Old-Fashioned Bread and Butter Pickles

Old-Fashioned Bread and Butter Pickles are one of those recipes I’m especially thankful to share with you. Truly—thank you for being here. These pickles feel like opening a jar of memories: summer gardens, kitchen counters lined with jars, and that sweet-tangy aroma filling the house. If you’ve ever wanted a pickle that’s crisp, nostalgic, and perfectly balanced between sweet and sour, this is the recipe I promised you… and here’s proof!

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Meta description: This Old-Fashioned Bread and Butter Pickles recipe is sweet, tangy, and perfectly crisp—just like Grandma used to make. A classic canning recipe made simple.

Old-Fashioned Bread and Butter Pickles Recipe Overview

This Old-Fashioned Bread and Butter Pickles recipe creates beautifully golden slices with that signature sweet-tart bite and gentle crunch. They’re easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and perfect for sandwiches, burgers, or straight from the jar. Anything but boring!!

Reasons to Love Old-Fashioned Bread and Butter Pickles

These pickles are pantry-friendly, beginner-friendly, and wonderfully nostalgic. They’re made with simple ingredients, keep well in the fridge or pantry, and taste even better after a few days. I’m kicking myself for not photographing every batch because they disappear fast.

What Old-Fashioned Bread and Butter Pickles Taste Like

These Old-Fashioned Bread and Butter Pickles are sweet, tangy, and lightly spiced. The vinegar gives them a bright kick, sugar adds warmth, and the spices round everything out. And the smell when the brine starts simmering? Incredible!!

Benefits of Making Bread and Butter Pickles at Home

Homemade Old-Fashioned Bread and Butter Pickles let you control sweetness, spice, and crunch. They’re preservative-free, budget-friendly, and a fantastic way to use up garden cucumbers. Plus, there’s something deeply satisfying about sealing a jar of your own pickles.

Ingredients for Old-Fashioned Bread and Butter Pickles

Here’s what you’ll need to make Old-Fashioned Bread and Butter Pickles:

• Pickling cucumbers, thinly sliced
• Yellow onion, thinly sliced
• Kosher salt
• Ice cubes
• White vinegar
• Apple cider vinegar
• Granulated sugar
• Mustard seeds
• Celery seeds
• Turmeric
• Whole cloves (optional)

Tools Needed for Bread and Butter Pickles

You don’t need fancy tools, which makes this recipe even more approachable:

• Large mixing bowl
• Colander
• Large pot or saucepan
• Sterilized glass jars with lids
• Ladle
• Tongs

Ingredient Additions and Substitutions

You can add thinly sliced bell peppers for color or a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. Prefer less sweetness? Reduce the sugar slightly. White vinegar can be swapped for all apple cider vinegar for a milder tang.

How to Make Old-Fashioned Bread and Butter Pickles Step by Step

Step 1: Salt and Chill the Cucumbers

Place sliced cucumbers and onions in a large bowl. Sprinkle with kosher salt, toss well, then cover with ice cubes. Let sit for 1½–2 hours. This step draws out excess moisture and keeps the pickles crisp.

Step 2: Rinse and Drain

Drain the cucumber mixture in a colander and rinse thoroughly under cold water. Let drain well.

Step 3: Make the Pickling Brine

In a large pot, combine white vinegar, apple cider vinegar, sugar, mustard seeds, celery seeds, turmeric, and cloves. Bring to a gentle boil, stirring until sugar dissolves.

Step 4: Add Cucumbers to the Brine

Add the drained cucumbers and onions to the hot brine. Simmer for 3–5 minutes, just until heated through but still crisp.

Step 5: Jar the Pickles

Carefully ladle the hot pickles and brine into sterilized jars, leaving about ½ inch of headspace. Seal with lids.

Step 6: Cool and Rest

Let jars cool to room temperature. Refrigerate for at least 24 hours before eating for best flavor.

What to Serve with Bread and Butter Pickles

These Old-Fashioned Bread and Butter Pickles are perfect on burgers, pulled pork sandwiches, hot dogs, or chopped into potato salad. They also add a sweet-tangy crunch to charcuterie boards.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerated Old-Fashioned Bread and Butter Pickles will keep for up to 2 months. For long-term storage, process jars in a water bath according to safe canning guidelines.

General Information About Bread and Butter Pickles

Bread and butter pickles date back to the early 1900s and were named for their role as a staple food during hard times. Their sweet-and-sour flavor quickly made them a household favorite.

Old-Fashioned Bread and Butter Pickles FAQs

Why are they called bread and butter pickles?

They were commonly eaten on bread and butter sandwiches during the Great Depression.

Can I reduce the sugar?

Yes, but the classic flavor relies on sweetness for balance.

How long before they’re ready to eat?

They’re good after 24 hours, but best after 3–5 days.

Do I need to can these pickles?

No—refrigeration works perfectly for small batches.

Conclusion: Why You’ll Love These Old-Fashioned Bread and Butter Pickles

These Old-Fashioned Bread and Butter Pickles are sweet, tangy, crisp, and full of old-fashioned charm. They’re simple to make, endlessly useful, and incredibly rewarding. Once you try them, store-bought just won’t compare.

If you love nostalgic recipes, be sure to check out my fried green tomatoes, skillet cornbread, and big pot of chili—each one a classic worth keeping.

I’d love to hear how your Old-Fashioned Bread and Butter Pickles turned out! Leave a review below and share your jar photos on Pinterest so I can admire your beautiful pickles.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per Serving)

• Calories: 90
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 20g