Mother'S Bread Butter Pickles

Prep: 180 min Cuisine: American

Tangy, sweet, and crisp homemade bread and butter pickles featuring cucumbers, onions, and pickling spices, perfect for adding a flavorful touch to sandwiches and meals.

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Ingredients

  • 4 qt. sliced small to medium cucumbers
  • 6 c. small white onions, sliced
  • 1/3 c. granulated pickling spice
  • 5 c. sugar
  • 3 c. cider vinegar
  • 1 1/2 tsp. celery seed

Instructions

  1. Combine cucumbers and onions in a large bowl.
  2. Add salt; cover with cracked ice or ice cubes.
  3. Mix thoroughly to coat the vegetables evenly.
  4. Let stand for 3 hours; drain well.
  5. Rinse and drain well again before proceeding with pickling process.

Tips & Substitutions

For the best flavor, allow the cucumbers and onions to sit in the salt and ice mixture for the full 3 hours. You can substitute white vinegar for cider vinegar if you prefer a sharper taste. If you want a spicier kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the pickling spice. Ensure the jars are sterilized to extend shelf life.

Serving Suggestions

These Mother'S Bread Butter Pickles pair beautifully with sandwiches, particularly a classic ham or turkey sandwich. They also make a delightful addition to cheese platters or serve as a tangy side with Fried Potatoes And Okra. For a refreshing twist, try them alongside Vikki'S Fruit Dip for a sweet and savory contrast.

Storage & Reheating

Store the pickles in airtight containers in the refrigerator. They can last for up to 2 months when properly sealed. For optimal texture and flavor, avoid reheating but enjoy them cold or at room temperature as a condiment or side dish.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Mother'S Bread Butter Pickles contains roughly 547 calories, with 13g protein, 128g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (216% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (89% of the Daily Value), and potassium (41% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. It also contributes 25g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

547 kcal 27% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 12.6g 25% DV
Total Fat 2.1g 3% DV
Carbs 128.5g 47% DV
Fiber 24.8g 89% DV
Sugar 6.2g 12% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 126.6mg 6% DV
Potassium 1912.8mg 41% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 19.6mcg 2% DV
Vitamin C 194.2mg 100% DV
Calcium 191.4mg 15% DV
Iron 4.2mg 24% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Low-fat

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 larger cucumbers for this recipe?

While small to medium cucumbers are preferred for their crunch, you can use larger ones. Just make sure to slice them thinly to ensure they absorb the flavors well and maintain a pleasant texture.

How long do these pickles need to sit before they are ready to eat?

After completing the pickling process, allow the pickles to sit in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours. This resting period helps the flavors meld together, resulting in a more delicious and well-balanced pickle.

Can I make these pickles vegan?

Yes, this recipe is already vegan-friendly as it contains no animal products. The sweet and tangy combination of sugar and vinegar works perfectly with the cucumbers and onions, making it a great choice for those following a vegan diet.

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).

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