Homemade Crunchy Bread and Butter Pickles Recipe

Crunchy, tangy, and bursting with flavor – that’s what you can expect from these homemade Bread and Butter Pickles. There’s something truly special about the perfect balance of sweet and tangy notes in every bite. The blend of vinegars, sugar, and warm spices creates a medley of flavors that will have you reaching for these pickles time and time again.

Just like grandma used to make, these Bread and Butter Pickles are a labor of love that is well worth the effort. The fresh cucumbers stay delightfully crisp, making each jar a treasure trove of summertime goodness. Whether you enjoy them on a sandwich, a burger, or straight from the jar, these pickles are sure to add a zing of flavor to any dish.

Making your own Bread and Butter Pickles is easier than you might think. With a few simple steps and some patience, you’ll have jars of these delectable pickles lining your pantry shelves in no time. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to savor the taste of homemade goodness with these classic Bread and Butter Pickles.

Quick Benefits

• Preservation: Properly canned pickles can last up to a year, making them an excellent way to enjoy the summer harvest year-round.
• Flavorful: The mix of vinegars and warm spices creates a depth of flavor that is both sweet and tangy, reminiscent of grandma’s traditional recipe.
• Crunchy: Pickling cucumbers hold up well during canning, ensuring that the cucumbers stay crisp and crunchy even after the pickling process.
• Versatile: These pickles are perfect for sandwiches, burgers, or as a tangy snack straight from the jar, offering a versatile option for various meals and occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Crunchy Bread and Butter Pickles Recipe Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors combined with warm spices makes these bread and butter pickles a true delight for your taste buds.
• Crispy Texture: The pickling process keeps the cucumbers amazingly crisp, providing a satisfying crunch with every bite.
• Easy Recipe: Even for beginners, this recipe is straightforward to follow, allowing anyone to enjoy homemade pickles without a hassle.
• Versatile Usage: These pickles are versatile and can be enjoyed on sandwiches, burgers, or as a tangy snack straight from the jar.
• Long Shelf Life: Properly canned, these pickles can last up to a year on your shelf, ensuring you can enjoy them for an extended period.
• Personalization Options: Customize your pickles by adding jalapeños or experimenting with different spices for a unique flavor profile.
• Nostalgic Experience: Reminiscent of grandma’s pickles, this recipe offers a nostalgic experience that will transport you back to simpler times.
• Sustainable Preservation: Canning your own pickles allows you to enjoy the bounty of your garden harvest and savor the flavors of summer all year round.
• Satisfying Process: Enjoy the satisfaction of lining up your homemade jars on the shelf, knowing you’ve created a delicious treat that will bring joy to your meals.

Ingredients for Homemade Crunchy Bread and Butter Pickles Recipe

• 1 cup apple cider vinegar (5% acidity).
• 1/4 cup pickling salt.
• 2 1/4 cups sugar.
• 2 1/2 pounds pickling cucumbers.
• 1 1/4 cups white distilled vinegar (5% acidity).
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes.
• 1 pound white or yellow onions, thinly sliced.
• 1 inch cinnamon stick.
• 1 tablespoon mustard seeds.
• 3/4 teaspoon celery seeds.
• 6 allspice berries plus pinch ground allspice.
• 6 whole cloves plus pinch ground cloves.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric.

Pro Tips for Homemade Crunchy Bread and Butter Pickles Recipe

To ensure your bread and butter pickles turn out perfectly crisp, look for fresh and firm pickling cucumbers. Salting the cucumber and onion slices and chilling them with ice for about 4 hours will help retain their crunchiness during the canning process. Additionally, using a mix of white distilled and apple cider vinegar is key to achieving the ideal sweet and tangy balance in your pickles.

Experiment with adding some heat to your pickles by including sliced jalapeños or red pepper flakes in your jars. Feel free to get creative with the spice blend as well – consider incorporating coriander or fennel seeds for a unique flavor profile. If you prefer not to go through the canning process, making a small batch to store in the refrigerator is a convenient alternative that still yields delicious pickles.

How to Make Homemade Crunchy Bread and Butter Pickles Recipe

Step 1: Step 01

Wash cucumbers, cut off ends, and slice into 1/4-inch thick rounds.

Step 2: Step 02

Combine cucumber slices, onions, and salt in a bowl. Cover with ice, refrigerate for 4 hours. Rinse and drain twice before using.

