Bread and Butter Pickle Recipe: A Complete Guide

Introduction to Bread and Butter Pickle Recipes

Bread and butter pickles, a staple in many households, blend sweet and tangy flavors that enhance everything from sandwiches to salads. Unlike their dill counterparts, bread and butter pickles are known for their distinctive sweetness, which comes from the generous use of sugar or sweeteners in the pickling process. This unique style of pickle originated during the Great Depression, when Omar and Cora Fanning, Illinois farmers, began trading their sweet pickles for groceries at the local store, literally earning them their “bread and butter.”

The appeal of bread and butter pickles lies in their versatility. Whether you’re looking for a crunchy snack or a flavorful addition to your burger, these pickles bring a delightful zest that complements a wide range of dishes. Moreover, their preparation involves simple ingredients — typically cucumbers, onions, vinegar, sugar, and spices — but the exact mix can vary to include or exclude ingredients like bell peppers or celery seed, depending on personal preference.

In this guide, we will delve into everything you need to know about making your own bread and butter pickles, from the basic ingredients and necessary equipment to step-by-step instructions on preparing and canning them at home. Whether you’re a seasoned canner or a curious novice, this guide aims to equip you with the knowledge to make delicious bread and butter pickles that are perfect for sharing or enjoying on your own.

Part 2: Ingredients and Equipment Needed

Creating the perfect batch of bread and butter pickles requires not only the right ingredients but also the appropriate kitchen tools. Whether you’re making a small batch to enjoy at home or a larger quantity to share, having everything you need on hand will streamline the process and ensure your pickles turn out delicious every time.

Ingredients for Bread and Butter Pickles

The ingredients for bread and butter pickles are straightforward and easy to find, which makes them perfect for beginners. Here’s what you’ll need:

Cucumbers: Pickling cucumbers are ideal because they are firmer and typically have fewer seeds. Aim for small to medium-sized cucumbers.
Onions: Thinly sliced sweet or yellow onions add flavor and crispness to the pickles.
Vinegar: A combination of white vinegar and apple cider vinegar is common, providing the necessary acidity for pickling.
Sugar: Essential for the sweet profile of bread and butter pickles.
Spices: Typical spices include mustard seeds, celery seeds, and turmeric for flavor and color. Some recipes also include cloves, cinnamon, or allspice for additional complexity.
Salt: Pickling or canning salt is recommended because it does not contain anti-caking agents or iodine, which can cloud the brine.

Equipment Needed

To make bread and butter pickles, you will need some basic canning supplies along with standard kitchen equipment:

Jars and Lids: Mason jars with lids and bands are required for storing the pickles. Ensure they are sterilized before use to prevent contamination.
Large Pot: For preparing the brine and simmering the pickles.
Canning Funnel and Ladle: These tools help in neatly transferring your pickles and brine into jars.
Jar Lifter: Essential for safely removing hot jars from boiling water.
Mandoline or Sharp Knife: A mandoline helps slice cucumbers uniformly, but a sharp knife is also suitable.
Mixing Bowls: Needed for mixing cucumbers and onions with salt and ice.
Colander and Cheesecloth: Useful for draining the cucumbers and ensuring they are well-rinsed.

By gathering all the necessary ingredients and equipment before you start, you can ensure a smooth pickling process. Next, we’ll go through the step-by-step method to prepare and can your bread and butter pickles, ensuring they are flavorful and crisp.

Part 3: Step-by-Step Recipe

Creating bread and butter pickles follows a straightforward recipe, divided into preparing the ingredients, making the brine, and the canning process. Each step is designed to ensure the pickles have their characteristic sweet and tangy flavor, with a satisfying crunch.

Preparing the Ingredients

Wash and Slice Cucumbers: Start by cleaning your cucumbers thoroughly to remove any impurities. Slice them uniformly into approximately 1/4-inch rounds, which is essential for even pickling.
Prepare Onions: Peel and finely slice the onions. These should be mixed with the cucumbers to allow the flavors to meld.
Salting: Combine the cucumber and onion slices in a large bowl, sprinkling them with pickling salt. Cover them with crushed ice or immerse them in cold water, letting them stand for about 3 hours. This step is crucial for drawing out moisture, which helps in achieving the desired crispness.

