If you’re craving something tangy, sweet, and vibrantly crunchy, then this Bread and Butter Pickles Recipe is going to be your new go-to treat! These pickles strike the perfect balance between sugary sweetness and that unmistakable tang from vinegar, paired with the satisfying crispness of fresh cucumbers and a medley of spices that sing with every bite. Trust me when I say, once you try these bread and butter pickles, you’ll wonder how you ever enjoyed sandwiches or burgers without them. Let me walk you through this delightful recipe that brings classic charm and bright flavor right to your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Bread and Butter Pickles Recipe calls for simple, straightforward ingredients that combine to create an unforgettable flavor profile. Each item plays a special role from the crunch and freshness of the cucumbers to the warm spices that elevate the taste beyond ordinary pickles.
- 6 cups thinly sliced cucumbers: The star of the show, providing crisp texture and refreshing flavor.
- 1 cup thinly sliced onion: Adds a slight bite and depth to the flavor base.
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced green bell pepper: Offers subtle sweetness and a pleasant crunch.
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt: Essential for drawing out excess moisture and preserving crispness.
- 2 cups apple cider vinegar: Brings acidity and balances the sweetness with a gentle tang.
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the pickles perfectly without overpowering.
- 1 tablespoon mustard seeds: Adds a mild spicy kick and interesting texture.
- 1 teaspoon celery seeds: Provides earthy undertones and complexity.
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric: A warm, vibrant spice that gives color and subtle flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves: Infuses a sweet and aromatic depth.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Complements the cloves and turmeric for a cozy warmth.
How to Make Bread and Butter Pickles Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Start by combining the thinly sliced cucumbers, onions, and green bell peppers in a large bowl. Sprinkle the kosher salt evenly over the mixture, then toss to coat. The salt is the magician here, pulling out excess moisture for a crisp bite and setting the stage for delicious pickles. Let it rest for about an hour, and you’ll notice the veggies release water and start to soften just perfectly.
Step 2: Rinse and Drain
After your vegetables have rested, take a moment to rinse them under cold water. This washes away the extra salt so the pickles don’t become overly salty. Drain them well in a colander, letting as much moisture escape as possible. This step ensures your Bread and Butter Pickles Recipe keeps a great texture and perfect balance of flavors.
Step 3: Make the Pickling Brine
In a large pot, pour in the apple cider vinegar and granulated sugar, then add the mustard seeds, celery seeds, turmeric, cloves, and cinnamon. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring often so the sugar fully dissolves. This fragrant brine is where all the magic begins, blending sweetness, spice, and tang in one beautiful pot.
Step 4: Simmer the Pickles
Once your brine reaches a boil, add the drained vegetable mixture straight into the pot. Reduce the heat to medium and let everything simmer gently for about 10 minutes. This will allow the pickles to absorb all those wonderful flavors while softening just slightly, making them irresistible.
Step 5: Pack and Seal
Carefully spoon the hot pickles and brine into sterilized jars, leaving about half an inch of space at the top. Wipe any drips off the rim to ensure a good seal, then secure the lids firmly. Processing the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes will preserve them and guarantee freshness for weeks to come.
Step 6: Let the Flavor Develop
Once cooled to room temperature, store your sealed jars in a cool, dark spot for at least a week. This resting period is key to allowing all the flavors in your Bread and Butter Pickles Recipe to marry and develop that signature sweet-tangy taste we all love. Patience truly pays off here!
How to Serve Bread and Butter Pickles Recipe
Garnishes
These pickles aren’t just for snacking on their own; they make fantastic garnishes. Top your burgers, sandwiches, or hot dogs with these sweet and tangy slices to add a burst of flavor and delightful crunch. They also work beautifully chopped and sprinkled over creamy potato salads, adding a fresh twist.
Side Dishes
Pair your Bread and Butter Pickles with classic barbecue meals, like ribs or pulled pork, to cut through rich, smoky flavors with a bright contrast. They’re also perfect alongside fried chicken or a charcuterie board, where their zingy sweetness complements savory meats and cheeses brilliantly.
