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Easy Tangy Bread and Butter Pickles Recipe with Turmeric and Mustard Seed for Perfect Homemade Flavor

easy tangy bread and butter pickles - featured image

A quick and flavorful bread and butter pickle recipe featuring turmeric and mustard seeds for a tangy, homemade taste. Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for last-minute gatherings or pickle cravings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups fresh cucumbers, thinly sliced (preferably Kirby cucumbers)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup white vinegar (5% acidity recommended; apple cider vinegar can be substituted)
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon salt (kosher salt preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 tablespoon mustard seeds (yellow or brown)
  • 1 teaspoon celery seeds
  • Β½ teaspoon ground black pepper (freshly ground)
  • Optional: pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for subtle heat

Instructions

  1. Thinly slice 4 cups of cucumbers and 1 medium yellow onion about β…› inch thick. Toss them in a large bowl with 1 tablespoon salt and 1 cup granulated sugar. Let sit for about 30 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
  2. While cucumbers sweat, combine 1 cup white vinegar, 1 cup water, 1 teaspoon turmeric, 1 tablespoon mustard seeds, 1 teaspoon celery seeds, and Β½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper in a medium saucepan. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
  3. After 30 minutes, pour off the liquid from the cucumber and onion mixture without rinsing. Stir gently to redistribute the sugar and salt coating.
  4. Pour the hot pickling liquid over the drained cucumbers and onions. Stir gently to combine. Using a slotted spoon, transfer pickles into clean glass jars, packing tightly but without smashing. Pour remaining liquid over the top.
  5. Let jars cool to room temperature (about 30 minutes). Seal with lids and refrigerate. Best after sitting overnight; keep refrigerated up to 3 weeks.

Notes

Use fresh mustard seeds for best flavor and texture. Uniform thin slicing ensures even pickling and crunch. Let pickles rest overnight for best flavor. If mustard seeds clump, shake jar gently before serving. Adjust soaking time or vinegar amount for preferred firmness.

Nutrition

Keywords: bread and butter pickles, pickles recipe, turmeric pickles, mustard seed pickles, quick pickles, homemade pickles, tangy pickles, easy pickles