Bread and Butter Pickles (Refrigerator Pickles) - Great Depression Era Crispy Pickle Recipe

white vinegar

🥗Healthier: apple cider vinegar

💰Cheaper: distilled vinegar

Apple cider vinegar adds a fruity note while being healthier.

sugar

🥗Healthier: honey

💰Cheaper: agave syrup

Honey offers natural sweetness with a unique flavor.

garlic

🥗Healthier: garlic powder

💰Cheaper: onion powder

Garlic powder provides flavor without fresh garlic's cost.

dill

🥗Healthier: fresh herbs

💰Cheaper: dried herbs

Fresh herbs enhance flavor while dried herbs are more economical.

Start by gathering ingredients for bread and butter pickles.

Measure out 2 cups of distilled white vinegar and set aside.

In a bowl, combine 1 teaspoon mustard seeds and 1 teaspoon celery seeds with the vinegar.

Add 2 teaspoons of salt and 3/4 teaspoon of turmeric to the vinegar mixture.

Stir the mixture to combine all ingredients.

Turn on the burner and bring the vinegar mixture to a boil, letting it boil for 5 minutes to infuse the spices.

While the brine is boiling, prepare a quart-sized wide mouth jar by removing the blossom end from the cucumbers and slicing them into rounds.

Pack 2 cups of sliced cucumbers into the jar, layering with 1/2 cup of sliced peppers and 1/2 cup of sliced onions, leaving about a half inch of headspace at the top.

Once the brine is done boiling, carefully pour it over the packed vegetables in the jar, using a funnel if necessary to avoid spills.

Press down on the vegetables to ensure they are fully submerged in the brine.

Seal the jar with a lid and band, ensuring it's tight but not overly so since these are refrigerator pickles and not canned.

Let the jar sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the refrigerator to avoid thermal shock.

Refrigerate the pickles for at least 2 weeks for best flavor, although they can be eaten sooner if desired.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary