spicy bread and butter pickle recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
spicy bread and butter pickle recipe
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The Best spicy bread and butter pickle recipe

I’ve been making spicy bread and butter pickles for years, and they’re always a hit with my family. My kids love helping me in the kitchen, and this recipe is one of their favorites. We make it for special occasions, like holidays and barbecues, but it’s also a staple in our everyday meals.

I love how the combination of sweet and spicy flavors makes this dish so unique and delicious. The best part is that it’s incredibly easy to make and requires minimal ingredients. My husband loves how versatile it is – we use it as a side dish, add it to sandwiches, or even serve it as a snack on its own.

I’ve also noticed that my kids are more willing to eat vegetables when they’re served with this tasty pickle sauce. It’s amazing how something so simple can bring so much joy to our meals. My grandmother used to make this recipe when I was growing up, and I’m so glad I can continue her tradition in my own kitchen.

I’ve tweaked the recipe over the years to suit our tastes, but the core ingredients remain the same. This recipe has become an integral part of our family’s cooking traditions, and I’m excited to share it with you today. The process of making these pickles is therapeutic – watching the jar fill up with its golden goodness never gets old.

When we’re all sitting down to eat together, there’s nothing quite like the feeling of sharing a meal made with love and care.

Spicy Bread and Butter Pickles

Spicy Bread and Butter Pickles

4.5 from 1255 votes

These spicy bread and butter pickles combine the classic sweet and tangy brine with a kick of heat from red pepper flakes and fresh jalapeno. They are perfect for adding a zesty crunch to sandwiches, burgers, or charcuterie boards.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time10 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time4 hours 30 mins (includes cooling and chilling)
Servings: 8 (makes about 4 pints)Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 45 kcal per serving

🥘Ingredients

For the Pickles

2 pounds pickling cucumbers, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
1 jalapeno pepper, thinly sliced (seeds optional for more heat)
2 tablespoons kosher salt

For the Brine

1 1/2 cups apple cider vinegar
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup water
1 tablespoon mustard seeds
1 teaspoon celery seeds
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon black peppercorns

👨‍🍳Directions

1Place the cucumber slices, onion slices, and jalapeno slices in a large bowl.
2Sprinkle with the kosher salt and toss to coat evenly.
3Let the mixture sit for 1 hour at room temperature to draw out excess moisture, then drain in a colander and rinse well with cold water.
4Pat dry with a clean kitchen towel.
5In a medium saucepan, combine the apple cider vinegar, granulated sugar, water, mustard seeds, celery seeds, ground turmeric, red pepper flakes, and black peppercorns.
6Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves completely, about 3 to 4 minutes.
7Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 2 minutes to meld the flavors.
8Pack the drained cucumber mixture tightly into the sterilized pint jars, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace at the top.
9Ladle the hot brine over the vegetables, ensuring they are fully submerged and the brine reaches the neck of the jar.
10Tap the jars gently to release any air bubbles, then wipe the rims clean and seal with the lids and bands.
11Let the jars cool to room temperature on a countertop for about 1 hour.
12Once cool, refrigerate the pickles for at least 24 hours before serving to allow the flavors to develop fully.
13The pickles will keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 months.

🔧Equipment

Large bowl
Colander
Medium saucepan
4 pint-sized canning jars with lids and bands
Funnel
Ladle
Clean kitchen towel

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 45 kcal🧈Total Fat: 0g💛Saturated Fat: 0g❤️Cholesterol: 0mg🧂Sodium: 580mg🌾Total Carbs: 11g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 9g🥩Protein: 1g

📝Notes

For a milder pickle, remove the seeds from the jalapeno before slicing. For extra heat, leave the seeds in or add an additional jalapeno. These pickles are not shelf-stable and must be stored in the refrigerator.

Watch Video Of How Spicy Bread and Butter Pickles Works

This spicy bread and butter pickle recipe has become an integral part of our family’s cooking traditions. We love how versatile it is – we can serve it as a side dish, add it to sandwiches, or even enjoy it on its own as a snack.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how well it stores – we can keep them in the fridge for weeks or freeze them for months without compromising their flavor or texture. When reheating them, simply place them in a pot over low heat until warmed through.

For serving ideas, try pairing them with grilled meats or cheeses for a delicious twist on classic pairings.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Spicy Bread and Butter Pickles

Q: What is bread and butter pickle sauce made from?

Bread and butter pickle sauce is a mixture of pickled cucumbers, sugar, vinegar, salt, and spices. The exact recipe may vary depending on the region or personal preference.

Q: Can I use store-bought pickles instead of making my own?

While you can use store-bought pickles as a substitute, keep in mind that homemade pickles have a fresher taste and texture. If you choose to use store-bought pickles, be sure to check the ingredient list for any added preservatives or artificial flavorings.

Q: How long do I need to soak the cucumbers in the brine?

The soaking time will depend on your desired level of sourness. Typically, you’ll want to soak them for at least 24 hours or up to several days if you prefer a stronger flavor.

Q: Can I adjust the level of spiciness in this recipe?

Yes! If you prefer a milder pickle sauce, reduce the amount of hot peppers or omit them altogether. Conversely, if you prefer an even spicier sauce, add more hot peppers or try using different types of hot peppers.

Q: Is this recipe suitable for people with dietary restrictions?

This recipe is naturally gluten-free and vegetarian-friendly; however, be sure to check your vinegar brand for any gluten content if you’re cooking for someone with celiac disease or other gluten-related conditions.

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