Nitrate & Nitrite Free Bread and Butter Pickles
Sweet, tangy, and just a little bit spicy if you want them to be, these bread and butter pickles are the kind of thing you'll find yourself sneaking straight from the jar. Store-bought pickles can be a minefield for anyone avoiding curing agents and preservatives, since many commercial brands rely on additives you'd rather not think about. This recipe keeps things completely clean ā just fresh cucumbers, onion, vinegar, sugar, and a handful of warm spices like mustard seeds, celery seeds, and turmeric. The brine comes together in one saucepan in under five minutes, and the whole process is refreshingly straightforward. Salting the cucumbers first draws out excess moisture so they stay satisfyingly crisp even after soaking in that glossy, golden brine. Pack them into mason jars, let them chill, and you've got a condiment that belongs on burgers, sandwiches, cheese boards, or honestly anything that needs a bright, sweet-sour punch.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
Learn more āIngredients
8 servings
- 1 Ā½ lbs english cucumbers (about 2 medium), sliced Ā¼-inch thick
- 1 small yellow onion, halved and thinly sliced
- 1 Ā½ tsp kosher salt
For the brine
- 1 cup white wine vinegar
- Ā½ cup apple cider vinegar
- Ā¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp mustard seeds
- Ā½ tsp celery seeds
- Ā½ tsp ground turmeric
- Ā¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Combine the sliced cucumbers and onion in a large bowl. Sprinkle with the kosher salt, toss to coat, and let stand for 1 hour at room temperature until the cucumbers have released their liquid and softened slightly.
- 2
Drain the cucumbers and onion in a colander, rinse briefly under cold water, and pat dry with paper towels. Pack them tightly into two clean pint-sized mason jars.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!