to complement the cucumbers.

• Kosher Salt: Helps draw out moisture and crisp up the vegetables.
• Mustard Seeds: Brings a subtle, spicy undertone to the pickle flavor.
• Celery Seeds: Provides a distinctive herbal note to the brine.
• Turmeric: Gives a warm, golden color and earthy flavor.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Adds a gentle heat and slight kick.
• Black Peppercorns: Contributes a classic, sharp pepper taste.
• Ginger: Offers a bright, zesty background note.

• Vinegar: Creates the tangy pickling base and preserves the vegetables.
• Sugar: Balances the acidity and adds a subtle sweetness to the pickles.

How To Slice And Pickle With Ease

Step 1: Prepare Cucumber and Onion Magic

• Cucumbers
• Onions
• Kosher salt
• Ice cubes

Slice cucumbers and onions into thin rounds. Toss them in a spacious bowl with kosher salt. Cover the mixture completely with ice cubes and let it chill for 1-2 hours. This clever trick helps create super crunchy pickles. When time’s up, rinse everything thoroughly under cold water and drain well.

Step 2: Brew the Flavor-Packed Pickling Liquid

• White vinegar
• Sugar
• Mustard seeds
• Celery seeds
• Turmeric
• Red pepper flakes
• Black peppercorns
• Fresh ginger

Grab a large saucepan and combine all these zesty ingredients. Heat over medium flame, stirring gently until sugar melts completely. The mixture will start to bubble and release an incredible aroma that’ll make your kitchen smell amazing.

Step 3: Fill and Seal Your Pickle Jars

Carefully pack the cucumber and onion mixture into clean, sterilized glass jars. Pour the hot pickling liquid over the vegetables, making sure they’re totally submerged. Wipe jar rims clean and secure lids tightly.

Step 4: Preserve Your Pickle Perfection

You have two awesome options:

Quick Pickle Method: Let jars cool to room temperature, then refrigerate. Wait at least 24 hours before diving in. These will stay delicious for about 2 months in the fridge.

Shelf-Stable Method: Process sealed jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes. Once cooled, store in a dark, cool pantry for up to one year.

Tips For The Sweet-And-Tangy Pickle Lovers

• Crisp Cucumber Trick: Salt and ice work magic to keep cucumber slices wonderfully crunchy, preventing soggy pickles and ensuring a satisfying texture.
• Brine Balancing Act: Carefully measure spices to create a perfect sweet-tangy flavor profile that complements the fresh cucumber crunch.
• Sterilization Secrets: Always use clean, sterilized jars to prevent bacterial growth and extend the shelf life of your homemade pickles.
• Refrigeration Wisdom: Quick pickles deliver immediate flavor, while properly processed jars can last up to a year in cool, dark storage.
• Customization Corner: Adjust spice levels by playing with red pepper flakes or adding extra ginger for a personalized pickle experience.

How To Store Bread And Butter Pickles For Crunch

• Preserve your homemade bread and butter pickles with care to maximize flavor and crunch.
• Transfer cooled jars to the refrigerator, where they'll stay crisp and delicious for up to two months.
• Keep pickles tightly sealed in their original jars, away from direct sunlight and temperature fluctuations.
• For longer preservation, store processed jars in a cool, dark pantry where they'll remain shelf-stable for a full year.
• Always check jar seals before consuming and discard if any signs of spoilage appear, such as mold, off-odors, or bubbling liquid.
• Label jars with the preparation date to track freshness and enjoy your tangy, sweet pickles at their best.

Dishes That Go Great With Bread And Butter Pickles

• Elevate Your Sandwich Game: Pair these tangy bread and butter pickles with a classic deli-style turkey or ham sandwich on rye bread. The crisp, sweet-and-sour pickles cut through the richness of the meat, creating a perfectly balanced bite that'll make your taste buds dance.
• BBQ Buddy Boost: Serve these pickles alongside grilled burgers or pulled pork. Their bright, zesty flavor provides a refreshing contrast to smoky, heavy barbecue dishes. Crack open a cold local craft beer or a crisp pilsner to complete the summer cookout experience.
• Charcuterie Champion: Incorporate these homemade pickles into a stunning charcuterie board. They'll add a vibrant pop of color and tang next to creamy cheeses, cured meats, and crusty artisan bread. A glass of dry white wine like sauvignon blanc perfectly complements the pickle's complex flavor profile.
• Picnic Perfect Pairing: Pack these pickles for an outdoor lunch with a light chicken salad or ham roll-ups. Their crunch and tang bring life to simple picnic fare. Grab a sparkling lemonade or iced tea to refresh your palate between bites.

Fun Add-Ins For Bread And Butter Pickles

• Spicy Jalapeño Crunch: Add diced jalapeños to the cucumber mixture for a fiery kick. These pickles pack extra heat and provide a zesty flavor profile that spice lovers will adore.
• Herb Garden Blend: Mix in fresh dill, thyme, and rosemary during the brine process. The aromatic herbs will infuse the pickles with a garden-fresh taste and elegant complexity.
• Asian-Inspired Pickles: Replace some vinegar with rice wine vinegar and add sesame seeds and ginger. This version creates a subtle Asian-inspired flavor that complements many dishes.
• Mediterranean Mix: Incorporate minced garlic, oregano, and a touch of red wine vinegar. These pickles bring a Mediterranean flair with bright, tangy notes that dance on your palate.

