Best-Ever Bread And Butters
A tangy, crunchy cucumber and onion relish infused with spices, perfect for preserving summer's freshness and adding flavor to sandwiches and meats.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Gently stir salt into thinly sliced cucumbers; cover with ice cubes.
- Let stand 2 to 3 hours or until cucumbers are crisp and cold.
- Add more ice if it melts.
- Drain; add sliced onions.
- Combine vinegar, sugar, celery seed, mustard seed, and ground ginger; bring quickly to a boil and boil for 10 minutes.
- Add cucumber and onion slices and bring to boiling point.
- Pack at once in hot jars.
- Adjust lids.
- Process in boiling water bath at 212°F (100°C) for 30 minutes.
- Remove jars from canner and complete seals.
Tips & Substitutions
For the best crunch, use fresh, firm cucumbers and let them soak in ice for the full 2-3 hours. If you want to adjust the sweetness, you can reduce the sugar slightly or substitute with a natural sweetener like honey. Experiment with spices by adding dill or red pepper flakes for a different flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
These bread and butters pair beautifully with grilled meats, making them a great side for summer barbecues. Serve alongside dishes like Special Barbecue Sauce for a delicious contrast. They also make excellent accompaniments to cheese platters or charcuterie boards.
Storage & Reheating
Store the sealed jars in a cool, dark place for up to a year. Once opened, keep the bread and butters in the refrigerator and consume within a month. For serving, you can enjoy them cold straight from the jar or as a topping on sandwiches and burgers.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Best-Ever Bread And Butters contains roughly 637 calories, with 16g protein, 138g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (126% of the Daily Value), iron (116% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (45% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1196mg per serving (52% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of cucumbers for this recipe?
Yes, you can use pickling cucumbers or even English cucumbers for a different texture. Just ensure they are firm and fresh to get the best results. Avoid using overly ripe cucumbers as they can become mushy in the pickling process.
How can I adjust the spice level?
To increase the spice level, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes or using a spicier mustard. You can also experiment with adding chopped jalapeños to the vinegar mixture for a kick. Start with a small amount and adjust to your taste.
What should I do if my jars don't seal properly?
If your jars don’t seal, you can reprocess them within 24 hours. Simply remove the lid, check the seal, and reheat the contents for a minute before repacking and sealing again. Alternatively, store the unsealed jars in the refrigerator and consume within a few weeks.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).