Bread and Butter Pickle Recipe

This easy bread and butter pickle recipe is sweet, tangy, crunchy, and full of flavor. It is a simple way to turn fresh cucumbers into homemade pickles.

You do not need special tools. You do not need to use a canner. These are quick refrigerator pickles, so they are easy for beginners.

Bread and butter pickles taste great on burgers, sandwiches, hot dogs, barbecue plates, and snack boards. You can also eat them straight from the jar.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

You will love this bread and butter pickle recipe because:

• It uses simple ingredients.
• It is easy to make.
• No canning is needed.
• The pickles are sweet and tangy.
• They stay crunchy.
• You can keep them in the fridge.
• They taste better after resting.
• They are perfect for summer cucumbers.

This recipe is also a great choice when you have too many cucumbers from the garden.

What Are Bread and Butter Pickles?

Bread and butter pickles are sweet pickles made with sliced cucumbers, onions, vinegar, sugar, and spices.

They are sweeter than dill pickles.

The taste is a mix of sweet, sour, salty, and lightly spicy.

The cucumber slices are usually thin and round. They are often served on sandwiches and burgers.

Even though the name includes “bread and butter,” the recipe does not contain bread or butter.

Why Are They Called Bread and Butter Pickles?

The exact reason is not fully clear, but the name became popular many years ago.

One common story says people served these sweet pickles with bread and butter during hard times because it was a cheap and simple meal.

Another story says farmers traded homemade pickles for groceries such as bread and butter.

Today, the name is used for this sweet and tangy style of pickle.

Ingredients

For the Cucumbers

• 4 cups thinly sliced cucumbers
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 2 cups ice cubes

For the Pickle Brine

• 1 cup white vinegar
• ½ cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• ½ teaspoon celery seeds
• ½ teaspoon ground turmeric
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional

Best Cucumbers to Use

Small pickling cucumbers are the best choice.

They are firm, crunchy, and have fewer seeds.

Kirby cucumbers work very well. Persian cucumbers are also a good choice.

You can use regular cucumbers, but they may have more water and larger seeds.

If you use a large cucumber, peel it if the skin feels thick. You can also remove some of the seeds.

Choose cucumbers that are:

• Firm
• Fresh
• Bright green
• Free from soft spots
• Not wrinkled

Soft or old cucumbers may make soft pickles.

How Thin Should You Slice the Cucumbers?

Slice the cucumbers about ⅛ to ¼ inch thick.

Thin slices absorb the brine faster.

Thicker slices stay more crunchy.

Try to cut all the slices the same size so they pickle evenly.

A sharp knife works well. You can also use a mandoline slicer.

Be careful when using a mandoline because the blade is very sharp.

How to Make Bread and Butter Pickles

Step 1: Slice the Cucumbers

Wash the cucumbers well.

Cut off both ends.

Slice the cucumbers into thin rounds.

Place the cucumber slices in a large bowl.

Step 2: Add the Onion

Peel the onion.

Cut it into thin slices.

Add the onion to the bowl with the cucumbers.

The onion adds flavor and a little extra crunch.

Step 3: Add Salt and Ice

Sprinkle the salt over the cucumbers and onions.

Add the ice cubes.

Mix gently.

Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 hours.

This step helps remove extra water from the cucumbers.

It also helps the pickles stay more crunchy.

Step 4: Drain the Cucumbers

Remove the bowl from the refrigerator.

Drain the cucumbers and onions in a colander.

Rinse them lightly with cold water.

Drain very well.

You do not want too much water in the pickle brine.

Step 5: Make the Brine

Add white vinegar, apple cider vinegar, sugar, mustard seeds, celery seeds, turmeric, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to a saucepan.

Place the pan over medium heat.

Stir until the sugar dissolves.

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Do not boil it for a long time.

Step 6: Add the Cucumbers

Add the drained cucumbers and onions to the warm brine.

Stir gently.

Heat for 1 to 2 minutes.

Do not cook the cucumbers too long, or they may become soft.

Remove the pan from the heat.

Step 7: Fill the Jars

Carefully place the cucumbers and onions into clean jars.

