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There’s nothing quite like the sweet and tangy crunch of homemade bread and butter pickles. This bread and butter pickle recipe is incredibly easy to make and requires no canning equipment—just a simple brine and a few hours in the fridge. Perfect for layering on burgers, chopping into potato salad, or snacking straight from the jar. With a balance of vinegar, sugar, and warm spices like mustard seed and turmeric, these pickles deliver that classic deli-style flavor right at home. Ready to ditch store-bought? Let’s get pickling.
Healthy
Easy
Homemade Bread and Butter Pickles
This homemade bread and butter pickle recipe yields sweet, tangy, and crunchy pickles perfect for topping burgers, adding to sandwiches, or enjoying straight from the jar. Quick and easy to make with simple ingredients.
Ingredients
4
💡 Chef Tip
For the crispiest pickles, soak the cucumber slices in ice water for 30 minutes before combining with the brine. This extra step helps maintain that signature crunch.
Nutrition Facts
Per Serving
Calories
45 kcal
Protein
0.5 g
Carbs
10 g
Fat
0 g
Fiber
0.5 g
Sugar
8 g
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Instructions
1
Wash the cucumber and slice into thin, even rounds, about 1/8-inch thick.
2
Peel the onion half and slice thinly into half-moons.
3
In a medium bowl, combine the cucumber and onion slices, then toss with 1/2 teaspoon salt. Let sit for 10 minutes to draw out moisture, then drain and rinse briefly under cold water. Pat dry.
4
In a small saucepan, combine the white vinegar, sugar, mustard seeds, celery seeds, turmeric, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
5
Remove the brine from heat and let cool for 5 minutes.
6
Place the drained cucumber and onion into a clean quart-sized jar or heatproof container.
7
Pour the warm brine over the cucumbers, ensuring they are fully submerged. Let cool to room temperature.
8
Seal the jar and refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving. For best flavor, chill overnight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but regular cucumbers have thicker skins and more seeds. For best results, peel waxed cucumbers and remove large seeds before slicing.
You can enjoy them after just 4 hours in the fridge, but the flavor develops best if you wait overnight.
Absolutely. After pouring the hot brine over the cucumbers, process sealed jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes. Adjust for altitude as needed.
The name dates back to the Great Depression when these sweet pickles were served with bread and butter as a simple, filling meal.
You can cut the sugar to 2 tablespoons for a tangier pickle, but keep in mind the sweetness balances the vinegar and spices.
All the simple ingredients needed for this easy bread and butter pickle recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✓ No canning required
✓ Ready in under 30 minutes
✓ Sweet and tangy deli-style flavor
Equipment Needed
🧰 Small saucepan
🧰 Quart-size jar with lid
🧰 Mixing bowl
🧰 Chef’s knife
🧰 Cutting board
🧰 Mandoline slicer (optional)
Recipe Notes
🧊 Storage Tips
Store bread and butter pickles in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and crunchy for up to 1 month.
⏰ Make Ahead Tips
These pickles actually taste better after a day or two as the flavors meld. Prepare them up to 3 days ahead and keep chilled.
🍴 Kitchen Picks
Helpful tools that make this recipe easier and more enjoyable.
Cuisinart Chef’s Classic Stainless 1-Quart Saucepan
Ideal for making the brine for the pickles.
Pyrex Essentials 3-Piece Glass Measuring Cup Set
Essential for measuring ingredients accurately when making pickles.
These bread and butter pickles are the perfect topping for burgers and sandwiches.
📋 Recipe Summary
⏱️
25 Min
25 Min
👨🍳
Easy
Easy
🍽️
4 Servings
4 Servings
🔥
45 kcal
45 kcal
- ✓ No canning required
- ✓ Ready in under 30 minutes
- ✓ Sweet and tangy deli-style flavor
This classic bread and butter pickle recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Sweet, tangy, and irresistibly crunchy, they elevate any dish—from grilled meats to simple cheese platters. Plus, since they’re quick refrigerator pickles, you can enjoy them within hours. Keep a jar on hand to add a pop of flavor to your meals. I hope you love this bread and butter pickle recipe as much as we do! Happy pickling.
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