Bread and Butter Pickles Recipe

I absolutely love this Bread and Butter Pickles Recipe because it hits that perfect sweet-and-sour balance that just makes every bite so addictive. When I first tried making these at home, I was blown away by how fresh and crisp they stayed even after sitting in the jar for weeks. You’ll find that these pickles work wonderfully as a tangy snack on their own or spicing up sandwiches and burgers with their bright flavor.

What makes this Bread and Butter Pickles Recipe extra special is the unique blend of vinegars and pickling spices that create that classic Southern charm in every jar. Whether you want to impress at a picnic or simply add a zing to your weekly meal prep, these pickles come together with surprisingly simple ingredients and some patience, and I promise the payoff is totally worth it.

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Bread and Butter Pickles Recipe plays a crucial role in creating that signature flavor. Choosing fresh cucumbers and quality vinegar will give you the best final product, and the spices add that standout character you won’t find in store-bought versions.

• Pickling cucumbers: Fresh, firm cucumbers work best—they hold that satisfying crunch we love in pickles.
• Pickling salt: Unlike table salt, this dissolves quickly and helps draw out excess water from cucumbers for crispness.
• White or yellow onions: Thinly sliced for subtle sweetness that balances the tang of vinegar perfectly.
• White distilled vinegar: Adds a clean tart flavor important for the classic pickle taste.
• Apple cider vinegar: Brings a fruity depth that brightens the whole mix.
• Sugar: Essential for that sweet note—don’t skimp, it’s what makes these bread and butter style.
• Pickling spices: Mustard seeds, red pepper flakes, celery seeds, cinnamon stick, allspice berries, cloves, and turmeric—this spice mix is your secret flavor weapon.

Variations

I’ve always encouraged a little creativity when making pickles. You can tweak this Bread and Butter Pickles Recipe based on your heat preference or what spices you have on hand. It’s a forgiving recipe that smells heavenly and tastes fantastic no matter the slight changes you make.

• Spicy Kick: I sometimes boost the crushed red pepper flakes for an extra zing, which my family totally loves when teamed up with grilled burgers.
• Sweet Swap: Using honey or maple syrup in place of sugar works well if you want a more natural sweetener; it adds its own unique flavor notes.
• Herb Infusion: Adding fresh dill or thyme alongside the pickling spices can give a fresh twist if you want something different from traditional bread and butter.
• Low Sodium: If you’re watching salt, try reducing pickling salt and increase chilling time slightly to keep crunch.

How to Make Bread and Butter Pickles Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Slice Your Cucumbers

Start by giving your cucumbers a thorough rinse to wash away any dirt. I like to use a veggie brush here to get in between the ribs. Trim off about an eighth-inch from each end to eliminate the bitter tips, then slice into quarter-inch thick rounds. You’ll want your slices uniform so they pickle evenly. Toss those slices into a big mixing bowl—you’ll have plenty of room now for the onions and salt.

Step 2: Salt and Chill for Crispness

Now add your thinly sliced onions and the pickling salt to the bowl. Stir thoroughly to distribute the salt—this step draws out excess moisture from the cucumbers so they stay crisp once pickled. Cover the bowl with a clean tea towel and then a layer of ice for a few hours in the fridge. I usually do this step in the morning and let it sit until dinner time. After chilling, give your cucumbers a good rinse twice and drain well. This is key to avoid overly salty pickles.

Step 3: Prepare the Pickling Brine

While the cucumbers chill, you can get your brine ready. Combine white distilled vinegar, apple cider vinegar, and sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until sugar dissolves. Then add your pickling spices: mustard seeds, red pepper flakes, celery seeds, cinnamon, allspice, cloves, and turmeric. Let it simmer gently for about 10–15 minutes to fully marry the flavors. This warm, fragrant brine is the magic that transforms your cucumbers.

Step 4: Pack, Pour, and Let Pickle

Drain your cucumbers well, then pack them tightly in sterilized jars. Pour the hot brine evenly over the slices, making sure the cucumbers are submerged. Seal the jars with lids. If you plan to refrigerate, they’ll be delicious after just 24 hours, but for best flavor, wait about a week. For pantry storage, a water bath canning process is needed to safely preserve them for months. Either way, you’ll love how the flavors develop!

How to Serve Bread and Butter Pickles Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping these pickles with a pinch of extra chili flakes or a few fresh dill sprigs when serving. It adds a pop of color and extra flavor that makes simple sandwiches or burgers feel special. Plus, a sprinkle of black pepper brings an unexpected warmth that pairs perfectly.

Side Dishes

My family goes crazy for these pickles alongside classic barbecue dishes—think pulled pork sliders or grilled hot dogs. They also shine on a cheese board or paired with fried chicken and coleslaw when you want that perfect mix of sweet, tangy, and savory.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve the pickles in decorative glass bowls surrounded by little toothpicks for easy snacking. Layering them with fresh herbs and lemon slices creates a pretty, colorful display. They even taste great right out of the jar, so bring a few cute jars to potlucks for instant compliments!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once sealed and refrigerated, these pickles last for 4-6 weeks—if they make it that long! I store mine in airtight glass jars, which keeps them fresh and maintains that satisfying crunch. Always use a clean fork when removing pickles to extend shelf life.

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing bread and butter pickles because the texture suffers—they get mushy once thawed. Instead, try to make smaller batches you can finish before they lose their crunch and flavor.

Reheating

This recipe doesn’t require reheating since pickles are meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature. Just take some out of the jar and serve! If you want to warm them slightly for a unique twist, gently heat the pickles in their brine on the stove for a minute, but that’s totally optional.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I really hope you give this Bread and Butter Pickles Recipe a try because it truly changed how I think about homemade pickles. There’s something so rewarding in making your own crunchy, sweet, and tangy pickles that you can tailor exactly to your taste. Whether you’re a pickling newbie or a seasoned pro, I promise this recipe will make your pickle game stronger and your snack time tastier!

Print