Print

Easy Tangy Refrigerator Bread and Butter Pickles

easy tangy refrigerator bread and butter pickles - featured image

A quick and easy recipe for tangy, sweet, and crunchy refrigerator bread and butter pickles, perfect for summer snacks and pairing with grilled foods.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups thinly sliced Kirby cucumbers or regular slicing cucumbers
  • 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 cups white vinegar
  • 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon salt (pickling or kosher salt preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon mustard seeds
  • 1 teaspoon celery seeds
  • ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
  • A pinch of ground cloves (optional)

Instructions

  1. Slice 6 cups of cucumbers and 1 medium onion thinly and evenly using a sharp knife or mandoline (about 10 minutes).
  2. Place the sliced cucumbers and onions in a large mixing bowl. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of salt over them and toss well to coat. Let sit for about 1 hour to draw out excess moisture.
  3. Rinse the cucumbers and onions thoroughly under cold running water to remove excess salt. Drain well in a colander, pressing gently to remove extra moisture.
  4. In a large saucepan, combine 2 cups white vinegar, 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon mustard seeds, 1 teaspoon celery seeds, ½ teaspoon turmeric, and a pinch of ground cloves (if using). Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar completely (about 5 minutes).
  5. Pour the hot pickling liquid over the drained cucumbers and onions in the bowl. Stir gently to combine, ensuring all slices are coated.
  6. Transfer the mixture into clean glass jars or airtight containers, pressing down lightly to submerge everything in the liquid.
  7. Let the pickles cool to room temperature before sealing the jars. Refrigerate for at least 24 hours before eating; best after 3 days.
  8. Enjoy chilled. Pickles stay fresh and crunchy for up to 3 weeks in the refrigerator.

Notes

Salting cucumbers and onions for one hour is key to keeping pickles crisp. Use fresh, firm cucumbers for best texture. Let pickles refrigerate for at least 24 hours, preferably 3 days, for optimal flavor. Keep pickles fully submerged in brine to avoid spoilage. Gentle boiling of pickling liquid prevents harsh vinegar taste.

Nutrition

Keywords: bread and butter pickles, refrigerator pickles, summer snacks, tangy pickles, easy pickles, quick pickles, homemade pickles