Refrigerator Bread and Butter Pickles

Whether you’re new to pickling or just want to preserve a few garden cucumbers, this small-batch recipe is a go-to. It’s low effort, big payoff, and endlessly satisfying to open a jar of something you made yourself.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 10

soaking time 2

Course condiments

Cuisine American, French, Mediterranean, Mexican

Equipment

1 colander
2 16-ounce jars with lids
1 small to a medium pot

Ingredients

1½ pounds pickling cucumbers
1 cup thinly sliced sweet onion
½ cup brown sugar
½ cup Pre cane sugar
1 cup white vinegar
1/2 cup cider vinegar
2½ tbsp kosher salt
2 tsp mustard seeds
½ tsp celery seed
½ tsp turmeric
½ tsp chili flakes optional

Instructions

Cut the cucumbers to desired thickness ¼ to ½ inch; this is up to you and how thick you like your pickles. It is important to cut off the blossom end as it will let off an enzyme that will make your pickles soft.
Place the cucumbers in a colander and rub with the salt.
Place the colander over a bowl or in your sink and let sit for an hour or 2
Rinse well under running water for 2 to 3 minutes.
In a large non-reactive pot (stainless steel or enameled), combine:
Vinegars, sugar, mustard seed, celery seed, turmeric, and red pepper flakes.
Bring to a simmer, stirring until sugar dissolves.
Bring to a boil stirring to dissolve the sugars.
Turn off the heat and let it set while you get your jars ready.
Pack your jars with the rinsed cucumbers and onions.
Pour the brine mixture over the cucumbers and let come to room temperature.
Refrigerator Pickles Instructions
Seal jars with lids and let cool to room temperature.
Refrigerate for at least 24 hours before eating, for best flavor.
Keeps in the fridge for 4–6 months.
Water Bath Canning Instructions
Prepare a water bath canner and bring water to a boil.
Process sealed pint jars for 10 minutes (adjust for altitude if needed).
Remove jars and let cool undisturbed for 12–24 hours.
Check for seals, label, and store in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year.

Notes

If you want to add some cider vinegar with mother, leave some space at the top and add it after they are cool. The heat will kill the mother, so make sure they are cool before adding it.

Keyword bread and butter pickles, pickles

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