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Easy Tangy Quick Refrigerator Bread and Butter Pickles

refrigerator bread and butter pickles - featured image

A quick and easy refrigerator pickle recipe that delivers a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and mild spice with a satisfying crunch. Ready to eat in just a few hours and best after sitting overnight.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups Kirby cucumbers, thinly sliced
  • 1 1/2 cups white vinegar
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon salt (pickling or kosher salt preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard seeds
  • 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 medium onion, thinly sliced (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon celery seeds (optional)

Instructions

  1. Slice the cucumbers and onions into thin rounds (about 1/8 inch thick) using a mandoline or sharp knife.
  2. Place the cucumber and onion slices in a medium bowl. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of salt over them and toss well. Let sit for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
  3. While the cucumbers sweat, combine white vinegar, sugar, mustard seeds, black peppercorns, celery seeds (if using), and turmeric powder in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar (about 5 minutes).
  4. Drain excess liquid from the cucumbers and onions after 1 hour. Do not rinse.
  5. Transfer the drained cucumbers and onions into a clean quart-sized glass jar or airtight container. Pour the hot brine over the vegetables, ensuring they are fully submerged.
  6. Let the jar cool to room temperature, then seal and refrigerate. Pickles are ready after 6 hours but taste best after 24 hours. Store up to 2 weeks.

Notes

Use thin slices (about 1/8 inch) for faster brine absorption. Do not rinse cucumbers after salting to maintain texture and flavor. Fresh spices are best for optimal flavor. Let pickles sit at least 6 hours, preferably 24 hours, before eating. Store in the refrigerator up to 2 weeks. For a spicy variation, add sliced jalapeΓ±o or red pepper flakes. For low sugar, reduce sugar by half and add honey or maple syrup.

Nutrition

Keywords: bread and butter pickles, quick pickles, refrigerator pickles, tangy pickles, easy pickles, cucumber pickles, sweet and tangy pickles