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Flavorful Spicy Refrigerator Bread and Butter Pickles

spicy refrigerator bread and butter pickles - featured image

A quick and easy recipe for spicy refrigerator bread and butter pickles with a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors. Ready in under 20 minutes of prep and perfect for snacks, sandwiches, and BBQs.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups thinly sliced cucumbers (Kirby or Persian cucumbers preferred)
  • 1 ½ cups white vinegar
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon salt (pickling or kosher salt recommended)
  • 1 tablespoon mustard seeds
  • 1 teaspoon celery seeds
  • ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced (optional)

Instructions

  1. Wash cucumbers thoroughly and slice thinly about 1/8 inch (3 mm) thick. Thinly slice onion and garlic as well. This should take around 10 minutes.
  2. In a small saucepan, combine white vinegar, granulated sugar, and salt. Add mustard seeds, celery seeds, turmeric, red pepper flakes, and black pepper. Heat gently over medium heat, stirring until sugar and salt dissolve completely, about 3 to 5 minutes. Do not boil.
  3. Place sliced cucumbers, onions, and garlic in a large mixing bowl or directly into glass jars. Pour the hot brine over the vegetables, ensuring everything is submerged. Gently press down if needed.
  4. Let the mixture cool to room temperature, about 30 minutes. Cover jars or containers tightly and refrigerate.
  5. Wait at least 24 hours for flavor development. For best results, wait 3 to 5 days before enjoying. The longer they sit, the more intense the flavor.

Notes

For extra crunch, soak cucumbers in ice water for 30 minutes before slicing. Avoid boiling the brine to preserve bright flavors. Adjust red pepper flakes to control spiciness. Optional additions include fresh jalapeño slices or smoked paprika for smoky heat. Apple cider vinegar can be used instead of white vinegar for a fruitier tang. Store pickles in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 weeks, best eaten within 1-2 weeks.

Nutrition

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