What Are Bread and Butter Pickles?
Bread and Butter Pickles are a type of sweet and tangy pickled cucumber that became popular in the 1920s. The story goes that the recipe was created by a couple who traded their pickles for basic groceries, including bread and butter—hence the name. These pickles are known for their distinctive balance of sugar and vinegar, combined with spices like mustard seeds, turmeric, and cloves.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Bread and Butter Pickles
- 2½ pounds pickling cucumbers
- 1 pound white or yellow onions, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup pickling salt or kosher salt
- 1¼ cups white distilled vinegar (5% acidity)
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar (5% acidity)
- 2¼ cups granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- ¾ teaspoon celery seeds
- 1-inch piece of cinnamon stick
- 6 allspice berries + pinch ground allspice
- 6 whole cloves + pinch ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon ground turmeric
Step-by-Step Instructions For Bread and Butter Pickles
1. Prep the Cucumbers
Rinse cucumbers thoroughly and cut off the ends (about 1/8 inch from each side). Slice into ¼-inch rounds and place in a large bowl.
2. Salt and Chill
Toss cucumber slices with onions and pickling salt. Cover with a tea towel and ice. Chill for 4 hours, then rinse thoroughly and drain well.
3. Prepare Jars for Canning
If canning, prepare a hot water bath and sterilize jars. If refrigerating, simply clean jars well and set aside.
4. Make the Brine
In a large pot, combine vinegar, sugar, and spices. Bring to a boil, then add cucumber and onion slices. Boil for 5 minutes.
5. Pack the Jars
Use a slotted spoon to fill the jars with the cucumber mixture. Pour the hot brine over, leaving ½ inch of headspace. Wipe rims and seal.
6. Process in Water Bath
For shelf storage, place jars in boiling water and process for 15 minutes. If refrigerating, skip this step.
7. Cool and Store
Allow jars to cool completely. Store canned pickles in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year or in the refrigerator for up to 3 months.
Tips for Perfect Pickles
- Allow the pickles to rest for at least a week before eating to let the flavors develop fully.
- Rinse thoroughly after salting to avoid overly salty pickles.
- Adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the red pepper flakes.
Serving Suggestions
Bread and Butter Pickles are perfect as a side dish, a sandwich topper, or even straight out of the jar. Try them with burgers, grilled cheese, or alongside BBQ dishes for a sweet and tangy crunch.
Ready to make your own batch of Bread and Butter Pickles? Grab your cucumbers and let’s get pickling!
