Bread And Butter Pickle Recipe
This bread and butter pickle recipe is sweet, tangy, crunchy, and perfect for sandwiches, burgers, BBQ plates, snack boards, and summer meals. Made with fresh cucumbers, onions, vinegar, sugar, mustard seeds, celery seeds, turmeric, and a simple brine, these pickles have that classic sweet-and-sour flavor people love. They are easy to make at home and do not require complicated equipment.
Bread and butter pickles are one of the most popular homemade pickle recipes because they are flavorful but not too spicy. They are sweeter than dill pickles, slightly tangy from vinegar, and full of warm pickle spice flavor. The cucumber slices stay crisp, the onions add a mild bite, and the golden brine gives the pickles their signature color and taste.
This recipe is especially good for summer when cucumbers are fresh, affordable, and easy to find. If you have extra cucumbers from the garden, farmers market, or grocery store, this is one of the best ways to use them. You can make a few jars and keep them in the refrigerator for quick snacks and meal toppings.
These homemade bread and butter pickles are great on hamburgers, pulled pork sandwiches, grilled cheese, deli sandwiches, chicken salad, tuna salad, hot dogs, and charcuterie boards. They also taste delicious straight from the jar when you want something crunchy, sweet, and tangy.
What Are Bread And Butter Pickles?
Bread and butter pickles are sweet pickles made from sliced cucumbers and onions in a vinegar-based brine. The brine usually includes sugar, vinegar, mustard seeds, celery seeds, turmeric, and sometimes red pepper flakes or cloves. The result is a pickle that tastes sweet, tangy, lightly spiced, and refreshing.
They are different from dill pickles because dill pickles are usually more sour, salty, and herb-forward. Bread and butter pickles have a sweeter flavor and a warmer spice profile. They are often served on sandwiches and burgers because their sweetness balances salty, smoky, and savory foods.
The name “bread and butter pickles” is old-fashioned, but the recipe is still loved today. Some people say the name came from serving the pickles with simple bread and butter meals. Others connect it to the idea of an everyday household staple. Either way, these pickles have become a classic homemade recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Bread And Butter Pickle Recipe
You will love this recipe because it is easy, flavorful, and useful. You do not need to be an expert at preserving food to make these pickles. This version is made for the refrigerator, which means the pickles are stored cold and enjoyed within a few weeks.
The flavor is balanced. The vinegar gives tang, the sugar gives sweetness, the spices add warmth, and the cucumbers stay fresh and crisp. The onion slices also soak up the brine and become delicious.
This recipe is also very versatile. You can make the pickles sweeter, tangier, spicier, or more garlicky depending on your taste. You can slice the cucumbers thin for sandwiches or thicker for snacking.
Another reason to love this recipe is that it makes simple meals better. A few slices of bread and butter pickles can upgrade a plain sandwich, burger, or wrap. They add crunch, flavor, and brightness.
These pickles also look beautiful in jars. The golden brine, green cucumber slices, and pale onion rings make them perfect for food photos, picnic tables, and homemade gifts.
Ingredients
- 6 cups sliced pickling cucumbers
- 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 1 1/2 tablespoons kosher salt
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon celery seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional
- 1/4 teaspoon black peppercorns, optional
- 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced, optional
Ingredient Notes
Pickling cucumbers are the best cucumbers to use because they are small, firm, and have thinner skins. They also have fewer large seeds than regular cucumbers. This helps the pickles stay crisp.
Yellow onion adds classic flavor. You can also use white onion or sweet onion. Thin onion slices become sweet, tangy, and delicious after sitting in the brine.
Kosher salt helps draw moisture from the cucumbers before they go into the brine. This step improves texture and helps the pickles stay crisp. Do not use table salt if possible because it can make the brine taste harsh and sometimes cloudy.
White vinegar gives the pickles sharp tang. Apple cider vinegar adds a slightly fruity flavor. Using both creates a balanced brine. You can use all white vinegar if you prefer a cleaner, sharper taste.
