If you’re searching for the best bread and butter pickle recipe, you’ve found the perfect guide. These sweet, tangy, and crunchy homemade pickles are packed with classic flavors that pair beautifully with burgers, sandwiches, wraps, salads, charcuterie boards, and countless other dishes. Making them at home is surprisingly simple and gives you complete control over the sweetness, spices, and crunch.
This easy recipe produces delicious pickles with the perfect balance of vinegar, sugar, and aromatic spices. Whether you’re preserving cucumbers from your garden or simply craving homemade pickles, this recipe delivers exceptional results every time.
Why You’ll Love This Bread and Butter Pickle Recipe
Homemade bread and butter pickles offer several advantages over store-bought versions.
- Perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors
- Wonderfully crisp texture
- Easy to prepare with simple pantry ingredients
- Ready within 24 hours
- No artificial preservatives
- Great for meal prep and gifting
- Customizable spice level
These classic refrigerator pickles stay fresh for weeks and become even more flavorful after a few days.
What Are Bread and Butter Pickles?
Bread and butter pickles are sweet cucumber pickles preserved in a vinegar and sugar brine flavored with mustard seeds, celery seeds, turmeric, onions, and other spices. Unlike dill pickles, these are noticeably sweeter while maintaining a pleasant acidic bite.
Their unique flavor makes them one of the most versatile pickle varieties, complementing both savory and slightly sweet dishes.
Ingredients
For the Pickles
- 2 pounds fresh pickling cucumbers
- 1 large sweet onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons kosher salt
- 2 cups ice cubes
- 2 cups water
For the Sweet Pickling Brine
- 2 cups white vinegar
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon celery seeds
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- ½ teaspoon whole cloves
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Best Cucumbers for Bread and Butter Pickles
Choosing the right cucumber makes a huge difference.
Excellent choices include:
- Kirby cucumbers
- Pickling cucumbers
- Persian cucumbers
- Garden-grown pickling varieties
Avoid large slicing cucumbers because they contain more seeds and extra moisture, making the finished pickles softer.
Always select cucumbers that are:
- Firm
- Bright green
- Freshly harvested
- Free of soft spots
- Uniform in size
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- Sharp knife or mandoline
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium saucepan
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Sterilized mason jars
- Tongs
- Clean towels
How to Make Bread and Butter Pickles
Step 1: Slice the Cucumbers
Wash the cucumbers thoroughly.
Slice them into approximately ¼-inch rounds for the ideal crunch.
Slice the onion into thin rings.
Step 2: Salt the Vegetables
Combine cucumber slices and onions in a large bowl.
Sprinkle with kosher salt.
Add ice cubes and water.
Allow the mixture to rest for about 2 hours.
This important step removes excess moisture and creates crisp pickles.
Step 3: Rinse and Drain
Drain the salted vegetables completely.
Rinse thoroughly under cold water.
Pat dry with clean kitchen towels.
Step 4: Prepare the Pickling Brine
In a saucepan combine:
- White vinegar
- Apple cider vinegar
- Granulated sugar
- Brown sugar
- Mustard seeds
- Celery seeds
- Turmeric
- Cloves
- Peppercorns
- Red pepper flakes
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil while stirring until the sugars dissolve completely.
Step 5: Add the Cucumbers
Place the cucumber and onion mixture into the simmering brine.
Cook for about 2–3 minutes, just until the cucumbers begin changing color.
Avoid overcooking, which can reduce their crispness.
Step 6: Fill the Jars
Using tongs, transfer cucumbers and onions into sterilized mason jars.
Pour the hot brine over the vegetables until fully covered.
Leave approximately ½ inch of headspace.
Seal the jars tightly.
Step 7: Chill
Allow the jars to cool to room temperature.
Refrigerate for at least 24 hours before serving.
The flavor improves dramatically after 2 to 5 days.
Every bite delivers layers of flavor without overwhelming the palate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are they called bread and butter pickles?
The name comes from their long history as an affordable homemade pickle often served alongside simple meals like bread and butter.
How long should they sit before eating
While they’re ready after 24 hours, waiting 2–5 days gives the best flavor.
Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes. Reduce the sugar gradually if you prefer less sweetness, though the traditional recipe is intentionally sweet.
Can I use apple cider vinegar only?
Yes, although combining white vinegar and apple cider vinegar creates the most balanced flavor.
Why are my pickles soft?
Soft pickles usually result from:
- Old cucumbers
- Overcooking
- Skipping the salt soak
- Improper storage
Can I reuse the brine?
Fresh brine is always recommended for food safety and the best flavor.
This homemade bread and butter pickle recipe delivers everything you could want in a classic sweet pickle—crisp texture, bright tanginess, gentle sweetness, and perfectly balanced spices. Whether you’re topping burgers, layering sandwiches, or adding a flavorful crunch to your favorite meals, these pickles bring homemade goodness to every bite. With simple ingredients, easy preparation, and incredible flavor that only improves with time, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Loved this recipe? Save it on Pinterest, share it with family and friends, and bookmark it for your next homemade pickling adventure. Happy cooking!
