The Quintessential Quick Bread and Butter Pickles: A Taste of Summer Anytime

There’s a certain magic that happens when the summer garden overflows with cucumbers. For me, that magic invariably leads to a jar of quick bread and butter pickles. I remember, as a young culinary apprentice, being tasked with making these for a summer barbecue. The aroma of simmering vinegar, sugar, and spices filled the test kitchen, a sweet and tangy perfume that promised pure delight. The simple transformation of humble cucumbers into these vibrant, zesty jewels felt like alchemy. Even now, the sight of a gleaming jar of these pickles brings back that sense of accomplishment and the joy of creating something truly delicious from scratch, a flavor that transports me back to sun-drenched afternoons and communal meals.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (includes 1 hour standing time)
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes (plus at least 2 hours chilling time)
• Yields: 1 quart
• Servings: 6-8 (as a side)
• Dietary Type: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create these delightful pickles:

• 1 pound kirby cucumbers, sliced crosswise into 1/8-inch disks
• 1 medium onion, halved and sliced thin
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 1 cup cider vinegar
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon yellow mustard seeds
• 1/4 teaspoon celery seed
• 1/8 teaspoon ground turmeric

Equipment Needed

You’ll find these kitchen tools helpful for this recipe:

• Colander
• Large bowl
• Large saucepan
• Glass bowl for chilling

Instructions

Crafting these quick bread and butter pickles is a straightforward process that yields incredibly rewarding results. Follow these steps carefully to achieve pickle perfection:

1. Salt and Drain the Cucumbers and Onions: Begin by tossing the sliced kirby cucumbers and thin-sliced onion together in a colander. Sprinkle the kosher salt evenly over the mixture. Place the colander over a large bowl to catch any liquid. Let this stand for 1 hour. This crucial step draws out excess moisture from the vegetables, ensuring a crisper pickle and preventing a watery brine.

2. Discard Drained Liquid: After the hour has passed, you’ll notice a significant amount of liquid has accumulated in the bowl beneath the colander. Discard this drained liquid. You can then gently rinse the cucumber and onion slices under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels, or if you prefer a less salty pickle, you can skip the rinse and simply proceed.

3. Prepare the Brine: In a large saucepan, combine the cider vinegar, sugar, yellow mustard seeds, celery seed, and ground turmeric. Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally to ensure the sugar dissolves completely.

4. Cook the Pickles: Once the brine is boiling, reduce the heat to low. Add the drained cucumber and onion slices to the saucepan. Use a spoon to press the vegetables down, ensuring they are fully submerged in the hot brine.

5. Simmer Briefly: Cover the saucepan and let the pickles simmer for about 5 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the cucumbers turn a dullish olive-brown color. Avoid overcooking, as this can make them mushy.

6. Chill the Pickles: Carefully transfer the entire contents of the saucepan – both the pickles and the brine – into a glass bowl. Allow the mixture to cool slightly at room temperature, then refrigerate, uncovered, for at least 2 hours before serving. This chilling period allows the flavors to meld and the pickles to firm up.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Cucumber Choice is Key: Kirby cucumbers are ideal for pickling due to their firm texture and fewer seeds. If kirbies are unavailable, look for other pickling varieties. Avoid large, seedy slicing cucumbers.
• Slice Thickness Matters: Aim for a consistent 1/8-inch thickness for your cucumber slices. This ensures even cooking and a pleasant texture. A mandoline slicer can be your best friend here for uniform slices.
• Don’t Skip the Draining: That hour of standing time is not just a suggestion; it’s essential for achieving a crisp pickle. Removing excess water prevents the pickles from becoming soggy.
• Flavor Adjustments: The recipe as written is a classic. However, for a touch of heat, consider adding a thinly sliced fresh jalapeno pepper along with the cucumbers and onions. This adds an interesting spicy kick without overpowering the sweet and tangy profile.
• Sweetener Swap: For those looking to reduce sugar, the author notes that Splenda can be used in place of granulated sugar with successful results. Adjust the amount to your personal taste preference.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These quick bread and butter pickles are incredibly versatile. Serve them chilled as a vibrant accompaniment to sandwiches, burgers, pulled pork, or fried chicken. They are also a delightful addition to a cheese board or a simple side dish for any meal.

For storage, these pickles are best kept in a covered container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 2 weeks, allowing you to enjoy their delightful flavor for an extended period. Because they are “quick” pickles and not fermented or canned, they do require refrigeration.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an estimated nutritional breakdown for a serving of these quick bread and butter pickles. Please note that these are approximate values and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	755.7 kcal	–
Calories from Fat	–	–
Total Fat	1.2 g	1 %
Saturated Fat	0.2 g	1 %
Cholesterol	0 mg	0 %
Sodium	7001.8 mg	291 %
Total Carbohydrate	180.8 g	60 %
Dietary Fiber	4.2 g	16 %
Sugars	163.2 g	652 %
Protein	4.5 g	8 %

Note: The extremely high sodium content in this nutritional breakdown is likely due to the traditional pickling process and may be reduced by rinsing the vegetables thoroughly after salting and before cooking.

Variations & Substitutions

While the classic recipe is divine, feel free to experiment:

• Spicier Kick: As mentioned, a sliced jalapeno or a pinch of red pepper flakes added to the brine can elevate the heat factor.
• Aromatic Infusion: Consider adding a few dill sprigs to the brine during the simmering process for an extra layer of herbaceousness.
• Different Vinegars: While cider vinegar is traditional, you could experiment with white wine vinegar for a slightly milder tang, or even a touch of rice vinegar for a more delicate flavor profile.
• Cucumber Varieties: While kirbies are preferred, other pickling cucumbers will work. If you use standard slicing cucumbers, be sure to remove any large seeds.

FAQs

Q: Why do the pickles need to stand in salt for an hour?
A: This step is crucial for drawing out excess moisture from the cucumbers and onions, which helps them maintain a crisp texture after pickling.

Q: How long will these pickles last?
A: Stored in a covered container in the refrigerator, these quick bread and butter pickles will keep for up to 2 weeks.

Q: Can I use regular table salt instead of kosher salt?
A: While kosher salt is preferred for its flakey texture and purity, you can use table salt. However, use about half the amount, as table salt is more concentrated.

Q: What makes them “bread and butter” pickles?
A: This name is thought to refer to their mild, sweet, and tangy flavor profile, making them a perfect accompaniment to simple staples like bread and butter. Historically, they were a way to preserve summer bounty for the leaner months.

Q: Can I can these pickles for shelf-stable storage?
A: These are considered “quick” pickles and are intended for refrigerated storage for a shorter period. For shelf-stable canning, you would need to follow specific canning guidelines and recipes designed for that purpose, which often involve different brine ratios and processing times.

Final Thoughts

These quick bread and butter pickles are more than just a condiment; they are a testament to the power of simple ingredients transformed by time and technique. The balance of sweet and tangy, with a subtle whisper of spice, makes them an irresistible addition to countless dishes. I encourage you to make a batch the next time you find yourself with an abundance of cucumbers, or simply craving a taste of homemade goodness. They are a reminder that some of the most delightful culinary creations are born from the simplest of intentions. Enjoy them on a classic BLT, alongside a hearty barbecue spread, or straight from the jar – you won’t be disappointed!