Creative Ways to Present
Host a picnic or casual party by serving your pickles in little bowls alongside assorted dips and spreads. You might even try layering them in a veggie-packed relish tray or incorporating them into a homemade tartar sauce for seafood dishes. These versatile little pickles are limited only by your creativity!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any pickles left after opening a jar, no worries! Keep them tightly sealed in the refrigerator. Covered properly, they stay crisp and delicious for several weeks, making them a handy condiment to pull from the fridge whenever you need a flavor boost.
Freezing
Freezing bread and butter pickles is generally not recommended because the texture can become soft and watery once thawed. The crisp snap that makes these pickles so delightful may be lost, so it’s best to enjoy them fresh or properly canned.
Reheating
While these pickles are typically enjoyed cold or at room temperature, you can gently warm them if you prefer. However, heating may soften their crunch and mellow the flavor. For best results, stick with serving them chilled or straight from the jar for that classic tangy snap.
FAQs
What makes bread and butter pickles different from other pickles?
Bread and butter pickles are uniquely sweet and tangy, with a distinctive blend of spices like turmeric, cloves, and cinnamon. Unlike traditional dill pickles, they focus more on sweetness balanced with mild vinegar tang, resulting in a mellow, comforting pickle experience.
Can I use regular vinegar instead of apple cider vinegar?
While you can substitute white vinegar if you need to, apple cider vinegar adds a subtle fruity depth that really enhances the flavor. If you want to stick with the classic taste of this Bread and Butter Pickles Recipe, apple cider vinegar is the best choice.
How thin should I slice the cucumbers?
Thin slices are key for that perfect crunch and to allow the marinade to soak in well. Aim for about 1/8 inch thick slices, which balance tenderness and crisp texture beautifully.
Do I need to process the jars in a water bath?
Processing the jars in a boiling water bath ensures your pickles are safely sealed and preserved for long-term storage. If you plan to eat the pickles within a few weeks and keep them refrigerated, you can skip this step, but it’s recommended for shelf-stable storage.
How long do bread and butter pickles last?
Properly canned pickles can last up to one year in a cool, dark place unopened. Once opened, they should be refrigerated and consumed within 3 to 4 weeks for the best texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about making your own pickles at home, especially when it’s a beloved classic like this Bread and Butter Pickles Recipe. It’s simple, satisfying, and so rewarding to hear that satisfying crunch and taste the perfect blend of sweet and tang right from your own jar. Give this recipe a try—I promise it will add a little extra sunshine and nostalgia to your meals.
Print
Bread and Butter Pickles Recipe
- Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 4 cups of pickles
- Category: Pickling
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Classic bread and butter pickles featuring thinly sliced cucumbers, onions, and green bell peppers in a tangy, sweet, and spiced apple cider vinegar brine. These pickles are quick to prepare and perfect for adding a crunchy, flavorful twist to sandwiches, burgers, or as a zesty snack.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 6 cups thinly sliced cucumbers
- 1 cup thinly sliced onion
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced green bell pepper
Brine and Spices
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 2 cups apple cider vinegar
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon celery seeds
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Salt the Vegetables: In a large bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, onions, and green peppers. Sprinkle with kosher salt and toss well. Let the mixture sit for about 1 hour to draw out excess moisture from the vegetables.
- Rinse and Drain: After an hour, rinse the salted vegetables thoroughly under cold water to remove excess salt, then drain them well in a colander.
- Prepare the Brine: In a large pot, combine the apple cider vinegar, granulated sugar, mustard seeds, celery seeds, ground turmeric, ground cloves, and ground cinnamon. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Simmer the Vegetables: Add the drained vegetables to the pot with the hot brine. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure all the vegetables are coated and heated through.
- Pack into Jars: Carefully transfer the hot pickles into sterilized jars, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace at the top to allow for expansion.
- Seal the Jars: Wipe the rims of the jars clean and seal tightly with lids. Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes to properly seal and preserve the pickles.
- Cool and Store: Remove the jars from the water bath and let them cool to room temperature. Store the sealed jars in a cool, dark place for at least 1 week before consuming to allow the flavors to fully develop.
Notes
- Make sure the jars are properly sterilized to avoid spoilage during storage.
- Letting the pickles sit for at least a week helps develop the best flavor balance.
- Adjust sugar levels if you prefer a less sweet pickle.
- Use apple cider vinegar for a tangy flavor; white vinegar can be substituted if needed but will alter the taste slightly.
- Store opened pickles in the refrigerator and consume within a few weeks for best quality.
