Bread Butter Pickles have a way of transporting me straight back to my grandma’s kitchen, the air thick with the sweet, tangy scent of simmering vinegar and spices. I remember watching her carefully slice cucumbers, her hands moving with a practiced grace. These homemade bread and butter pickles are more than just a recipe; they’re a taste of nostalgia. What I love most is how incredibly easy bread and butter pickles are to make, even for a beginner like I was. The balance of sweet and tart is just perfect, making them a fantastic addition to any sandwich or a delightful snack on their own. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Bread Butter Pickles
These pickles are a game-changer! Here’s why you’ll be making them all the time:
- Incredible Flavor: The perfect balance of sweet and tangy makes these sweet bread and butter pickles absolutely irresistible.
- Quick to Make: Prep time is minimal, making them an easy bread and butter pickles recipe for busy weeknights.
- Budget-Friendly: Cucumbers and pantry staples are affordable, making these a cost-effective way to enjoy delicious pickles.
- Family Favorite: The mild, sweet flavor profile is a hit with kids and adults alike.
- Versatile Snack: Enjoy them on sandwiches, burgers, or straight from the jar – they’re a delightful treat.
- Satisfyingly Sweet: These sweet bread and butter pickles offer a delightful crunch and a pop of flavor.
- Homemade Goodness: You control the ingredients, ensuring you get the freshest, tastiest pickles.
Bread and Butter Pickle Ingredients
Gathering your ingredients for these delicious bread and butter pickles is straightforward. You’ll need about 3 pounds of pickling cucumbers, sliced into a perfect 1/4 inch thickness. Two large yellow onions, thinly sliced, add a lovely depth. For the essential bread and butter pickle brine, you’ll combine 2 cups of granulated sugar, 1 cup of white vinegar, and 1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar. The pickling salt, about 1/4 cup, is crucial for drawing moisture out of the vegetables before they hit the brine, ensuring a crisp texture. For more information on the importance of proper pickling salt, you can refer to resources on food safety.
- 3 lbs pickling cucumbers, sliced 1/4 inch thick
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup pickling salt – essential for drawing out moisture and crisping
- 2 cups granulated sugar – for that signature sweet flavor
- 1 cup white vinegar – provides a clean, sharp tang
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar – adds a subtle fruity note to the brine
- 1 tablespoon mustard seed
- 1 teaspoon celery seed
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric – for color and a mild earthy taste
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
How to Make Bread Butter Pickles
Making these classic pickles is a rewarding process. Follow these steps to create your own batch of deliciousness, whether you’re aiming for a quick treat or planning for canning. You can learn more about the canning process from the National Park Service.
- Step 1: Begin by thoroughly washing your pickling cucumbers and yellow onions. Slice the cucumbers to a uniform 1/4 inch thickness and the onions thinly.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers and onions. Sprinkle them with the pickling salt and toss gently to ensure an even coating. Let this mixture stand for 2 hours. This crucial step draws out excess moisture, which helps create crisp pickles. After standing, drain the vegetables well and rinse them thoroughly under cold water to remove the salt.
- Step 3: While the vegetables are resting, prepare the flavorful brine. In a large saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, white vinegar, apple cider vinegar, mustard seed, celery seed, ground turmeric, ground cloves, and black pepper. Stir these ingredients together over medium heat until the sugar completely dissolves and the mixture comes to a gentle boil.
- Step 4: Carefully add the drained and rinsed cucumbers and onions to the boiling brine. Reduce the heat to low and let them simmer for 10 minutes. This allows the vegetables to absorb the wonderful flavors of the brine.
- Step 5: If you’re canning, this is where you’ll pack the hot Bread Butter Pickles and brine into clean, sterilized jars, making sure to leave about 1/2 inch of headspace at the top. This method ensures you’re making quick bread and butter pickles that are shelf-stable.
- Step 6: Wipe the rims of the jars clean with a damp cloth, place the sterilized lids on top, and screw the bands on just until fingertip tight.
- Step 7: Process the filled jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes. Carefully remove the jars using a jar lifter and place them on a wire rack to cool completely. You’ll know they’re sealed if the lids don’t flex.
- Step 8: Resist the urge to dive in immediately! Allowing the Bread Butter Pickles to sit for at least 24 hours before serving is key to letting all those delicious flavors meld together beautifully. Learning how to make bread and butter pickles is simple, and the waiting is the hardest part!
Pro Tips for the Best Bread Butter Pickles
Want to elevate your pickle game? Follow these simple tips for the absolute best bread and butter pickles:
- Always use fresh, firm pickling cucumbers for the best crunch. Avoid wax-coated varieties.
- Don’t skip the salting and draining step; it’s crucial for texture.
- Ensure your jars and lids are properly sterilized if you plan to can them.
- Allow at least 24 hours for the flavors to meld before enjoying. Patience is key!
What’s the secret to perfect Bread Butter Pickles?
The secret to perfect bread and butter cucumber pickles lies in using firm, fresh cucumbers and not overcrowding the jars during canning. The salting step is also vital for achieving that signature crispness. For more insights into achieving the perfect pickle texture, you might find resources on food preservation helpful.
Can I make Bread Butter Pickles ahead of time?
