There’s something truly magical about the crisp, sweet, and tangy crunch of a homemade bread and butter pickle. It transports me right back to my grandmother’s bustling kitchen, a place filled with the aromas of summer harvests and the gentle hum of canning jars. Every autumn, her countertops would transform into a vibrant assembly line of cucumbers, onions, and spices, all destined to become her legendary bread and butter pickle recipe. As a child, I’d watch, fascinated, as she transformed humble garden vegetables into golden slices of joy. This isn't just a recipe; it's a cherished memory, a taste of home, and a legacy I'm thrilled to share with you. Prepare to fall in love with the best bread and butter pickle recipe you'll ever make!
Why This Bread and Butter Pickle Recipe is a Must-Try
- Unforgettable Flavor: This bread and butter pickle recipe strikes the perfect balance between sweet, tangy, and savory, with just a hint of spice from the mustard seeds and celery seeds. It’s truly addictive!
- Crisp Texture: Thanks to a crucial brining step, your pickles will maintain their delightful crunch, even after months in the jar. No more soggy pickles here!
- Surprisingly Easy to Make: Don’t be intimidated by canning! This bread and butter pickle recipe uses a simple water bath canning method, making it accessible for beginners and rewarding for experienced canners alike.
- Versatile Kitchen Staple: Perfect on sandwiches, alongside grilled meats, as part of a charcuterie board, or simply straight from the jar. This bread and butter pickle recipe will become your go-to condiment.
Key Ingredient Notes for Perfect Bread and Butter Pickles
While the entire list of ingredients is important for this bread and butter pickle recipe, a few stand out as crucial for achieving that classic flavor and texture.
Cucumbers: The Star of the Show
For the best bread and butter pickle recipe, choose pickling cucumbers (Kirby, Boston Pickling, or Gherkins) that are small to medium-sized, firm, and blemish-free. Avoid large, waxy slicing cucumbers, as they tend to be watery and won't give you that desired crunch. Freshness is key, so try to use them within a day or two of harvesting or purchasing.
Onions: Aromatic Depth
Sweet onions, like Vidalia or Walla Walla, are ideal for this bread and butter pickle recipe. Their mild, sweet flavor complements the tanginess of the vinegar and enhances the overall profile without being overpowering. Slicing them thinly ensures they meld perfectly with the cucumber slices.
Vinegar & Sugar: The Sweet and Tangy Duo
White vinegar is the traditional choice for bread and butter pickles, providing a clean, sharp acidity. Combined with granulated sugar, it creates the signature sweet-and-sour brine. Don't be tempted to drastically reduce the sugar, as it plays a crucial role in both flavor and preservation. The magic of this bread and butter pickle recipe lies in this perfect balance.
Step-by-Step Guide to the Best Bread and Butter Pickle Recipe with Pro Tips
Let's get pickling! Follow these steps carefully for a batch of bread and butter pickles that will make you famous among your friends and family.
The Brining Process: Essential for Crispness
The secret to wonderfully crisp pickles in this bread and butter pickle recipe is a good brining. This step draws out excess water from the cucumbers and onions, preventing them from becoming soggy.
Making the Flavorful Brine
The brine is where all the sweet, tangy, and spicy magic happens. Get ready for an explosion of aromas!
Canning for Long-Term Enjoyment
Proper canning ensures your bread and butter pickle recipe can be enjoyed for months, even a year! If you're new to canning, don't fret; it's simpler than you think.
Variations & Serving Suggestions for Your Bread and Butter Pickles
This classic bread and butter pickle recipe is fantastic as is, but don't be afraid to experiment!
Flavor Variations:
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the brine for a bit of heat.
- Garlic Lover's: Toss in a few cloves of sliced garlic with your cucumbers and onions during the brining step for an extra pungent flavor profile.
- Herbaceous Twist: A sprig of fresh dill or a few bay leaves can add an interesting depth to your bread and butter pickle recipe.
Serving Suggestions:
- Classic Sandwich Companion: They are, after all, called bread and butter pickles for a reason! They’re fantastic on any sandwich, from a simple turkey and cheese to a hearty Reuben.
- BBQ Sidekick: Pair them with pulled pork, brisket, or grilled chicken. They cut through rich flavors beautifully, much like a good batch of Creamy Coleslaw.
- Burger & Hot Dog Topping: Elevate your cookout by piling these sweet and tangy slices onto your favorite burgers and hot dogs.
- Cheese Board Addition: Their vibrant flavor makes them a wonderful addition to a charcuterie or cheese board, offering a bright contrast to creamy cheeses and cured meats.
