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Easy Quick Refrigerator Bread and Butter Pickles

refrigerator bread and butter pickles - featured image

A simple and fast recipe for homemade bread and butter pickles that are sweet, tangy, and crisp, perfect for snacks, sandwiches, or appetizers.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups thinly sliced Kirby or Persian cucumbers
  • 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup white vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon mustard seeds
  • 1 teaspoon celery seeds
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Slice the cucumbers and onion thinly, about 1/8-inch (3 mm) thick.
  2. Toss the cucumber and onion slices with 1 tablespoon kosher salt in a large bowl. Let sit for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
  3. Rinse the salted cucumbers and onions under cold water to remove excess salt. Drain well and pat dry with paper towels.
  4. In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup white vinegar, 1 cup granulated sugar, mustard seeds, celery seeds, turmeric, and black pepper. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely (about 5 minutes).
  5. Place the drained cucumbers and onions into clean glass jars or containers. Pour the hot brine over the veggies, pushing down gently to submerge everything fully.
  6. Let the jars cool to room temperature (about 30 minutes), then seal tightly and refrigerate. The pickles are ready to eat after 24 hours but taste better after 2-3 days.

Notes

Salting the cucumbers and onions before pickling is crucial to draw out moisture and keep pickles crisp. Heat the brine just until sugar dissolves; avoid boiling to prevent harsh vinegar flavor. Let pickles rest at least 24 hours before eating for best flavor. Store refrigerated and consume within 3 weeks. Optional variations include adding crushed red pepper flakes for spice or using apple cider vinegar for a fruitier note.

Nutrition

Keywords: bread and butter pickles, refrigerator pickles, quick pickles, homemade pickles, easy pickle recipe, sweet and tangy pickles, snack, sandwich condiment