Preserves

Sweet Bread and Butter Pickles

Classic sweet and tangy cucumber pickle slices with mustard seeds, celery seeds, and onions.

July 11, 2026 By Chef Clara 4.9 (110 votes)
Sweet Bread and Butter Pickles
Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 10 mins
Total Time 30 mins
Cuisine American

The perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and crunchy! Ideal for topping burgers, sandwiches, or enjoying straight from the jar.

Key Equipment

  • Chef's Knife
  • Cutting Board
  • Measuring Cups & Spoons
  • Mixing Bowls

Chef's Pro-Tips

  • Mise en Place: Measure and prep all ingredients before you turn on the stove. This recipe moves quickly, and having everything ready prevents burning.
  • Fresh is Best: Whenever possible, use freshly squeezed lemon juice, whole garlic cloves, and fresh herbs instead of dried/jarred versions. The flavor difference is huge!
  • Don't Crowd the Pan: Leave room between ingredients. If the pan is overloaded, the moisture will steam the food instead of browning it.
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Ingredients
12 servings

  • 3 lbs pickling cucumbers, sliced into 1/4-inch ridges
  • 2 medium sweet onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 cups apple cider vinegar
  • 1.5 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 tbsp mustard seeds
  • 1 tsp celery seeds
  • ½ tsp ground turmeric
  • 3 tbsp pickling salt
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Step-by-Step Instructions

1

Salt Cucumbers

Toss sliced cucumbers and onions with salt in a colander over a bowl. Let sit 2 hours to drain excess liquid, then rinse and pat dry.

2

Make Sweet Brine

Combine cider vinegar, sugar, mustard seeds, celery seeds, and turmeric in a pot. Bring to a boil until sugar dissolves.

3

Jar Pickles

Add cucumbers and onions to hot brine, simmer for 3 minutes, then pack into glass jars and chill.

Frequently Asked Questions

Allow the food to cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Yes! You can freeze this dish in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Use our interactive servings adjuster at the top of the ingredients list! Simply click the '+' or '-' buttons to automatically scale all ingredient quantities up or down to match your guest count.

Absolutely! For gluten-free modifications, swap standard grains or soy sauces with tamari or certified gluten-free options. For plant-based alternatives, choose coconut milk or vegetable broth in place of dairy and chicken products.