Old Fashioned Bread and Butter Pickles

🥒 Old-Fashioned Bread and Butter Pickles

Sweet, tangy, and wonderfully crisp, Old-Fashioned Bread and Butter Pickles have been a pantry favorite for generations. With their perfect balance of vinegar, sugar, onions, and warm spices, these pickles are delicious on sandwiches, burgers, charcuterie boards, or straight from the jar.

This classic recipe makes flavorful refrigerator pickles that are easy to prepare and taste even better after a few days in the fridge.

Why Are They Called “Bread and Butter” Pickles?

There are several stories behind the name, but one of the most popular is that these sweet pickles were often served alongside simple meals of bread and butter during the Great Depression. Their sweet-and-tangy flavor made inexpensive meals more enjoyable, and the name has remained ever since.

Today, they’re loved for their crisp texture and irresistible balance of sweet, sour, and savory flavors.

Ingredients

  • 2½ pounds (1.1 kg) pickling cucumbers, thinly sliced
  • 2 medium onions, thinly sliced
  • ¼ cup pickling or kosher salt
  • 4 cups ice cubes
  • 2 cups white vinegar (5% acidity)
  • 1 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1½ cups granulated sugar
  • ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 1 tablespoon mustard seeds
  • 1 teaspoon celery seeds
  • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • ½ teaspoon whole black peppercorns
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cloves (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cucumbers

Wash the cucumbers well and trim a thin slice from each blossom end.

Slice the cucumbers about ¼ inch (6 mm) thick.

Thinly slice the onions.

Step 2: Salt the Vegetables

In a large bowl, combine the cucumber slices, onion slices, and pickling salt.

Cover with the ice cubes.

Let the mixture sit for 2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally.

This helps draw out excess moisture and keeps the pickles crisp.

Step 3: Rinse and Drain

Drain the cucumbers and onions in a colander.

Rinse well under cold running water to remove excess salt.

Drain thoroughly.

Step 4: Make the Pickling Brine

In a large saucepan, combine:

  • White vinegar
  • Apple cider vinegar
  • Granulated sugar
  • Brown sugar
  • Mustard seeds
  • Celery seeds
  • Turmeric
  • Peppercorns
  • Cloves (if using)

Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugars dissolve completely.

Step 5: Add the Vegetables

Add the drained cucumbers and onions to the hot brine.

Return to a gentle simmer and cook for 5 minutes, just until the vegetables are heated through. Do not overcook.

Step 6: Fill the Jars

Using a slotted spoon, pack the cucumbers and onions into clean jars.

Pour the hot brine over the vegetables, leaving about ½ inch (1.3 cm) of headspace.

Seal the jars with clean lids.

Step 7: Cool and Refrigerate

Allow the jars to cool to room temperature.

Refrigerate for at least 24 hours, though the flavor is even better after 3 to 5 days.

Serving Ideas

These sweet pickles are delicious served with:

  • Hamburgers
  • Hot dogs
  • Pulled pork sandwiches
  • Fried chicken
  • Tuna salad
  • Potato salad
  • Ham sandwiches
  • Cheese and crackers
  • Barbecue meals

They also make a flavorful addition to relish trays and picnic spreads.

Storage Tips

  • Store refrigerated for up to 2 months.
  • Always use a clean utensil when removing pickles from the jar.
  • Keep the cucumbers submerged in the brine for the best quality.

If you’d like to store them at room temperature, use a recipe and processing time that has been specifically developed for water-bath canning and follow current safe home-canning guidelines.

Helpful Tips

  • Choose small, firm pickling cucumbers for the crispiest results.
  • Avoid oversized cucumbers with large seeds.
  • Fresh cucumbers make the best pickles.
  • Don’t skip the ice-and-salt soaking step—it helps maintain a crisp texture.
  • Let the pickles rest for several days before eating to allow the flavors to fully develop.

Delicious Variations

Want to change things up? Try adding:

  • Thinly sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick
  • Fresh garlic cloves for extra flavor
  • Red pepper flakes for gentle heat
  • Dill seeds for a sweet-and-savory combination
  • A cinnamon stick for a subtle warm spice note

Final Thoughts

Old-Fashioned Bread and Butter Pickles are a timeless favorite that combines crisp cucumbers, sweet onions, and a perfectly balanced sweet-and-tangy brine. They’re simple to make, require only a handful of pantry ingredients, and become even more delicious after a few days in the refrigerator. Whether you’re topping a burger, building a sandwich, or enjoying them straight from the jar, these homemade pickles bring a taste of tradition to every bite.

Have you ever made homemade Bread and Butter Pickles?

Do you prefer them extra sweet, more tangy, or with a little spicy kick? Share your favorite version in the comments! 🥒✨

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