Old-Fashioned Bread and Butter Pickles – Classic Sweet and Tangy Homemade Pickles

If you love traditional homemade pickles with a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavor, these Old-Fashioned Bread and Butter Pickles are a must-try. This classic recipe has been passed down for generations and is known for its crisp texture, warm spices, and rich flavor that only gets better with time.

Perfect for sandwiches, burgers, salads, or as a snack straight from the jar, these pickles are a pantry staple that brings old-fashioned comfort to every bite.

What Are Bread and Butter Pickles?

Bread and butter pickles are sweet-and-sour pickles made from sliced cucumbers and onions, preserved in a spiced vinegar brine. Despite the name, they contain no bread or butter—the term comes from their traditional use as a simple, affordable sandwich topping during hard times.

They’re known for:

Thinly sliced cucumbers
A sweet vinegar brine
Warm spices like turmeric and cloves
A crisp but tender texture

Why You’ll Love This Old-Fashioned Recipe

Authentic, traditional flavor
Perfect for long-term storage
Sweet, tangy, and lightly spiced
Made with simple pantry ingredients
Ideal for sandwiches and burgers

This recipe stays true to the classic homemade method, making it perfect for beginners and experienced home canners alike.

Ingredients for Old-Fashioned Bread and Butter Pickles

Vegetables

8 cups cucumbers, thinly sliced
2 onions, thinly sliced

For Salting

⅓ cup kosher salt
Ice (enough to cover vegetables)

Pickling Brine

2 cups sugar
2 cups vinegar (white or apple cider vinegar)
1 tablespoon mustard seeds
1 teaspoon celery seeds
1 teaspoon turmeric
1 teaspoon ground cloves

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Slice the Cucumbers and Onions

Wash the cucumbers thoroughly and slice them into thin, even rounds. Thin slices help the pickles absorb flavor while staying crisp. Slice the onions into thin rounds as well.

Place the cucumbers and onions in a large bowl.

Step 2: Salt and Ice the Vegetables

Sprinkle the vegetables evenly with ⅓ cup kosher salt. Cover completely with ice.

Let the mixture sit for 3 hours. This step is essential—it draws out excess moisture, enhances flavor, and helps keep the pickles crisp.

Step 3: Drain and Rinse

After 3 hours, drain the vegetables well. Rinse lightly with cold water to remove excess salt, then drain again thoroughly.

Step 4: Prepare the Pickling Brine

In a large pot, combine:

Sugar
Vinegar
Mustard seeds
Celery seeds
Turmeric
Ground cloves

Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is completely dissolved.

Step 5: Cook the Pickles

Add the drained cucumber and onion slices to the boiling brine.

Reduce heat slightly and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring gently. The vegetables should be just tender but still crisp—do not overcook.

Step 6: Pack the Jars

Carefully pack the hot pickles into sterilized jars, leaving a little space at the top. Pour the hot brine over the pickles, making sure they are fully covered.

Remove air bubbles and wipe jar rims clean.

Step 7: Seal and Process

Seal the jars with lids and process them in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes. This step ensures safe storage and long shelf life.

Step 8: Cool and Store

Remove jars from the water bath and let them cool completely at room temperature. As they cool, you should hear the lids “pop,” indicating a proper seal.

Store jars in a cool, dark place.

When Are the Pickles Ready?

While you can taste them after a few days, the best flavor develops after at least one week of curing. Over time, the spices deepen and the sweet-tangy balance becomes even better.

Serving Suggestions

Add to sandwiches and burgers
Serve alongside grilled meats
Chop into potato or pasta salad
Enjoy straight from the jar

These pickles are especially delicious with classic comfort foods

Storage Tips

Properly sealed jars last up to 1 year
Refrigerate after opening
Always use clean utensils to keep pickles fresh

Tips for Perfect Bread and Butter Pickles

Use fresh, firm cucumbers for best crunch
Slice evenly for consistent texture
Don’t skip the salting step
Apple cider vinegar adds extra depth of flavor

Final Thoughts

These Old-Fashioned Bread and Butter Pickles are a timeless classic that never goes out of style. Sweet, tangy, crisp, and perfectly spiced, they’re the kind of homemade recipe that becomes a family favorite for generations.

If you’re looking for a traditional pickle recipe with authentic flavor and long-lasting results, this one belongs in your kitchen.