When the summer sun starts to shine, I can’t help but dream about crisp, refreshing bites of homemade pickles. The delightful crunch of fresh English cucumbers soaking in a sweet and tangy brine never fails to brighten up even the simplest meals. You won’t believe how easy it is to craft “The Best Pickles Yet: English Cucumber Pickle Chips” right in your kitchen!
Perfectly balanced in flavor and texture, these bread and butter pickle chips transform sandwiches from ordinary to extraordinary and make an irresistibly tasty snack straight out of the jar. A treasure to share at potlucks or as a thoughtful homemade gift, you’ll find countless uses for these little gems. With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is here to rescue you from the mundane takeout routine. Let’s dive into this pickle-making adventure together, and soon you’ll find that sweet and sour bliss is just a jar away!
Why are Bread and Butter Pickles a must-try?
Irresistible flavor: You’ll love the blend of sweet and tangy that these pickle chips offer—they’re a burst of summer in every bite!
Easy preparation: With straightforward steps, you’ll have delicious homemade pickles ready without any fuss.
Versatile uses: Perfect as a snack, on burgers, or as a sandwich topping, they’re bound to enhance any meal.
Crisp texture: The English cucumbers guarantee a delightful crunch that fast food just can’t compete with!
Gift-ready: These pickle chips make for an excellent homemade gift to delight friends and family.
The Best Pickles Yet: Ingredients
• Discover the secrets to crafting The Best Pickles Yet: English Cucumber Pickle Chips with this helpful ingredient list!
For the Pickles
- English Cucumbers – Opt for long, firm cucumbers with small seeds to ensure maximum crunch.
- Onions – Sweet onions work best; they enhance the flavor and add a lovely texture.
- Garlic – A whole clove per jar will infuse the brine with a delightful aromatic punch.
For the Brine
- Apple Cider Vinegar – It brings a balanced tartness that’s crucial for the sweet brine.
- Distilled White Vinegar – This vinegar helps balance acidity in your pickling solution.
- Granulated Sugar – Essential for achieving that classic “bread and butter” pickle sweetness.
- Pickling Salt – Ensures proper brining and crisp texture; kosher salt can be used as a substitute.
For Seasoning
- Spices (mustard seeds, celery seeds, mustard powder, and coriander seeds) – These will bring depth and a subtle bite to your pickles, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Get ready to embark on a delightful pickling journey!
How to Make Bread and Butter Pickle Chips
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Prepare Cucumbers and Onions: Start by trimming the ends of your English cucumbers and slicing them into 1/8” thick rounds. Slice the onions too, then submerge both in a mixture of pickling salt and ice water for about 2 hours. This soaking really helps to keep them crisp! Afterward, drain and rinse them well.
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Make Brine: In a pot, combine apple cider vinegar, distilled white vinegar, granulated sugar, and your selected spices. Heat the mixture until it reaches a boil, letting the sweetness of the sugar dissolve completely into the vinegars.
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Cook Vegetables: Add the drained cucumber and onion slices to the pot of boiling brine. Give them a gentle stir and let them cook for about 3 minutes, just long enough to infuse with that delightful brine flavor.
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Jar the Pickles: Carefully fill your sterilized jars with the hot cucumber and onion mixture, packing it tightly. Then pour the hot brine over them, leaving about 1/2″ of headspace at the top.
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Seal and Process: Secure your lids on the jars, and process them in a boiling water canner for 5 minutes. If you’re making refrigerator pickles instead, simply boil the brine for 5 minutes after filling the jars and skip the canning process.
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Cool and Store: Allow the jars to cool completely before checking the seals. After they’re cooled and sealed, label them and store in a cool, dark place. For the best flavor, wait at least 2 weeks before indulging in your tangy creations!
Optional: Try adding sliced jalapeños for a spicy twist!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Bread and Butter Pickle Variations
Feel free to bring your own spin to these delightful pickles with these easy variations that will excite your taste buds!
- Vinegar Swap: Use white wine vinegar for a gentler flavor, enhancing the sweetness in a subtle way.
- Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the brine for a warm, tantalizing heat that lingers.
- Garlic Lover’s Delight: Include extra cloves of garlic in each jar for an irresistible garlicky kick that perfectly complements the sweetness.
- Herb Infusion: Toss in fresh dill or thyme with the other spices for an aromatic twist that brightens every bite.
- Sweetened Alternative: Swap out granulated sugar for honey or maple syrup for a touch of natural sweetness.
- Crunchy Variations: Use Kirby cucumbers instead of English for a slightly different crunch and texture that’s also delicious in pickling.
- Zesty Addition: Incorporate a tablespoon of mustard seeds or a splash of lemon juice in the brine for that extra zing!
- Citrus Burst: Try adding slices of lemon or orange to the pickling liquid for a refreshing citrus flavor to cut through the sweetness.
Experimenting with these variations not only keeps things interesting but also allows you to tailor your pickles to suit all your flavor cravings!
What to Serve with Bread and Butter Pickle Chips?
These delightful pickle chips can elevate various meals, creating a refreshing and scrumptious experience.
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Classic Sandwiches: Layer these sweet and tangy pickles in your favorite sandwiches; they add a flavor punch that complements meats perfectly.
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Hot Dogs or Burgers: Perfectly balanced, these chips give a delightful crunch and enhance the flavors in any summer barbecue dish.