Step 3: Step 03

Arrange clean jars on a rack in a canning pot, fill with water, and heat until boiling. Keep warm by reducing heat.

Step 4: Step 04

Mix vinegar, sugar, and spices in a pot. Bring to a boil, then add cucumbers and onions and return to a boil.

Step 5: Step 05

Fill jars with cucumber mixture, leaving a 1-inch space from the rim. Pour syrup into jars, leaving a 1/2-inch space from the rim.

Step 6: Step 06

Seal jars and process in a boiling water bath for 15 minutes. Allow to cool fully.

Storage Tips

Once your bread and butter pickles are ready, it’s important to store them properly to maintain their freshness and flavor. If you’ve properly canned the pickles by processing the jars in boiling water, they can be stored in a cool, dark spot for up to a year. When storing canned pickles, ensure the jars are tightly sealed and free from any signs of spoilage.

For a quicker storage option, you can make a small batch of refrigerator pickles to keep in the fridge. Refrigerator pickles will stay good for about 3 months when unopened. Once opened, try to use the pickles within 3 months for the best taste and texture. Remember to keep the jars refrigerated and sealed tightly between uses to preserve the pickles’ quality.

Whether you choose to can or refrigerate your bread and butter pickles, they make a delicious addition to sandwiches, burgers, or as a tangy snack on their own. Experiment with adding jalapeños or different spices to customize the flavor profile. With proper storage, you can enjoy the taste of summer all year round with these homemade pickles.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you’re looking to make some adjustments to this delicious bread and butter pickles recipe, there are a few ingredient substitutions you can try. For a healthier option, consider using a lower-calorie sweetener like honey or maple syrup instead of sugar. This swap will slightly alter the taste but will still give you that sweet balance you’re looking for in your pickles.

If you’re out of pickling cucumbers, you can use regular cucumbers as a substitute. Just make sure to peel and deseed them to get a similar texture to pickling cucumbers. Additionally, if you don’t have apple cider vinegar on hand, you can replace it with white vinegar or rice vinegar for a different but still delicious flavor profile. Remember, experimenting with different vinegars can lead to unique taste variations in your pickles, so feel free to get creative with what you have in your pantry.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these delicious bread and butter pickles as a tangy addition to a charcuterie board alongside a variety of cheeses, cured meats, and crackers. The sweet and tangy flavors will complement the savory elements of the board, creating a perfect balance of tastes for your guests to enjoy.

For a unique twist, chop up these bread and butter pickles and mix them into a potato salad or coleslaw for a refreshing and flavorful side dish. The crunch of the pickles combined with the creamy textures of the salad will add a delightful contrast that will elevate your typical barbecue fare to a whole new level.

FAQs for Homemade Crunchy Bread and Butter Pickles Recipe

Can I use regular cucumbers instead of pickling cucumbers?

It’s best to use pickling cucumbers for this recipe as they hold up better during the canning process and maintain their crunchiness. Regular cucumbers may become soft and mushy when pickled.

How long do I need to process the jars in boiling water?

Process the jars in boiling water for about 10-15 minutes to ensure they are properly sealed. This step helps create a vacuum seal that keeps the pickles safe for long-term storage.

Can I adjust the sweetness or tanginess of the pickles?

Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar or vinegar to suit your taste preferences. You can increase or decrease the sugar for a sweeter or less sweet pickle, and adjust the vinegar for a more or less tangy flavor.

How can I tell if the jars have sealed properly?

After processing the jars in boiling water, you should listen for a “pop” sound as the jars cool and the vacuum seal forms. Check the seals by pressing down on the center of the lid. If it stays down and doesn’t pop back up, the jar is properly sealed. Any unsealed jars should be refrigerated and consumed first.

Conclusion

I hope this recipe for Bread and Butter Pickles brings back fond memories of homemade pickles from your own family, just like it does for me. The process may take some time, but the end result is so worth it – the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors with a satisfying crunch in every bite.

So, whether you’re a seasoned pickling pro or a newbie in the world of canning, I encourage you to give these Bread and Butter Pickles a try. Experiment with different spice combinations, add a touch of heat, or simply enjoy them as they are. The joy of seeing those jars lined up on your shelf and the satisfaction of opening one up months later is truly a special experience. Happy pickling, and may your shelves always be stocked with delicious Bread and Butter Pickles!