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Flavorful Sweet and Spicy Bread and Butter Refrigerator Pickles

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A quick and easy recipe for sweet and spicy bread and butter refrigerator pickles that are perfect for summer. These pickles balance sugary sweetness with a spicy kick and keep well in the fridge.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups Kirby cucumbers, thinly sliced (about 1/8 inch / 3 mm thick)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 medium carrot, sliced into thin rounds (optional)
  • 2 cups white vinegar (480 ml)
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar (300 g)
  • 1 1/2 cups water (360 ml)
  • 2 tablespoons pickling salt or kosher salt
  • 2 tablespoons yellow mustard seeds
  • 1 teaspoon celery seeds
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 3–4 whole cloves (optional)

Instructions

  1. Wash and thinly slice the cucumbers, onion, and carrots (if using) about 1/8 inch (3 mm) thick.
  2. In a large bowl, toss the cucumber, onion, and carrot slices with 2 tablespoons of pickling salt. Let sit for 1 to 2 hours, stirring every 30 minutes.
  3. Rinse the vegetables thoroughly under cold water to remove excess salt. Drain well and gently pat dry with a clean towel or paper towels.
  4. In a medium saucepan, combine white vinegar, water, granulated sugar, mustard seeds, celery seeds, crushed red pepper flakes, turmeric, and cloves. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Boil for 1 minute to release spice flavors.
  5. Tightly pack the cucumber mixture into clean glass jars, leaving about 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) headspace. Pour the hot brine over the vegetables, covering them completely.
  6. Let jars cool to room temperature (about 30 minutes), then seal with lids and place in the refrigerator. Pickles will be ready to eat in 24 hours but taste better after 3 days. Keep refrigerated for up to 2 weeks.

Notes

Use Kirby cucumbers for best crunch. Salting the vegetables is essential to keep pickles crisp. Adjust crushed red pepper flakes to control heat. Let brine cool slightly before pouring over cucumbers for extra crunch. Store pickles refrigerated and consume within two weeks. For less sugar, reduce sugar by half and add honey or agave. For extra spice, add jalapeños or increase red pepper flakes.

Nutrition

Keywords: bread and butter pickles, refrigerator pickles, sweet and spicy pickles, summer pickles, quick pickles, easy pickles, homemade pickles

Find it online: https://goldensimmer.com/flavorful-sweet-and-spicy-bread-and-butter-refrigerator-pickles-recipe-easy-and-perfect-for-summer/