Old-Fashioned Bread and Butter Pickles
Classic Sweet and Tangy Homemade Pickles
If you love traditional homemade pickles with a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavor,
these Old-Fashioned Bread and Butter Pickles are a true kitchen classic.
Passed down through generations, this recipe delivers crisp cucumber slices,
warm spices, and a rich, nostalgic flavor that improves with time.
Perfect for sandwiches, burgers, salads, or simply enjoyed straight from the jar,
these pickles are a pantry staple that brings comfort and tradition to every bite.
What Are Bread and Butter Pickles?
Bread and butter pickles are sweet-and-sour pickles made from thinly sliced cucumbers
and onions preserved in a spiced vinegar brine.
Despite the name, they contain no bread or butter.
The term originated during hard times when these pickles were commonly served
with simple bread-and-butter sandwiches.
- Thinly sliced cucumbers
- Sweet vinegar-based brine
- Warm spices like turmeric and cloves
- Crisp yet tender texture
Why You’ll Love This Old-Fashioned Recipe
- Authentic, traditional flavor
- Perfect balance of sweet and tangy
- Simple pantry ingredients
- Excellent for long-term storage
- Ideal for sandwiches, burgers, and salads
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 8 cups cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 2 onions, thinly sliced
For Salting
- ⅓ cup kosher salt
- Ice (enough to fully cover vegetables)
Pickling Brine
- 2 cups sugar
- 2 cups vinegar (white or apple cider vinegar)
- 1 tablespoon mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon celery seeds
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
Instructions
Step 1: Slice the Vegetables
Wash cucumbers thoroughly and slice them into thin, even rounds.
Thin slicing allows the pickles to absorb flavor while remaining crisp.
Slice onions thinly and combine them with cucumbers in a large bowl.
Step 2: Salt and Ice
Sprinkle vegetables evenly with kosher salt.
Cover completely with ice and let sit for 3 hours.
This process removes excess moisture and ensures a crisp texture.
Step 3: Drain and Rinse
Drain the vegetables well.
Rinse lightly under cold water to remove excess salt, then drain again thoroughly.
Step 4: Prepare the Brine
In a large pot, combine sugar, vinegar, mustard seeds, celery seeds,
turmeric, and ground cloves.
Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely.
Step 5: Cook the Pickles
Add drained cucumbers and onions to the boiling brine.
Reduce heat and simmer gently for about 5 minutes.
Do not overcook—pickles should be tender yet crisp.
Step 6: Pack the Jars
Carefully pack hot pickles into sterilized jars.
Pour hot brine over the vegetables, ensuring they are fully covered.
Remove air bubbles and wipe jar rims clean.
Step 7: Seal and Process
Seal jars with lids and process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes.
This ensures food safety and long-term storage.
Step 8: Cool and Store
Let jars cool at room temperature.
You should hear lids “pop” as they seal.
Store in a cool, dark place.
Method Summary
- Slice vegetables evenly
- Salt and ice to preserve crunch
- Simmer briefly in spiced brine
- Jar, seal, and cure for best flavor
History of Bread and Butter Pickles
Bread and butter pickles became popular in early 20th-century America,
especially during the Great Depression.
Families preserved garden cucumbers in sweet vinegar brine as an affordable,
long-lasting food.
They were commonly served with simple bread-and-butter sandwiches,
giving the pickles their iconic name.
Benefits of Homemade Bread and Butter Pickles
- Made without artificial preservatives
- Long shelf life when properly canned
- Low in fat and calories
- Adds flavor without heavy sauces
- Supports digestion due to vinegar content
Formation & Flavor Development
These pickles improve with time.
While they can be tasted after a few days,
the best flavor develops after one full week.
As they cure, the spices deepen and the sweet-tangy balance becomes richer.
Serving Suggestions
- Layer on sandwiches and burgers
- Serve alongside grilled or fried meats
- Chop into potato or pasta salads
- Enjoy straight from the jar
Pickle Lovers’ Notes
Fans of classic comfort foods love these pickles for their nostalgic flavor,
golden color, and perfect crunch.
They pair beautifully with homemade meals and backyard cookouts.
Final Conclusion
These Old-Fashioned Bread and Butter Pickles are a timeless classic
that never goes out of style.
Sweet, tangy, crisp, and warmly spiced,
they’re the kind of homemade recipe that becomes a family favorite for generations.