Sugar is what gives bread and butter pickles their classic sweetness. These pickles are meant to be sweet, but you can adjust the sugar slightly if you prefer them less sweet.
Mustard seeds are essential for classic bread and butter pickle flavor. They add mild spice and texture.
Celery seeds give the brine an old-fashioned pickle flavor. A little goes a long way.
Turmeric gives the pickles their golden color and a warm earthy note. Use only a small amount because too much turmeric can overpower the brine.
Red pepper flakes are optional. They add a little heat but do not make the pickles extremely spicy.
Garlic is also optional. It adds more savory flavor, but traditional bread and butter pickles can be made without it.
Best Cucumbers For Bread And Butter Pickles
The best cucumbers for bread and butter pickles are pickling cucumbers. They are usually short, firm, and bumpy. They hold up well in brine and stay crisp better than large slicing cucumbers.
Kirby cucumbers are a great choice. Persian cucumbers can also work because they are small and crunchy. English cucumbers can be used in a pinch, but they are softer and have a different texture.
Avoid cucumbers that are soft, wrinkled, or overripe. Fresh, firm cucumbers make the best pickles. If the cucumbers are old or watery, the pickles may become soft.
For the best texture, slice the cucumbers evenly. A thickness of about 1/4 inch works well. Thin slices are great for sandwiches, while slightly thicker slices are better for snacking.
Do You Have To Peel The Cucumbers?
No, you do not need to peel the cucumbers. The skin helps the slices hold their shape and gives the pickles color and texture.
If the cucumber skins are very thick or bitter, you can peel them partially. But for small pickling cucumbers, leaving the skin on is best.
How To Make Bread And Butter Pickles
Step 1: Slice The Cucumbers And Onion
Wash the cucumbers well and trim off the ends. Slice them into even rounds, about 1/4 inch thick. You can use a sharp knife, mandoline slicer, or crinkle cutter.
Thinly slice the onion. Add the cucumber slices and onion slices to a large bowl.
Step 2: Salt The Cucumbers
Sprinkle kosher salt over the cucumbers and onions. Toss everything together so the salt is evenly distributed.
Let the mixture sit for about 1 to 2 hours. This helps draw out extra water from the cucumbers and improves the final crunch.
After resting, rinse the cucumbers and onions under cold water to remove excess salt. Drain very well. You can pat them dry with a clean towel if needed.
Step 3: Make The Brine
In a medium saucepan, combine white vinegar, apple cider vinegar, sugar, mustard seeds, celery seeds, turmeric, red pepper flakes, black peppercorns, and garlic if using.
Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir until the sugar dissolves. Let the brine come just to a gentle simmer. You do not need to boil it for a long time.
The brine should smell sweet, tangy, and spicy.
Step 4: Pack The Jars
Add the drained cucumber and onion slices to clean jars. Pack them in gently but do not crush them. Leave a little space at the top of each jar.
Use glass jars with tight-fitting lids. Since this is a refrigerator pickle recipe, the jars do not need to be processed for shelf storage.
Step 5: Add The Hot Brine
Carefully pour the hot brine over the cucumbers and onions. Make sure the vegetables are fully covered.
Tap the jars gently on the counter to release air bubbles. You can also use a clean spoon to press the cucumbers down into the brine.
Let the jars cool at room temperature for a short time, then cover with lids and place them in the refrigerator.
Step 6: Chill Before Serving
The pickles need time to absorb the flavor. Let them chill for at least 24 hours before eating. They taste even better after 2 to 3 days.
The longer they sit in the refrigerator, the more flavorful they become.
Tips For The Best Bread And Butter Pickles
Use fresh, firm cucumbers. This is the most important step for crunchy pickles.
Slice the cucumbers evenly so they absorb the brine at the same rate.
Do not skip the salting step. It helps pull moisture from the cucumbers and improves texture.
Rinse after salting so the pickles do not become too salty.
