Easy Homemade Bread And Butter Pickles Recipe

Hey everyone! Are you ready to dive into the sweet and tangy world of homemade bread and butter pickles? I'm talking about those perfect little slices that add a delightful crunch and flavor to your sandwiches, burgers, or even just as a snack right out of the jar. And guess what? It's not as hard as you might think to make your own! Today, I'm going to walk you through a super easy bread and butter pickles recipe that'll have you canning like a pro in no time. We'll cover everything from prepping the ingredients to the canning process itself. So, grab your aprons, and let's get started on making the best bread and butter pickles you've ever tasted!

Why Make Your Own Bread and Butter Pickles?

Okay, so why bother making your own homemade bread and butter pickles when you can just grab a jar from the store? Well, first off, the flavor is just unmatched. You get to control all the ingredients, so you can adjust the sweetness, tanginess, and spice levels to your exact liking. Plus, there's a certain satisfaction that comes from creating something delicious with your own two hands, right? It's kind of like bragging rights! Also, store-bought pickles often contain preservatives and additives that you might not want in your food. Making your own bread and butter pickle recipe lets you use fresh, high-quality ingredients and avoid all that extra stuff. The process of canning bread and butter pickles is also a fun and rewarding experience. It's a great way to preserve a summer harvest and enjoy the flavors of the season year-round. Think about those cold winter months when you can crack open a jar of sunshine and enjoy a taste of summer. Finally, homemade pickles make fantastic gifts. Who wouldn't love a jar of easy bread and butter pickles made with love? You can customize the flavors and presentation to make them extra special, which makes them a really thoughtful present for friends and family.

Gathering Your Ingredients for Bread and Butter Pickles

Alright, before we get to the fun part of making bread and butter pickles easy, let's gather our ingredients. You'll need a few key items to get started. Don't worry, it's nothing too exotic, and most of it you probably already have in your kitchen. This bread and butter pickle recipe is designed to be simple, so you won't be running around trying to find obscure ingredients.

• Cucumbers: The star of the show! You'll want about 6-8 cups of sliced cucumbers. Kirby cucumbers are great because they're specifically bred for pickling, but any firm cucumber will work. Just make sure to wash and slice them to about 1/4 inch thickness.
• Onions: One large onion, thinly sliced. The onion adds a nice bite and complements the sweetness of the pickles. Yellow onions work well, but you can experiment with red onions for a different flavor profile.
• Vinegar: White vinegar is the classic choice for bread and butter pickle canning, as it provides a clean, crisp flavor. You'll need about 3 cups. Feel free to experiment with apple cider vinegar for a slightly different taste.
• Sugar: Granulated sugar is what we'll use for sweetness. The amount can vary based on your preference, but start with 2 cups and adjust as needed. Some people like a sweeter pickle, while others prefer a more balanced flavor.
• Pickling Salt: This is important! Pickling salt doesn't contain iodine, which can make your pickles cloudy. You'll need about 2 tablespoons.
• Mustard Seeds: About 2 tablespoons. These add a classic pickle flavor.
• Celery Seeds: Around 1 tablespoon. Celery seeds provide a unique, slightly savory note.
• Turmeric: Just a pinch, about 1/2 teaspoon, for color. This gives the pickles their signature yellow hue.
• Garlic Cloves (optional): A few cloves, peeled and smashed, for a little extra flavor kick.
• Fresh Dill (optional): A few sprigs for added freshness.

Make sure to have everything prepped and ready to go before you start. This makes the easy bread and butter pickles process much smoother and more enjoyable.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Bread and Butter Pickles

Alright, guys, let's get down to business! Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make bread and butter pickles, so you can start enjoying them ASAP.

1. Prep the Cucumbers and Onions: Wash and slice your cucumbers and onions. Place them in a large bowl. You can use a mandoline to get uniform slices, which will ensure even pickling. Toss the cucumbers and onions together. This part is a breeze!
2. Make the Brine: In a saucepan, combine the vinegar, sugar, pickling salt, mustard seeds, celery seeds, and turmeric. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar and salt are dissolved. This is where the magic happens! This bread and butter pickle recipe relies on this brine to infuse the flavor into the cucumbers.
3. Combine and Heat: Pour the hot brine over the cucumbers and onions in the bowl. If you're using garlic and dill, add them now. Let the mixture sit for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cucumbers start to soften slightly. This allows the cucumbers to start absorbing the flavors. This step is crucial for the canning bread and butter pickles process.
4. Prepare the Jars: While the cucumbers are soaking, prepare your jars for bread and butter pickle canning. Wash the jars, lids, and bands in hot, soapy water. Rinse them well. You can sterilize them by placing them in a boiling water canner or running them through a dishwasher on a hot cycle. Make sure your jars are hot when you fill them to prevent them from cracking. This step ensures that your pickles will last!
5. Pack the Jars: Using a slotted spoon, pack the cucumbers and onions into the hot jars, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace at the top. This space is essential for a good seal. Try to distribute the cucumbers and onions evenly among the jars. The goal is to make the best bread and butter pickles, so presentation matters.
6. Pour the Brine: Ladle the hot brine over the cucumbers, making sure to cover them completely, leaving the 1/2 inch headspace. Use a bubble wand or a clean utensil to remove any air bubbles from the jars. This helps ensure a good seal. If necessary, add more brine to maintain the headspace.
7. Wipe the Rims: Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean, damp cloth to remove any food residue. This is important for a good seal.
8. Seal the Jars: Place the lids on the jars and screw on the bands, tightening them to fingertip tightness. Don't overtighten the bands, as this can prevent the jars from sealing properly.
9. Process the Jars: Place the jars in a boiling water canner. Make sure the jars are covered by at least 1 inch of water. Bring the water to a rolling boil and process the jars for the recommended time, which is usually around 10 minutes for pint jars and 15 minutes for quart jars. This step is essential for canning bread and butter pickles and ensuring they are shelf-stable. Make sure to adjust the processing time based on your altitude.
10. Cool and Check the Seals: Carefully remove the jars from the canner and place them on a towel-lined surface to cool. Let them cool undisturbed for 12-24 hours. You'll hear the lids