Bread and Butter Pickles

ByBrandie Skibinski July 9, 2012August 17, 2025

2 Reviews

This recipe for Bread and Butter pickles require just a handful of ingredients, a couple tips and you’ll have delicious pickles in no time!

A SIMPLY DELICIOUS PICKLE RECIPE

Bread and butter pickles are a little sweet and a little sour. A delicious combination that makes them the perfect snack pickles!

cucumbers soaking in bread and butter brine.

BREAD AND BUTTER PICKLE MIX

So let me show you how simple this is. I’m making my favorite Bread and Butter Pickles. I make these a lot. And I’m gonna show you my little secret. This stuff right here; Ball’s Bread & Butter Pickle Mix. You don’t have to go out and buy all the individual spices and pickling salt. It is all right in this little container and it makes it so easy and it tastes great! You measure once – then you’re done.

Ball Canning Bread and Butter pickle seasoning.

TIPS FOR MAKING THESE PICKLES:

Many recipes for these will have you sprinkling the fresh cucumbers with salt and then letting it soak overnight to pull a lot of the liquid out of the cucumbers. If you prefer to do that, feel free, but I prefer not to do that because I think it takes away from the crispiness of the pickle. I like a good crunch with these!
If you can’t find the Ball Bread & Butter Pickle Mix, just make your own:
- 2 Tablespoons mustard seed
- 2 teaspoons ground turmeric
- 2 teaspoons celery seed
- 2 teaspoons black peppercorns

Easy Homemade Bread and Butter Pickles recipe.

INGREDIENTS NEEDED: (FULL RECIPE AT THE BOTTOM OF THE POST)

pickling cucumbers
white vinegar
granulated sugar
Ball Bread & Butter Pickle Mix
canning jars (pint-sized) and lids with bands

cucumbers, vinegar, bread and butter seasoning, sugar.

HOW TO MAKE BREAD AND BUTTER PICKLES:

The first thing you need to do is wash your jars and lids in warm soapy water.

And then give them a good, thorough rinse.

If you haven’t done so already, slice up your cucumbers. I’m using pickling cucumbers. They are a little smaller than average. But you can use regular ole cucumbers for this. Pickling cucumbers are usually smaller than your average salad cucumber. They are firmer and crisper and have a tender skin that is less bitter. They are unwaxed so the brine can penetrate the skin better. First thing you want to do is give them a good rinse under running water. Then trim off the ends and discard those.

Slice them up into 1/4-inch slices.

quarter inch cucumber slices with ridges.

I think Bread & Butter slices should be kinda thick. That’s how I like them. I also use this Crinkle Cutter that I got last year when I hosted a Pampered Chef party. It is not necessary at all. I just love those little ridges it makes when you slice the cucumbers.

Now pack all those cucumbers into the pint jars. Not sure if you can tell from the below picture, but I try to stand the bottom layer of cucumbers on their side instead of flat. I think this helps to pack more in. But go with what works easiest for you.

layered cucumbers in the bottom of a mason jar.

Keep going until all your jars are full.

mason jars filled with sliced cucumbers.

In a stainless steel saucepan, combine vinegar, sugar and bread & butter pickle mix.

Whisk to combine.

bread and butter seasoning mixed with vinegar

And bring to a boil over medium-high heat.

bread and butter seasoning mix, vinegar and sugar in a saucepan

Turn off heat and begin pouring hot brine over packed cucumbers.

pickling brine poured over sliced cucumbers in mason jars

The hot brine will start to soften the cucumbers.

After it cools a bit, you’ll be able to push down some with your fingers to make sure all the cucumbers are immersed in the brine (using super clean fingers, of course.)

bread and butter pickles in canning jars

They will continue to settle as the brine does it’s job. You just want to make sure you leave about 1/2-inch headspace. Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean cloth or paper towel.

wiping the rim of a mason jar with a towel

Center the lids on the jars.

Screw bands on until tight. Now, at this point, you really could just allow them to cool, then store in the fridge for up to 3 months. But if you want to preserve them, you gotta make sure there’s not gonna be any harmful bacteria that can grow while they are hanging out in your pantry for the next few months. So you gotta boil the jars for a few minutes.

Bring water to gentle boil in a large stock pot. There needs to be enough water to cover the jars completely. Put your 3 jars into this handy dandy canning rack.

Then gently lower rack into boiling water.

Then cover with a lid.

Boil for 10 minutes. Remove lid. Wait 5 minutes. Then gently lift out jars. Allow them to cool. Then store.

You may hear the lids begin to make a popping sound as the jars cool and the lids seal. And that’s it! We just made pickles. These pickles will stay good in my pantry for up to a year. I’m definitely going to make more as I get more pickling cucumbers from my garden.

CRAVING MORE RECIPES?

