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Easy Tangy Bread and Butter Pickles Recipe Perfect for Homemade Preserving

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A quick and easy recipe for tangy-sweet bread and butter pickles that deliver a crunchy, flavorful addition to sandwiches, salads, or snacks. Perfect for homemade preserving without the fuss.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 medium Kirby or pickling cucumbers, thinly sliced (about 1/8-inch thick)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced (about 1/8-inch thick)
  • 3 tablespoons kosher salt
  • 2 cups white vinegar (5% acidity)
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon mustard seeds
  • 1 teaspoon celery seeds
  • ½ teaspoon ground turmeric
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Rinse cucumbers thoroughly and slice about 1/8-inch thick. Slice onion to similar thickness. Place both in a large mixing bowl and sprinkle with 3 tablespoons kosher salt. Toss gently to coat.
  2. Let the salted cucumbers and onions sit for 1 to 2 hours at room temperature to draw out excess moisture.
  3. Drain off the accumulated liquid and rinse cucumbers and onions well under cold water to remove extra salt. Drain thoroughly again.
  4. In a large saucepan, combine 2 cups white vinegar, 1 ½ cups granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon mustard seeds, 1 teaspoon celery seeds, ½ teaspoon ground turmeric, and ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally until sugar dissolves.
  5. Place drained cucumber and onion slices into clean quart-sized glass jars, packing them without crushing.
  6. Pour the hot brine over the vegetables, leaving about ½ inch headspace at the top.
  7. Wipe rims clean, seal jars tightly with lids, and let cool to room temperature.
  8. Refrigerate jars and let pickles chill for at least 24 hours before eating for best flavor.

Notes

Slice cucumbers about 1/8-inch thick for best crunch; do not slice too thin to avoid mushy pickles. Salting step is crucial to draw out moisture and keep pickles crisp. Use hot brine when pouring to help preserve texture and flavor. Refrigerate promptly and consume within 2-3 weeks. For a spicy variation, add jalapeño slices or red pepper flakes to the brine. For low-sugar version, reduce sugar by half and add a sweetener like stevia or monk fruit. Apple cider vinegar can be used for a fruitier twist but changes classic flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: bread and butter pickles, pickles recipe, homemade pickles, quick pickles, tangy pickles, preserving, refrigerator pickles