Making the Brine

Combine Ingredients: In a large pot, pour white vinegar and apple cider vinegar, then add sugar, mustard seeds, celery seeds, and turmeric. Feel free to include additional spices like cloves or allspice for extra flavor.
Heat to Dissolve Sugar: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar completely dissolves. This process allows the spices to infuse the vinegar, creating a richly flavored brine.

Canning the Pickles

Sterilize Jars: It’s essential to sterilize your jars and lids to prevent contamination. Boil them in water for about 10 minutes, then keep them hot until they are ready to be used.
Pack Jars with Cucumbers and Onions: Drain the salted cucumbers and onions and pack them tightly into the prepared jars.
Add the Brine: Pour the hot brine over the cucumbers, ensuring it covers them completely while leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace at the top of each jar.
Seal and Process: Secure the lids on the jars, then process them in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes. Adjust the processing time if you’re canning at high altitudes.
Cool Down: Remove the jars from the water bath and let them cool undisturbed for 24 hours. Check the seals before storing. Any jars that haven’t sealed properly should be refrigerated and used first.

Tips for Success

Even Thickness: Ensure cucumber slices are of even thickness to pickle uniformly.
Freshness Counts: Use fresh cucumbers and high-quality spices for the best taste.
Follow Safety Guidelines: Adhere to recommended canning practices to ensure the pickles are safe to consume.

By following these detailed instructions, you’ll be able to make delicious bread and butter pickles that are perfect for adding a zesty crunch to any meal. Enjoy them as a snack, in sandwiches, or as a unique addition to your recipes!

Part 4: Variations and Customizations

While traditional bread and butter pickles are a delightful blend of sweet and tangy, you can easily customize the recipe to cater to your personal taste or to add a unique twist. Here are several variations and customizations you can experiment with to make your batch of pickles truly your own.

Spicy Bread and Butter Pickles

Add Heat: To introduce a bit of spice to your pickles, add sliced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a dash of cayenne pepper to the brine. The heat level can be adjusted to suit your preference.
Spice Blend Adjustments: Incorporating spices such as crushed black peppercorns, coriander seeds, or even a pinch of curry powder can transform the flavor profile of your pickles into something uniquely tantalizing.

Sweet and Aromatic Variations

Modify Sugar Types: Experiment with different types of sugar such as brown sugar or honey for a deeper, more complex sweetness.
Aromatic Spices: Adding whole spices like cinnamon sticks, star anise, or vanilla pods during the brining process can infuse your pickles with warm, aromatic flavors, making them stand out.

Reduced-Sugar and Sugar-Free Options

Sugar Substitutes: For those watching their sugar intake, consider using stevia, erythritol, or another sugar substitute that holds up well in boiling conditions.
Adjust Sugar Ratios: Simply reducing the amount of sugar in the recipe can also yield a less sweet, more tangy pickle that still retains the classic bread and butter flavor.

Alternative Vinegar Choices

Vinegar Varieties: Replace some or all of the white vinegar with other types like rice vinegar, red wine vinegar, or balsamic vinegar for a different tangy note.
Infused Vinegars: Use vinegars infused with herbs such as dill, rosemary, or thyme to add a subtle herby backdrop to the pickles.

Additional Vegetable Add-Ins

Mix in Other Vegetables: Add thinly sliced bell peppers, carrots, or celery to the cucumber mix before pickling for added color and variety in texture.
Fruit Twists: Incorporate small amounts of fruits like apples or pears for a sweet contrast or a slight tartness which complements the overall flavor.

Each of these variations and customizations allows you to play with the balance of flavors and textures in your bread and butter pickles. By adjusting spices, sugar levels, and vinegar types, or by adding new ingredients, you can create a recipe that is tailored to your taste preferences and suitable for various culinary uses. Experiment with these ideas to discover your perfect pickle!

Part 5: Serving and Pairing Ideas

Bread and butter pickles, with their delightful crunch and sweet-tangy flavor, are versatile in the culinary world. Whether used as a condiment, a snack, or a unique addition to recipes, these pickles can elevate the taste and texture of many dishes. Here are some creative ways to serve and pair bread and butter pickles.