Make sure the sugar fully dissolves in the brine before pouring it over the cucumbers.
Let the pickles chill for at least 24 hours before serving. They need time to develop flavor.
Keep the pickles refrigerated. This recipe is designed as a refrigerator pickle recipe.
Use clean jars and utensils to help the pickles stay fresh.
How Long Do Bread And Butter Pickles Last?
These refrigerator bread and butter pickles can last about 3 to 4 weeks in the refrigerator when stored in clean jars and kept covered in brine.
Always use a clean fork or spoon when removing pickles from the jar. This helps keep the brine clean.
If the pickles smell off, look cloudy in an unusual way, become slimy, or show signs of spoilage, discard them.
Can You Make These Pickles Less Sweet?
Yes, you can reduce the sugar slightly if you prefer a less sweet pickle. Bread and butter pickles are traditionally sweet, but you can adjust the recipe to your taste.
For a less sweet version, reduce the sugar from 1 1/4 cups to 1 cup. If you reduce it too much, the flavor will become closer to a tangy pickle rather than a classic bread and butter pickle.
Can You Make Them Spicy?
Yes. Add more crushed red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños to the jars. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the brine.
For mild heat, use 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes. For medium heat, use 1/2 teaspoon. For spicy pickles, add fresh jalapeño slices.
Can You Use Regular Cucumbers?
Yes, regular cucumbers can be used, but pickling cucumbers give better texture. Large slicing cucumbers usually have more water and larger seeds, which can make the pickles softer.
If using regular cucumbers, choose firm ones. You may want to remove some of the seeds if they are large and watery.
Can You Use Apple Cider Vinegar Only?
Yes, you can use all apple cider vinegar if you like a fruitier, slightly softer tang. White vinegar gives a sharper classic pickle flavor, while apple cider vinegar adds depth.
Using half white vinegar and half apple cider vinegar gives a balanced taste.
Can You Use White Vinegar Only?
Yes. Using only white vinegar creates a brighter, sharper brine. This is also a good option if you want a more traditional pickle flavor.
What To Eat With Bread And Butter Pickles
Bread and butter pickles are delicious with many foods. They are especially good with savory, salty, smoky, and rich dishes because their sweetness and acidity balance heavier flavors.
Serve them with:
- Burgers
- Hot dogs
- Pulled pork sandwiches
- Grilled cheese
- Deli sandwiches
- Chicken salad
- Tuna salad
- Egg salad
- BBQ chicken
- Fried chicken
- Charcuterie boards
- Snack plates
- Potato salad
- Deviled eggs
- Wraps
- Tacos
- Cheese boards
They are also great chopped into sauces, relishes, and creamy salads.
Bread And Butter Pickle Variations
Garlic Bread And Butter Pickles
Add thinly sliced garlic cloves to the jars or brine. Garlic gives the pickles a more savory flavor.
Spicy Bread And Butter Pickles
Add jalapeño slices or extra red pepper flakes. This version is great for burgers and BBQ sandwiches.
Extra Crunchy Pickles
Use very fresh pickling cucumbers and do not skip the salting step. Chill the cucumbers before slicing for extra firmness.
Onion-Lover Pickles
Add extra onion slices to the jars. The onions become sweet, tangy, and very flavorful.
Sweet Heat Pickles
Add more red pepper flakes and keep the sugar as written. The mix of sweet and spicy is very good with grilled meats.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Do not use soft cucumbers. Soft cucumbers will make soft pickles.
Do not cut the slices too thin unless you want sandwich-style pickles. Very thin slices can soften faster.
Do not skip rinsing after salting. The pickles may become too salty.
Do not pour brine over dirty jars. Always use clean jars.
Do not store these at room temperature. This recipe is for refrigerator pickles only.
Do not eat them immediately and expect full flavor. They need at least 24 hours to taste right.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are they called bread and butter pickles?
The exact story varies, but the name is often connected to simple old-fashioned meals where sweet pickles were served with bread and butter. Today, the name refers to the classic sweet pickle style.
