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Heads up: I'm not a doctor. These recipes are for inspiration, not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before changing your diet. Sometimes I curate recipes and share them with you, keeping sugar conscious and lower carb choices in mind.
I still remember the first jar of pickles I made in my own kitchen. My wife was pregnant, cravings were unpredictable, and store bought pickles were loaded with sugar I could not risk with it. I needed something crisp, tangy, and quick. That is how these refrigerator bread and butter pickles low sugar became a regular in my fridge.
If you are looking for a snack that will not spike your sugar and still satisfies that crunchy craving, this recipe is for you.
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Why it’s a win
- Ready in under 30 minutes with no canning required
- Uses simple pantry staples you likely already have
- Sugar free and diabetic friendly without losing that classic tangy sweetness
What Are Refrigerator Bread & Butter Pickles?
Refrigerator bread and butter pickles are thin cucumber slices soaked in a sweet and tangy vinegar brine, then chilled in the fridge instead of canned on the stove.
Traditionally they carry a good amount of sugar, which is exactly what I needed to fix.
There is no boiling water bath, no sealing jars for shelf storage, and no waiting weeks before you can eat them. You slice, you brine, you chill, and within a few hours you have crunchy, flavorful pickles ready to eat.
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Create My Free Recipe → Simple ingredients. Easy ideas. Less added sugar.How This Name Bread and Butter Pickle Comes Up?
The name sounds odd the first time you hear it, since there is no actual bread or butter in the recipe. From what I found while researching this myself, the story goes back to farmers in the United States who sold cucumbers to grocers during hard times, often trading them for basic pantry staples like bread and butter.
Others say the name comes from how people used to eat these pickles, layered right on buttered bread as a simple snack.
Refrigerator Bread and Butter Pickles Small Batch
This recipe is designed for a small batch, perfect for one or two jars. I prefer making small batches because the pickles stay fresher, and I am not tempted to keep a huge jar sitting in the fridge for weeks.
Ingredients
- 4 medium cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons stevia (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon celery seeds
- 1 tablespoon salt
Sugar Free Option: Stick with stevia only and skip any honey or maple syrup substitutes some recipes suggest. Stevia keeps this fully sugar free while still giving that classic bread and butter pickle sweetness.
How To Make Refrigerator Bread and Butter Pickles Low Sugar
Prepare the Jar: Layer the cucumber and onion slices in a clean glass jar.
Make the Brine: Combine vinegar, water, stevia, mustard seeds, turmeric, celery seeds, and salt in a saucepan.
Heat Gently: Simmer over medium heat, stirring until the stevia dissolves completely.
Cool Slightly: Remove from the heat and let the brine cool for 5 minutes.
Pour Over Vegetables: Cover the cucumbers and onions completely with the warm brine.
Seal & Rest: Seal the jar and let it cool at room temperature for 15 minutes.
Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for the best flavor.
Additional tips
- Slice Evenly: Cut the cucumbers into uniform slices so they pickle evenly and maintain the perfect texture.
- Use a Mandoline: A mandoline slicer makes it easy to get consistent, even slices for the best results.
Storage and Serving
Storing Your Refrigerator Pickles: Keep the jar sealed in the fridge and consume within two to three weeks for best crunch and flavor. Freezing is not recommended since the texture turns soft and watery once thawed.
Serving Ideas: I love adding these to backed herb chicken, alongside a simple burger, or straight from the jar as a snack when I need something crunchy between meetings.
Tools for This Recipe
Having the right tools makes this recipe faster and more consistent every time I make it.
- Mandoline Slicer: Gives you thin, even cucumber slices in seconds. Look for one with an adjustable thickness setting so you can control the crunch level.
- Glass Mason Jars with Lids: Essential for storing pickles safely in the fridge without absorbing odors or flavors from other foods.
What to Serve with Refrigerator Bread and Butter Pickles
- Serve with Chicken: Pair these pickles with my sugar free chicken recipe for a complete low sugar meal.
- Enjoy with Fritters: Serve them alongside my diabetic friendly Salmon Zucchini Fritters for a fresh and satisfying lunch.
Nutrition Table (Per Serving)
| Calories | Carbs | Net Carbs | Protein | Fat | Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25 | 5g | 4g | 1g | 0g | 0g |
Note: Values are estimates based on standard ingredients.
Additional Resources
- Research shows vinegar consumption may lead to lower A1C scores in some individuals. Read Vinegar benefits by Diabetes Action
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make bread and butter pickles without any sugar at all?
Yes, using stevia in place of sugar gives you the same sweet and tangy flavor without any added sugar.
How long do refrigerator pickles last?
They stay fresh in the fridge for two to three weeks when stored in a sealed jar.
Do I need to boil the jars before use?
No, since these are refrigerator pickles and not canned for long term shelf storage, a clean jar is enough.
Can I use a different sugar substitute instead of stevia?
I recommend sticking with stevia since it holds up well in brine and does not leave a bitter aftertaste like some other substitutes.
Are bread and butter pickles good for diabetics?
Traditional versions are high in sugar, but this low sugar version made with stevia is a much safer option for blood sugar management.
These refrigerator bread and butter pickles low sugar have become one of my go to recipes when I need something quick, crunchy, and safe for my blood sugar. They fit easily into my busy routine as a father and full time IT professional. I hope this recipe brings the same relief to your kitchen that it brought to mine.
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