These Granny’s Bread and Butter Pickles Recipe are a delightful way to capture summer’s essence in a jar. With their perfect blend of sweetness and tanginess, these pickles are ideal for topping burgers, adding to salads, or enjoying straight from the jar. The unique flavors make them a standout addition to any meal, perfect for family gatherings, picnics, or simply enjoying at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: Even beginners can follow this simple recipe with confidence.
- Flavorful Balance: The sweet and tangy taste appeals to all palates, making them a crowd favorite.
- Versatile Use: Great for sandwiches, salads, or as a snack on their own.
- Long Shelf Life: Once canned, these pickles last up to a year—perfect for stocking up!
- Homemade Goodness: Enjoy the satisfaction of making your own preserves with fresh ingredients.
Tools and Preparation
To create the perfect batch of Granny’s Bread and Butter Pickles, having the right tools is essential. Proper equipment ensures your pickles turn out great every time.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Canning jars
- Jar lids
- Screw bands
- Water bath canner
- Jar lifter
- Canning funnel
- Ladle
- Bubble popper
Importance of Each Tool
- Water bath canner: This tool ensures even heat distribution for safe canning.
- Jar lifter: Safely removes hot jars from boiling water without burns.
- Canning funnel: Helps fill jars without spilling brine or ingredients.
Ingredients
These bread and butter pickles are a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors. Perfect for topping your favorite burgers or adding to salads.
The Casserole Dish Thousands of Families Can't Cook Without!
- 3 pounds pickling cucumbers
- 1 pound onions
- 1/4 cup canning or pickling salt
- 2 quarts crushed ice or ice cubes and water
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard seed
- 1 teaspoon celery seed
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon black peppercorn
- 3 cups apple cider vinegar (5% acidity or white vinegar)
How to Make Granny’s Bread and Butter Pickles Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Cucumbers and Onions
- Wash cucumbers thoroughly and cut them into 1/4-inch slices while discarding the ends.
- Peel and thinly slice the onions.
- Combine the sliced cucumbers and onions in a large bowl.
- Sprinkle canning salt over the mixture, cover with ice and water, and let it stand for 3 hours.
Step 2: Prepare Your Canning Equipment
- Wash your jars, lids, screw bands, and canning tools in hot soapy water.
- Rinse thoroughly to remove all suds.
- Set aside to air dry on a clean kitchen towel.
- Place the jar rack into the water bath canner, place jars inside, and add enough water to cover them.
- Bring the canner to a simmer (180˚F) for 10 minutes to keep the jars hot.
Step 3: Make Your Bread and Butter Pickles
- In a large pot, combine sugar, mustard seed, celery seed, ground turmeric, black peppercorns, and vinegar.
- Heat this mixture just until it begins to boil.
- Drain and rinse the cucumber and onion mixture under fresh water.
- Add the drained cucumbers and onions back into the large pot with the brine; return it to a boil.
- Reduce heat but keep warm as you fill your jars.
Step 4: Can Your Bread and Butter Pickles
- Spread a kitchen towel on your counter for cooling jars.
- Use the jar lifter to remove one hot jar from the canner; drain it before placing it on the towel.
- Pack hot cucumber slices loosely into each jar using your canning funnel.
- Ladle hot brine over pickles while maintaining a 1/2 inch headspace in each jar.
- Run a bubble popper through each jar to release trapped air bubbles; ensure pickles remain submerged under brine.
- Wipe rims clean before centering lids on jars; screw on bands until fingertip tight.
- Return filled jars back into the canner; repeat until all jars are filled.
Step 5: Process Your Jars
- Adjust water level in the canner so it’s 2 inches above jar tops before covering it with a lid.
- Bring water to a vigorous boil over high heat; process pints for 10 minutes if you’re below 1,000 feet altitude (adjust as needed).
- When processing time is complete, turn off heat; remove cover carefully after about 5 minutes of cooling down.
Step 6: Cool and Store Your Jars
- Lay out another dry kitchen towel on your counter for cooling jars safely.
- Carefully lift jars from the canner using your jar lifter; place them upright on the towel without tightening bands yet.
- Allow jars to sit undisturbed for 12–24 hours at room temperature to cool completely.
- After this time frame, check seals by pressing down in the center of each lid—the lid should not pop up if sealed correctly; refrigerate unsealed jars immediately for use within one week.
- Remove screw bands after checking seals; wash jars thoroughly before labeling them with dates for storage in a cool dark location.
- Allow pickles at least 4–5 weeks to develop their full flavor before enjoying!
This recipe yields about five pints of delicious homemade bread and butter pickles! Enjoy them throughout the year!
How to Serve Granny’s Bread and Butter Pickles Recipe
Granny’s Bread and Butter Pickles are versatile and can enhance a variety of dishes. Their sweet and tangy flavor pairs well with many foods, making them a delightful addition to your meals.
On Burgers
- Adding a few slices of these pickles on top of your favorite burger can elevate its taste, providing a crunchy contrast to the meat.
In Salads
- Toss in some bread and butter pickles for a zesty crunch in salads, from classic green salads to potato or pasta salads.
As a Snack
- Enjoy them straight out of the jar! These pickles make for an easy and delicious snack option that satisfies cravings for something crunchy.
With Sandwiches
- Layer these pickles in sandwiches or wraps for extra flavor. They complement deli meats wonderfully.
On Charcuterie Boards
- Include them on your charcuterie boards as a sweet-tart element that balances savory cheeses and meats.
With Fried Foods
- Serve alongside fried chicken or fish. The acidity of the pickles cuts through the richness, making each bite more enjoyable.
