If you are a fan of pickles, then bread and butter pickles are a must-try! These homemade pickles are a delightful combination of sweetness and tanginess, making them a perfect addition to sandwiches, burgers, or even enjoyed on their own. The best part is, they are incredibly easy to make!
Made with cucumbers, onions, and a delicious brine made from vinegar, sugar, and spices, bread and butter pickles are a popular choice for pickle lovers around the world. They get their name from the tangy-sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with bread and butter.
What makes these pickles stand out is the simplicity of the recipe and the ability to customize the flavors to your liking. You can add different spices, such as mustard seeds or celery seeds, to enhance the taste. The pickling process also gives the cucumbers a crispy texture, making each bite a delightful crunch.
Ingredients and Equipment
Ingredients:
- Pickling cucumbers (also known as Kirby cucumbers) – These are smaller cucumbers with a firm texture, perfect for pickling.
- Yellow onions – You’ll need a few onions to add flavor and crunch to your pickles.
- White vinegar – This is the base for the pickling brine and adds tanginess to the pickles.
- Sugar – A key ingredient for balancing the acidity and adding sweetness to the pickles.
- Mustard seeds – These small seeds add a subtle spiciness to the pickles.
- Celery seeds – These seeds contribute a distinct flavor to the pickles, reminiscent of celery.
- Turmeric – Used for its vibrant yellow color, turmeric adds visual appeal to the pickles.
- Kosher salt – Essential for enhancing the flavor and texture of the pickles.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional) – If you like your pickles with a little heat, these flakes are a great addition.
Equipment:
- Jar or containers – Make sure you have clean and sterilized jars or containers with tight-fitting lids to store your pickles.
- Mixing bowl – Choose a large bowl to prepare the pickling brine and mix the ingredients.
- Knife and cutting board – These are necessary for slicing the cucumbers and onions.
- Measuring cups and spoons – Accurate measurements are crucial for the right balance of flavors.
- Stovetop or heat source – You’ll need a stovetop or another heat source to bring the pickling brine to a boil.
- Slotted spoon or tongs – These tools will come in handy for transferring the pickles and onions into the jars.
Once you have gathered all the necessary ingredients and equipment, you are ready to start making your own delicious bread and butter pickles!
Step-by-Step Instructions
To make easy bread and butter pickles, follow these simple steps:
Gather the Ingredients:
- 5-6 pickling cucumbers
- 1 medium-sized onion
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon celery seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Prepare the Cucumbers and Onion:
Wash and thinly slice the pickling cucumbers. Peel the onion and slice it into thin rings or half-moons.
Create the Pickling Marinade:
In a saucepan, combine the white sugar, white vinegar, mustard seeds, celery seeds, turmeric, and salt. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is completely dissolved.
Add the Cucumbers and Onion:
Add the sliced cucumbers and onion to the pickling marinade. Stir to coat the vegetables evenly.
Let the Pickles Marinate:
Allow the pickles to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1-2 hours, or overnight for best results. The longer they marinate, the more flavorful they will be.
Store and Serve:
Transfer the pickles and their marinade to airtight jars or containers. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 weeks. Serve the bread and butter pickles as a crunchy and tangy topping on sandwiches, burgers, or enjoy them as a tasty snack on their own.
