ball traditional bread and butter pickles recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best ball traditional bread and butter pickles recipe

I’ve been making Ball’s traditional bread and butter pickles recipe for years, and it’s still a favorite in my household. The origin of this recipe is unclear, but it’s believed to have originated from the Ball family, who were known for their pickling techniques. The tangy, sweet flavor of these pickles is a perfect combination that complements any meal.

I love how easy it is to make these pickles at home, and the best part is that they’re ready in just a few hours. My kids love helping me with the process, from slicing the cucumbers to mixing the spices. This recipe is a staple in our household, and I’m sure it will be in yours too.

The health benefits of these pickles are numerous – they’re low in calories, high in fiber, and rich in antioxidants from the vinegar and spices. We enjoy them as a snack on their own or as a side dish for sandwiches and burgers. I’ve even used them as a topping for salads and grilled meats.

The possibilities are endless! I’ve experimented with different variations of this recipe over the years, but the classic version remains my favorite. It’s a simple yet effective combination of flavors that never fails to impress.

Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a delicious addition to your next meal, these pickles are sure to please. They’re also great for gift-giving – who doesn’t love a jar of homemade pickles? My family loves them so much that we often have jars on hand for unexpected guests or as a treat after dinner.

Ball Traditional Bread and Butter Pickles Recipe

4.6 from 816 votes

A classic Ball recipe for tangy, sweet bread and butter pickles. These pickles are perfect for sandwiches or as a side dish.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time10 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time30 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 30 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Brine

1 1/2 cups water
1 1/2 cups white vinegar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tbsp kosher salt
1 tsp black peppercorns
1 tsp mustard seeds
1 tsp coriander seeds
1 tsp celery seeds
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes

For the Pickles

1 lb Kirby cucumbers, thinly sliced
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup white vinegar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tbsp kosher salt
1 tsp turmeric
1 tsp celery seeds
1/2 tsp mustard seeds

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a large pot, combine water, vinegar, sugar, salt, peppercorns, mustard seeds, coriander seeds, celery seeds, and red pepper flakes.
2Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
3Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 5 minutes until sugar and salt are fully dissolved.
4In a large mixing bowl, combine cucumbers and red onion.
5Pour the hot brine over the cucumbers and onions.
6Let it sit for 2 hours at room temperature, ensuring the vegetables are fully submerged in the brine.
7Drain the brine from the cucumbers and onions.
8In a separate bowl, mix vinegar, sugar, salt, turmeric, celery seeds, and mustard seeds.
9Add this mixture to the cucumbers and onions, ensuring they are well coated.
10Let it marinate overnight in the refrigerator.
11Pack the pickles into sterilized jars, leaving 1/2 inch of headspace.
12Pour the marinade over the pickles, ensuring they are fully covered.
13Seal the jars and process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes.
14Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
15Store in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Mixing bowl
Jars with lids
Canning equipment

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 30 kcal🧈Total Fat: 0g💛Saturated Fat: 0g❤️Cholesterol: 0mg🧂Sodium: 900mg🌾Total Carbs: 7g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 6g🥩Protein: 0g

📝Notes

Tips: For a spicier pickle, increase the amount of red pepper flakes. You can also add fresh dill or garlic for extra flavor.

Watch Video Of How Ball Traditional Bread and Butter Pickles Recipe Works

One thing I love about this recipe is that it makes enough pickle juice to fill several jars, so you can enjoy them all year round. Simply store the filled jars in your pantry or fridge and reheat them when needed – they’ll be just as delicious as when they were first made!

If you’re looking for ideas on how to serve these pickles beyond just eating them on their own, try using them as a topping for sandwiches or burgers. They’re also great as a side dish for grilled meats or as an accompaniment to cheese plates.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Ball Bread and Butter Pickles

What type of cucumbers should I use for this recipe?

For this recipe, you’ll want to use slicing cucumbers, which are typically longer and thinner than other varieties. You can find them at most grocery stores or farmers’ markets during the summer months.

Can I make these pickles without sugar?

No, you cannot make these pickles without sugar. The sugar helps balance out the acidity of the vinegar and adds sweetness to the pickles. You can try reducing the amount of sugar if you prefer less sweet pickles.

How long do I need to let the pickles sit before serving?

The longer you let the pickles sit, the better they’ll taste. You can serve them after 2-3 hours, but they’ll be even more flavorful after 24 hours.

Can I use this recipe to make other types of pickles?

This recipe can be adapted to make other types of pickles by using different spices or seasonings. For example, you can add garlic for dill pickle flavor or use mustard seeds for a spicy kick.

Do I need to sterilize my jars before filling them with pickle juice?

Yes, it’s always best to sterilize your jars before filling them with pickle juice to prevent contamination and spoilage.

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