Homemade Bread and Butter Pickles are a wonderful and tangy treat that can be made right in your own kitchen. The name “Bread and Butter” is believed to have originated during the Great Depression era when these pickles became popular due to their affordability and the ability to stretch them as a sandwich filling. The sweet and tangy flavor of the pickles complemented the simplicity of bread and butter, creating a tasty and satisfying combination. Since then, the name “Bread and Butter Pickles” has stuck, even though they are not exclusively meant to be eaten with bread and butter.
Homemade Bread and Butter Pickles offer a delightful crunch, a balance of sweetness and tanginess, and a burst of flavor that enhances sandwiches, burgers, charcuterie boards, and more. They can also be enjoyed as a standalone snack or as a side to complement various dishes.
Here are the basic steps to make Homemade Bread and Butter Pickles:
- Cucumbers: Start with fresh pickling cucumbers or regular cucumbers that are thinly sliced.
- Brine: The cucumbers are then soaked in a brine made of vinegar, sugar, and spices. Either white distilled vinegar or apple cider vinegar are most commonly chosen as the acidity of choice. Sugar is added to balance the acidity and create the signature sweet and tangy taste. The spices often include mustard seeds, celery seeds, turmeric, and sometimes onions or garlic for additional flavor.
- Pickling Process: Hot brine is poured over the cucumber slices and transferred to jars. The jars are then sealed and left to sit at room temperature for a period of time to allow the flavors to develop and the pickles to become crisp. Afterward, they are refrigerated to enhance their texture and preserve their freshness.
By making your own Bread and Butter Pickles, you have the opportunity to create a homemade version with fresh ingredients and customize it to your preferences. The process of making these pickles can be a fun and rewarding culinary adventure, resulting in a jar of delectable homemade pickles that can be enjoyed for weeks to come.
Bread and Butter Pickles
6
servings30
minutes24
hoursHomemade Bread and Butter Pickles offer a delightful crunch, a balance of sweetness and tanginess, and a burst of flavor that enhances sandwiches, burgers, charcuterie boards, and more.
Ingredients
4 medium-sized pickling cucumbers, sliced
1 small-sized red onion, diced
1 cup apple cider vinegar
1 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon salt
1 teaspoon mustard seeds
1 teaspoon celery seeds
Directions
- Wash the cucumbers thoroughly and slice them into thin rounds.
- In a large bowl, combine the cucumber slices and onion. Sprinkle them with salt and let them sit for about 1 hour. This step helps to draw out excess moisture from the cucumbers. After an hour, drain the cucumbers and onions, discarding the liquid.
- In a saucepan, combine the apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, mustard seeds, and celery seeds to create the brining liquid. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar has dissolved completely.
- Pour the hot brining liquid over the pickles and onions. Allow the soon-to-be pickles to cool down to room temperature before transferring to jars for storage.
- Cover the jars and refrigerate for at least 24 hours to allow the flavors to develop. The pickles will become more flavorful over time and can be enjoyed for several weeks.