What are bread and butter pickles good for?

Bread and butter pickles get their unique name from the historical practice of trading them for staples like bread and butter during the Great Depression, when cash was scarce. This sweet and tangy condiment is far more versatile than you might think, adding a crunchy flavor contrast to countless dishes.

Quick Summary

This guide explores the many applications for bread and butter pickles, including how to use them as a topping for sandwiches and burgers, an ingredient in salads and spreads, and a tangy addition to appetizer boards. It covers various recipes and culinary ideas that benefit from their signature sweet-and-sour profile.

Key Points

• Burger Topping: Bread and butter pickles offer a perfect sweet-and-tangy crunch that cuts through the richness of any burger, from classic beef to pulled pork.

• Salad Ingredient: Finely chopped, they add a bright, acidic element to creamy salads like potato salad, tuna salad, and egg salad, providing a flavorful contrast.

• Appetizer Boards: Their crisp texture and tangy taste make them an ideal addition to cheese and charcuterie boards, pairing well with rich cheeses and cured meats.

• Versatile Relish: Chopping the pickles and mixing with their brine can create an easy, delicious relish for hot dogs and other sandwiches.

• Use the Brine: The leftover pickle juice can be repurposed as a zesty addition to marinades, vinaigrettes, or even deviled egg filling.

• Frying: These pickles can be battered and fried for a sweet, crispy appetizer, offering a twist on the traditional dill variety.

• Flavorful Ingredient: Beyond topping, they can be incorporated directly into recipes like stuffed burgers or special sauces for a unique flavor.

Elevating Sandwiches and Burgers with a Sweet Tang

The most common and beloved use for bread and butter pickles is as a crunchy, sweet-and-sour topping for sandwiches and burgers. The thin, coin-shaped slices are perfectly sized to fit on a burger patty or layer neatly within a deli sandwich. Their bright, sweet acidity cuts through the richness of fatty meats, creating a perfectly balanced bite.

• Classic Cheeseburger: A generous layer of bread and butter pickles on a beef patty with melted cheese provides an ideal flavor and texture contrast.
• Pulled Pork Sandwich: The tangy crunch of these pickles is a classic companion to rich, smoky pulled pork, helping to refresh the palate with each bite.
• Tuna or Chicken Salad Sandwich: Finely chopped bread and butter pickles add a sweet and savory relish-like dimension to creamy tuna or chicken salad.
• Grilled Cheese: For a unique twist, try adding a few slices to a grilled cheese sandwich to introduce a burst of unexpected flavor.

Creative Culinary Applications and Recipes

Beyond simple toppings, bread and butter pickles can be incorporated into a wide range of recipes, proving their versatility in the kitchen. Their sweet and acidic brine can also be repurposed for new creations.

Incorporating Pickles into Salads

Chopped pickles are an excellent addition to many types of salads, providing both flavor and texture. For a southern-style potato salad, they can be a crucial ingredient, adding a distinct sweet and tangy element. In creamy pasta or egg salads, their acidity balances the richness of the mayonnaise.

Making Homemade Tartare Sauce and Relish

For fish and chips, a simple homemade tartare sauce can be elevated with minced bread and butter pickles. To create a quick and easy relish for hot dogs or burgers, simply chop the pickles and mix with a little mustard and their own brine.

Frying Pickles for an Appetizer

Fried pickles are a popular appetizer, and bread and butter pickles offer a sweeter alternative to the traditional dill. Just dip the slices in a batter or breadcrumb mixture and fry until golden brown. Serve with a creamy dipping sauce for a satisfying snack.

Repurposing the Brine

Don't pour the pickle juice down the drain! The leftover brine is full of flavor and can be used in various ways.

• Marinade: Use the brine to marinate chicken or pork for extra flavor.
• Vinaigrette: Add a splash of pickle brine to a vinaigrette for a tangy kick.
• Deviled Eggs: A spoonful of brine can add a bright, tangy element to deviled eggs.

Comparison: Bread and Butter Pickles vs. Dill Pickles

Feature	Bread and Butter Pickles	Dill Pickles
Flavor Profile	Sweet and tangy, with a briny depth.	Sour, salty, and savory, with a pronounced dill flavor.
Brine Ingredients	Includes sugar, vinegar, spices like mustard seed and celery seed.	Uses vinegar or a salt-and-water brine with dill flavoring.
Ideal Pairings	Burgers, barbecue, tuna salad, cheese boards.	Deli sandwiches, alongside fried chicken, potato salad.
Health Considerations	Higher in sugar due to the sweeter brine.	Lower in sugar than bread and butter varieties.
Probiotics	Most commercial versions are pasteurized and lack probiotics.	Some fermented, refrigerated varieties offer probiotic benefits.

Incorporating Bread and Butter Pickles into Charcuterie and Appetizer Boards

Bread and butter pickles are a stellar addition to any cheese or charcuterie board. Their bright, piquant flavor and crisp texture provide a refreshing contrast to the rich, salty elements of cured meats and cheeses. Pairing them with sharp cheddar or a soft, creamy cheese can create a delightful explosion of flavor. They can also be served alongside other appetizers like deviled eggs or used to garnish cocktails. The vibrant color of the pickle chips adds visual appeal to any spread.

