Spicy Bread and Butter Pickles are the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and hot—an irresistible addition to sandwiches, burgers, charcuterie boards, or even as a snack straight from the jar. These pickles get their signature flavor from a mix of sugar, vinegar, mustard seeds, and turmeric, but the heat comes from red pepper flakes or fresh chili peppers. This small-batch recipe is quick to make and requires no special canning equipment, making it ideal for anyone who wants to preserve the summer’s bounty with a little extra kick.

FULL RECIPE

Ingredients

• 4 cups thinly sliced cucumbers (about 4–5 small pickling cucumbers)
• 1 cup thinly sliced onion
• 1 1/2 tablespoons kosher salt
• 1 1/2 cups apple cider vinegar
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon celery seed
• 1 tablespoon mustard seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1–2 small hot chili peppers, sliced (optional for extra heat)
• 1 cup ice cubes (for soaking)

Directions

1. Prepare the cucumbers and onions by placing them in a large bowl. Sprinkle with kosher salt and toss well to coat.
2. Add ice cubes over the salted vegetables and let sit for 1–2 hours. This step helps to keep the pickles crisp by drawing out excess moisture.
3. Rinse the vegetables thoroughly under cold water to remove the salt and drain well. Set aside.
4. In a medium saucepan, combine the apple cider vinegar, sugar, turmeric, celery seed, mustard seeds, red pepper flakes, and sliced chili peppers (if using).
5. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring until the sugar is fully dissolved.
6. Add the drained cucumbers and onions to the hot brine and stir to combine. Let the mixture return to a gentle simmer and cook for 2 minutes, then remove from heat.
7. Pack the pickles and brine into clean jars, ensuring the vegetables are fully submerged.
8. Allow the jars to cool at room temperature before sealing with lids. Refrigerate for at least 24 hours for the flavors to develop. Best enjoyed after 2–3 days.
9. Store refrigerated for up to 1 month.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 10

• Calories: 45
• Total Fat: 0g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 430mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 11g
• Dietary Fiber: 0.5g
• Sugars: 10g
• Protein: 0g
• Vitamin A: 2% DV
• Vitamin C: 6% DV
• Calcium: 1% DV
• Iron: 2% DV

What Makes Bread and Butter Pickles Unique

Bread and butter pickles stand out from other pickle varieties due to their characteristic balance of sweetness and acidity. Unlike dill pickles, which lean heavily on briny and sour notes, these pickles are sweetened with sugar and complemented by vinegar and warm spices like turmeric and mustard seed. Their flavor is complex yet comforting, offering a nostalgic taste that works well in both casual and gourmet settings. The “spicy” twist in this version adds another layer of flavor, transforming a classic into a bold new favorite.

The Role of Heat: Spice Adds Depth

The addition of heat—usually in the form of crushed red pepper flakes or sliced hot chili peppers—brings dimension and contrast to the sugary base of these pickles. This fusion of sweet and spicy appeals to a broader flavor palate and makes the pickles more versatile. The spiciness is not overwhelming but adds just enough kick to elevate the pickles from simply sweet to irresistibly bold. Adjusting the spice level also gives home cooks the ability to personalize the recipe based on their preferences.

Health Benefits of Homemade Pickles

Making your own pickles at home allows you to control both the ingredients and nutritional content. While bread and butter pickles do contain sugar, they are free of artificial preservatives and dyes often found in store-bought versions. Cucumbers themselves are hydrating and low in calories, providing small amounts of vitamins C and K. The vinegar used in the brine may also aid digestion and contribute to a balanced gut microbiome. Spicy components such as chili peppers and red pepper flakes offer metabolism-boosting properties and antioxidants.

Choosing the Right Cucumbers

The success of any pickle recipe starts with the right cucumbers. For spicy bread and butter pickles, small pickling cucumbers are ideal because of their thin skins and firm texture, which hold up well during brining. Avoid using large slicing cucumbers, as they contain more seeds and water, which can lead to soggy pickles. When selecting cucumbers, look for firm, unblemished ones that feel heavy for their size. Freshness directly impacts the final crunch and overall quality of the pickles.

Soaking for Crunch: Why It Matters

An essential step in making crispy pickles is soaking the sliced cucumbers and onions in salt and ice. This process draws out excess moisture and firms up the texture before brining. It’s a traditional technique that helps ensure the pickles stay crisp even after being submerged in a hot liquid. Skipping or shortening this step can result in softer pickles that lack the satisfying crunch many people expect. Proper soaking can make a noticeable difference in both texture and shelf life.

Balancing the Sweetness in the Brine

Sweetness is a defining trait of bread and butter pickles, but finding the right sugar-to-vinegar ratio is crucial. Too much sugar can overwhelm the other flavors, while too little can make the pickles taste overly sharp or sour. This recipe strikes a balance by combining granulated sugar with apple cider vinegar, whose natural sweetness complements the other ingredients. If desired, you can experiment with alternatives like honey or maple syrup, though these may subtly alter the flavor and consistency of the brine.

Creative Ways to Serve Spicy Bread and Butter Pickles

These pickles are incredibly versatile and can elevate both simple snacks and elaborate meals. Serve them on a burger for a tangy-spicy crunch, or layer them into sandwiches for extra zing. They pair wonderfully with barbecue meats, fried chicken, or charcuterie boards. For a more unexpected use, try chopping them into egg salad or tuna salad for added complexity. You can also dice them and use them in relish or serve them as a spicy, sweet side to balance out salty or rich dishes.

Flavor Pairings That Complement Spicy Pickles

Spicy bread and butter pickles offer a bold flavor that pairs well with a variety of other foods. Their sweet-spicy profile works especially well with fatty, salty, or savory elements—think pulled pork, grilled cheese, or sausage. They also bring contrast to creamy dishes like mac and cheese or potato salad. For drinks, consider pairing them with light beers, dry white wines, or cocktails that feature botanical or citrus notes. The key is to pair them with items that allow their sweet heat to shine without being overpowering.

Storage and Shelf Life Tips

Although these pickles are refrigerator-style and not shelf-stable for long-term storage, they can last up to a month when properly stored in clean, airtight jars. Letting them sit in the fridge for at least 24 hours allows the flavors to meld, but they taste best after 2–3 days. Always use a clean utensil when removing pickles from the jar to avoid introducing bacteria. If the brine becomes cloudy or the pickles lose their firmness, it’s best to discard them and make a fresh batch.

Variations to Try at Home

Once you’ve mastered the basic spicy bread and butter pickle recipe, it’s easy to experiment with variations. Try adding thinly sliced jalapeños or habaneros for more intense heat. You can also infuse the brine with cloves, allspice, or bay leaves for deeper complexity. For a Southern-inspired twist, add thin slices of green tomato. Using alternative vinegars like white wine vinegar or rice vinegar will subtly shift the flavor profile. These tweaks allow you to tailor the recipe to your unique taste or seasonal produce availability.

Conclusion

Spicy bread and butter pickles are a dynamic take on a beloved classic, combining the familiar sweetness of traditional bread and butter pickles with a fiery twist. They’re easy to make at home, highly customizable, and ideal for adding punch to everyday meals. With just a few fresh ingredients and simple steps, you can craft a batch of pickles that deliver both nostalgic charm and bold, modern flavor. Whether you enjoy them on burgers, in salads, or straight from the jar, these sweet-and-spicy pickles are a pantry staple worth preserving.