Bread and Butter Pickles

This recipe for Bread and Butter pickles are incredibly easy. Just a handful of ingredients, a couple tips and you’ll have delicious pickles in no time!

2 Reviews

Print Pin Rate

Prep Time: 30

Total Time: 30

Servings:

Author: Brandie Skibinski

Ingredients

▢ 6 cups sliced cucumbers, trim off ends
▢ 1 ¾ cups white vinegar
▢ 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
▢ 3 Tablespoons Ball Bread & Butter Pickle Mix
▢ 3 pint-sized canning jars and lids with bands

Instructions

The first thing you need to do is wash your jars and lids in warm soapy water. And then give them a good, thorough rinse.
Slice cucumbers into 1/4-inch slices and pack them into the jars.
In a stainless steel saucepan, combine vinegar, sugar and bread & butter pickle mix.
Whisk to combine and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
Turn off heat and begin pouring hot brine over packed cucumbers. The hot brine will start to soften the cucumbers.
After it cools a bit, you’ll be able to push down some with your fingers to make sure all the cucumbers are immersed in the brine (using super clean fingers, of course.)
They will continue to settle as the brine does it’s job.
You just want to make sure you leave about 1/2-inch head space.
Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean cloth or paper towel.
Center the lids on the jars. Screw bands on until tight.
Now, at this point, you really could just allow them to cool, then store in the fridge for up to 3 months.
But if you want to preserve them, you gotta make sure there’s not gonna be any harmful bacteria that can grow while they are hanging out in your pantry for the next few months. So you gotta boil the jars for a few minutes.
Bring water to gentle boil in a large stock pot. There needs to be enough water to cover the jars completely.
Gently lower jars into boiling water using a canning rack or if you have those special rubber-tipped tongs used for canning. Then cover with a lid.
Boil jars for 10 minutes. Remove lid. Wait 5 minutes.
Then gently lift out jars. Allow them to cool. Then store.

Notes

These pickles will stay good in your pantry for up to a year if you properly can them.
Many recipes for these will have you sprinkling the fresh cucumbers with salt and then letting it soak overnight to pull a lot of the liquid out of the cucumbers. If you prefer to do that, feel free, but I prefer not to do that because I think it takes away from the crispiness of the pickle. I like a good crunch.
If you can’t find the Ball Bread & Butter Pickle Mix, just make your own:
- 2 Tablespoons mustard seed
- 2 teaspoons ground turmeric
- 2 teaspoons celery seed
- 2 teaspoons black peppercorns

Course: Side Dish, Snack

Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Calories: 99kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Sodium: 3mg | Sugar: 21g

Nutritional Disclaimer

“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.

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511 Comments

I just started canning last year! Can't wait to try some new stuff this summer! SO fun!
dustinlaceycraig@yahoo.com

I am a face book fan of Ball already. Thanks
joleeblackmon@gmail.com.

Jolee Blackmon

Would love to win this package to attempt first canning try. Tpmebay@gmail.com

I love canning everything! My husband has made me an canning funnel, and I use one of his magnetic wands. I keep telling him I'll get my own, but I always forget. LOL! Love the spoons. owenlassiter@yahoo.com

I Liked Ball Canning on Facebook also.

Oh wow I would love this giveaway 🙂 I have been wanting to can but have been a little weary about it. From your post it looks pretty easy. I have made freezer fresh peach jam and it is great.
Email – webbfam1234@att.net
Shayla

I have always wanted to try canning by own veggies and jams but was scared I would mess it up. You make it look so easy with this kit there is no way I could mess up. Skitmom430@aol.com

Hi again Brandie!
I do "like" Ball on Facebook!

Thank you!

Joanna Saylor
josie7250@yahoo.com

Hi Brandie!
I just wanted to say I LOVE your blog and all the recipes, as you know I have made many of them! Anyway, It would be AWESOME if I won the Ball giveaway because I have so MUCH stuff to can! I am canning tomatoes for sauce, 3 berry jelly and salsa! I love the extra goodies you have too, so cute! Thanks a bunch! Joanna Saylor (josie7250@yahoo.com)

Love your site! Thanks for the chance to win a cool prize

I would like to start canning so that I have a new hobby while my hubby serves in Aghanistan around the Nov/Dec time frame. And to also have something to share with our 3 beautiful kids. lfm2685@yahoo.com

My family had a big garden growing up, and we canned everything. My mom still cans from her garden, and I just rack up from her labors. I have canned some jams and jellies, but should probably relearn canning some other foods. (katrinamlowe@insightbb.com)

I also now follow Ball Canning on Twitter. Thanks again for the chance and GOOD LUCK to all!

I liked Ball Canning on Face Book!