Bread And Butter Pickles Common Questions

• Why are my bread and butter pickles soggy instead of crisp?

The salt and ice cube method helps create crunchiness. Make sure to drain cucumbers completely after salting and use fresh, firm cucumbers from the garden or farmers market for the best texture.

• Can I adjust the spice level in these pickles?

Absolutely! Increase or decrease red pepper flakes to control heat. For milder pickles, reduce or omit red pepper flakes entirely. For more kick, add an extra pinch.

• What type of cucumbers work best for this recipe?

Use fresh pickling cucumbers or kirby cucumbers. They have thicker skins and fewer seeds, which helps maintain crispness. Avoid waxy supermarket cucumbers that can turn mushy during pickling.

• Is it necessary to use all the spices listed in the brine?

The spice blend creates signature bread and butter pickle flavor, but you can slightly modify. Mustard and celery seeds are key for authentic taste, while turmeric adds beautiful color and subtle earthiness.

Why Bread And Butter Pickles Are Always A Classic

• Quick and Easy Prep: Brining cucumbers with salt and ice creates perfectly crisp pickles without complicated techniques, making this recipe accessible for home cooks of all skill levels.
• Flavor-Packed Preservation: The vibrant pickling brine combines multiple spices like mustard seeds, turmeric, and red pepper flakes, delivering a bold, tangy taste that elevates sandwiches, burgers, and charcuterie boards.
• Versatile Storage Options: Enjoy flexibility with refrigerator pickles ready in 24 hours or create shelf-stable jars lasting up to a year, perfect for meal prepping and gifting homemade treats to friends and family.
• Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Taste: Using simple, common pantry ingredients transforms ordinary cucumbers into a gourmet condiment with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness.

Bread And Butter Pickles Recipe

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4.6 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 2.5 hours
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Homemade bread and butter pickles dance with sweet-tangy magic, bringing crisp cucumber slices to life with classic Southern charm. Cool cucumber lovers will savor these zesty pickles that elevate sandwiches, salads, and summer gatherings with irresistible crunch.

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Ingredients

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Vegetables:

• 6 cups cucumbers (about 45 medium, thinly sliced)
• 1.5 cups onions (thinly sliced, about 1 large onion)

Spices and Seasonings:

• 0.25 cup kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon mustard seeds
• 1 teaspoon celery seeds
• 0.5 teaspoon turmeric (for color and flavor)
• 0.5 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
• 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
• 0.5 teaspoon ground ginger (optional, for extra warmth)

Liquids and Sweeteners:

• 2 cups ice cubes (to help crisp the cucumbers)
• 2 cups apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar for a sharper taste)
• 1.5 cups granulated sugar

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Instructions

1. Prepare the vegetable foundation by slicing cucumbers and onions into thin, uniform pieces, creating a crisp and visually appealing base for pickling.
2. Create a salt-driven dehydration process by generously coating the cucumber and onion slices with kosher salt, then covering them with ice cubes to draw out excess moisture and enhance their textural integrity.
3. Allow the salted vegetables to rest for 1-2 hours, which will help concentrate flavors and improve the pickle’s crunchiness, then thoroughly rinse and drain to remove excess salt.
4. Construct the pickling liquid by combining vinegar, sugar, and an aromatic blend of mustard seeds, celery seeds, turmeric, red pepper flakes, black peppercorns, and ginger in a saucepan.
5. Gently heat the brine mixture, stirring consistently until the sugar dissolves completely and the spices release their vibrant flavors, creating a harmonious pickling solution.
6. Carefully transfer the drained cucumber and onion mixture into sterilized glass jars, pressing down to eliminate air pockets and ensure maximum flavor absorption.
7. Pour the hot, spice-infused brine over the vegetables, making certain they are fully submerged and leaving appropriate headspace for expansion.
8. Seal the jars with clean lids, allowing them to cool at room temperature for approximately 30 minutes to initiate the pickling process.
9. For immediate consumption, refrigerate the pickles for a minimum of 24 hours to develop robust flavors, with a refrigerator shelf life of up to 2 months.
10. For long-term preservation, process the sealed jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes, then store in a cool, dark location for up to one year, creating a delightful pantry staple.

Notes

• Crunch Preservation: Salt and ice cubes work magic by drawing out moisture and creating ultra-crispy cucumber slices that maintain a satisfying snap.
• Spice Adjustment: Customize heat levels by increasing or decreasing red pepper flakes to match personal spice tolerance without compromising pickle flavor.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it perfect for individuals with dietary restrictions who love tangy, homemade pickles.
• Storage Flexibility: Choose between quick refrigerator pickles for immediate enjoyment or traditional canning method for long-term preservation, offering versatile options for pickle lovers.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Appetizer
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 70
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 0 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 17 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg