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    Gluten Free Caesar Dressing

    If you are eating gluten free you already know that salad dressings are one of the trickiest places gluten hides. So many store bought caesar dressings contain ingredients that are not gluten free, which means making your own from scratch is really the safest and most delicious option. This homemade gluten free caesar dressing comes together in just 10 minutes with simple ingredients you probably already have on hand and it is so much better than anything you can buy at the store.

    Rich, creamy, tangy, and packed with bold classic caesar flavor without any raw eggs.

    a jar of gluten free caesar dressing with lemon wedges next to it

    The secret to this dressing is the anchovy fillets. I know that sounds intimidating but they completely blend into the dressing and you would never know they are there. They add a deep savory richness that gives this caesar dressing its signature bold flavor without any fishiness.

    Combined with mayonnaise, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, gluten free Worcestershire sauce, and finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano this dressing is absolutely incredible on a classic romaine caesar salad, a gluten free kale caesar salad, as a dipping sauce for vegetables, and so much more. Once you make homemade gluten free caesar dressing you will never reach for a bottle again.

    You can find all my salad recipes here: Gluten Free Salad Recipes

    a jar of gluten free caesar dressing with lemon wedges and a block of parmesan cheese
    [feast_advanced_jump_to]

    Ingredients

    Mayonnaise
    Minced Garlic
    Anchovy Fillets
    Lemon Juice
    Dijon Mustard
    Gluten Free Worcestershire Sauce
    Parmigiano-Reggiano
    Sea Salt
    Coarse Ground Black Pepper

    Instructions

    In a glass jar (I like to use leftover mayonnaise jars or wide mouth canning jars) place the mayonnaise, garlic, anchovy fillets, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, gluten free Worcestershire sauce, parmesan cheese, salt and pepper. Using an emersion blender, blend the ingredients until they are smooth and creamy.

    If you don't have an emersion blender you can also make this dressing in a food processor.

    Store in an air tight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

    Supplies

    Storage

    Store this gluten free caesar dressing in an airtight jar or container in the refrigerator for up to one week. A wide mouth canning jar or a leftover mayonnaise jar works perfectly for storing and shaking the dressing before use. Give the jar a good shake or stir before each use as the dressing may separate slightly as it sits. Do not freeze this dressing as the mayonnaise base will separate and the texture will not recover once thawed.

    More Recipes You Might Enjoy

    • Gluten Free Sourdough Croutons
    • Gluten Free Kale Caesar Salad
    • Seven Layer Salad
    • The Best Gluten Free Summer Salads

    I get a lot of my ingredients from Thrive Market. Thrive Market has been a game changer for me eating gluten free. They have so many options I can't get at my rural grocery stores! Use this link to get 40% off your first order!

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    Gluten Free Caesar Dressing


    5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

    No reviews

    • Author: Elaine VanVleck
    • Total Time: 10 minutes
    • Yield: 1 cup 1x
    • Diet: Gluten Free
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    Description

    This homemade gluten free caesar dressing is rich, creamy, and made completely from scratch without raw eggs! Mayonnaise, anchovy fillets, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, gluten free Worcestershire sauce, and Parmigiano-Reggiano blend together in just 10 minutes for the most flavorful gluten free caesar salad dressing. Keto and low carb friendly and so much better than anything from a bottle!


    Ingredients

    Scale
    • 1 cup Mayonnaise
    • 2 Tbsp. Minced Garlic
    • 6 Anchovy Fillets
    • 2 Tbsp. Lemon Juice
    • 2 tsp. Dijon Mustard
    • 1 tsp. Gluten Free Worcestershire Sauce
    • ⅓ cup Parmigiano-Reggiano, finely grated
    • ½ tsp. Sea Salt
    • ½ tsp. Ground Black Pepper

    Instructions

    In a glass jar (I like to use leftover mayonnaise jars or wide mouth canning jars) place the mayonnaise, garlic, anchovy fillets, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, gluten free Worcestershire sauce, parmesan cheese, salt and pepper. Using an emersion blender, blend the ingredients until they are smooth and creamy.

    If you don't have an emersion blender you can also make this dressing in a food processor.

