Frances' Easy Bread 'n Butter Pickles

8 pints servings Prep: 15 m Cook: PT0M Total: 15 m Beginner
5.0/5 (2)
Frances' Easy Bread 'n Butter Pickles
Sweet and sour, but mostly sweet—this clever shortcut transforms store-bought dill pickles into homemade-style bread and butter pickles with just sugar and garlic. No cooking required, just layer and wait!

Ingredients

8 pints servings
  • 1 gallon jar Classic Kosher Whole Dill Pickles
  • 5-6 cups sugar
  • 6 cloves of garlic, sliced

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Drain all of the juice from the gallon jar of pickles and discard the juice.
  2. Slice the whole pickles into 1/4 inch coins.
  3. Return the pickles to the jar in the following manner: for every 2 to 3 inch layer of pickles, add 1/2 cup sugar, making sure to evenly distribute the sugar over the pickles. Add the sliced garlic cloves as you layer.
  4. Seal the jar and refrigerate. Wait two weeks before enjoying to allow the sugar to draw out liquid and create the pickling juice.

Common Problems and Solutions

Q: Why aren't my pickles making enough juice?

A: Be patient—it takes the full two weeks for the sugar to fully draw out the liquid from the pickles. Make sure the jar is sealed tightly and turn it occasionally to help distribute the forming juice. The pickles will release their moisture over time.

Q: Can I use less sugar?

A: You can reduce the sugar slightly, but remember that the sugar not only sweetens but also draws out the liquid from the pickles to create the brine. Using significantly less sugar may result in less juice and a more sour pickle.

Tips and Techniques

Turn the jar upside down every few days during the two-week curing period to help distribute the sugar and developing juice evenly throughout all the pickles. This ensures consistent sweetness and texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • Classic Kosher Whole Dill Pickles: Any brand of whole dill pickles
  • white sugar: half white sugar, half brown sugar

Equipment Needed

  • 1 gallon glass jar with lid (reuse the pickle jar)
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board

Historical Context

Bread and butter pickles became popular during the Great Depression as a way to preserve cucumbers and add sweetness to meals. This shortcut version continues that tradition of thrift by repurposing affordable dill pickles rather than starting from scratch with fresh cucumbers.