- Salad Boost: Chop them up and add them to tuna salad, chicken salad, or even a simple green salad for an extra pop of flavor and crunch. They're also great alongside a fresh Easy Corn Salad.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 35 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 8 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Total Fat | 0 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.5 g |
| Protein | 0 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0 g |
| Serving Size | 1/4 cup (about 60g) |
| Sodium | 160 mg |
| Sugars | 7 g |
| Trans Fat | 0 g |
| Unsaturated Fat | 0 g |
Enjoy Your Homemade Bread and Butter Pickles!
There’s immense satisfaction in opening a jar of homemade pickles, especially when it’s this exceptional bread and butter pickle recipe. It’s a taste of summer preserved, a little jar of sunshine to brighten any meal and any day. Whether you’re making them to relive childhood memories or to create new ones, I hope this bread and butter pickle recipe brings as much joy to your kitchen as it has to mine. Happy pickling!
FAQs
What kind of cucumbers are best for this bread and butter pickle recipe?
For the best bread and butter pickle recipe, use pickling cucumbers like Kirby, Boston Pickling, or Gherkins. They have thinner skins and fewer seeds, which results in a crisper pickle. Avoid large slicing cucumbers as they tend to be watery.
Why do I need to brine the cucumbers and onions?
Brining with salt is a crucial step in this bread and butter pickle recipe. It draws out excess water from the vegetables, which helps them stay crisp and prevents them from becoming soggy during processing and storage. It also contributes to the overall flavor.
How long do homemade bread and butter pickles last?
Properly canned and sealed bread and butter pickles can last for up to 1 year in a cool, dark place. Once opened, they should be stored in the refrigerator and consumed within 2-3 weeks. Unsealed jars should always be refrigerated and eaten promptly.
Can I adjust the sweetness in this bread and butter pickle recipe?
While the ratio in this bread and butter pickle recipe is ideal for flavor and preservation, you can slightly adjust the sugar to your preference. However, significant reductions might impact the overall balance and potentially the safety for canning. For best results, stick close to the recommended amounts, as the sugar is vital for the classic 'bread and butter' taste.
Classic Bread and Butter Pickles
- Total Time: 3 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 pints 1x
Description
This classic bread and butter pickle recipe yields perfectly sweet, tangy, and crunchy pickles, just like Grandma used to make! Easy to follow for beginners and a true crowd-plepleaser.
Ingredients
4 lbs pickling cucumbers, thinly sliced
2 large sweet onions, thinly sliced
1/4 cup pickling salt
2 cups white vinegar (5% acidity)
2 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
1 tsp mustard seeds
1 tsp celery seeds
1/2 tsp ground turmeric
1/4 tsp ground cloves
Instructions
Step 1: In a large non-reactive bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers and onions. Sprinkle with pickling salt and toss gently to coat. Let stand at room temperature for 2-3 hours. This draws out excess water and helps maintain crispness for this bread and butter pickle recipe.
Step 2: While cucumbers are brining, prepare your canning jars and lids. Wash four pint-sized canning jars, lids, and bands in hot, soapy water. Rinse well. Sterilize jars by boiling them in a large pot of water for 10 minutes. Keep jars hot until ready to fill. Place lids in a small saucepan with simmering water, but do not boil.
Step 3: After brining, drain the cucumbers and onions thoroughly in a colander. Do not rinse, as a slight saltiness contributes to the flavor of this bread and butter pickle recipe.
Step 4: In a large non-reactive pot, combine the white vinegar, granulated sugar, apple cider vinegar, mustard seeds, celery seeds, turmeric, and ground cloves. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring until the sugar is completely dissolved. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
Step 5: Add the drained cucumber and onion slices to the hot brine. Bring the mixture back to a gentle simmer, just until the cucumbers start to change color (about 5-7 minutes). Do not overcook, or they will lose their crispness.
Step 6: Carefully ladle the hot pickle mixture into the hot, sterilized canning jars, leaving 1/2 inch of headspace. Make sure cucumbers and onions are fully submerged in the brine. Use a clean cloth to wipe jar rims. Center the hot lids on the jars and apply bands until fingertip tight.
Step 7: Process jars in a boiling water canner for 10 minutes. Make sure water covers jars by at least 1 inch. After processing, carefully remove jars from the canner and place them on a towel-lined counter to cool completely, undisturbed, for 12-24 hours. You can store any leftover pickles in non-canning jars in the fridge for everyday use, ideally using durable Basics Glass Food Storage containers.
Step 8: Check seals. Lids should be concave and not flex when pressed. Any unsealed jars should be refrigerated and consumed within 2-3 weeks. Store sealed jars in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year. For best flavor, allow the pickles to cure for at least 2 weeks before opening. Enjoy your homemade bread and butter pickle recipe!
Notes
For extra crispness, some people like to soak sliced cucumbers in an ice bath for 30 minutes after brining and before adding them to the brine mixture. Ensure all your canning equipment is sterilized for safe, long-term storage of this bread and butter pickle recipe.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Sauces Dressings & Condiments
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup (about 60g)
- Calories: 35 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 160 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