    Store in an air tight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

    Notes

    Please always read the labels of the ingredients you purchase to be sure they are gluten free. Gluten free Worcestershire sauce is available at my grocery store, but maybe not at yours.

    • Prep Time: 10 minutes
    • Cook Time: 0 minutes
    • Category: Dressing
    • Method: Blending
    • Cuisine: American

    Did you make this recipe?

    Tag @smallfarmbiglife on Instagram and hashtag it #smallfarmbiglife

    If you make this Gluten Free Caesar Dressing I would love to hear what you think! Leave a star rating and a comment below and let me know what you served it with.

    Don't forget to save this recipe to your Pinterest boards so you can find it again every time a caesar salad craving hits!

    Top Tip

    Make sure you are using certified gluten free Worcestershire sauce in this recipe. Standard Worcestershire sauce typically contains malt vinegar which is made from barley and is not gluten free. Always check the label carefully and look for a product that is specifically labeled certified gluten free. Lea and Perrins is one of the most widely available brands and their Worcestershire sauce is considered gluten free in the United States, but always verify the label on the bottle you purchase to be sure.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Is this caesar dressing really gluten free?

    Yes, this caesar dressing is completely gluten free when made with the right ingredients. The most important thing to watch for is the Worcestershire sauce. Standard Worcestershire sauce is not gluten free because it typically contains malt vinegar which is made from barley. Always purchase a certified gluten free Worcestershire sauce and check the label every time since manufacturers can change their formulas. All of the other ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten free.

    Does this caesar dressing taste like anchovies?

    No, it does not taste fishy at all. I know anchovies can sound off putting but they completely blend into the dressing and simply add a deep savory richness that gives caesar dressing its signature bold flavor. Without them the dressing would taste flat and missing something. Trust the process on this one because the anchovies are what makes this dressing taste like a real restaurant quality caesar dressing rather than something from a bottle.

    Can I make this caesar dressing without anchovies?

    You can omit the anchovies but keep in mind that the flavor will be significantly milder and less complex without them. If you are opposed to anchovies or cannot find them, you can substitute a teaspoon of capers or a small amount of miso paste to add a similar depth of savory flavor. The dressing will still be delicious but it will taste noticeably different from a traditional caesar dressing.

    Do I need an immersion blender to make this dressing?

    No, an immersion blender makes it quick and easy but it is not required. You can also make this dressing in a food processor or a regular blender. If you do not have any of those tools you can finely mince the anchovy fillets and garlic by hand and whisk everything together vigorously in a bowl until smooth and creamy. The texture may be slightly less uniform but the flavor will be just as delicious.

    Is this caesar dressing keto and low carb friendly?

    Yes! This gluten free caesar dressing is naturally keto and low carb friendly. The mayonnaise base keeps the fat content high and the carb count very low making it a great option for anyone following a keto or low carb lifestyle. Anchovies are also an excellent source of omega 3 fatty acids and iron which makes this dressing as nutritious as it is delicious.

    What can I use this gluten free caesar dressing for besides caesar salad?

    So many things! This dressing is incredible on a classic romaine caesar salad or a gluten free kale caesar salad. It also works beautifully as a dipping sauce for raw vegetables, a spread on gluten free sandwiches and wraps, a topping for grilled chicken, and a dressing for roasted vegetable bowls. It is one of those versatile condiments that you will find yourself reaching for all week long once you have a jar in the fridge.

    Gluten Free Sourdough Croutons

    a baking sheet with gluten free sourdough croutons straight out of the oven

    This easy recipe for homemade gluten free sourdough croutons is a great way to use leftover sourdough bread. These croutons are baked and delicous. This recipe tells you how to make your own gluten free croutons.

    I used my Gluten Free Sourdough Starter and my Gluten Free Sourdough Bread recipes to make these croutons. I like to leave the bread cubes out for a day or two so they are stale. They hold together so much better if the bread is stale.

    Then I take the stale bread cubes and in a bowl toss them with the olive oil and seasoning. They bake for 10 minutes and are ready to use. Honestly, I can eat these right off the baking tray they are so good. They store nicely in an airtight container for a couple of days.

    a bowl of gluten free sourdough croutons

    How long do homemade gluten free sourdough croutons last?

