Old-Fashioned Bread and Butter Pickles are a timeless homemade favorite known for their perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and mildly spiced flavors. These classic refrigerator or canned pickles are made with fresh cucumbers, onions, vinegar, sugar, and aromatic spices. Their crisp texture and delicious taste make them an excellent topping for burgers, sandwiches, hot dogs, salads, charcuterie boards, or simply enjoyed straight from the jar. This traditional family recipe has been passed down for generations because it is simple, economical, and delivers incredible flavor every time.
Whether you’re preserving your garden harvest or looking for an easy homemade pickle recipe, these bread and butter pickles are guaranteed to become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 6 pounds pickling cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 2 large sweet onions, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup kosher or pickling salt
- 4 cups crushed ice
- 4 cups white vinegar (5% acidity)
- 2 cups apple cider vinegar
- 3½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons mustard seeds
- 2 teaspoons celery seeds
- 1 tablespoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon whole cloves
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns (optional)
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a spicy version)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cucumbers
Wash the cucumbers thoroughly and slice them into ¼-inch rounds. Slice the onions into thin strips and combine them with the cucumbers in a large bowl.
Step 2: Salt the Vegetables
Sprinkle the pickling salt over the cucumber and onion mixture. Add the crushed ice, toss well, and let the mixture rest for 3 to 4 hours. This process removes excess moisture and helps create crispy pickles.
Step 3: Rinse and Drain
Drain the vegetables thoroughly and rinse them under cold water to remove excess salt. Drain again completely.
Step 4: Make the Pickling Brine
In a large stockpot combine:
- White vinegar
- Apple cider vinegar
- Sugar
- Mustard seeds
- Celery seeds
- Turmeric
- Cloves
- Ginger
- Black peppercorns (optional)
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil while stirring until the sugar completely dissolves.
Step 5: Cook the Pickles
Add the cucumber and onion mixture to the hot brine. Heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Do not overcook, as this may soften the pickles.
Step 6: Fill the Jars
Using sterilized mason jars, pack the cucumber mixture tightly into each jar. Pour the hot brine over the vegetables, leaving about ½ inch of headspace.
Remove any air bubbles and wipe the rims clean.
Step 7: Seal and Store
For refrigerator pickles, allow the jars to cool completely before refrigerating.
For long-term storage, process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10–15 minutes according to safe canning guidelines.
Serving Suggestions
These homemade bread and butter pickles are delicious served with:
- Cheeseburgers
- BBQ sandwiches
- Fried chicken
- Pulled pork
- Tuna salad
- Potato salad
- Charcuterie boards
- Grilled cheese sandwiches
- Hot dogs
- Deviled eggs
Storage Tips
- Refrigerator pickles stay fresh for up to 3 months.
- Properly canned jars can last 12–18 months in a cool, dark pantry.
- Refrigerate after opening.
- The flavor becomes even better after resting for one week.
Helpful Tips for Perfect Crispy Pickles
- Always use fresh pickling cucumbers.
- Slice cucumbers evenly for consistent texture.
- Never skip the salt-and-ice soaking step.
- Use pickling salt rather than table salt.
- Sterilize jars before filling.
- Avoid overcooking the cucumbers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why are they called Bread and Butter Pickles?
The name originated during the Great Depression when these inexpensive sweet pickles were commonly served with bread and butter as an affordable meal.
Can I use regular cucumbers?
Yes, but pickling cucumbers produce a firmer, crispier texture.
How long before they are ready to eat?
Refrigerator pickles taste good after 24 hours but reach their best flavor after 5–7 days.
Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes. You may reduce the sugar slightly, but doing so will change the classic sweet-and-tangy flavor.
Why did my pickles become soft?
Soft pickles usually result from overripe cucumbers, overcooking, or skipping the ice bath.
Can I make them spicy?
Absolutely. Add sliced jalapeños, crushed red pepper flakes, or extra black peppercorns for heat.
Do I need to can them?
No. Refrigerator pickles are easier to prepare and stay fresh for several months.