Pour the warm brine over them.

Make sure the cucumbers are covered with brine.

Let the jars cool at room temperature.

Step 8: Refrigerate

Close the jars with lids.

Place them in the refrigerator.

Let the pickles rest for at least 24 hours before eating.

They taste even better after 2 to 3 days.

How Long Do Bread and Butter Pickles Need to Sit?

The pickles need at least 24 hours in the refrigerator.

After one day, they will have good flavor.

After 2 to 3 days, the flavor will be stronger and more balanced.

Try not to eat all of them on the first day.

The longer they sit, the better the vinegar, sugar, and spices soak into the cucumber slices.

Tips for Crunchy Pickles

Use Fresh Cucumbers

Fresh cucumbers give the best crunch.

Avoid cucumbers that feel soft.

Do Not Slice Too Thin

Very thin slices can become soft quickly.

A medium-thin slice gives a better texture.

Use the Salt and Ice Step

Do not skip this step.

Salt helps remove extra water from the cucumbers.

Ice helps keep them cold and firm.

Do Not Overcook

Only heat the cucumbers for a short time.

Long cooking makes them soft.

Cool Before Refrigerating

Let the jars cool before placing them in the fridge.

Keep Cucumbers Under the Brine

The slices should stay covered.

This helps them pickle evenly.

What Does the Salt and Ice Do?

Salt pulls extra water out of the cucumbers.

This helps stop the brine from becoming too watery.

The ice keeps the cucumbers cold and helps them stay firm.

After resting, the cucumbers should be drained and lightly rinsed.

This removes extra salt.

Can You Reduce the Sugar?

Yes, you can reduce the sugar.

Traditional bread and butter pickles are sweet, so this recipe uses 1 cup of sugar.

For less-sweet pickles, use ¾ cup of sugar.

For a lightly sweet version, use ½ cup.

Do not remove all the sugar because it balances the vinegar and gives the pickles their classic taste.

Can You Use Only White Vinegar?

Yes.

You can use 1½ cups of white vinegar instead of mixing white vinegar and apple cider vinegar.

White vinegar gives a stronger, sharper taste.

Apple cider vinegar adds a softer, slightly fruity flavor.

Using both gives a balanced brine.

Can You Use Apple Cider Vinegar Only?

Yes, but the flavor will be different.

Apple cider vinegar is darker and has a stronger fruit flavor.

The pickles may also look slightly darker.

Make sure the vinegar has at least 5% acidity.

Easy Recipe Variations

Spicy Bread and Butter Pickles

Add more red pepper flakes.

You can also add thin jalapeño slices.

Start with a small amount because the heat becomes stronger as the pickles sit.

Garlic Bread and Butter Pickles

Add 2 or 3 sliced garlic cloves to the jars.

Garlic adds a stronger savory flavor.

Extra-Sweet Pickles

Add ¼ cup more sugar.

This version works well for people who like very sweet pickles.

Less-Sweet Pickles

Reduce the sugar to ½ or ¾ cup.

The flavor will be more tangy.

Bread and Butter Pickle Spears

Cut the cucumbers into spears instead of rounds.

Spears may need more time to absorb the brine.

Zucchini Bread and Butter Pickles

Use thinly sliced zucchini instead of cucumbers.

Small zucchini works best.

Mixed Vegetable Pickles

Add thinly sliced bell peppers, carrots, or radishes.

Make sure all vegetables are cut thinly.

What to Serve With Bread and Butter Pickles

Bread and butter pickles taste good with many foods.

Serve them with:

• Burgers
• Cheeseburgers
• Hot dogs
• Pulled pork
• Barbecue chicken
• Fried chicken
• Grilled cheese
• Tuna sandwiches
• Turkey sandwiches
• Egg salad
• Potato salad
• Cheese boards
• Crackers
• Deviled eggs

You can also chop them and add them to sauces and salads.

Ways to Use Bread and Butter Pickles

Add Them to Burgers

Place a few slices on top of a burger.

The sweet and tangy flavor cuts through rich meat and cheese.

Add Them to Sandwiches

Use them in chicken, turkey, tuna, or egg sandwiches.

