This Bread and Butter Pickles Recipe Homemade Sweet Pickles unlocks the simple joy of homemade preserves with crisp cucumbers and sweet, tangy brine. Using just a handful of pantry staples like apple cider vinegar, sugar, and aromatic spices, you can create a delightful condiment far superior to store-bought versions. It’s the perfect touch for summer barbecues or as a sweet snack straight from the jar, bringing a taste of nostalgia to any meal.

The art of preserving cucumbers has been a cherished ritual in my kitchen for decades. I recall my grandmother’s pantry, lined with glistening jars of her famous sweet pickles, their golden hue promising a burst of flavor. I love serving these alongside a thick slice of my favorite cranberry bread or as the perfect tangy complement to a rich, savory dish like southern sweet potato casserole. They add a delightful crunch and sweetness that elevates even the simplest meal into something memorable.

Why You Will Love Making Homemade Pickles

Superior Flavor and Crunch: Homemade bread and butter pickles offer a crisp texture and balanced sweet-and-sour taste that canned versions simply cannot match.
Simple and Approachable: This easy pickle recipe requires no special equipment and uses straightforward steps perfect for beginners.
Customizable to Your Taste: You can easily adjust the sweetness or add spices to create your own signature homemade bread and butter pickles.
Perfect for Gift-Giving: A jar of these beautiful, homemade sweet pickles makes a thoughtful and impressive homemade gift for friends and family.

Ingredients for Perfect Bread and Butter Pickles

Be sure to see the recipe card below for the full listing of ingredients, instructions, notes, and estimated nutritional information.

For the Vegetables

Pickling cucumbers (Kirby cucumbers): Their firm flesh and small seeds are ideal for staying crisp.
Yellow onions: Thinly sliced to meld seamlessly with the cucumber rounds.
Kosher salt: Coarse grains dissolve evenly to draw out moisture without making the vegetables overly salty.
Ice: The secret to ultra-crisp results by shocking the vegetables during the brining process.

For the Pickling Brine

Apple cider vinegar: Provides a fruity tang that is milder and more complex than white vinegar.
Granulated sugar: Creates the signature sweet balance that defines this cucumber pickle recipe.
Mustard seeds and celery seeds: Offer a warm, aromatic complexity to the simple brine.
Black peppercorns and turmeric: The peppercorns add a mild heat, while turmeric gives the pickles their classic golden color.

Bread and Butter Pickles Recipe Homemade Sweet Pickles

Make delicious bread and butter pickles recipe homemade sweet pickles with this easy guide. Crisp, tangy, and sweet perfect for canning or refrigerator storage.

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Prep Time 20

Cook Time 15

Total Time 2 35

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 4 pints

Calories 150 kcal

Equipment

knife
cutting board
measuring spoons
measuring cups
mixing bowl
colander
large pot
wooden spoon
slotted spoon
tongs
ladle
canning jars

Ingredients

Vegetables

2 pounds pickling cucumbers Kirby cucumbers are ideal, sliced into 1/4-inch-thick rounds
2 medium yellow onions thinly sliced
1 cup ice

Brine and Pickling Liquid

1/4 cup kosher salt
2 cups apple cider vinegar
1.5 cups granulated sugar
1 tablespoon mustard seeds
1 teaspoon celery seeds
1/2 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric

