Quick & Easy Microwave Bread and Butter Pickles: From Garden to Jar in Minutes!
Are you drowning in cucumbers from your garden? Craving the sweet and tangy crunch of bread and butter pickles but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen? Then this recipe is for you! These microwave bread and butter pickles are incredibly quick, easy, and surprisingly delicious. You can have a batch ready to enjoy in under an hour, with minimal effort. This method is perfect for small batches, using up those extra cucumbers, or when you just need a pickle fix fast!
## Why Microwave Pickles?
Traditionally, making pickles involves a hot water bath canning process to ensure long-term preservation. While that’s still a great option, it can be time-consuming and intimidating for beginners. Microwaving offers a shortcut, allowing you to cook the brine and cucumbers quickly, resulting in a refrigerator pickle that’s ready to eat much sooner. These pickles won’t be shelf-stable like traditionally canned pickles, but they will last for several weeks in the refrigerator.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
* **Cucumbers:** About 2 pounds of pickling cucumbers (Kirby cucumbers are ideal, but any firm cucumber will work). Smaller cucumbers are best for this recipe.
* **Onion:** 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced.
* **Bell Pepper:** 1/2 green bell pepper, thinly sliced (optional, but adds a nice flavor).
* **Vinegar:** 1 1/2 cups white vinegar (5% acidity).
* **Sugar:** 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar.
* **Water:** 1/2 cup water.
* **Pickling Spice:** 2 tablespoons pickling spice. You can find this in the spice aisle of most grocery stores, or make your own blend.
* **Turmeric Powder:** 1/2 teaspoon (for color and flavor).
* **Mustard Seeds:** 1 teaspoon (adds a bit of tang and texture).
* **Celery Seeds:** 1/2 teaspoon (enhances the flavor).
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional, for added flavor).
* **Salt:** 1 tablespoon kosher salt or pickling salt. Avoid using iodized table salt, as it can darken the pickles and affect their flavor.
## Equipment Needed
* **Large Microwave-Safe Bowl:** Choose a bowl that’s large enough to hold all the ingredients without overflowing during microwaving.
* **Microwave:** A standard microwave oven.
* **Knife and Cutting Board:** For slicing the cucumbers, onions, and bell pepper.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For accurate measuring of ingredients.
* **Jars or Containers:** Clean glass jars or airtight containers for storing the finished pickles.
## Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s how to make your own batch of delicious microwave bread and butter pickles:
**Step 1: Prepare the Cucumbers**
* Wash the cucumbers thoroughly under cold water. Scrub them gently to remove any dirt or debris.
* Trim the ends of the cucumbers. This helps to prevent the pickles from becoming soft.
* Slice the cucumbers into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Use a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer for consistent slices.
**Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables**
* Peel and thinly slice the onion. You want thin slices so they pickle well.
* If using, wash and thinly slice the bell pepper, removing the seeds and membranes.
* Mince the garlic cloves (if using).
**Step 3: Combine Ingredients in the Bowl**
* In the large microwave-safe bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, onions, and bell pepper (if using).
* Add the vinegar, sugar, water, pickling spice, turmeric powder, mustard seeds, celery seeds, garlic (if using), and salt.
**Step 4: Microwave the Pickle Mixture**
* Stir the ingredients well to ensure the sugar and salt are dissolved.
* Cover the bowl with microwave-safe plastic wrap or a microwave-safe lid. If using plastic wrap, poke a few holes in the top to allow steam to escape.
* Microwave on high power for 8-12 minutes, or until the cucumbers are translucent and the brine is boiling. The cooking time will vary depending on your microwave’s wattage, so start with 8 minutes and check for doneness. Stir the mixture halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.
**Step 5: Let the Pickles Cool**
* Carefully remove the bowl from the microwave (it will be hot!).
* Let the pickle mixture cool completely at room temperature. This can take about 1-2 hours.
**Step 6: Transfer to Jars and Refrigerate**
* Once the pickles have cooled, transfer them to clean glass jars or airtight containers.
* Pour the brine over the pickles, ensuring they are fully submerged.
* Refrigerate the pickles for at least 24 hours before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and develop.
## Tips for Success
* **Use Fresh, Firm Cucumbers:** The quality of your cucumbers will directly affect the quality of your pickles. Choose cucumbers that are firm, unblemished, and free of soft spots.
* **Don’t Overcook the Cucumbers:** Overcooked cucumbers will become mushy. Watch them closely during microwaving and remove them from the microwave as soon as they are translucent.
* **Adjust the Sweetness:** If you prefer a less sweet pickle, reduce the amount of sugar slightly. You can also use a sugar substitute, but be aware that it may affect the texture and flavor.
* **Experiment with Spices:** Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat, or increase the amount of mustard seeds for a bolder flavor.
