The History and Tradition of Bread and Butter Pickles
Bread and butter pickles have become a staple condiment in American households. They are sweet, tangy, and a perfect topping for sandwiches, hamburgers, or hot dogs. However, few people know the rich history and tradition of this ubiquitous pickle.
The term 'bread and butter pickles' originated during the Great Depression era, where many people were impoverished and had to find creative ways to make food last longer. Bread and butter pickles were an economical way to use up leftover cucumbers and preserve them for later use.
The name 'bread and butter' came from the fact that pickled cucumbers were often served in households that couldn't afford lavish meals. A simple meal of bread and butter with pickled cucumbers became a sustainable and delicious way of feeding a family.
The recipe for bread and butter pickles is relatively simple. Slices of cucumbers are pickled in a blend of apple cider vinegar, sugar, and spices such as mustard seeds, celery seeds, and turmeric, which give the pickles their characteristic yellow color. The mixture is simmered until the sugar dissolves and then poured over the cucumber slices, which are left to marinate for several hours or overnight.
Over time, bread and butter pickles gained popularity and became a fixture in many Southern households. It became a staple topping for hot dogs, hamburgers, and sandwiches. They continue to remain a popular pickling option today and have made their way onto restaurant menus and grocery store shelves across the country.
Bread and butter pickles have a rich history and tradition that dates back to a time when people were struggling to make ends meet. However, this simple and economical pickle has withstood the test of time and continues to be a beloved condiment for people of all ages and backgrounds.
How to Make Your Own Delicious Bread and Butter Pickles at Home
If you're a fan of pickles, then you've probably tried bread and butter pickles. These sweet and tangy pickles are a staple of Southern cuisine and are great as a snack or as a topping for burgers and sandwiches. Making your own bread and butter pickles at home is surprisingly easy and only requires a few ingredients. Here's how to do it.
Ingredients:
- 4-5 medium-sized cucumbers
- 1 medium-sized onion
- 1 tablespoon kosher or pickling salt
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon celery seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
Instructions:
- Wash the cucumbers and thinly slice them using a mandoline or a sharp knife. Peel and thinly slice the onion.
- Place the cucumber and onion slices in a large bowl. Sprinkle with kosher salt and toss to combine. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let sit at room temperature for 1-2 hours.
- While the cucumbers and onions are sitting, prepare the pickling liquid. In a medium saucepan, combine the apple cider vinegar, sugar, mustard seeds, celery seeds, and ground turmeric. Heat over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved.
- After 1-2 hours, drain the liquid from the bowl of cucumbers and onions. Rinse them with cold water and drain well. Transfer the cucumber and onion slices to a large jar or container with a tight-fitting lid.
- Pour the pickling liquid over the cucumber and onion slices, making sure they are fully submerged. Cover the jar or container with a lid and refrigerate for at least 24 hours before serving.
That's it! After 24 hours, your Bbead and butter pickles will be ready to eat. They will keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Enjoy them as a snack or as a tasty topping for your favorite burgers and sandwiches.
Unique Ways to Enjoy Bread and Butter Pickles in Everyday Meals
Do you have a jar of bread and butter pickles in your pantry and don't quite know what to do with them? Here are some unique ways to enjoy these tangy and sweet pickles in your everyday meals.
- Add them to sandwiches
Instead of plain old cucumber slices, add some bread and butter pickles to your sandwich. They add a pop of flavor that complements meats and cheeses nicely.
- Chop them up for relish
If you're grilling hot dogs or hamburgers, chop up some bread and butter pickles to make a tasty relish. It adds a sweet and tangy element to your classic summer barbecue foods.
- Top your burgers with them
Speaking of burgers, why not add a crispy bread and butter pickle on top? It adds a crunchy texture that pairs perfectly with the soft bun and juicy burger patty.
- Mix them into potato salad
Next time you make potato salad, chop up some bread and butter pickles and mix them in before chilling it. The pickle flavor adds a unique twist to the classic recipe.
- Create a pickle dip
Chop up some bread and butter pickles and mix them with cream cheese and sour cream to make a tangy pickle dip. It's perfect for vegetables, crackers, or even as a spread on sandwiches.
- Add them to deviled eggs
If you're making deviled eggs for a party or potluck, chop up some bread and butter pickles and mix them in with the yolks. It gives the classic appetizer a unique flavor that your guests will love.
- Incorporate them into fried rice
Chop up some bread and butter pickles into small pieces and add them to your favorite fried rice recipe. It adds a sweet and tangy element to the savory dish.
- Make a pickled grilled cheese
Instead of adding regular pickles to your grilled cheese sandwich, use bread and butter pickles. The sweetness of the pickles pairs well with the melted cheese, creating a unique and delicious flavor profile.
As you can see, bread and butter pickles are versatile and can be used in many different ways beyond just snacking on them straight from the jar. Give some of these ideas a try and you might just discover a new favorite way to enjoy this tangy treat.
