Bread And Butter Vs Sweet Pickles: The Flavor Differences Between These Briny Bites

Have you ever walked down the pickle aisle of the grocery store, searching for the perfect crunchy bite to layer onto your burger, and wondered about the encyclopedia of pickle varieties and how they differ? Strips, chips, spears ... the list goes on. One particular pair that can trip up even the biggest pickle fan is bread and butter vs. sweet pickles. The main difference between the two sweet pickle types is that bread and butter pickles are usually more tangy (not overly sweet), and can vary depending on what the brine includes.

Bread and butter pickles are, at their essence, a type of sweet pickle. Sweet pickles encompass several pickle types made in a slightly sweetened brine (take sweet gherkins, for instance). Compared to dill pickles, sweet pickles have sugar added to the vinegary brine, along with spices. Likewise, bread and butter pickles are brined in sugar but are known for their balance of sweet and savory flavor, with a pronounced zesty and tart bite.

Though the origin of bread and butter pickles is a bit foggy, it's said that their name was derived from a simple meal made of available ingredients during the Great Depression, which included pickles sandwiched between two slices of bread slathered with butter. Today, you'll often find jars of bread and butter pickles made in crinkle-cut chips, their most common form. Sweet pickles, on the other hand, more readily come in other varieties like spears or as diced relish.

The exact ingredients and levels of sweetness can vary from bread and butter to other sweet pickle brands you may find at the store. So, one of the best ways to get acquainted with the flavor differences between these brined cucumbers is to make your own. Whipping up your a DIY quick-pickle bread and butter or sweet pickles is easy so long as you remember to maintain a balance of sweet and tart, along with other complementary tastes. 

To make them, place cleaned, sliced pickling cucumbers in mason jars, along with other veggies like sliced onions, julienned red peppers, or jalapenos. For the brine, combine vinegar, sugar, salt, and spices like mustard seed, celery, and turmeric in a saucepan and heat the mixture until the sugar dissolves. Coriander or peppercorn will also deliver a bit more spicy zing; you can even add some garlic or red chile flakes for more pungency.

If you're opting to make sweet pickles, you'll want to stick with simpler inclusions like sliced sweet onions and your pickling cucumbers. To accentuate the sweetness, add a dash of cinnamon or cloves to the brine for a hint of warm spice. For either pickle variety, pour the brine into the jars to submerge the pickles. Seal the jars and place them in the fridge to soften and let the flavors meld, then savor their sweet tanginess for weeks on end. 

Since bread and butter pickles are a type of sweet pickle, most of the time, you can't really go wrong using them interchangeably. However, if you do have time to make your own at home, or swing by the store to buy a jar of them, they'll pair perfectly in dishes where you don't want too much sweetness. Bread and butter pickles' balance of sweet and tangy flavors make them ideal for stacking on savory sandwiches, like the classic deli Reuben or fried chicken. Since the pickle often comes in chip form, it's great for serving on a cheese plate, too. Pair the zesty, crunchy bites with creamy cheeses like brie, or sharper varieties like cheddar.

Sweet pickles, on the other hand, are typically served at barbecues. It's not rare to find a jar of sweet pickle slices or relish alongside other sugary condiments like ketchup. The sweeter, less tangy nature of the sweet pickle variety goes well with summertime classics like hot dogs or flame-broiled beef burgers right off the grill. Whatever sweet pickle type you choose — bread and butter, or simply sweet — use the briny goodness to add flavor contrast to savory meals, snacks, and sandwiches.