Bread & Butter Pickles
Sweet and tangy bread and butter pickles combine crisp cucumbers with aromatic spices, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity. Ideal for adding a flavorful crunch to sandwiches, burgers, or enjoyed straight from the jar, this classic recipe appeals to pickle lovers and those seeking homemade preserves.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Take the sliced cucumbers, onions, and salt and soak for 4 hours in water.
- Drain the mixture.
- Prepare the vinegar, sugar, ground cloves, turmeric, celery seed, and mustard seed.
- Heat the solution and place cucumbers and onions in it, bringing to a boil.
- Turn the heat to simmer and cook for about 20-30 minutes until they lose their green color.
- Pack the hot mixture into jars and seal.
- Boil the jars' flats for a few minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For the best flavor, use fresh, firm cucumbers and let them soak for the full 4 hours. If you're short on time, try using pre-sliced cucumbers. For a twist, add a few slices of jalapeño for heat or substitute apple cider vinegar for a slightly different taste. Remember to stir occasionally while cooking to ensure even flavor distribution.
Serving Suggestions
These Bread & Butter Pickles are perfect as a tangy side for sandwiches or burgers. They pair beautifully with Aunt Flossie'S Unbelievable Jelly on a charcuterie board. For a refreshing twist, serve them with a salad like Pineapple Peach Salad. They also make a great topping for grilled meats or can be enjoyed as a snack on their own.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover pickles in airtight jars in the refrigerator. They will keep for up to two months. If you want to preserve them longer, consider canning them properly. To enjoy, simply serve cold straight from the fridge or let them come to room temperature for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Bread & Butter Pickles contains roughly 737 calories, with 14g protein, 165g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (207% of the Daily Value), iron (152% of the Daily Value), and calcium (85% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1844mg per serving (80% 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 other vegetables in this recipe?
Yes, you can experiment with other vegetables like zucchini or carrots for a unique pickled flavor. Just make sure to slice them thinly to ensure they pickle properly within the same time frame.
How long do these pickles need to sit before they are ready?
While you can start enjoying them right away, for best results, let the pickles sit for at least 24 hours in the fridge. This allows the flavors to meld and develop fully.
Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?
Yes, you can reduce the sugar to suit your taste, but be aware that it may alter the balance of flavors. Alternatively, try using a sugar substitute if you're looking for a lower-calorie option.
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).