Bread And Butter Pickles Recipe: Easy Homemade Pickles

Hey guys! Ever wondered how to make those sweet and tangy bread and butter pickles at home? They're super easy to make and way better than store-bought ones, trust me. This guide will walk you through everything, from prepping your cucumbers to getting that perfect crispy, flavorful pickle. So, let's dive into the wonderful world of homemade bread and butter pickles!

What are Bread and Butter Pickles?

Before we jump into the recipe, let's talk about what makes bread and butter pickles so special. Bread and butter pickles are a type of sweet pickle, known for their unique flavor profile. Unlike dill pickles, which are savory and tangy, bread and butter pickles are sweet, tangy, and slightly spiced. They get their name not from any actual bread or butter, but from a charming story about a couple who bartered them for—you guessed it—bread and butter during the Depression era. These pickles are characterized by their distinctive sweet-and-sour taste, often achieved with a combination of vinegar, sugar, and spices like mustard seeds, turmeric, and celery seeds. The addition of onions and sometimes peppers provides extra layers of flavor and texture, making these pickles a delightful condiment or snack. Their vibrant color, thanks to turmeric, and their crisp, slightly sweet taste make them a favorite for sandwiches, burgers, or even straight from the jar. Making bread and butter pickles at home allows you to customize the sweetness and spice levels to your preference, ensuring a perfect batch every time. Plus, the satisfaction of enjoying homemade pickles is simply unbeatable! The blend of sweet, tangy, and savory makes them incredibly versatile. You can pile them on burgers, add them to sandwiches, or just snack on them straight from the jar. The main ingredients that give these pickles their signature taste are cucumbers (of course!), vinegar, sugar, and a mix of spices like mustard seeds, turmeric, and celery seeds. This combination creates that perfect sweet-and-sour balance that we all love. The best part about making them yourself? You get to control the ingredients and adjust the flavors to your liking. Want them a bit sweeter? Add more sugar. Prefer a spicier kick? Throw in some extra mustard seeds or a pinch of red pepper flakes. It's all up to you! So, let's get started and make some awesome pickles, shall we?

Why Make Your Own Pickles?

You might be thinking, "Why go through the effort of making pickles when I can just buy a jar from the store?" Great question! There are actually a bunch of reasons why making your own bread and butter pickles is totally worth it. First off, the flavor is unbeatable. Homemade pickles have a freshness and vibrancy that you just can't find in store-bought versions. You know exactly what's going into your pickles, so you can avoid any artificial flavors, preservatives, or excessive sodium. This control over ingredients is a big win for anyone who's health-conscious or has dietary restrictions. Plus, making your own pickles is a fantastic way to use up a surplus of cucumbers from your garden or a farmer's market haul. It's a great way to reduce food waste and enjoy the fruits (or vegetables!) of your labor. The sense of accomplishment you get from making something delicious from scratch is pretty awesome. It's a fun kitchen project that can be surprisingly rewarding. You can also customize the flavors to your exact preferences, which is a huge advantage. Want them sweeter? Spicier? You're the boss! And don't forget the fun factor! Making pickles can be a great activity to do with family or friends. It's a fun way to spend an afternoon, and you get to enjoy the delicious results together. So, while it might seem like a bit of effort upfront, the rewards of homemade bread and butter pickles are totally worth it. Fresh flavor, control over ingredients, reduced waste, and a fun kitchen project – what's not to love? Let's get pickling!

Ingredients You'll Need

Alright, let's talk about what you'll need to make these delicious bread and butter pickles. Gathering your ingredients is the first step to pickle perfection, and it's important to have everything on hand before you start. This ensures a smooth pickling process and the best possible flavor. The star of the show, of course, is cucumbers. You'll want to use fresh, firm cucumbers for the best results. Pickling cucumbers are ideal, but you can also use regular cucumbers if that’s what you have on hand. The quantity will depend on how many pickles you want to make, but a good starting point is about 3-4 pounds. Next up, you'll need vinegar. White vinegar is the traditional choice for bread and butter pickles, but you can also use apple cider vinegar for a slightly different flavor profile. You'll need enough vinegar to create the pickling brine, typically around 3-4 cups. Sugar is another key ingredient, as it provides the sweetness that balances the tanginess of the vinegar. Granulated sugar is commonly used, and the amount will depend on your preference for sweetness, usually around 2-3 cups. Onions are a must-have for bread and butter pickles. They add a lovely flavor and texture to the pickles. Yellow or white onions work well, and you'll need about 1-2 large onions. Now, let's talk spices! Mustard seeds, turmeric, and celery seeds are the classic spices for bread and butter pickles. They give the pickles their signature flavor and color. You'll also need salt, which is essential for the pickling process. Garlic is optional, but it adds a nice subtle flavor to the pickles. A few cloves will do the trick. And if you like a little heat, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a sliced jalapeño to the mix. Here's a quick rundown of the basic ingredients:

• Fresh cucumbers
• White vinegar or apple cider vinegar
• Granulated sugar
• Onions
• Mustard seeds
• Turmeric
• Celery seeds
• Salt
• Optional: Garlic, red pepper flakes, jalapeño

Make sure you have these ingredients ready to go, and you'll be well on your way to making some fantastic bread and butter pickles!

