What is the difference between bread and butter pickles and sweet pickles?

All bread and butter pickles are sweet pickles, but not all sweet pickles are bread and butter. The key difference is in the spice blend . Bread and butter pickles usually include mustard seed, celery seed, turmeric, and cloves, giving them a warm, spiced flavor, whereas sweet pickles may just use sugar and vinegar without those added seasonings.

Can I reuse the brine for a second batch?

Technically, yes—but it’s not recommended . The flavor will be diluted, and the acidity level may drop, making it unsafe for canning . For refrigerator pickles, reusing once is acceptable, but always taste-test and discard if cloudy or off-smelling.

How long do homemade bread and butter pickles last in the fridge?

If you skip the water bath and go the refrigerator route, your pickles will stay fresh for up to 3 months . Always use clean utensils to avoid introducing bacteria.

Do bread and butter pickles go bad?

Yes. Signs that they’ve gone bad include: mold , bubbles , bulging lids , or off smells . When in doubt, toss them out. Proper canning and cold storage are key to safety and flavor.

What type of vinegar works best for these pickles?

Use a mix of white distilled vinegar and apple cider vinegar , both with 5% acidity . This combo gives the perfect balance of sharpness and sweetness while maintaining the right pH level for preserving.

Bread and Butter Pickles – The Best Homemade Recipe 2025

Name: Bread and Butter Pickles
Prep time: 4 h
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 4 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/2 pounds pickling cucumbers, fresh; 1 pound white or yellow onions, thinly sliced; 1/4 cup pickling salt (or kosher salt); 1 1/4 cups white distilled vinegar (5% acidity); 1 cup apple cider vinegar (5% acidity); 2 1/4 cups sugar; 1 tablespoon mustard seeds; 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; 3/4 teaspoon celery seeds; 1 inch cinnamon stick; 6 allspice berries plus a pinch of ground allspice; 6 whole cloves plus a pinch of ground cloves; 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric

Bread and Butter Pickles

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Learn how to make crisp, sweet, and tangy Bread and Butter Pickles with this easy homemade recipe. Perfect for canning or keeping in the fridge, these pickles pair beautifully with burgers, sandwiches, BBQ, and more.

Author: Emily
Prep Time: 4 hours
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
Yield: 3 to 5 pints
Category: Pickles
Method: Canning or Refrigerator Pickling
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

2 1/2 pounds pickling cucumbers, fresh
1 pound white or yellow onions, thinly sliced
1/4 cup pickling salt (or kosher salt)
1 1/4 cups white distilled vinegar (5% acidity)
1 cup apple cider vinegar (5% acidity)
2 1/4 cups sugar
1 tablespoon mustard seeds
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
3/4 teaspoon celery seeds
1 inch cinnamon stick
6 allspice berries plus a pinch of ground allspice
6 whole cloves plus a pinch of ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric

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Instructions

Rinse cucumbers thoroughly and slice off 1/8 inch from each end. Cut into 1/4-inch slices.
Combine cucumbers with sliced onions and salt in a large bowl. Cover with ice and a tea towel. Refrigerate for 4 hours.
Discard ice, rinse cucumbers and onions thoroughly, and drain well.
In a large pot, combine both vinegars, sugar, and all pickling spices. Bring to a boil, stirring until sugar dissolves.
Add cucumbers and onions to the pot. Return to a boil.
Pack hot cucumbers and onions into clean jars, leaving 1 inch headspace. Pour hot brine to 1/2 inch from top.
Wipe jar rims clean, apply lids and screw bands.
For canning: process jars in boiling water bath for 15 minutes. For fridge pickles: cool and store directly in refrigerator.
Let pickles sit for at least 1 week for best flavor.

Notes

Use pickling or kosher salt; avoid iodized salt to prevent cloudy brine.
Let pickles chill in ice for crunchier texture.
Pickles can be eaten after 24 hours, but best after 1-3 weeks.
Store canned jars up to 1 year in pantry; opened or fridge-only jars last up to 3 months.

Find it online: https://recipeshots.com/bread-and-butter-pickles-recipe/