Instructions

Combine the sliced cucumbers and onions in a large, non-reactive bowl, such as glass or ceramic. Sprinkle the kosher salt evenly over the vegetables. Add the cup of ice, then toss everything together until the salt is well distributed. Let the mixture sit at room temperature for 2 hours. The ice will help keep the cucumbers crisp as they draw out moisture.
After 2 hours, drain the cucumber and onion mixture thoroughly in a colander. Rinse them under cool running water to remove excess salt, then drain very well again by gently pressing on the vegetables with your hands. This step prevents overly salty pickles.
In a large, non-reactive pot (like stainless steel or enameled cast iron), combine the apple cider vinegar, granulated sugar, mustard seeds, celery seeds, black peppercorns, and ground turmeric. Heat the mixture over medium-high heat, stirring frequently with a wooden spoon, until it comes to a boil and the sugar is fully dissolved.
Once boiling, carefully add the drained cucumbers and onions to the hot vinegar mixture. Stir gently to ensure all the vegetables are submerged. Return the mixture to a full boil, then immediately remove the pot from the heat.
Using a slotted spoon or tongs, pack the hot pickles and onions tightly into clean, sterilized pint-sized canning jars, leaving 1/2-inch of space at the top of each jar. Carefully ladle the hot pickling liquid over the vegetables, completely covering them and maintaining the 1/2-inch headspace.
Wipe the rims of the jars clean, apply the lids and rings, and process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes if you plan to store them at room temperature. For refrigerator pickles, simply let the jars cool to room temperature on the counter before placing them in the refrigerator.

Notes

Kirby cucumbers are ideal for pickling. For refrigerator pickles, simply let the jars cool to room temperature before storing.

Keyword bread and butter pickles, homemade, pickles, sweet pickles

Ways to Customize Your Pickles

Spicy Kick: Add a few slices of fresh jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the jars before processing.
Herb-Infused: Toss in a few sprigs of fresh dill or a couple of bay leaves for an aromatic twist.
Lower-Sugar Version: Reduce the sugar by a quarter cup for a tangier, less sweet refrigerator pickle.

My Pro Tips for Pickle Perfection

Choose the Right Cucumber: Always use firm, fresh Kirby cucumbers for the best crunch in your sweet pickle recipe.
Do Not Skip the Ice Bath: The ice is crucial for keeping the cucumbers crisp during the brining stage.
Sterilize Jars Properly: Whether canning pickles or making refrigerator pickles, start with perfectly clean jars to prevent spoilage.
Patience is a Virtue: Let your homemade bread and butter pickles sit for at least a week before eating for the flavors to fully develop, a tip that works wonders for many preserves like my homemade pecan pie filling.

Cozy Serving of Bread and Butter Pickles

Storing Your Homemade Delights

Store: Keep processed jars in a cool, dark place for up to one year; once opened, refrigerate and consume within a month.
Refrigerator Pickles: If you skip the water bath, store the jars in the refrigerator where they will keep beautifully for 2-3 months.
Freeze: Freezing is not recommended for this cucumber pickle recipe as it will cause the vegetables to become mushy upon thawing.
Make-Ahead Tip: This easy pickle recipe is ideal for making in large batches during cucumber season to enjoy all year long.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are they called bread and butter pickles?

The name is thought to originate from the Great Depression era, when this sweet and tangy pickle was a cheap and staple food, often sandwiched between slices of bread and butter. They provided a affordable yet flavorful addition to meager meals, and the name stuck.

How long do homemade bread and butter pickles need to sit?

For the best flavor, allow your homemade bread and butter pickles to sit for at least one to two weeks after processing. This waiting period allows the cucumbers to fully absorb the sweet and sour flavors of the brine, resulting in a perfectly balanced pickle.

Can I use regular cucumbers instead of pickling cucumbers?

You can, but the results will be less ideal. Pickling cucumbers (like Kirbys) have firmer flesh and smaller seeds, which helps them stay crisp. Regular salad cucumbers have a higher water content and tend to become soft and mushy during the pickling process.

Do you have to process bread and butter pickles in a water bath?

No, processing in a water bath is only necessary if you plan to store the jars at room temperature. For refrigerator pickles, you can simply cool the filled jars to room temperature and then store them directly in the refrigerator.

More Homemade Favorites to Try

Make This Bread and Butter Pickles Recipe Tonight

With their perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors and satisfying crunch, these homemade sweet pickles are a timeless treat. This easy pickle recipe demystifies the process of canning pickles, making it accessible for any home cook. I hope you enjoy the simple pleasure of creating and sharing this delicious condiment.

Bread and Butter Pickles Recipe