If you’re looking to capture that nostalgic sweet-and-tangy crunch from your favorite deli, you’ll absolutely fall in love with these Easy Refrigerator Bread and Butter Pickles: Sweet. Bright, crisp, and with an irresistible balance of flavors, these homemade pickles turn everyday sandwiches and snacks into special moments. Even if you’ve never pickled before, you’ll be shocked by how simple and foolproof this recipe is—you only need a few fresh ingredients and a little patience. Say goodbye to bland store-bought pickles and get ready to impress everyone with this classic, comforting treat!

Easy Refrigerator Bread and Butter Pickles: Sweet Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I love most about this recipe is how accessible and straightforward the ingredients are—every item brings something special to the pickle party. They each contribute to that classic flavor, crunchy texture, and golden color we crave in Easy Refrigerator Bread and Butter Pickles: Sweet.

Pickling Cucumbers: Choose smaller cucumbers for the crispest results; regular cucumbers can work, but the texture will be softer.
White Vinegar: Delivers sharp tang and is a staple in creating that classic pickled flavor.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Balances the brine with subtle fruity notes and a touch of natural sweetness.
Granulated Sugar: Gives the pickles their signature sweet bite—feel free to adjust for your own sweet tooth.
Brown Sugar: Adds depth and gentle caramel notes, enhancing the overall flavor complexity.
Mustard Seeds: Infuse the pickles with a mellow, slightly peppery snap; don’t skip these!
Celery Seeds: Bring a classic warmth and gentle herbal flavor to the party.
Ground Turmeric: Brightens the look with its signature yellow hue and earthy undertones.
Onions: Slice them thinly—these soak up the brine and become pickled aromatic gems themselves.
Salt: Essential for drawing out cucumber moisture and guaranteeing a satisfying crunch.

How to Make Easy Refrigerator Bread and Butter Pickles: Sweet

Step 1: Prep the Cucumbers

Start by washing and slicing your cucumbers into ¼-inch thick rounds. Toss them in a colander and sprinkle generously with salt. Let them rest for at least 90 minutes—the salt works its magic by pulling out excess moisture, so your Easy Refrigerator Bread and Butter Pickles: Sweet stay crisp and snappy when brined.

Step 2: Rinse the Cucumbers

Once the waiting’s over, rinse the cucumbers thoroughly under cold water to wash off the extra salt. Gently pat the slices dry with a clean kitchen towel. This crucial step ensures your pickles won’t turn out too salty or watery later.

Step 3: Make the Brine

In a medium saucepan, combine both vinegars, granulated sugar, brown sugar, mustard seeds, celery seeds, and turmeric. Warm the mixture over medium heat, stirring now and then, until all the sugar is completely dissolved. At this point, your kitchen will smell like a little slice of summer.

Step 4: Combine Cucumbers and Onions

Thinly slice your onions and layer them together with the drained cucumbers in a large bowl or Mason jar. Pour the hot brine over the vegetables, making sure everything is fully submerged. Give things a gentle stir or shake, and just wait for those flavors to meld.

Step 5: Refrigerate

Let the mixture cool to room temperature for about an hour. Once cooled, seal the pickles up in jars or an airtight container and refrigerate. For the best flavor, wait at least 24 hours (or be a little patient and go for 48)—that’s when the Easy Refrigerator Bread and Butter Pickles: Sweet taste truly reaches perfection!

How to Serve Easy Refrigerator Bread and Butter Pickles: Sweet

Garnishes

Scatter a few bright sprigs of dill or a handful of peppercorns on top when serving for a dazzling presentation. Cracked black pepper or a generous toss of finely chopped fresh herbs can make every plate of Easy Refrigerator Bread and Butter Pickles: Sweet look downright gourmet.

Side Dishes

Pair these pickles with all your summer barbecue favorites—think juicy burgers, hot dogs, and even grilled cheese sandwiches. You’ll be amazed how Easy Refrigerator Bread and Butter Pickles: Sweet can liven up classic potato salads or coleslaw, and a tangy crunch on a charcuterie board is always a win.

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t just limit yourself to standard sides! Layer these pickles on top of fried chicken sandwiches, tuck them into tacos for a surprise bite, or chop them and mix into homemade tartar sauce. They’re a fantastic addition to any picnic spread or dinner party appetizer tray, instantly elevating the meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once made, store your Easy Refrigerator Bread and Butter Pickles: Sweet in airtight glass jars or containers in the refrigerator. They’ll stay crunchy and delicious for at least 2 to 3 weeks—though they rarely last that long in my house!

Freezing

Freezing isn’t recommended for these pickles since it can ruin their crisp texture. The brine can get cloudy, and the cucumbers become mushy—so always stick to refrigeration for the best results and freshest flavor.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat these pickles (in fact, it’s a no-no). This recipe is all about that refreshing, cold crunch, so simply pop them straight out of the fridge and enjoy—no fuss required!

FAQs

Can I use regular cucumbers if I can’t find pickling cucumbers?

Absolutely! Regular cucumbers work in a pinch for Easy Refrigerator Bread and Butter Pickles: Sweet. Just keep in mind they may turn out a bit softer, but the flavor will still be phenomenal.

How long do Easy Refrigerator Bread and Butter Pickles: Sweet need to marinate before eating?

For the brightest taste, let them marinate at least 24 hours, but if you can let them go 48 hours the flavors will develop even more. The wait is truly worth it!

Can I reduce the sugar for a less sweet pickle?

Definitely! You can cut the sugar to your preferred level—just know that it will alter the classic “sweet” profile that Easy Refrigerator Bread and Butter Pickles: Sweet are famous for. Taste the brine as you go and adjust if needed.

Is it possible to reuse the brine for a second batch?

While it’s tempting to be thrifty, the brine loses its punch after the first batch and may harbor unwanted bacteria. For safety and quality, it’s best to make a fresh batch each time you whip up Easy Refrigerator Bread and Butter Pickles: Sweet.

How can I keep my pickles extra crisp?

For ultra-crispy pickles, make sure to use very fresh cucumbers and don’t skip the salting step. Patting them extra dry before brining also helps your Easy Refrigerator Bread and Butter Pickles: Sweet stay wonderfully snappy for longer.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a sweet, crunchy pickle that tastes like it came straight from Grandma’s kitchen, these Easy Refrigerator Bread and Butter Pickles: Sweet are a must-try. Whether you’re a seasoned canner or a total beginner, this recipe delivers unbeatable results with just a little effort. Grab some jars and cucumbers, and see just how delicious homemade can be!

Easy Refrigerator Bread and Butter Pickles: Sweet Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 15 reviews

Author: Zoe
Total Time: 30 minutes (plus marinating time)
Yield: About 4 cups of pickles 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Learn how to make delicious and easy refrigerator bread and butter pickles at home with this simple recipe. These sweet and tangy pickles are perfect for sandwiches, burgers, or as a tasty snack.

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Cucumbers – Slice cucumbers, sprinkle with salt, and let sit for 90 minutes.
Step 2: Rinse the Cucumbers – Rinse cucumbers thoroughly and pat dry.
Step 3: Make the Brine – Simmer vinegars, sugars, seeds, and turmeric in a saucepan until sugar dissolves.
Step 4: Combine Cucumbers and Onions – Layer cucumbers and onions in a bowl, pour brine over, and mix.
Step 5: Refrigerate – Cool mixture, transfer to jars, and refrigerate for 24-48 hours before serving.