The tangy-sweet crunch of bread and butter pickles is a beloved addition to sandwiches, burgers, and charcuterie boards. But have you ever considered making your own? Canning your own bread and butter pickles allows you to control the sweetness, spice level, and ultimately, the quality of your pickles. This comprehensive guide will walk you through a simple, step-by-step Bread And Butter Pickle Recipe For Canning, ensuring a successful and delicious batch every time. Get ready to impress your friends and family with these homemade treats!
Table Of Contents
For many, the thought of canning can be daunting, conjuring up images of complicated equipment and complex processes. But trust me, canning bread and butter pickles is easier than you think! With a few basic tools and this detailed bread and butter pickle recipe for canning, you’ll be enjoying the fruits (or rather, vegetables) of your labor in no time. This recipe isn’t just about preserving cucumbers; it’s about preserving a taste of summer that you can enjoy all year round. Imagine pulling a jar of your homemade bread and butter pickles out of the pantry on a cold winter day – a little bit of sunshine in every bite!
bread and butter pickle recipes
Essential Equipment for Canning Bread and Butter Pickles
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s gather our tools. Having the right equipment makes the canning process smooth and efficient. Think of it like preparing for a baking project – having the correct measuring cups and spoons is crucial.
- Canning Jars: Choose jars specifically designed for canning, ensuring they are free of cracks or chips.
- Lids and Rings: New lids are essential for a proper seal. Rings can be reused, but ensure they are clean and rust-free.
- Large Stockpot or Canner: This is for processing the jars.
- Jar Lifter: A jar lifter is a must-have for safely handling hot jars.
- Cutting Board, Knife, and Measuring Cups/Spoons: Standard kitchen tools for preparing the ingredients.
The Best Bread and Butter Pickle Recipe for Canning
Now for the star of the show – the bread and butter pickle recipe for canning! This recipe yields approximately 6 pint jars.
Ingredients:
- 4 pounds pickling cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup canning salt
- 4 cups ice
- 3 cups white vinegar
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon celery seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
Instructions:
- Prepare the Cucumbers and Onions: Combine the sliced cucumbers and onions in a large bowl. Sprinkle with canning salt and cover with ice. Let sit for 3 hours. This process draws out excess moisture, resulting in crisper pickles.
- Drain and Rinse: Drain the cucumbers and onions and rinse thoroughly under cold water.
- Prepare the Brine: In a large saucepan, combine the vinegar, sugar, mustard seeds, celery seeds, turmeric, and ginger. Bring to a boil, stirring until the sugar dissolves. This fragrant mixture is the key to the signature bread and butter pickle flavor.
- Pack the Jars: Pack the drained cucumbers and onions into sterilized jars, leaving 1/2 inch headspace at the top. Like arranging a beautiful cake, packing the jars efficiently ensures a consistent pickle experience.
- Pour the Brine: Pour the hot brine over the cucumbers and onions, leaving 1/4 inch headspace. Remove any air bubbles by gently running a non-metallic utensil along the inside of the jar.
- Seal and Process: Wipe the jar rims clean, place the lids on top, and screw on the rings fingertip tight. Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes. This step is crucial for creating a vacuum seal and preventing spoilage.
Canned Bread and Butter Pickles in Jars
Tips for Perfect Bread and Butter Pickles
Here are a few extra tips from my years of canning experience to help you achieve bread and butter pickle perfection. These are the little secrets that elevate your pickles from good to exceptional.
- Use Pickling Cucumbers: Pickling cucumbers are smaller and firmer than slicing cucumbers, making them ideal for canning. Choosing the right cucumber variety is like selecting the right flour for a cake – it makes a difference!
- Don’t Overpack the Jars: Leaving adequate headspace is important for proper sealing and preventing the jars from breaking during processing.
- Process at the Correct Altitude: Adjust processing time based on your altitude. Higher altitudes require longer processing times. This ensures the pickles are safely preserved.
- Check the Seals: After processing, press down on the center of each lid. If the lid doesn’t flex, it’s sealed. This simple check gives you peace of mind knowing your hard work has paid off.
Variations on the Classic Bread and Butter Pickle Recipe
Once you’ve mastered the basic bread and butter pickle recipe for canning, don’t be afraid to experiment! Just like baking, canning allows for creativity and customization.
- Spicy Bread and Butter Pickles: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the brine for a fiery kick. This variation is perfect for those who like a little heat.
- Sweet and Sour Bread and Butter Pickles: Increase the sugar and vinegar for a more pronounced sweet and sour flavor. A fun twist on the traditional recipe!
- Garlic Dill Bread and Butter Pickles: Add a few cloves of garlic and fresh dill to the jars for a savory, herby flavor. This combination is always a crowd-pleaser.
Preparing Bread and Butter Pickle Ingredients
Troubleshooting Common Canning Issues
Even with the best intentions, sometimes things don’t go as planned. Here are some common canning issues and how to address them.
- Cloudy Brine: This is usually caused by hard water. Using filtered water can help prevent cloudiness.
- Soft Pickles: Overcooking or using the wrong type of cucumbers can lead to soft pickles. Ensuring accurate cooking time and using pickling cucumbers can solve this issue.
- Failed Seals: If a lid flexes when pressed, it hasn’t sealed properly. You can reprocess the jar with a new lid or store the pickles in the refrigerator. Don’t let a failed seal discourage you!
Processing Bread and Butter Pickles in a Canner
Enjoying Your Homemade Bread and Butter Pickles
Now that you’ve successfully canned your bread and butter pickles, it’s time to enjoy them! These tangy-sweet treats are incredibly versatile.
- Sandwiches and Burgers: A classic pairing that adds a burst of flavor. Think of a juicy burger topped with your homemade bread and butter pickles – pure deliciousness!
- Charcuterie Boards: Bread and butter pickles add a touch of sweetness and acidity to balance out the richness of cheeses and meats. A perfect addition to your next gathering!
- Salads: Add chopped bread and butter pickles to potato salad, egg salad, or even a simple green salad for a crunchy, flavorful twist. A surprising element that elevates any salad!
Serving Suggestions for Bread and Butter Pickles
Canning your own bread and butter pickles is a rewarding experience that allows you to enjoy the flavors of summer all year long. With this simple bread and butter pickle recipe for canning and these helpful tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating a batch of delicious, homemade pickles that you’ll be proud to share. So gather your ingredients, get canning, and savor the sweet, tangy, and crunchy goodness!
