Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re a fan of pickles but don’t want to deal with the hassle of traditional canning, this Refrigerator Bread and Butter Pickles recipe is the ideal solution. The beauty of this recipe is that you get all the flavor of the classic bread and butter pickles, but without the need for special equipment or long processing times. With just a few basic ingredients, you can have homemade pickles ready to enjoy in no time. The refrigerator method keeps them fresh for weeks, so you can enjoy this crispy treat whenever you like!

Ingredients

1 medium cucumber, thinly sliced
1 small onion, thinly sliced
1 cup white vinegar
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon mustard seeds
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
1 teaspoon celery seeds
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 cup water

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Start by preparing the cucumbers and onions. Slice them thinly using a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer for uniform slices.
In a medium saucepan, combine the vinegar, sugar, mustard seeds, turmeric, celery seeds, salt, pepper, and water. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
Stir occasionally until the sugar and salt are dissolved completely, and the mixture comes to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to allow the spices to meld.
Place the sliced cucumbers and onions into a clean glass jar or container with a tight-fitting lid.
Pour the hot brine mixture over the cucumbers and onions, making sure the vegetables are completely submerged.
Let the pickles cool to room temperature before sealing the jar. Place the jar in the refrigerator.
Allow the pickles to sit in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours before eating for the best flavor. They will continue to improve in taste over the next few days.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields approximately 2-3 cups of pickles, which should be enough to serve about 4 people as a side or topping.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Refrigerator Time: 24 hours minimum (though the pickles taste even better after a few days in the fridge)

Variations

Spicy Pickles: Add red pepper flakes or a sliced jalapeño to the brine for an extra kick of heat.
Herb Infusion: Toss in fresh herbs like dill or thyme to infuse additional flavors into your pickles.
Garlic Bread and Butter Pickles: Add a couple of garlic cloves to the brine for a garlic-flavored twist.
Sweet and Sour: If you prefer a sweeter pickle, increase the amount of sugar in the recipe slightly.
Crunchier Pickles: If you like extra crunch, try soaking the cucumbers in ice water for 1-2 hours before making the brine.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store the pickles in the refrigerator in a tightly sealed jar or container. They will keep for up to 3-4 weeks.
Reheating: These pickles are meant to be eaten cold and do not need reheating. Simply remove them from the fridge and enjoy them straight from the jar!

FAQs

1. How long do refrigerator bread and butter pickles last?

Refrigerator bread and butter pickles can last up to 3-4 weeks in the fridge when stored properly in an airtight container.

2. Can I make this recipe with other vegetables?

Yes! You can use other vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or cauliflower instead of cucumbers for a unique twist.

3. Do I need to can the pickles?

No, this recipe is for refrigerator pickles, so there’s no need to can them. They stay fresh in the fridge for several weeks.

4. How long do the pickles need to sit before they are ready?

It’s best to let the pickles sit in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours before eating, but they will continue to develop more flavor over the next few days.

5. Can I adjust the sweetness of the pickles?

Yes, you can adjust the amount of sugar in the recipe to make the pickles sweeter or less sweet, depending on your preference.

6. Can I make this recipe spicy?

Absolutely! Add red pepper flakes or a sliced jalapeño to the brine to give your pickles a spicy kick.

7. Can I use other types of vinegar for this recipe?

Yes, you can experiment with different types of vinegar, such as apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar, but the taste will vary slightly.

8. Are these pickles vegan?

Yes, this recipe is vegan-friendly as it contains only plant-based ingredients.

9. Can I reuse the brine?

The brine can be reused for additional batches of pickles, but it will lose some of its flavor strength after each use. It’s best to make a fresh batch of brine if you want the pickles to maintain their full flavor.

10. Can I make this recipe without onions?

Yes, if you’re not a fan of onions, you can skip them, and the pickles will still be delicious!

Conclusion

Refrigerator Bread and Butter Pickles are a simple and tasty treat that’s perfect for snacking or adding to your meals. With no canning required, they’re quick to prepare and can be stored for weeks, allowing you to enjoy homemade pickles whenever the craving strikes. Whether you prefer them sweet, tangy, or spicy, this recipe offers plenty of room for customization.