My Mother'S Bread And Butter Pickles
A classic homemade bread and butter pickle recipe featuring crisp cucumbers and onions in a tangy, sweet, and spiced vinegar brine, perfect for adding flavor to sandwiches and meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Slice cucumbers and onions.
- Salt the slices and let stand for 1 hour.
- Rinse and drain well.
- Mix vinegar, sugar, celery seed, mustard seed, and turmeric to form the brine.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Pour the boiling brine over the sliced vegetables.
- Bring the mixture to a boil again with the vegetables in the jar.
- Jar the pickles and seal.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using apple cider vinegar instead of regular vinegar for a slightly sweeter taste. You can also substitute the sugar with honey or agave syrup if you're looking for a more natural sweetener. When salting the cucumbers and onions, ensure they are well-coated to draw out moisture effectively, which enhances the crunchiness of the pickles.
Serving Suggestions
These bread and butter pickles are perfect for sandwiches, especially paired with Ruth'S Bread for a classic taste. They can also be served as a tangy side dish or appetizer alongside grilled meats, making them a great accompaniment to barbecue meals. For a fun twist, add them to a charcuterie board with cheeses and cured meats.
Storage & Reheating
Store the pickles in a cool, dark place for up to a year. Once opened, keep them refrigerated and consume within a month for the best flavor and texture. If you want to enjoy them warm, simply heat them gently in a saucepan over low heat, but avoid boiling to maintain their crispness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of My Mother'S Bread And Butter Pickles contains roughly 231 calories, with 4g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (16% of the Daily Value), iron (15% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (14% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1210mg per serving (53% 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 different varieties such as English cucumbers or small pickling cucumbers. Just ensure they are firm and fresh for the best crunch in your pickles. Each type will impart a slightly different flavor, so feel free to experiment!
How long do the pickles need to sit before they are ready to eat?
If you want to adjust the sweetness of your pickles, simply modify the amount of sugar in the brine according to your taste. Some prefer a sweeter pickle, while others enjoy a more tangy profile.
Are these pickles suitable for canning?
Yes, these bread and butter pickles are suitable for canning. Ensure you follow proper canning procedures to prevent spoilage. Use sterilized jars and process them in a water bath for the recommended time to ensure they are sealed correctly.
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).