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Easy Tangy Homemade Refrigerator Bread and Butter Pickles

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A quick and easy recipe for tangy, sweet, and crispy refrigerator bread and butter pickles that capture the perfect summer flavor without traditional canning.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups thinly sliced fresh cucumbers (about 4–5 medium Kirby cucumbers)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup white vinegar (5% acidity recommended)
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon pickling or kosher salt
  • 1 tablespoon mustard seeds
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon celery seeds (optional)

Instructions

  1. Thinly slice 4 cups of cucumbers and 1 medium yellow onion to about 1/8 inch thickness using a sharp knife or mandoline slicer. Place slices in a large bowl and sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of kosher or pickling salt. Toss gently to coat evenly and let sit for 1-2 hours to draw out excess moisture.
  2. Rinse the cucumbers and onions thoroughly under cold water to remove excess salt. Drain well and gently squeeze to remove lingering water.
  3. In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup white vinegar, 1 cup water, 1 cup granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon salt, 1 tablespoon mustard seeds, 1 teaspoon turmeric, and 1 teaspoon celery seeds (if using). Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until sugar and salt dissolve (about 5 minutes). Remove from heat once boiling.
  4. Place the drained cucumbers and onions into clean quart-sized glass jars or airtight containers. Pour the hot brine over the vegetables, ensuring they are fully submerged. Press down gently to remove air pockets.
  5. Allow jars to cool to room temperature before sealing. Refrigerate for at least 24 hours before eating; flavor improves after 2-3 days. Pickles keep well for up to 2 weeks.

Notes

Use thin slices for best crunch. Let cucumbers and onions sit with salt for 1-2 hours to draw out moisture. Cool jars before sealing to avoid condensation. Use fresh, firm cucumbers like Kirby for best texture. Variations include using apple cider vinegar, adding jalapeños for spice, or substituting sugar with honey or maple syrup for a low-sugar version.

Nutrition

Keywords: bread and butter pickles, refrigerator pickles, homemade pickles, tangy pickles, sweet pickles, quick pickles, easy pickle recipe, summer pickles

Find it online: https://freshforkful.com/easy-tangy-homemade-refrigerator-bread-and-butter-pickles-recipe-for-perfect-crispy-flavor/