* **Use Pickling Salt:** Pickling salt is pure sodium chloride without any additives like iodine or anti-caking agents. These additives can darken the pickles and affect their flavor. If you can’t find pickling salt, kosher salt is a good substitute.
* **Sterilize Jars (Optional):** While not strictly necessary for refrigerator pickles, sterilizing your jars can help extend their shelf life. To sterilize, wash the jars and lids in hot, soapy water, then place them in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes. Allow them to air dry completely before filling.
* **Pack Tightly:** When transferring the pickles to jars, pack them tightly to prevent them from floating above the brine. This will help ensure they are properly preserved.
## Serving Suggestions
These microwave bread and butter pickles are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways:
* **As a Snack:** Enjoy them straight from the jar as a tangy and sweet snack.
* **On Sandwiches:** Add them to sandwiches, burgers, and wraps for a burst of flavor and crunch.
* **With Cheese and Crackers:** Serve them alongside cheese and crackers as part of a charcuterie board.
* **In Salads:** Chop them up and add them to salads for a sweet and tangy twist.
* **As a Garnish:** Use them as a garnish for grilled meats, fish, or vegetables.
* **In Relishes and Dips:** Finely chop them and add them to relishes, dips, and sauces.
## Variations and Additions
Want to get creative with your microwave bread and butter pickles? Here are a few variations and additions to try:
* **Spicy Pickles:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few slices of jalapeno pepper to the pickle mixture for a spicy kick.
* **Dill Pickles:** Omit the turmeric and add fresh dill sprigs for a classic dill pickle flavor.
* **Garlic Pickles:** Increase the amount of garlic or add a few whole garlic cloves to the pickle mixture.
* **Carrot Pickles:** Add thinly sliced carrots to the pickle mixture for added sweetness and crunch.
* **Cauliflower Pickles:** Add cauliflower florets to the pickle mixture for a unique and flavorful pickle.
* **Sweet Onion Pickles:** Use Vidalia onions or other sweet onions for a milder flavor.
* **Ginger Pickles:** Add a few slices of fresh ginger to the pickle mixture for a warm and spicy flavor.
## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
**Q: How long do microwave bread and butter pickles last?**
A: These pickles will last for several weeks in the refrigerator, typically 2-3 weeks, as long as they are submerged in the brine. However, since they are not processed in a hot water bath, they are not shelf-stable and must be refrigerated.
**Q: Can I use different types of vinegar?**
A: While white vinegar is the most common choice for bread and butter pickles, you can experiment with other types of vinegar, such as apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar. Keep in mind that different vinegars will impart different flavors to the pickles.
**Q: Can I reduce the amount of sugar?**
A: Yes, you can reduce the amount of sugar to suit your taste. However, keep in mind that sugar is an important ingredient in bread and butter pickles, as it helps to balance the acidity of the vinegar and create the characteristic sweet and tangy flavor.
**Q: Can I double or triple the recipe?**
A: Yes, you can easily double or triple the recipe. Just make sure you have a large enough microwave-safe bowl and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
**Q: My pickles are soft. What did I do wrong?**
A: Soft pickles can be caused by several factors, including using old cucumbers, overcooking the pickles, or not using enough salt or vinegar. Make sure to use fresh, firm cucumbers, avoid overcooking them, and follow the recipe carefully.
**Q: Can I use a metal bowl in the microwave?**
A: No, you should never use a metal bowl in the microwave. Metal can cause sparks and damage your microwave oven. Always use a microwave-safe glass or plastic bowl.
**Q: Do I need to sterilize the jars?**
A: Sterilizing the jars is not strictly necessary for refrigerator pickles, but it can help extend their shelf life. If you choose to sterilize the jars, wash them and the lids in hot, soapy water, then place them in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes. Allow them to air dry completely before filling.
**Q: Can I use different types of cucumbers?**
A: While Kirby cucumbers are ideal for pickling, you can use other types of cucumbers as well. Just make sure they are firm and relatively small. Avoid using cucumbers that are too large or have thick skins.
**Q: Why are my pickles turning dark?**
A: Darkening pickles can be caused by using iodized table salt. Always use kosher salt or pickling salt for pickling.
**Q: What is pickling spice?**
A: Pickling spice is a blend of various spices commonly used for pickling. It typically includes mustard seeds, coriander seeds, bay leaves, allspice berries, cloves, and black peppercorns. You can find it in the spice aisle of most grocery stores.
## Conclusion
These microwave bread and butter pickles are a game-changer for anyone who loves pickles but doesn’t have the time or inclination for traditional canning. They’re quick, easy, and delicious, making them the perfect solution for using up extra cucumbers or satisfying a pickle craving. So, grab your cucumbers, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a batch of homemade pickles in under an hour! They are a fantastic addition to any meal and are sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy!