Crispy & Tangy Homemade Bread & Butter Pickles

Love bread and butter pickles? This easy bread and butter pickle recipe gives you crisp, tangy, slightly sweet homemade sweet pickles. Perfect for beginners! Get the recipe. ... Quick & Easy
Okay, let's dive into the wonderful world of homemade pickles!
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Ever wondered how to make that perfect bread and butter pickle recipe that's both sweet and tangy? this recipe is it! seriously, these pickles are so addictive, you'll be eating them straight from the jar.
Brief Overview
Bread and butter pickles are a classic american creation, born out of resourcefulness. the legend says a farming couple bartered pickles for bread and butter , hence the name.
This recipe is super easy and only takes about 3 hours, most of which is just letting things chill in the fridge.
You'll end up with about 4 pint jars, perfect for sharing (or not!).
Main Benefits
These pickles are not only delicious but also a sneaky way to get some extra veggies in your diet. the best part? they're absolutely perfect for summer barbecues, adding a zing to burgers or hot dogs.
Honestly, what makes this recipe special is the perfect balance of sweet, sour, and spice – a right proper flavour bomb!
Crispy & Tangy Homemade Bread & Butter Pickles Recipe Card

Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
What You'll Need
To make this sliced pickle recipe , you need some key ingredients.
- 4 lbs (1.8 kg) pickling cucumbers, thinly sliced.
- 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced.
- 1 green bell pepper, seeded and thinly sliced.
- 6 cups (1.4 liters) white vinegar (5% acidity).
- 3 cups (600g) granulated sugar.
- 2 tablespoons (30g) pickling salt (or kosher salt).
- 2 teaspoons (4g) mustard seeds.
- 1 teaspoon (2g) celery seeds.
- ½ teaspoon (1g) ground turmeric.
- ¼ teaspoon (0.5g) ground cloves.
- Optional: ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (for a little kick).
You'll also need a large pot, a large bowl, a slotted spoon, and some canning jars. Don't stress if you don't have proper canning equipment; these are delicious as refrigerator pickles too!

Making the Magic Happen
First, slice your cucumbers, onions, and green pepper. pop them in a bowl and sprinkle with pickling salt. this is crucial for getting that lovely crisp texture.
Then, cover it all with ice and let it chill in the fridge for 2- 3 hours.
Meanwhile, make the brine! in your pot, combine vinegar, sugar, mustard seeds, celery seeds, turmeric, and cloves. bring it to a boil, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
Trust me, the smell is amazing! now for the fun part: drain those lovely sliced veggies, rinse them under cold water, and toss them into the simmering brine.
Cook for about 5 minutes, until the cucumbers look slightly translucent.
Finally, pack the hot pickles into sterilized jars. make sure to leave a little space at the top. pour the brine over the pickles, seal the jars, and let them cool.
If you are using canning pickle recipes , and want them to last longer, then consider to process the jars in a boiling water bath canner for 10 minutes! let them cool and store in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours before enjoying!
Tips and Tricks From My Kitchen
Honestly, the secret to perfect sweet pickle recipes homemade is all in the chill time. It makes the pickling cucumbers super crisp.
Don't overcook them, or they'll get mushy! and resist the urge to eat them straight away. trust me, they taste even better after a day in the fridge when the flavours have melded.
And why not give my homemade relish recipe a try next?
Alright, let's dive into what you'll need for this amazing bread and butter pickle recipe !
Ingredients & Equipment: Getting Started
Let's gather our supplies. It's simpler than you think! We'll make sweet pickle recipes homemade style.
Main Ingredients: Freshness is Key!
- Pickling Cucumbers: 4 lbs (1.8 kg) , thinly sliced. Look for firm cucumbers. Avoid any with soft spots. These are essential for the best crunch. Think of getting them from a farmer's market if you can!
- Yellow Onion: 1 large , thinly sliced. A nice, firm onion will do the trick.
- Green Bell Pepper: 1 , seeded and thinly sliced.
- White Vinegar (5% Acidity): 6 cups (1.4 liters) . This is non-negotiable for proper pickling.
- Granulated Sugar: 3 cups (600g) . Yes, it's a sweet pickles canning recipe . Don’t skimp!
- Pickling Salt (or Kosher Salt): 2 tablespoons (30g) . Make sure it doesn't have iodine.
- Mustard Seeds: 2 teaspoons (4g) . These add that signature bread and butter flavour.
