Bread and Butter Pickles: A Sweet and Tangy Delight
Bread and butter pickles are a beloved American classic, known for their sweet and tangy flavor and satisfying crunch. These pickles are perfect for sandwiches, burgers, and even as a snack on their own. Making your own bread and butter pickles is surprisingly easy and allows you to control the sweetness and tanginess to your liking. Here’s a detailed recipe for delicious homemade bread and butter pickles:
Ingredients:
-
Pickles:
- 4 pounds pickling cucumbers (about 12 medium cucumbers)
- 1 cup white vinegar (5%)
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar (5%)
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon mustard seeds
- 1 tablespoon celery seeds
- 1 tablespoon dill seeds
- 1 tablespoon black peppercorns
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder (optional, for color)
-
Brine:
- 1 cup white vinegar (5%)
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 cup kosher salt
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Cucumbers
- Wash the cucumbers thoroughly and trim off the ends. If desired, slice the cucumbers into spears or leave them whole.
- Pack the cucumbers into clean canning jars, leaving about an inch of headspace.
Step 2: Prepare the Brine
- In a large saucepan, combine the white vinegar, apple cider vinegar, sugar, kosher salt, mustard seeds, celery seeds, dill seeds, black peppercorns, and turmeric powder (if using).
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes.
Step 3: Pour Brine and Process
- Carefully pour the hot brine over the cucumbers in the jars, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace.
- Wipe the rims of the jars clean with a damp paper towel.
- Place new lids on the jars and screw on the bands, tightening them just until they are fingertip tight.
Step 4: Process the Jars
- Place a rack in the bottom of a large stockpot and fill it with enough water to come halfway up the sides of the jars.
- Bring the water to a boil.
- Gently lower the jars into the boiling water, making sure the water covers them by at least an inch.
- Process the jars for 10 minutes.
Step 5: Cool and Store
- Carefully remove the jars from the boiling water using a jar lifter.
- Let the jars cool completely on a clean kitchen towel.
- Once cool, check to make sure the lids have sealed. A sealed lid will make a popping sound when pressed down.
- Store the jars in a cool, dark place for at least 2 weeks before enjoying.
Tips and Variations:
- Sweetness: Adjust the sugar amount to your preference. You can even use honey for a more natural sweetness.
- Spices: Feel free to experiment with different spices, such as cloves, allspice, or ginger.
- Color: The turmeric powder adds a beautiful golden color to the pickles, but it's optional.
- Fresh Herbs: Add fresh dill sprigs or other herbs to the jars for additional flavor.
- Garlic: For a garlicky twist, add a clove or two of garlic to each jar.
- Quick Pickle Option: For a quick pickle option, skip the processing step and store the jars in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours.
Enjoy your homemade bread and butter pickles!
