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Crisp Sweet Refrigerator Bread and Butter Pickles

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A quick and easy homemade recipe for crisp, sweet refrigerator bread and butter pickles with a perfect balance of tangy and mellow sweetness. Ready to enjoy in just 24 hours, these pickles add a satisfying crunch to any meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups fresh cucumbers, thinly sliced (preferably Kirby cucumbers)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup kosher salt
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 cups apple cider vinegar
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons mustard seeds
  • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon ground celery seed (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns

Instructions

  1. Thinly slice 4 cups of fresh cucumbers and 1 medium onion to about 1/8 inch (3 mm) thickness.
  2. Place the cucumber and onion slices in a large bowl and sprinkle with 1/4 cup kosher salt. Toss well to coat evenly. Let sit for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally to draw out moisture and keep cucumbers crisp.
  3. Rinse the cucumbers and onions under cold water 2-3 times to wash away the salt. Drain thoroughly in a colander, pressing gently to remove extra moisture.
  4. In a medium saucepan, combine 2 cups granulated sugar, 2 cups apple cider vinegar, and 1 cup water. Add 2 tablespoons mustard seeds, 1 teaspoon turmeric, 1 teaspoon ground celery seed (if using), and 1 teaspoon black peppercorns. Stir gently over medium heat until sugar dissolves and mixture just starts to simmer.
  5. Pack the drained cucumbers and onions into clean glass jars. Pour the hot brine over them, ensuring slices are fully submerged. Let jars cool to room temperature (about 30 minutes).
  6. Seal the jars with lids and refrigerate. Pickles are ready to enjoy after 24 hours but taste better after 48 hours.

Notes

Do not boil the brine too hard or too long to avoid soft pickles; a gentle simmer is sufficient. Salt soaking is essential to keep cucumbers crisp. Use fresh, firm cucumbers like Kirby for best texture. Let jars cool completely before sealing to avoid condensation. Variations include adding jalapeño for spice or fresh dill for herb flavor. For a lower sugar option, reduce sugar and add honey.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://recipebelle.com/crisp-sweet-refrigerator-bread-and-butter-pickles-easy-homemade-recipe/