- Celery Seeds: 1 teaspoon (2g) .
- Ground Turmeric: 1/2 teaspoon (1g) . For colour and a hint of earthiness.
- Ground Cloves: 1/4 teaspoon (0.5g) . A little goes a long way.
- (Optional) Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon . For a bit of heat, if you're feeling brave.
Seasoning Notes: Spicing Things Up!
This sweet pickle recipe relies on a specific blend. the mustard and celery seeds are key players. they deliver that classic bread and butter pickle taste.
Turmeric adds a lovely colour. cloves offer warmth. if you are looking for homemade relish recipe , maybe adding dill wouldn't hurt.
Quick Sub? If you’re missing celery seeds, a pinch of celery salt works. Honestly, though, try to get the real deal.
Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple
- Large Non-Reactive Pot: Stainless steel or enamel-coated. This is important. Don't use aluminium.
- Large Bowl: For mixing the veggies.
- Slotted Spoon: To fish out the pickles.
- Canning Jars with Lids and Bands (4 pint jars): Sterilised, of course! This is crucial for canning pickle recipes .
- (Optional) Jar Lifter: Saves you from burning yourself. Worth it, trust me.
- (Optional) Mandoline: For even slicing. Makes life easier for this sliced pickle recipe !
Household Alternatives? No jar lifter? Tongs work in a pinch, but be careful! The jars get very hot.
Having a canning recipes for beginners is a great and cost efficient approach to create great preserves for the winter. These bread and butter pickles are perfect for refrigerator pickles too!
Let's get going with a easy pickle recipe !
Okay, here's a bit on cooking method for our Crispy & Tangy Homemade Bread & Butter Pickles. It's easier than you think!
Making Magic: Bread and Butter Pickles
Honestly, whipping up a bread and butter pickle recipe at home is dead simple! it's a fantastic way to preserve those late-summer cucumbers, and they taste way better than anything you'd find in the supermarket.
You know? this sliced pickle recipe will knock your socks off.
Prep Steps: Getting Your Ducks in a Row
Essential mise en place is crucial. get everything sliced: 4 lbs (1.8 kg) of pickling cucumbers, 1 large onion, and 1 green bell pepper .
Thinly sliced is key, about 1/8 inch, so consider a mandoline if you're feeling fancy. this isn't just about looking pretty; it helps with even pickling.
Time-saving tip? Prep everything the day before. Store the sliced veggies in the fridge. Remember, safety first! Always use a finger guard with your mandoline!
Step-by-Step: Pickle Perfection
- Veggie Prep: Slice cucumbers, onion, and bell pepper. Place in a bowl.
- Chill Out: Sprinkle with pickling salt. Cover with ice. Refrigerate for 2- 3 hours .
- Brine Time: Combine 6 cups (1.4 liters) white vinegar, 3 cups (600g) sugar, 2 tablespoons (30g) pickling salt, 2 teaspoons (4g) mustard seeds, 1 teaspoon (2g) celery seeds, 1/2 teaspoon (1g) turmeric, and 1/4 teaspoon (0.5g) cloves in a pot.
- Bring to a Boil: Simmer for 5 minutes . Cucumbers will turn slightly translucent green color
- Jarring: Pack hot pickles into jars, leaving ½-inch headspace.
See? It is really a easy pickle recipe !
Pro Tips: From Good to Great
Want perfectly crisp pickles? soak those cucumbers! the salt draws out excess moisture, and the ice keeps them perky. and don’t overcook them.
They should still have a bit of crunch. i once left them simmering a minute too long, and they ended up softer than i liked.
Learn from my mistakes! also, these are technically refrigerator pickles unless you do a full canning process.
For a bit of a kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the brine. seriously elevates the flavour.
You can make the brine ahead of time. just store it in the fridge until you're ready to pickle! and for those who are keen on sweet pickle recipes homemade , this ticks all the boxes.
There are many sweet pickles canning recipes , but this one is sure to be great for canning recipes for beginners .
Don't throw away the brine, use it for your homemade relish recipe and if you are looking for homemade sweet pickles recipe , this might just be what you need.
So there you have it. My tried-and-true bread and butter pickle recipe . Get pickling!
Okay, so you've got the crispy & tangy homemade bread & butter pickles recipe down, congrats! but before you dive headfirst into a vat of vinegar, let's talk about a few extra bits and bobs to really nail this recipe.
