Chef John's Bread and Butter Pickles

Chef John's Bread and Butter Pickles

Crunchy bread and butter pickles made with pickling cucumbers, vinegar, sugar, spices, and jalapeño for just the right amount of heat and sweet.

Ingredients

  • pickling cucumbers

    sliced

    2 lb
  • yellow onion

    sliced

    ½
  • red jalapeno peppers

    thinly sliced into rings

    2
  • kosher salt
    3 tbsp
  • distilled white vinegar
    2 c
  • white sugar
    2 c
  • water
    ¼ c
  • garlic

    sliced

    2 cloves
  • mustard seed
    1 tbsp
  • celery seeds
    1 tsp
  • whole black peppercorns
    1 tsp
  • ground turmeric
    ½ tsp
  • ground cloves
    ⅛ tsp

Directions

  1. 1

    Combine cucumbers, onion, and peppers in a bowl; pour kosher salt over the top and stir to coat completely. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate, stirring occasionally, 2 to 4 hours. Rinse cucumber mixture in a colander under cold water until all salt is washed away, 3 to 4 minutes. Drain.

  2. 2

    Stir vinegar, sugar, water, garlic, mustard seed, celery seed, peppercorns, turmeric, and ground cloves together in a saucepan; bring to a simmer and cook until brine flavors combine, about 2 minutes. Add cucumber mixture to brine; heat until almost boiling, remove from heat, and cool completely. Transfer to jars and store in the refrigerator.

    Step 2
Chef John's Bread and Butter Pickles

Chef John's Bread and Butter Pickles

4.9(202)38 cal

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Ratings & Reviews

0.0/ 5
Exceptional

Based on 202 ratings

allrecipes.com
4.9(202 reviews)
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Rating Breakdown

About this Recipe

Craving that perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and a touch of heat in a crunchy bite? Chef John's Bread and Butter Pickles deliver exactly that, transforming humble cucumbers into an irresistible condiment that brightens any meal.

What makes these pickles stand out is the masterful blend of classic bread and butter pickle sweetness with a vibrant kick from red jalapeño peppers. This thoughtful addition elevates the traditional flavor profile, creating a dynamic taste experience that's both familiar and exciting.

Get ready for pickles that boast an incredibly satisfying crunch, a hallmark of well-made preserves. Each slice offers a harmonious interplay of sweet and tangy, complemented by aromatic notes from mustard seed, celery seeds, and whole black peppercorns. The subtle warmth from the jalapeños, balanced by hints of ground turmeric and cloves, makes these more than just a side—they're a star in their own right. These pickles are vibrant in both flavor and color, a true testament to fresh ingredients and expert seasoning.

While this recipe masterfully balances its flavors, you can easily adjust the red jalapeño peppers to suit your preference. For less heat, simply reduce the number of slices, or omit them entirely for a purely sweet-tangy experience. If you love a bolder spice, a touch more jalapeño can deepen that fiery sweet contrast. The combination of distilled white vinegar and white sugar provides the ideal sweet-sour base, ensuring consistency in every batch.

Serve these delightful pickles alongside burgers, sandwiches, or barbecued meats to cut through richness with their bright, zesty character. They're also fantastic straight from the jar as a refreshing snack, proving how a simple condiment can truly elevate your everyday meals.

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