Conclusion: More Than Just a Sandwich Topping

As explored throughout this guide, bread and butter pickles are a highly versatile condiment that goes far beyond their traditional use on burgers and sandwiches. Their distinctive sweet, tangy, and crunchy profile makes them an asset in a variety of dishes, from classic salads and sauces to innovative appetizers. Whether enjoyed straight from the jar, chopped into a relish, or fried to a golden crisp, these flavorful pickles offer a simple way to add complexity and contrast to your cooking. Their ease of use and long shelf life make them a pantry staple worthy of creative exploration. So next time you have a jar, consider the many possibilities for what bread and butter pickles are good for to enhance your favorite meals and discover new ones.

Repurposing the Pickle Brine

The leftover brine from a jar of bread and butter pickles is a flavor-packed ingredient that should not be wasted. Instead of discarding it, consider using the sweet, tangy liquid to add a burst of flavor to various recipes.

• Flavorful Vinaigrette: Whisk a splash of pickle brine into your next salad dressing for a zesty, unexpected twist. Combine it with olive oil, a bit of Dijon mustard, and other herbs for a quick and delicious vinaigrette.
• Marinade for Meats: The acidic properties of the brine make it an excellent marinade for chicken or pork. Let the meat soak for an hour or two to infuse it with a sweet and tangy flavor before grilling or baking.
• Boiled Potatoes: For a tangy spin on potato salad, boil your potatoes in a mixture of water and pickle brine. This infuses the potatoes with flavor from the inside out, reducing the need for excessive seasoning later.
• Add to Deviled Eggs: Swap out some of the mayonnaise in your deviled egg filling for a spoonful of pickle brine. The result is a brighter, more complex flavor profile that will make your deviled eggs stand out.
• Cocktail Ingredient: Add a splash of pickle juice to certain cocktails for a unique, briny flavor. It pairs surprisingly well in drinks where you might normally use a salty olive brine.

Baking and Cooking with Pickles

Incorporating pickles into cooked dishes is another great way to use them, adding moisture and a flavor that can withstand heat. Their robust taste doesn't disappear when cooked, making them a secret weapon for home cooks looking to add a little something extra.

Bread and Butter Pickle Fritters

For a fun, crispy appetizer, try making bread and butter pickle fritters. Create a simple batter with flour, eggs, and seasonings, then fold in chopped pickles and onions. Spoon the mixture into hot oil and fry until golden brown and delicious. They make a great side dish for barbecues or a tasty snack.

Pickle-Stuffed Burgers

Instead of just topping your burger with a pickle slice, try stuffing the patty with finely diced bread and butter pickles and some cheese. This locks the flavor inside the burger, resulting in a juicy, flavorful surprise with every bite.

The History Behind the Name

While the name might imply that these pickles contain bread and butter, the origin story is much more interesting. During the Great Depression, Illinois cucumber farmers Omar and Cora Fanning developed a sweet-and-sour pickle recipe they used to barter for household necessities, including bread and butter. They eventually patented their recipe under the now-famous name, and the rest is culinary history. This story underscores the long-standing value of these pickles as a versatile and treasured food item.

Recipe for a Tangy Tartare Sauce

This simple recipe will help you utilize your bread and butter pickles in a delicious, tangy sauce perfect for fried fish, seafood, or even as a dip for fried pickles.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup finely chopped bread and butter pickles
• 1 tablespoon pickle brine
• 1 tablespoon fresh chopped dill
• 1/2 teaspoon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, chopped pickles, pickle brine, mustard, and dill until well combined.
2. Season with salt and pepper to your desired taste.
3. For best results, let the sauce sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use bread and butter pickles in a potato salad?

Yes, bread and butter pickles are an excellent addition to potato salad. Their sweet and tangy flavor adds a classic, savory taste that is a staple in many traditional recipes.

Are bread and butter pickles good with barbecue?

Absolutely. The sweet and tangy crunch of bread and butter pickles provides a perfect counterpoint to the rich, smoky flavors of barbecue, especially on pulled pork or chicken sandwiches.

What is the best way to serve bread and butter pickles with cheese?

Bread and butter pickles are great on a cheese board. They pair wonderfully with sharp cheddar or other rich cheeses, offering a bright, acidic flavor and a crisp texture to balance the creamy cheese.

Is the brine from bread and butter pickles useful?

Yes, the leftover brine is very useful. It can be used in marinades for meats, as a tangy element in vinaigrettes, or added to deviled eggs for extra flavor.

How do bread and butter pickles differ from dill pickles?

Bread and butter pickles are known for their sweet and tangy flavor, with a brine that contains sugar and spices like mustard seed. Dill pickles are typically sour and savory, with a distinct dill flavor.

Can I fry bread and butter pickles?

Yes, you can fry bread and butter pickles. Battering and frying the slices creates a deliciously crispy appetizer with a unique sweet and tangy taste that is different from traditional fried dill pickles.

What is a good way to use bread and butter pickles in a sauce?

A simple and delicious method is to chop them finely and mix them into mayonnaise with some of their brine to create a tangy tartare sauce, which is perfect for fish or fried appetizers.