Recipe Notes: Making Pickle Magic
Think of this section as your pickle pro-tips. Honestly, sometimes the smallest tweaks make the biggest difference.
Serving Suggestions: Pickle Presentation Perfection
Let's face it, we eat with our eyes first. plating your sweet pickle recipes homemade can elevate the experience. these homemade sweet pickles recipe slices are fab! chop them up and pop them on top of pulled pork sandwiches.
They are also delightful addition to burgers or served with a cheese board.
Don’t forget drinks! A crisp lager or an ice-cold glass of lemonade pair perfectly with the sweet and tangy flavour. You know? Like a summer barbecue dream.
Storage Tips: Pickle Preservation Power
Right, so you've made a batch. now what? for refrigeration, keep those jars in the fridge after they've cooled completely.
They should last for a good few weeks, maybe even months. but keep an eye out for any weird smells or cloudiness, yeah?
Freezing these is a no-go. Trust me, you'll end up with a soggy mess. Reheating isn't really a thing either, unless you fancy warm, limp pickles. Who does?!
Variations: Pickle Personalisation
Feeling adventurous? let's jazz things up. for a low-sugar option, you could try cutting back on the sugar slightly, but honestly, it affects the texture.
Sweetness is kind of the "bread and butter" of this bread and butter pickle recipe , innit?.
Want to add some heat? chuck in some sliced jalapeños. boom! spicy canning pickle recipes for those who like a kick.
Plus, a seasonal swap. using red onions instead of white gives a pop of colour and slightly milder bite when you make your own homemade relish recipe .
Nutrition Basics: Pickle Powerhouse (Sort Of)
Okay, let's be real. These aren't exactly health food. The simplified nutrition? They're low in calories, but also not packed with vitamins and minerals, to put it simply.
However, the vinegar might help with digestion. Small benefits, right? Consider it a treat , not a superfood!
So, there you have it! a few extra nuggets of pickle wisdom. go forth and create some easy pickle recipe masterpieces!.
Making refrigerator pickles is a lot easier than you think. remember, even canning recipes for beginners can turn out great! don't be afraid to experiment and have fun.
With this amazing sliced pickle recipe , you'll be sorted!

Frequently Asked Questions
What's the trick to getting really crispy bread and butter pickles?
The secret to that satisfying crunch is all in the prep! Make sure you soak your sliced cucumbers, onions, and bell peppers in ice water and salt for at least 2-3 hours. This draws out excess moisture, preventing them from becoming soggy later on. Think of it as a spa day for your cucumbers, setting them up for pickle perfection.
Can I make this bread and butter pickle recipe spicier? I like a bit of a kick!
Absolutely! To add some heat, toss in a few sliced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the brine. Start small – a little goes a long way! Taste the brine as you go to make sure it's got just the right amount of "oomph" for your liking. You could even add a scotch bonnet if you are feeling brave!
How long will these homemade bread and butter pickles last?
If you've processed your jars using a boiling water bath canner, your pickles can last up to a year in a cool, dark place. If you skip the processing step and just refrigerate them, they’ll be good for about 2-3 months. Always check the seal before using. Once opened, always refrigerate your pickles and use them within a few weeks. No one wants a soggy pickle surprise!
I'm trying to cut down on sugar. Can I reduce the amount in this bread and butter pickle recipe?
You can definitely reduce the sugar, but be aware that it will affect both the flavour and the texture of the pickles. Try reducing it by up to 1 cup. If you go too far, they might be overly tart. You could experiment with sugar substitutes, but this may alter the texture of the pickles. Start with a small reduction and taste as you go – a bit like adjusting the sweetness in a Victoria Sponge!
Can I use regular table salt instead of pickling salt?
While you can use kosher salt in a pinch, avoid using iodized table salt for pickling. The iodine in table salt can darken your pickles and give them an off-flavor. Pickling salt or kosher salt (without iodine) are the best choices to ensure your pickles look and taste their best – bright, tangy, and utterly delicious!
What's the best way to serve these bread and butter pickles?
Oh, the possibilities are endless! Bread and butter pickles are brilliant on burgers and sandwiches, adding a sweet and tangy crunch. They're also fantastic on cheese boards, alongside crackers and cured meats. For a real treat, try them in a grilled cheese sandwich – trust me, it's a revelation! They're also great straight out of the jar, perfect for a late-night snack. A real taste of nostalgia!