Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors
Crisp and crunchy texture
Easy to prepare with simple ingredients
Great for burgers, sandwiches, and snacks
Excellent way to preserve fresh cucumbers
Stores well in the refrigerator
Family-friendly flavor that appeals to all ages

Ingredients

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

2 pounds pickling cucumbers, thinly sliced
1 large onion, thinly sliced
¼ cup kosher salt
2 cups ice cubes
2 cups white vinegar
1½ cups granulated sugar
1 tablespoon mustard seeds
1 teaspoon celery seeds
½ teaspoon ground turmeric

Directions

Combine the sliced cucumbers and onions in a large bowl.
Sprinkle the kosher salt over the vegetables and toss to coat evenly.
Add the ice cubes and let the mixture stand for 1½ to 2 hours.
Drain thoroughly and rinse the cucumbers and onions under cold water.
In a large saucepan, combine the vinegar, sugar, mustard seeds, celery seeds, and turmeric.
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely.
Add the drained cucumbers and onions to the saucepan.
Return the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 5 minutes.
Remove from the heat.
Pack the cucumbers and onions into sterilized jars.
Pour the hot pickling liquid over the vegetables, ensuring they are fully covered.
Seal the jars and allow them to cool to room temperature.
Refrigerate for at least 24 hours before serving.
For the best flavor, allow the pickles to mature for 3 to 5 days.

Servings and timing

Servings: 24
Yield: About 4 pint jars
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Salting Time: 2 hours
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Pickling Time: 24 hours
Total Time: Approximately 26 hours 30 minutes

Variations

Spicy Bread and Butter Pickles: Add red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños.
Garlic Pickles: Include sliced garlic cloves in each jar.
Honey-Sweetened Pickles: Replace part of the sugar with honey.
Dill Bread and Butter Pickles: Add fresh dill sprigs for a herbaceous twist.
Mixed Vegetable Pickles: Include sliced carrots, bell peppers, or cauliflower.
Apple Cider Version: Substitute apple cider vinegar for a slightly fruitier flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storage

Store the pickles in airtight jars in the refrigerator.
They will remain fresh for up to 2 months.
Keep the cucumbers submerged in the brine for the best quality.
Always use clean utensils when serving.

Reheating

Bread and Butter Pickles are intended to be served cold or at room temperature.
Reheating is not recommended, as it may soften their texture and alter their flavor.

FAQs

Why are they called Bread and Butter Pickles?

The name is believed to have originated because these sweet pickles were commonly served alongside bread and butter as an inexpensive meal accompaniment.

What do Bread and Butter Pickles taste like?

They have a sweet, tangy flavor with mild spice notes from mustard seeds, celery seeds, and turmeric.

What type of cucumbers work best?

Pickling cucumbers are ideal because they stay crisp and absorb the brine well.

Why are the cucumbers salted before pickling?

Salting helps draw out excess moisture, which contributes to a crunchier finished pickle.

How long do the pickles need to sit before eating?

They can be enjoyed after 24 hours, but the flavor improves significantly after 3 to 5 days.

Can I make them less sweet?

Yes, you can reduce the sugar slightly, though this will change the traditional flavor profile.

Can I use apple cider vinegar instead of white vinegar?

Yes, apple cider vinegar adds a richer, slightly fruitier taste.

What foods pair well with Bread and Butter Pickles?

They are excellent on burgers, sandwiches, hot dogs, charcuterie boards, and alongside grilled meats.

Why are my pickles soft?

Using older cucumbers, overcooking, or extended storage can result in softer pickles.

How long do homemade Bread and Butter Pickles last?

When refrigerated and properly stored, they typically remain fresh for up to 2 months.

Conclusion

Bread and Butter Pickles are a timeless favorite that brings together sweetness, tanginess, and crunch in every bite. Their versatile flavor makes them a perfect companion for sandwiches, burgers, salads, and snack boards. Easy to prepare and wonderfully satisfying, these homemade pickles are a delicious way to preserve fresh cucumbers and enjoy a classic condiment any time of year.

Bread and Butter Pickles

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Bread and Butter Pickles are a classic sweet-and-tangy pickle made with fresh cucumbers, onions, vinegar, sugar, and warm spices. Their crisp texture and balanced flavor make them perfect for sandwiches, burgers, salads, and charcuterie boards.

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 26 hours 30 minutes
Yield: 24 servings
Category: Condiment
Method: Pickling
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegan

Instructions

Combine the sliced cucumbers and onions in a large bowl.
Sprinkle with salt and toss to coat.
Add ice cubes and let stand for 2 hours.
Drain and rinse thoroughly.
In a saucepan, combine vinegar, sugar, mustard seeds, celery seeds, and turmeric.
Bring to a gentle boil, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
Add cucumbers and onions and simmer for 5 minutes.
Pack into sterilized jars and cover with the hot brine.
Cool, seal, and refrigerate for at least 24 hours before serving.

Notes

For extra heat, add red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños.
Apple cider vinegar can be substituted for a fruitier flavor.
Store refrigerated for up to 2 months.
Allow 3 to 5 days for the best flavor development.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
Calories: 45 kcal
Sugar: 9 g
Sodium: 220 mg
Fat: 0 g
Saturated Fat: 0 g
Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 11 g
Fiber: 0.3 g
Protein: 0.2 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg