Here’s a classic recipe-style version for Old-Fashioned Bread and Butter Pickles:
Old-Fashioned Bread and Butter Pickles
These sweet and tangy pickles are a timeless homemade favorite, combining crisp cucumbers, onions, and a perfectly balanced vinegar-spice brine. They’re delicious on sandwiches, burgers, alongside grilled foods, or enjoyed straight from the jar.
Ingredients
- 4 pounds pickling cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 2 medium onions, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup pickling salt
- 2 cups white vinegar
- 2 cups sugar
- 2 tablespoons mustard seeds
- 1 tablespoon celery seeds
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Place sliced cucumbers and onions in a large bowl. Sprinkle with pickling salt, cover with ice, and let sit for about 2 hours. Drain and rinse well.
- In a large pot, combine vinegar, sugar, mustard seeds, celery seeds, turmeric, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Heat until the sugar dissolves and the mixture begins to simmer.
- Add the cucumbers and onions to the brine. Heat gently until the pickles are warmed through, but avoid boiling too long to keep them crisp.
- Pack the pickles into clean jars and pour the hot brine over them, leaving proper headspace.
- Process jars using a water-bath canning method if storing long-term, or refrigerate once cooled for a quick homemade version.
Tips for the Best Bread and Butter Pickles
- Use fresh, firm cucumbers for the best crunch.
- Don’t skip the soaking step—it helps maintain texture.
- Adjust sugar slightly if you prefer a sweeter or more tangy pickle.
- Allow the flavors to develop for a few days before eating for the best taste.
These old-fashioned pickles bring a sweet, crunchy, and nostalgic flavor to any meal.
I can also provide a traditional canning version with exact jar-processing times or a Grandma-style recipe variation if you’d like.
