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5 from 1 vote

Zesty Bread and Butter Pickles

A sweeter pickle with an extra kick of spice to make your taste buds dance!
Prep Time40 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Resting Time1 hour 30 minutes
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Canning
Keyword: bread and butter pickles, Canning, from the garden, pickles, preserving
Servings: 12

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 4 pounds pickling cucumbers
  • 2 pounds onions
  • cup pickling salt
  • Ice cubes
  • 3 cups vinegar 5% acidity
  • 2 cups white sugar
  • 2 tablespoons mustard seed
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric
  • 2 teaspoons celery seed
  • 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger

Instructions

  • Trim both ends of cucumbers and slice into ¼ inch slices. Slice the onions into thin slices.
  • Layer ⅓ of the cucumbers and onions in a large bowl. Cover with ⅓ of the canning salt. Repeat two more times.
  • Top the final layer with ice cubes. Allow the bowl to sit for 1 ½ hours.
  • After approximately one hour, begin to prepare jars, lids, and rings by washing and keeping warm. Begin heating the water bath canner over medium high heat.
  • After the cucumbers and onions have rested, rinse with cold water and allow to drain.
  • Combine vinegar, sugar, and spices in a large non-reactive kettle.
  • Heat over a medium heat, slowly reaching a boil. Add drained pickles and onions.
  • Cook until the liquid returns to a boil. Remove from heat.
  • Ladle cucumbers, onions, and liquid into hot jars, leaving ½ inch headspace. (Be sure to equally distribute the pickling brine into each jar.)
  • Wipe jar rim with a damp, clean cloth. Put lids and rings on, tightening to fingertip tight.
  • Lower into canner, raising heat and bringing to a rolling boil.
  • Process for 15 min, adjusting for altitude (if over 1000 feet).
  • Remove the canner from heat, and allow jars to rest 5 min. Remove from the canner and allow to cool at least 12 hours before storing jars.