Old-Fashioned Bread and Butter Pickles

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Old-fashioned bread and butter pickles are sweet, tangy, and perfectly crunchy cucumber pickles made with onions, vinegar, sugar, and classic pickling spices. These homemade pickles are a timeless favorite for sandwiches, burgers, barbecue plates, or snacking straight from the jar. Their balance of sweetness and tanginess makes them a delicious pantry staple.

Bread and Butter Pickles

⏱️ Prep Time

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Resting Time: 2 hours
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: About 2 hours 30 minutes

🍳 Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Saucepan
  • Knife or mandoline slicer
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Mason jars with lids

🧾 Ingredients

  • 6 cups sliced cucumbers
  • 1 large onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons salt
  • 2 cups ice cubes
  • 2 cups white vinegar
  • 1½ cups sugar
  • 1 tablespoon mustard seeds
  • 1 teaspoon celery seeds
  • ½ teaspoon turmeric

📝 Ingredient Notes

  • Cucumbers: Pickling cucumbers work best for crisp texture
  • Onions: Sweet onions add classic flavor
  • Turmeric: Gives traditional golden color
  • Mustard Seeds: Add subtle tangy spice
  • Ice & Salt: Help keep pickles crunchy

👨‍🍳 Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine sliced cucumbers, onions, salt, and ice cubes.
  2. Let sit for 2 hours.
  3. Drain and rinse well under cold water.
  4. In a saucepan, combine vinegar, sugar, mustard seeds, celery seeds, and turmeric.
  5. Bring mixture to a gentle boil.
  6. Add cucumber and onion mixture to the pot.
  7. Simmer for 5 minutes until slightly softened.
  8. Transfer pickles and brine into clean jars.
  9. Cool completely, then refrigerate.
  10. For best flavor, chill at least 24 hours before serving.

🧪 Nutrition Facts (Approx. per serving)

  • Calories: 40–70 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 10–16g
  • Fat: 0g
  • Protein: 0g
  • Sugar: 8–14g
  • Sodium: Moderate to high

💡 Tips

  • Use fresh, firm cucumbers for maximum crunch
  • Slice evenly for consistent texture
  • Refrigerate overnight for better flavor
  • Sterilize jars if storing longer term

🔄 Variations

  • Spicy Bread & Butter Pickles 🌶️
  • Garlic Pickles 🧄
  • Low-Sugar Pickles 🍯
  • Dill Bread & Butter Pickles 🌿
  • Mixed Vegetable Pickles 🥕

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