Bread and Butter Pickles

Bread and butter pickles are a classic sweet and tangy condiment made with crunchy cucumbers, onions, and a flavorful brine. These pickles are perfect for burgers, sandwiches, or snacking straight from the jar. With their signature balance of sweetness and acidity, they’re easy to make at home and taste even better than store-bought versions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Sweet, tangy, and crunchy – A perfect balance of flavors in every bite.
• Easy to make – Simple ingredients and no canning required.
• Great for meal prep – Keeps well in the fridge for weeks.
• Versatile – Delicious on sandwiches, burgers, salads, or as a snack.
• Homemade goodness – No preservatives or artificial ingredients.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Cucumbers, thinly sliced
• Onion, thinly sliced
• Kosher salt
• Sugar
• Apple cider vinegar or white vinegar
• Mustard seeds
• Celery seeds
• Ground turmeric
• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
• Water

Directions

1. Prepare the cucumbers – Place the sliced cucumbers and onions in a large bowl. Sprinkle with kosher salt and let sit for 1 hour to draw out excess moisture. Rinse and drain.
2. Make the brine – In a saucepan, combine sugar, vinegar, mustard seeds, celery seeds, turmeric, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a boil, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
3. Combine – Add the drained cucumbers and onions to the hot brine. Simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Jar the pickles – Transfer the mixture to clean glass jars, ensuring the cucumbers are fully submerged in the liquid.
5. Cool and store – Let the jars cool to room temperature before sealing and refrigerating. The pickles are best after 24 hours but can be enjoyed immediately.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Makes about 4 cups
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Resting Time: 1 hour
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Pickles – Add extra red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños for heat.
• Garlic-Infused – Add a few smashed garlic cloves to the brine.
• Dill Twist – Mix in fresh dill for a unique flavor.
• Honey-Sweetened – Replace sugar with honey for a natural sweetness.
• Crunchier Pickles – Soak cucumbers in an ice bath before pickling.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Keep pickles in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.
• Canning Option: For long-term storage, process jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes.

FAQs

Why are they called “bread and butter” pickles?

The name comes from the Great Depression when these pickles were used as a cheap sandwich filling with bread and butter.

Can I use English cucumbers instead of pickling cucumbers?

Yes, but pickling cucumbers have firmer skin and hold their crunch better.

Do I need to peel the cucumbers?

No, leave the skin on for extra crunch and texture.

How long should I wait before eating the pickles?

They taste best after 24 hours, but you can enjoy them right away.

Can I reuse the brine?

Yes! You can reuse it once to pickle more cucumbers, but the flavor may be milder.

Can I make this recipe without sugar?

You can reduce or replace sugar with honey, maple syrup, or a sugar substitute.

What’s the best vinegar to use?

Apple cider vinegar adds a fruity tang, while white vinegar gives a sharper taste.

Why do I need to salt the cucumbers first?

Salting draws out excess moisture, keeping the pickles crisp.

Can I make these pickles shelf-stable?

Yes, but you’ll need to properly can them in sterilized jars and process in a water bath.

What can I serve bread and butter pickles with?

They’re great on sandwiches, burgers, BBQ, charcuterie boards, or as a snack.

Conclusion

Homemade bread and butter pickles are a deliciously sweet and tangy treat that’s easy to make with simple ingredients. Whether you enjoy them on sandwiches, burgers, or straight from the jar, these crunchy pickles will quickly become a staple in your fridge. Try making a batch today and taste the homemade difference!

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