Are bread and butter pickles sweet or sour?
They are both sweet and tangy. They are sweeter than dill pickles but still have vinegar brightness.
Do bread and butter pickles need to be refrigerated?
This recipe does. It is a refrigerator pickle recipe, so the jars should be stored in the refrigerator.
How soon can I eat them?
You can taste them after 24 hours, but they taste better after 2 to 3 days.
Can I make them without onions?
Yes. You can leave out the onions if you prefer, but onions add classic flavor.
Can I reuse the brine?
It is best not to reuse the brine for a full new batch because the flavor and strength change after sitting with the vegetables. You can use leftover brine in dressings or marinades if it smells and looks fresh.
Why are my pickles soft?
Pickles can become soft if the cucumbers were old, overripe, too watery, or sliced too thin. Use fresh firm cucumbers for best results.
Can I add dill?
Yes, but the flavor will become a mix between dill pickles and bread and butter pickles. Add a small amount of fresh dill if you like that flavor.
Can I make this recipe with zucchini?
Yes. Thinly sliced zucchini can be pickled in a similar brine, but the texture will be softer than cucumbers.
Can I use brown sugar instead of white sugar?
You can, but it will change the color and flavor. Brown sugar gives a deeper molasses-like taste. White sugar gives the classic bread and butter pickle flavor.
Recipe Card
Bread And Butter Pickle Recipe
This bread and butter pickle recipe is sweet, tangy, crunchy, and easy to make at home. Made with fresh cucumbers, onion, vinegar, sugar, mustard seeds, celery seeds, and turmeric, these refrigerator pickles are perfect for burgers, sandwiches, BBQ plates, and snacks.
Prep Time
20 minutes
Rest Time
1 hour
Cook Time
5 minutes
Chill Time
24 hours
Total Time
1 day 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings
About 2 to 3 pint jars
Ingredients
- 6 cups sliced pickling cucumbers
- 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 1 1/2 tablespoons kosher salt
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon celery seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional
- 1/4 teaspoon black peppercorns, optional
- 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced, optional
Instructions
- Wash cucumbers well and slice them into 1/4-inch rounds.
- Thinly slice the onion.
- Add cucumbers and onions to a large bowl.
- Sprinkle with kosher salt and toss to combine.
- Let the mixture rest for 1 to 2 hours.
- Rinse cucumbers and onions under cold water, then drain very well.
- In a saucepan, combine white vinegar, apple cider vinegar, sugar, mustard seeds, celery seeds, turmeric, red pepper flakes, black peppercorns, and garlic if using.
- Heat over medium heat and stir until the sugar dissolves. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Pack the drained cucumbers and onions into clean glass jars.
- Pour the hot brine over the cucumbers, making sure they are fully covered.
- Let jars cool slightly, then cover with lids.
- Refrigerate for at least 24 hours before serving.
- Store in the refrigerator and enjoy within 3 to 4 weeks.
Notes
Use fresh pickling cucumbers for the best crunch. This recipe is designed for refrigerator storage, not room-temperature shelf storage. For spicier pickles, add extra red pepper flakes or jalapeño slices. For less sweet pickles, reduce the sugar slightly.
Final Thoughts
This bread and butter pickle recipe is a simple way to make sweet, tangy, crunchy pickles at home. The combination of cucumbers, onions, vinegar, sugar, mustard seeds, celery seeds, and turmeric creates that classic old-fashioned flavor that works beautifully on sandwiches, burgers, BBQ plates, and snack boards.
Because this is a refrigerator pickle recipe, it is beginner-friendly and does not require complicated canning steps. Just slice the cucumbers, salt them for crunch, make the brine, pack the jars, and let everything chill until flavorful.
If you love sweet pickles, this homemade bread and butter pickle recipe is worth saving. It is easy, colorful, and useful for everyday meals, summer cookouts, and quick snacks straight from the fridge.