I would like to start canning soups for the winter months,pickles,and homeade sauces. Thank you for the great chance to get started! 🙂 mimieavers@gmail.com

I have been canning everything that does not move, I love ball on facebook, and twitter, (not much of a twitter fan)…would love this package….I also love your blog.
Lisa Mcdonald (ladybassfisher2@yahoo.com)

I liked the Ball page.

I absolutely LOVE canning. I find it very satisfying. I love canning peaches and making jams of all kind.

I also 'Like' Ball Canning on Facebook. Previous Comment as Anonymous is also mine, Brenda Rupert. (I forgot to let my e-mail.)
4bees4@earthlink.net

Good luck to all entrants and Happy Canning! 🙂

Hey Brandie! Just stopping by to say what a great tutorial on pickles!!! You know I've been canning for years and I love your pickle tut! That green canner basket just rocks!! I got a glass topped stoved last year which meant I could no longer use my regular canner so I had to find a flat bottomed pot which my canner "insides" wouldn't fit…but the basket did so I never slowed down!

Currently I am canning a variety of jams. We also do peaches, relish, red beets, corn and Spaghetti Sauce. Thanks for the opportunity for such a great Giveaway! 🙂

Thank you for offering such a fun giveaway. The one item that I would like to learn to can is applesauce. I have tried and failed many times but I am going to try again this year. Wish me luck. I have "liked" Ball Canning on Facebook and Twitter, as requested. Good luck with your giveaway and keep the recipes coming, I truly enjoy them 🙂
grammiepammie@sbcglobal.net

I would love to start canning!!! My little boy LOVES pickles and I would really love to start making jams and jellies also!!! I also like Ball on Facebook and my email is rkiwerks@yahoo.com!! Fingers crossed!!!

I enjoy canning everything from vegetables to fruit. Ball canning jars and lids are the only brand I will ever use

Oooohhhh….I have always wanted to learn how to can…this would be just the thing to get me started! :O)

Debbie
laughintherain@yahoo.com

Hi Brandie! What a great starter kit! Love that new style rack! It would be perfect for me since I often can in small batches. I just did three pint of Black Cherry Jam yesterday. Already follow Ball on Facebook and Twitter. Love this!

I liked your canning post on Facebook! :O)

I liked Ball on facebook 🙂 I want to can salsa!!!
Farley822@gmail .com

Love to can…and your page. Following ball on Facebook.

Who doesn't like a good pickle? That's what I will pickle- a good pickle!
Thanks!!
Lisa dxechic1962@sbcglobal.net

I love to can. I've only made & canned strawberry syrup this year, so far, nothing else is ready in my area. I will be canning green beans, peaches, potatoes & tomatoes, as well as apple pie filling that I make with Granny Smith apples. I have liked 'Ball' on facebook.
nadineosborne99@yahoo.com

I liked you on facebook!
secondmom63@hotmail.com

I have recently started eating only organic foods and want to be able to can some of the organic fruits and vegetables I am growing and buying. I hope to eventually be able to have a community garden and to help teach others to grow and preserve their own local foods.
I love this blog and am so excited that I found it!
Sheri Norris
norris@pobox.com

thanks for suggesting ball canning of facebook. i like their page also. crwc@hotmail.com

Winning this would be amazing! I love to make jams and pickles! But I more than anything want the measuring spoons! lol They are just soooo cute!!! Thank You for this opportunity!
secondmom63@hotmail.com

i would like to win this set. i read the full blog post and canning those pickles does seem so simple.. my email is crwc@hotmail.com

I haven't ever canned. My grandma did, and our pantry was FULL….of Everything. My favorite was a tomato mixture we used for homemade vegetable soup! Grew up on a farm, so everything was fresh. I'm excited to give a hand at canning. And I do love Ball jars, especially the OLD ones you can find at auctions. I LIKED on Facebook. theresawooten811@yahoo.com

My Momma and I have been talking about doing some canning this year. We haven't canned anything in a few years but with rising grocery costs, we have to do all we can to save money. I love Ball canning supplies.

tnmommyx3@comcast.net

I "liked" Ball on facebook too! Thanks for the extra chance to win a great package!

I am trying to make some "Jug Pickles" this week. Would love to have some new canning supplies! Thank you! 🙂

I already "like " Ball Canning on FB, does that count?

I have been canning for years and really enjoy doing it. I makes me feel good to know I'm putting good food aside for the winter. Very satisfying feeling to pull that jar of tomatoes out and make some good soup this winter!

I want to start canning but have been very intimidated by it. My first project would be strawberry jam. I have a great recipe for it and would love to try it out.

J Maple
cjtemaple@yahoo.com

I love canning jam and jelly with locally harvested fruits when available! It's an awesome give away!

I have canned Jellies every year since I can remember, but ould like to try tomatoes or tomato sauce this year. Thanks would love to win. darleneis@optonline.net