Make Pickle Relish

Chop the pickles into small pieces.

Use them as a quick sweet relish.

Add Them to Potato Salad

Chopped pickles add crunch and flavor.

Add Them to Deviled Eggs

Mix finely chopped pickles into the egg filling.

Serve Them as a Snack

Place them in a small bowl with cheese and crackers.

How to Store Bread and Butter Pickles

Keep the pickles in clean jars with tight lids.

Store them in the refrigerator.

Make sure the cucumber slices stay covered with brine.

These refrigerator pickles can last about 3 to 4 weeks.

Always use a clean fork or spoon when removing pickles from the jar.

Do not place used utensils back into the jar.

How to Know If Pickles Have Gone Bad

Throw the pickles away if you notice:

• Mold
• A bad smell
• A strange color
• A slimy texture
• A swollen lid
• Bubbles that look unusual

The brine may become slightly cloudy over time, but it should not smell bad.

When unsure, it is safer to throw them away.

Can You Freeze Bread and Butter Pickles?

Freezing is not recommended.

Frozen cucumbers can become very soft after thawing.

For the best texture, keep the pickles in the refrigerator.

Can You Make Them Ahead of Time?

Yes.

Bread and butter pickles are a great make-ahead recipe.

Make them 2 to 3 days before serving.

This gives the flavors time to develop.

They are perfect for parties, cookouts, picnics, and family dinners.

Can You Double the Recipe?

Yes.

Double all the ingredients.

Use a larger pot and more jars.

Make sure the cucumbers stay covered with brine.

You may need a little extra brine if your jars are wide or your cucumber slices are thick.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using Soft Cucumbers

Soft cucumbers make soft pickles.

Always use firm, fresh cucumbers.

Skipping the Salt Step

The salt step helps remove extra water.

Skipping it may make the brine weak and watery.

Cooking Too Long

Do not boil the cucumbers for many minutes.

They only need a short time in the warm brine.

Eating Them Too Soon

The flavor needs time to develop.

Wait at least 24 hours.

Using Dirty Jars

Always use clean jars.

Wash them well before filling.

Leaving Cucumbers Above the Brine

Keep the cucumber slices covered.

This helps them pickle evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Bread and Butter Pickles Sweet?

Yes.

They are sweeter than dill pickles.

They also have a tangy vinegar taste.

Do Bread and Butter Pickles Contain Butter?

No.

They do not contain butter.

The name comes from the old name of the pickle style.

Do I Need to Peel the Cucumbers?

No.

You can leave the skin on if it is thin.

Peel the cucumbers if the skin is thick or bitter.

Can I Use Regular Cucumbers?

Yes.

Remove large seeds if needed.

Regular cucumbers may be less crunchy than pickling cucumbers.

Can I Leave Out the Onion?

Yes.

The pickles will still taste good.

The onion adds extra flavor, but it is optional.

Can I Leave Out the Turmeric?

Yes.

Turmeric gives color and a warm flavor.

The recipe will still work without it.

Why Are My Pickles Soft?

The cucumbers may have been old.

They may also have been sliced too thin or cooked too long.

Use fresh cucumbers and do not overcook them.

Why Is My Brine Watery?

The cucumbers may not have drained well.

The salt step helps remove water.

Drain the cucumber slices before adding them to the brine.

Can I Reuse the Brine?

It is better to make fresh brine.

Old brine becomes weaker because the cucumbers release water into it.

Are These Pickles Shelf-Stable?

No.

These are refrigerator pickles.

They must be stored in the refrigerator.

Do not keep them in a cupboard or pantry.

Final Thoughts

This easy bread and butter pickle recipe is sweet, tangy, crunchy, and simple to make.

Fresh cucumbers, onion, vinegar, sugar, and a few spices come together to make a classic homemade pickle.

You do not need special canning tools.

Just slice, salt, heat, fill, and chill.

Let the pickles rest for at least one day, then serve them with burgers, sandwiches, barbecue, or snacks.

Once you make homemade bread and butter pickles, you may want to keep a jar in the fridge all summer.