Essential Equipment

Okay, so you've got your ingredients sorted, but what about the equipment? Having the right tools can make the pickling process much smoother and more enjoyable. You don't need a ton of fancy gadgets, but there are a few essentials that will help you get the job done right. First off, you'll need some jars for storing your pickles. Canning jars are ideal because they're designed to withstand the heat of the canning process and create an airtight seal. Mason jars are a popular choice, and they come in various sizes, so you can choose the ones that best suit your needs. Pint jars or quart jars are common sizes for pickles. Make sure your jars are clean and sterilized before you start. You can sterilize them by boiling them in water for about 10 minutes, which helps prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. Next, you'll need a large pot for cooking the pickling brine. A stainless steel or enamel pot works well. Avoid using aluminum pots, as they can react with the vinegar and affect the flavor of your pickles. You'll also want a good knife and cutting board for slicing your cucumbers and onions. A mandoline slicer can be helpful for getting uniform slices, but it's not essential. Just be careful when using one, as they can be quite sharp! A few other handy tools include a measuring cup and spoons for measuring out your ingredients, a jar lifter for safely removing hot jars from the boiling water, and a funnel for pouring the brine into the jars without making a mess. A ladle is also useful for transferring the hot brine into the jars. And don't forget some clean kitchen towels for wiping up spills and handling hot jars. Here’s a quick checklist of the equipment you'll need:

• Canning jars (Mason jars are a great option)
• Large pot
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Jar lifter
• Funnel
• Ladle
• Clean kitchen towels

With these tools in your arsenal, you'll be well-equipped to tackle the pickling process. So, gather your gear, and let's move on to the next step!

Step-by-Step Recipe for Bread and Butter Pickles

Alright, guys, let's get down to the nitty-gritty and walk through the step-by-step process of making bread and butter pickles. Don't worry; it's not as complicated as it might seem! Just follow these steps, and you'll be enjoying delicious homemade pickles in no time. Firstly, wash your cucumbers thoroughly. You want to make sure they're nice and clean before you start slicing. Trim off the ends of the cucumbers, and then slice them into ¼-inch thick rounds. You can use a knife or a mandoline slicer for this. If you're using a mandoline, be extra careful to protect your fingers! Next, peel and slice your onions into thin rounds or half-moons. You can also slice them into smaller pieces if you prefer. In a large bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers and onions. Sprinkle them with salt and toss to combine. This step helps draw out excess moisture from the vegetables, which will result in crispier pickles. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it sit for at least 2 hours, or even better, overnight in the refrigerator. This soaking process is crucial for getting that perfect pickle texture. Once your cucumbers and onions have soaked, rinse them thoroughly under cold water to remove the excess salt. Drain them well. Now, it's time to make the pickling brine. In a large pot, combine the vinegar, sugar, mustard seeds, turmeric, celery seeds, and any other spices you're using, like garlic or red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring until the sugar is dissolved. Once the brine is boiling, add the drained cucumbers and onions to the pot. Bring the mixture back to a boil, and then reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the cucumbers turn a slightly translucent color. While the pickles are simmering, prepare your jars. Make sure they're clean and sterilized. You can sterilize them by boiling them in water for 10 minutes, or by running them through a hot cycle in your dishwasher. Using a jar lifter, carefully remove the hot jars from the boiling water. Place them on a clean towel-lined surface. Using a ladle and a funnel, carefully fill the hot jars with the pickle mixture, leaving about ½ inch of headspace at the top. Headspace is the space between the top of the pickles and the lid of the jar. Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean, damp cloth to remove any spills. Place the lids on the jars, and then screw on the bands until they're fingertip tight. This means they're snug but not overly tight. If you're planning to can your pickles for long-term storage, you'll need to process them in a boiling water bath. Place the filled jars in a large pot fitted with a rack. Add enough hot water to cover the jars by at least 1 inch. Bring the water to a boil, and then process the jars for 10 minutes for pint jars and 15 minutes for quart jars. Once the processing time is up, turn off the heat and let the jars sit in the hot water for 5 minutes. Then, carefully remove the jars from the pot and place them on a towel-lined surface to cool. As the jars cool, you should hear a popping sound, which indicates that the jars have sealed properly. If any of the jars don't seal, you can either reprocess them or store them in the refrigerator. Let the pickles sit for at least 2 weeks before opening them. This gives the flavors time to meld and develop. And there you have it! Homemade bread and butter pickles. Enjoy them on sandwiches, burgers, or straight from the jar. They're seriously addictive!