Absolutely! These pickles are perfect for meal prep. You can make them up to a week in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Remember, they need that 24-hour melding period to reach their peak flavor. For more about meal prepping, check out this about me page.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Bread Butter Pickles?
A common pitfall is using cucumbers past their prime, leading to mushy pickles. Always use fresh ones! Also, ensure you rinse off the pickling salt thoroughly after the draining period to avoid an overly salty final product. If you have questions about the recipe, feel free to contact us.
Best Ways to Serve Bread Butter Pickles
These delightful pickles are incredibly versatile! They’re fantastic piled high on classic burgers or layered into a hearty sandwich, adding that perfect sweet and tangy crunch. I also love them alongside creamy potato salad or a savory pulled pork dish. For a fun twist, try using them as bread and butter pickle chips, thinly sliced and served as a side with fried chicken or even on a cheese board. They truly elevate any meal!
Nutrition Facts for Bread Butter Pickles
When you’re enjoying these delicious bread and butter pickles, it’s helpful to know what you’re getting. A standard serving size of about 2 tablespoons offers a sweet and tangy flavor boost without a lot of calories. For more information on nutritional guidelines, you can visit the MyFitnessPal website.
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 50
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 300mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
How to Store and Reheat Bread Butter Pickles
Once your delicious pickles have cooled completely, it’s time to think about storing them. For the best results in preserving bread and butter pickles, use clean, airtight glass containers or jars. If you’re keeping them in the refrigerator, they should last for about 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, you can definitely freeze them, but be aware that the texture might change slightly after thawing. If you choose to freeze, wrap individual portions securely in plastic wrap, then in foil, and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. Properly sealing each bread and butter pickle jar is key to maintaining their flavor and quality. For details on our privacy policy regarding data handling, please see our privacy policy.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bread Butter Pickles
What are bread and butter pickles?
Bread Butter Pickles are a type of sweet and tangy pickle known for their distinctive flavor profile. They are typically made with cucumbers, onions, sugar, and vinegar, seasoned with spices like mustard seed and celery seed. The balance of sweet and tart makes them a popular choice for sandwiches and burgers.
Why are they called bread and butter pickles?
The name “bread and butter pickles” reportedly comes from the idea that they are so versatile and delicious, you could eat them on just bread and butter and still have a satisfying meal. It highlights their simple, comforting, and universally appealing taste, making them a staple for many.
Can I substitute the vinegar types?
While the recipe calls for white vinegar and apple cider vinegar, you can experiment with other vinegars. However, using a combination like this provides a nice balance of sharpness and subtle fruitiness. Using only one type might alter the final flavor profile significantly. For our terms of use regarding recipe modifications, please refer to our terms of use.
What’s the best way to preserve bread and butter pickles for long term?
For long-term preservation, canning using a boiling water bath is the most reliable method. Ensure your jars and lids are sterilized, pack the hot pickles and brine tightly, leaving the correct headspace, and process them for the recommended time. This method creates a vacuum seal, allowing you to store them safely in your pantry.
Variations of Bread Butter Pickles You Can Try
Once you’ve mastered the classic, there are so many fun ways to play with this recipe! For those watching their sugar intake, you can try a low-sugar version by using a sugar substitute that’s suitable for canning, though the flavor will be a bit different. If you love a zingy kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the brine for a subtle heat. You can also transform these pickles into a fantastic bread and butter pickle relish by finely chopping the drained pickles and brine; it’s amazing on hot dogs! Another simple variation is to experiment with different vinegars, like rice vinegar for a milder taste, or to add fresh dill sprigs to the pickle jar for an extra layer of aroma.
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Bread Butter Pickles: 3 Easy Tricks
- Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
- Yield: 4-5 pint jars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This recipe for Bread and Butter Pickles offers a delightful balance of sweet and tangy flavors with a hint of warm spice. These pickles are perfect for sandwiches, burgers, or enjoying as a snack. They are easy to make and can be stored in the refrigerator or canned for year-round enjoyment.
Ingredients
- 3 lbs pickling cucumbers, sliced 1/4 inch thick
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup pickling salt
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon mustard seed
- 1 teaspoon celery seed
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Wash and slice the pickling cucumbers and yellow onions.
- In a large bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers and onions. Sprinkle with pickling salt and toss to coat. Let stand for 2 hours, then drain and rinse thoroughly.
- In a large saucepan, combine granulated sugar, white vinegar, apple cider vinegar, mustard seed, celery seed, turmeric, cloves, and black pepper. Bring to a boil, stirring until sugar dissolves.
- Add the drained cucumbers and onions to the boiling brine. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Pack the hot Bread and Butter Pickles and brine into clean jars, leaving 1/2 inch headspace.
- Wipe jar rims, apply lids, and screw bands fingertip tight.
- Process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes. Carefully remove jars and let cool on a wire rack.
- Allow the Bread and Butter Pickles to sit for at least 24 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh, firm pickling cucumbers.
- Adjust spice levels to your preference.
- Ensure jars and lids are sterilized before canning.
- This recipe makes approximately 4-5 pint jars of Bread and Butter Pickles.
- These homemade bread and butter pickles are a great addition to any meal.
- Prep Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Condiments
- Method: Canning
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg