The Best Homemade Bread and Butter Pickle Recipe

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

Making bread and butter pickles at home is a fun, rewarding way to enjoy a classic snack with your own twist! You’ll love how easy it is to whip up a batch that’s both sweet and tangy. Plus, these pickles are perfect for customizing with your favorite spices. Whether you’re a pickle pro or just starting out, this recipe will have you hooked!

• Simple Ingredients: You only need basic pantry staples like cucumbers, sugar, and vinegar—no fancy stuff required.
• Quick Prep: From slicing to jarring, this recipe comes together in no time, making it great for busy days.
• Endless Options: Add extra garlic, swap in honey, or toss in some jalapeños—the flavor possibilities are all up to you!

Recipe

Intro:

Bread and butter pickles are a sweet and tangy favorite, perfect for sandwiches, burgers, or snacking. This homemade version delivers crisp cucumbers in a flavorful brine with just the right balance of sweetness and spice.

Ingredients:

• 6 cups thinly sliced cucumbers (about 4 medium cucumbers)
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup pickling salt
• 1 1/2 cups white vinegar
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 tablespoon mustard seeds
• 1 teaspoon celery seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine cucumbers, onion, and pickling salt. Cover with ice water and let sit for 2 hours. Drain and rinse well.
2. In a large pot, combine vinegar, granulated sugar, brown sugar, mustard seeds, celery seeds, turmeric, and cloves. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until sugars dissolve.
3. Add drained cucumbers and onions to the pot. Return to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Pack pickles and liquid into sterilized jars, leaving 1/2-inch headspace. Seal and refrigerate for at least 24 hours before serving.

Notes:

• For longer storage, process jars in a water bath for 10 minutes.
• Adjust sugar to taste for a sweeter or tangier pickle.

Equipment:

• Large bowl
• Large pot
• Sterilized jars with lids

Time:

• Prep time: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Cooking time: 15 minutes

Cuisine: American

Serving: Makes about 3 pints.

Nutrition

Homemade bread and butter pickles are a flavorful addition to meals. Here’s a breakdown of their nutrition per serving (approximately 1 ounce).

What To Serve With It

I love serving my homemade bread and butter pickles in classic sandwiches, especially with smoked turkey or ham and a smear of mustard. They also shine on charcuterie boards, pairing perfectly with cheeses like sharp cheddar and creamy brie. Trust me, their sweet-tangy flavor makes everything taste even better!

Classic Sandwich Pairings

Though bread and butter pickles are delicious on their own, they really shine when paired with the right sandwich. I love adding them to a classic turkey and cheese sandwich—their tangy crunch cuts through the richness perfectly. They’re also amazing on a simple ham and Swiss, giving it a sweet-and-sour kick. For veggie lovers, toss them into a cucumber and cream cheese sandwich for extra zing. Even a grilled cheddar sandwich gets a surprising upgrade with a few slices tucked inside. Trust me, once you start pairing these pickles with sandwiches, you’ll wonder how you ever ate them plain!

Charcuterie Board Additions

When you’re putting together a charcuterie board, bread and butter pickles can be the unexpected star that ties everything together. Their sweet-tangy flavor cuts through rich cheeses and cured meats, adding a revitalizing crunch. I love pairing them with sharp cheddar, creamy brie, and salty prosciutto—they balance each other perfectly. Don’t forget to add crackers, crusty bread, or baguette slices to build mini bites. Olives, nuts, and dried fruits round out the board with extra texture and flavor. A drizzle of honey or grainy mustard can elevate it further. Trust me, these pickles will make your charcuterie board unforgettable.

About The Author

younes

See author's posts