Classic and Contemporary Uses

Sandwiches and Burgers: The traditional use of bread and butter pickles is in sandwiches and burgers. Their sweet tanginess complements the richness of meats and cheeses, providing a refreshing crunch.
Charcuterie Boards: Add a bowl of these pickles to a charcuterie board for a vibrant contrast in flavors and textures among the cheeses, meats, and nuts.

Creative Culinary Ideas

Pickle-Infused Salad Dressings: Blend bread and butter pickles into your salad dressings for a sweet and tangy twist. They work particularly well in creamy dressings or vinaigrettes.
Tartar Sauce Ingredient: Chop the pickles finely and mix them into tartar sauce for an extra zing. This sauce is especially good with fried fish or as a dip for shrimp.

Snacks and Appetizers

Pickle Chips: For a quick and tasty snack, try frying sliced bread and butter pickles to make pickle chips. Serve with ranch dressing or your favorite dipping sauce.
Cheese and Pickle Skewers: Thread cubes of cheese and slices of pickle on skewers for an easy and attractive appetizer.

Unexpected Pairings

Pickle-Topped Pizza: Add chopped pickles to your pizza toppings for a surprising burst of flavor. They pair well with strong cheeses and meats like pepperoni or sausage.
Pickle-Enhanced Cocktails: For a playful twist on cocktails, use pickle juice from bread and butter pickles in your Bloody Marys or create a pickleback shot, which involves a shot of whiskey followed by a shot of pickle juice.

Sweet and Savory Dishes

Grilled Cheese with Pickles: Incorporate slices of bread and butter pickles in your grilled cheese sandwiches to balance the richness of the melted cheese with a hint of sweetness.
Pickle and Peanut Butter Sandwiches: For an unusual yet surprisingly tasty snack, layer bread and butter pickles on peanut butter-slathered toast. The combination of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors is unique and satisfying.

Each of these ideas showcases the versatility of bread and butter pickles, making them a valuable addition to various dishes. Experiment with these suggestions to discover new favorite ways to enjoy your homemade pickles!

Part 6: FAQs

When making bread and butter pickle recipes, several common questions arise. Here, we answer these to help you perfect your bread and butter pickle recipe, ensuring delicious results every time.

How long do bread and butter pickle recipes keep their best quality?

Bread and butter pickle recipes typically yield pickles that can be stored for up to a year if canned and sealed properly. Store them in a cool, dark place. Once opened, keep them refrigerated and try to use them within two months for optimal taste and texture.

Can I use slicing cucumbers in bread and butter pickle recipes?

While pickling cucumbers are ideal for bread and butter pickle recipes due to their crisp texture and small seeds, you can use slicing cucumbers. Note that they may result in softer pickles, which might become soggy quicker than those made with pickling cucumbers.

What adjustments can I make if my bread and butter pickle recipes are too sweet or too sour?

If your bread and butter pickle recipe yields pickles that are too sweet, you can adjust by reducing the sugar or adding more vinegar to balance the sweetness. Conversely, if they are too sour, increase the sugar slightly or decrease the amount of vinegar.

How can I ensure my pickles from bread and butter pickle recipes stay crunchy?

To maintain crunchiness in your bread and butter pickle recipes, always use fresh cucumbers. Chilling the cucumbers before pickling can also help. Some people add grape leaves to their jars because the tannins in the leaves help keep the cucumbers firm.

Is there a quick version of bread and butter pickle recipes?

Yes, refrigerator bread and butter pickle recipes are a quicker alternative to the canned method. These don’t require the traditional canning process and can be ready to eat after 24 hours in the refrigerator, though they should be consumed within a few weeks and kept refrigerated.

Can I experiment with the spices in bread and butter pickle recipes?

Definitely! Bread and butter pickle recipes are adaptable, and you can modify the spices according to your preference. While mustard seeds, celery seeds, and turmeric are traditional, adding spices like clove, cinnamon, or black peppercorns can personalize the flavor to suit your taste.

By keeping these frequently asked questions and answers in mind, you can enhance your skills in making bread and butter pickles and ensure that your bread and butter pickle recipes turn out perfectly every time.