Tips for the Best Pickles

Okay, you've got the recipe down, but let's chat about some tips and tricks to make sure your bread and butter pickles are absolutely perfect. These little nuggets of wisdom can really elevate your pickling game and ensure you end up with crisp, flavorful pickles every time. Firstly, choosing the right cucumbers is crucial. Look for fresh, firm cucumbers that are free from blemishes or soft spots. Pickling cucumbers are ideal, as they have a thicker skin and fewer seeds, but regular cucumbers will work too. Just make sure they're not overly ripe or mushy. Slicing your cucumbers uniformly is also important for even pickling. You want all the slices to be about the same thickness, so they pickle at the same rate. A mandoline slicer can be super helpful for this, but if you're using a knife, just take your time and aim for consistent slices. Soaking the cucumbers and onions in salt water is a key step for getting crispy pickles. This process, called brining, helps draw out excess moisture from the vegetables, which prevents them from becoming soggy. Don't skip this step! The longer you soak them, the crispier your pickles will be. Rinsing the salt off the vegetables after soaking is just as important. You want to remove the excess salt, so your pickles don't end up too salty. Give them a good rinse under cold water and drain them well. When it comes to the pickling brine, make sure you dissolve the sugar completely before adding the vegetables. This will ensure that the sweetness is evenly distributed throughout the pickles. And don't be afraid to adjust the sweetness to your liking. If you prefer a less sweet pickle, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe. Simmering the cucumbers and onions in the brine is another important step. This helps them absorb the flavors of the brine and softens them slightly. Just don't overcook them, or they'll become too soft. You want them to be tender but still have a bit of crunch. Packing the jars properly is essential for safe canning. Leave about ½ inch of headspace at the top of each jar to allow for expansion during processing. And make sure the jar rims are clean before you put on the lids. Any debris on the rims can prevent the jars from sealing properly. Processing the jars in a boiling water bath ensures that the pickles are shelf-stable. Follow the processing times carefully to prevent spoilage. And don't forget to let the jars cool completely before you check the seals. You should hear a popping sound as the jars cool, which indicates that they've sealed properly. Finally, patience is key! Let your pickles sit for at least 2 weeks before opening them. This gives the flavors time to meld and develop, resulting in a much tastier pickle. So, follow these tips, and you'll be making amazing bread and butter pickles that everyone will love!

Serving Suggestions

Alright, you've made your awesome bread and butter pickles – now what? There are so many delicious ways to enjoy these tangy treats! They're not just for snacking straight from the jar (though that's totally a valid option, guys!). One of the most classic ways to enjoy bread and butter pickles is on sandwiches and burgers. They add a perfect sweet and tangy crunch that complements savory meats and cheeses. Try them on a classic turkey and Swiss, a grilled cheese, or piled high on a juicy burger. They're also fantastic in salads. Chop them up and add them to potato salad, tuna salad, or even a green salad for a burst of flavor. The sweet and tangy notes of the pickles play so well with creamy dressings and fresh vegetables. Don't underestimate the power of pickles as a condiment. They're a great addition to charcuterie boards, cheese platters, and relish trays. They provide a nice contrast to rich cheeses and salty meats. And if you're a fan of pickle relish, you can easily make your own by finely dicing bread and butter pickles and mixing them with a little mayonnaise or mustard. This makes a fantastic topping for hot dogs, sausages, or even deviled eggs. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even use bread and butter pickles in cooked dishes. Add them to a pan of sautéed cabbage or collard greens for a touch of sweetness and acidity. Or try them in a pickle-brined chicken recipe for extra flavor. Here are a few more specific serving ideas:

• On a sandwich: Turkey and Swiss with pickles, grilled cheese with pickles, pulled pork with pickles
• In a salad: Potato salad with chopped pickles, tuna salad with pickles, green salad with pickle vinaigrette
• As a condiment: Charcuterie board with pickles, relish tray with pickles, pickle relish for hot dogs
• In cooked dishes: Sautéed cabbage with pickles, pickle-brined chicken

No matter how you choose to enjoy them, bread and butter pickles are a versatile and delicious addition to any meal. So go ahead, get creative and start pickling! I hope you enjoy your Bread and Butter Pickles!