Bread & Butter Pickled Cucumbers: A Tangy, Sweet, and Crunchy Delight
Are you ready to elevate your pickle game? Forget those bland, store-bought pickles! This bread and butter pickled cucumbers recipe will transform your ordinary cucumbers into a tangy, sweet, and crunchy masterpiece. Perfect as a side dish, sandwich topping, or a delightful snack, these pickles are guaranteed to become a family favorite. This recipe is easy to follow, even for beginner picklers, and uses readily available ingredients. Let's dive in!
What Makes Bread & Butter Pickles So Special?
The magic of bread and butter pickles lies in their unique flavor profile. Unlike traditional dill pickles, these pickles boast a delightful balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy notes. The "bread and butter" name refers to the creamy, buttery texture the pickles acquire from the addition of sugar and butter. This recipe perfectly captures that essence.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe yields approximately 4 pints of delicious bread and butter pickles. Adjust the quantities accordingly if you need more or less.
- Cucumbers: 4 pounds pickling cucumbers (about 10-12 small cucumbers), scrubbed clean and sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Choose small cucumbers for the best results; they have fewer seeds and stay crispier.
- Vinegar: 4 cups white distilled vinegar (5% acidity).
- Water: 4 cups water.
- Sugar: 4 cups granulated sugar. Adjust to your sweetness preference.
- Salt: 1/4 cup canning salt (non-iodized). Iodized salt can affect the pickling process.
- Mustard Seeds: 2 tablespoons yellow mustard seeds.
- Celery Seeds: 2 tablespoons celery seeds.
- Turmeric: 1 tablespoon turmeric powder (for color and a hint of flavor).
- Garlic Cloves: 8-10 cloves garlic, minced or thinly sliced.
- Onion: 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced. (Optional, but adds a nice bite)
- Black Peppercorns: 1 teaspoon black peppercorns.
- Red Pepper Flakes: 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat).
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Preparation is Key:
-
Clean your cucumbers: Thoroughly wash and scrub the cucumbers. Remove any blemishes or damaged parts. Slicing them evenly ensures uniform pickling.
-
Prepare your jars: Sterilize your jars and lids using your preferred method (boiling water bath is recommended).
Making the Pickle Magic:
-
Combine ingredients: In a large, non-reactive pot (stainless steel or enamel), combine the vinegar, water, sugar, salt, mustard seeds, celery seeds, turmeric, garlic, onion (if using), peppercorns, and red pepper flakes (if using).
-
Bring to a boil: Stir the mixture constantly until the sugar and salt are completely dissolved. Allow the mixture to come to a rolling boil.
-
Add the cucumbers: Carefully add the sliced cucumbers to the boiling brine. Ensure they are fully submerged.
-
Simmer gently: Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the cucumbers are slightly softened but still crisp. Do not overcook.
-
Pack into jars: Using a slotted spoon, carefully pack the cucumbers and their brine into the sterilized jars, leaving about 1/2-inch headspace at the top.
-
Remove air bubbles: Run a non-metallic utensil (like a clean chopstick) around the inside of the jars to release any trapped air bubbles.
-
Wipe rims and seal: Wipe the rims of the jars clean with a damp cloth. Place the lids and rings on the jars and tighten securely.
-
Process for canning: Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes (adjust according to altitude). This step ensures safe preservation.
Storage and Enjoyment:
Allow the jars to cool completely. You should hear a satisfying "pop" as the jars seal. Store in a cool, dark place. Enjoy your homemade bread and butter pickled cucumbers! They are best enjoyed after a few weeks, allowing the flavors to fully meld.
Tips for Success:
- Use pickling cucumbers: These cucumbers have less moisture and are less likely to become mushy when pickled.
- Don't overcook: Overcooked cucumbers will be mushy. Aim for slightly softened but still crisp.
- Properly seal jars: Ensuring a proper seal is critical for safe preservation and preventing spoilage.
- Experiment with spices: Feel free to experiment with other spices like dill, cloves, or allspice to customize your pickles.
Enjoy the process of creating these delicious pickles, and savor the rewarding taste of your homemade creation!