How to Perfect Granny’s Bread and Butter Pickles Recipe
To ensure your bread and butter pickles turn out perfectly every time, follow these simple tips.
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Choose Fresh Cucumbers: Always select firm, fresh pickling cucumbers for the best texture and flavor in your pickles.
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Use Proper Salt: Opt for canning or pickling salt instead of table salt to avoid cloudiness in your brine.
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Maintain Headspace: Ensure you leave enough headspace when filling jars; this helps with proper sealing.
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Check Seals After Cooling: After cooling, always check if your jar lids have sealed properly before storing them away.
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Allow Time for Flavor Development: Be patient! Letting your pickles sit for 4-5 weeks enhances their flavor significantly.
Best Side Dishes for Granny’s Bread and Butter Pickles Recipe
Pairing side dishes with Granny’s Bread and Butter Pickles can create a balanced meal. Here are some perfect options:
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Coleslaw: A creamy coleslaw adds a refreshing crunch that complements the tanginess of the pickles.
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Potato Salad: The rich flavors in potato salad work wonderfully with the sweet notes of the bread and butter pickles.
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Cornbread: Sweet cornbread offers a delightful contrast to the sharpness of the pickles.
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Baked Beans: The sweetness in baked beans pairs nicely with the tangy flavor profile of the pickles.
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Macaroni Salad: This classic dish is made even better with the addition of bread and butter pickles mixed in.
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Grilled Vegetables: Charred veggies bring a smoky flavor that contrasts beautifully with the brightness of the pickles.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Granny’s Bread and Butter Pickles can be a fun and rewarding experience. However, there are some common pitfalls you should watch out for.
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Using the wrong cucumbers: Make sure to use pickling cucumbers rather than regular ones. Pickling cucumbers have a firmer texture and better flavor for canning.
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Skipping the salting step: Don’t overlook the importance of salting your cucumbers and onions. This step helps draw out excess moisture, ensuring crisp pickles.
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Not adjusting for altitude: Be mindful of your altitude when processing jars. If you’re above 1,000 feet, you’ll need to adjust your processing time to ensure proper sealing.
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Ignoring jar cleanliness: Always wash your jars thoroughly before using them. Any residue can prevent proper sealing and spoil your pickles.
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Forgetting to check seals: After cooling, don’t forget to check if the lids have sealed properly. A loose lid means the jar isn’t safe for long-term storage.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store opened jars in the refrigerator.
- Use within 2-3 weeks for best flavor and freshness.
- Keep in airtight containers to maintain crispiness.
Freezing Granny’s Bread and Butter Pickles Recipe
- Freezing is not recommended for these pickles as it affects texture.
- Instead, enjoy them fresh or canned for best results.
Reheating Granny’s Bread and Butter Pickles Recipe
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F. Place pickles in an oven-safe dish covered with foil until warmed through.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe container. Heat on low power in short intervals, stirring occasionally until warm.
- Stovetop: In a saucepan over low heat, gently warm the pickles while stirring occasionally to avoid burning.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Granny’s Bread and Butter Pickles special?
Granny’s Bread and Butter Pickles stand out due to their perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess, making them an excellent accompaniment to many dishes.
How long do I need to wait before eating the pickles?
It’s best to let the pickles sit for at least 4-5 weeks after canning. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Can I customize Granny’s Bread and Butter Pickles Recipe?
Absolutely! You can experiment with spices or add more sugar for sweetness or vinegar for tartness based on your taste preferences.
How should I store unopened jars of bread and butter pickles?
Unopened jars should be stored in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight. They can last up to a year if stored correctly.
Are these pickles suitable for gifting?
Yes! Canned bread and butter pickles make wonderful gifts. Just remember to label them with the date they were made for freshness tracking.
Final Thoughts
Granny’s Bread and Butter Pickles are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. They elevate burgers, salads, and sandwiches with their sweet-tangy flavor profile. Feel free to customize this recipe with your favorite spices or herbs! Give this delightful recipe a try, and enjoy the satisfaction of homemade preserves.
Granny’s Bread and Butter Pickles Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: About five pints (approximately 80 servings) 1x
Description
Granny’s Bread and Butter Pickles are a quintessential summer delight, combining the perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess in every bite. These homemade pickles capture the essence of fresh cucumbers and onions, making them an irresistible addition to burgers, salads, or simply enjoyed straight from the jar. With their vibrant flavor profile, they are ideal for family gatherings or picnics, ensuring that each meal is elevated to new heights. Easy to make and with a long shelf life, you’ll love having these delicious pickles on hand all year round.
Ingredients
- 3 pounds pickling cucumbers
- 1 pound onions
- 1/4 cup canning salt
- 2 quarts crushed ice or ice cubes and water
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard seed
- 1 teaspoon celery seed
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon black peppercorn
- 3 cups apple cider vinegar (5% acidity or white vinegar)
Instructions
- Wash cucumbers and cut into 1/4-inch slices. Peel and thinly slice onions.
- Combine cucumbers and onions in a bowl; sprinkle with canning salt and cover with ice water for 3 hours.
- Prepare jars by washing them in hot soapy water and placing them in a water bath canner.
- In a pot, combine sugar, mustard seed, celery seed, turmeric, black peppercorns, and vinegar; heat until boiling.
- Drain cucumber mixture and add to the pot; return to boil.
- Pack cucumbers into jars and ladle hot brine over them while maintaining headspace.
- Process jars in boiling water for about 10 minutes.
- Let jars cool undisturbed for 12–24 hours before checking seals.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Canning
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 15g
- Calories: 20
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: <1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
The Casserole Dish Thousands of Families Can't Cook Without!
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