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Cheese Platter: Place your pickle chips beside creamy cheeses and crackers. Their tanginess provides an excellent contrast to the rich flavors.
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Salads: Add chopped pickle chips to potato or pasta salads for an unexpected zing that brings the dish to life.
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Spicy Pairings: Try pairing these chips with spicy jalapeño poppers for an exciting contrast in taste and texture, making every bite memorable.
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Drinks: Serve alongside a refreshing lemonade or iced tea—these pair beautifully, balancing sweetness with the tangy crunch of the pickles.
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Tacos: Along with your favorite taco fillings, these tangy chips can add a refreshing crunch and depth that enhances each bite.
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Deviled Eggs: Top deviled eggs with a slice of pickle chip; it’s a classic twist that everyone will love at your next gathering!
How to Store and Freeze Bread and Butter Pickle Chips
Fridge: Store opened jars in the refrigerator, ensuring they are tightly sealed. Consume within one month for optimal freshness and flavor.
Freezer: For longer storage, transfer the pickles to airtight freezer containers, leaving space at the top as they may expand. They can be frozen for up to 6 months, but for best flavor, enjoy them fresh.
Sealing: If canning, check that all lids are sealed properly after processing to prevent spoilage. Unsealed jars can be refrigerated and used in 1-2 weeks.
Reheating: There’s no need to reheat; just enjoy your delicious Bread and Butter Pickle Chips straight from the jar or as a garnish on your favorite dishes!
Make Ahead Options
These Bread and Butter Pickle Chips are a fantastic choice for meal prep, as their flavor deepens beautifully when made in advance! You can slice the cucumbers and onions and soak them in the pickling salt mixture up to 24 hours ahead of time. Simply keep them refrigerated until you’re ready to proceed. The brine can also be prepared 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the fridge to save even more time. When you’re ready to finish your pickles, just bring the brine to a boil, add the prepped vegetables, and follow the last steps of the recipe. You’ll enjoy the same delicious, crunchy results with minimal effort on the day you want to serve them!
Helpful Tricks for Bread and Butter Pickles
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Use Fresh Cucumbers: Always select firm, fresh English cucumbers with thin skins and small seeds to ensure your pickle chips are crisp and flavorful.
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Don’t Skip the Soak: Soaking cucumbers and onions in ice water and pickling salt for 2 hours is essential to maintain their crunchiness and balance the flavors in your bread and butter pickles.
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Proper Canning Technique: Make sure to use new seals for canning, clean jar rims, and leave the right headspace when filling jars to prevent any mishaps during processing.
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Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to customize your brine by adding more spices or even a pinch of red pepper flakes for a small kick—experimenting is key to making the best pickles yet!
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Patience is Key: Allow your sealed pickles to cure for at least 2 weeks. This waiting period deepens their flavor and enhances their overall taste experience.
The Best Pickles Yet: English Cucumber Pickle Chips Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best cucumbers for my pickle chips?
Absolutely! For the crispiest results, look for firm, long English cucumbers. They should have a smooth skin and small seeds, which contribute to a delightful crunch in your pickles. Avoid any cucumbers with dark spots or soft spots, as they may lead to mushy pickles.
How should I store my bread and butter pickles?
Once opened, it’s best to keep your bread and butter pickles in the refrigerator. Make sure the jars are tightly sealed, and consume them within one month for the best flavor and quality. If you haven’t opened the jars, you can store them in a cool, dark place for up to a year.
Can I freeze my bread and butter pickles?
Very! While it’s best to enjoy your pickles fresh for the best taste, you can freeze them for up to 6 months. Just transfer your pickles to an airtight freezer container, ensuring you leave some space at the top for expansion. When ready to use, thaw them in the refrigerator for a crisp addition to your meals.
What if my pickles turned out too soft?
This can happen occasionally, but don’t worry! First, make sure you removed the blossom end of the cucumbers; this step is crucial. If they are still too soft, using pickling salt instead of table salt helps maintain texture. Next time, also soak your cucumbers and onions for the full 2 hours to enhance their crispness.
Are these pickles safe for pets or those with certain allergies?
While bread and butter pickles are a fantastic treat for humans, it’s essential to remember that these pickles aren’t suitable for pets due to their saltiness and sugar content. If you’re concerned about allergies, be cautious with the spices and garlic used in this recipe, especially if serving to anyone with food sensitivities.
What’s the best time to enjoy my pickles after canning?
I recommend waiting at least 2 weeks after processing before diving in. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and results in a much more delicious experience when you finally crack open that jar of The Best Pickles Yet: English Cucumber Pickle Chips!
The Best Pickles Yet: Irresistible English Cucumber Chips
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare Cucumbers and Onions: Trim the ends of cucumbers and slice into 1/8” thick rounds. Slice the onions and soak in pickling salt and ice water for 2 hours, then drain and rinse.
- Make Brine: In a pot, combine apple cider vinegar, distilled white vinegar, granulated sugar, and spices. Heat until boiling to dissolve sugar.
- Cook Vegetables: Add drained cucumber and onion slices to the boiling brine. Stir gently and let cook for 3 minutes.
- Jar the Pickles: Fill sterilized jars with the hot mixture and cover with brine, leaving 1/2" headspace.
- Seal and Process: Secure lids and process in boiling water for 5 minutes or skip for refrigerator pickles.
- Cool and Store: Cool completely, check seals, label, and store in a cool, dark place. Wait 2 weeks for best flavor.