    The croutons need to be stored in an airtight container or bag. They should last for 3-4 days. If you need to store them for longer than that you can freeze them. I don't suggest storing them in your refrigerator because you will lose some of the crunch.

    Can I make breadcrumbs out of croutons?

    Yes! These work perfect for seasoned breadcrumbs. Let the croutons cool completely. Then using a food processor pulse them until you have your desired consistency. Store the breadcrumbs in an airtight container for 3-4 days or freeze them for later.

    What are gluten free croutons made from?

    For this recipe I used my Gluten Free Sourdough Bread. I make the loaf of bread and then save the heals and a few pieces for croutons. It's also great if you have gluten free bread that is getting stale.

    You want stale gluten free bread to make croutons. They have a lot more crunch and hold together better if the gluten free bread is stale. You can accomplish this by cubing up the bread and letting it set on your counter for a day or two.

    If you like this recipe you might also enjoy:

    Gluten Free Sourdough Starter
    Gluten Free Sourdough Bread
    Refrigerator Bread and Butter Pickles
    Gluten Free Sourdough Pizza Crust
    Gluten Free Caramelized Onion Dip

    I get my ingredients from Thrive Market. Thrive Market has been a game changer for me eating gluten free. They have so many options I can't get at my rural grocery stores! Use this link to get 25% off your first order!

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    Gluten Free Sourdough Croutons


    5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

    No reviews

    • Author: Elaine VanVleck
    • Total Time: 25 minutes
    • Yield: 2 cups 1x
    • Diet: Gluten Free
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    Description

    This easy recipe for homemade gluten free sourdough croutons is a great way to use leftover sourdough bread. These croutons are baked and delicous. This recipe tells you how to make your own gluten free croutons.


    Ingredients

    Scale

    2 cups Stale Gluten Free Sourdough Bread, cubed
    ¼ cup Olive Oil
    ¼ tsp. Garlic Powder
    ¼ tsp. Onion Powder
    ¼ tsp. Sea Salt
    ¼ tsp. Dried Thyme


    Instructions

    Preheat your oven to 375 degrees.

    Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

    In a bowl combine the bread cubes, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, sea salt and dried thyme. Toss with your hands or a spoon to coat the bread cubes.

    Spread the seasoned bread cubes out on a lined baking sheet. Leave plenty of room around each bread cube so that they get crunchy.

    Bake at 375 degree for 10 minutes.

    Let cool completely before storing them in an airtight container or freezing them.

    • Prep Time: 15 minutes
    • Cook Time: 10 minutes
    • Category: Toppings
    • Method: Baking
    • Cuisine: Gluten Free

    Did you make this recipe?

    Tag @smallfarmbiglife on Instagram and hashtag it #smallfarmbiglife

    Gluten Free Homemade Walnut Pesto

    This easy recipe for gluten free homemade walnut pesto is a simple way to use fresh basil. This sauce is made without pine nuts and makes a great pasta sauce! I tell you how to make this flavorful, healthy topping in my recipe.

    I love pesto all the time, but homemade pesto is at a whole other level. It is so full of flavor and easy to make. I grew Italian basil, Genovese basil and Mammoth basil in my garden this year. The Italian basil and Genovese basil plants are very similar. The Mammoth basil is a lighter green plant with large crinkly leaves. The flavor of all three plants is amazing.

    I store some of the basil I make in a jar in the refrigerator for use in the next two weeks. The rest of the basil I place 1-2 cups in freezer safe containers and freeze. You can also freeze the basil in ice cube trays to have a small quantity to add to your winter soups.

    You can use this pesto in my Air Fryer Pesto Baby Potatoes, my Instant Pot Pesto Chicken Soup, or my Gluten Free Pesto Pasta Salad.

    [feast_advanced_jump_to]

    Ingredients

    Basil
    Garlic
    Olive Oil
    Avocado Oil
    Walnuts
    Parmesan Cheese
    Sea Salt
    Coarse Ground Black Pepper

    Instructions

    Remove the basil leaves from the stems. Discard the stems.

    In your food processor add all the ingredients. Pulse until a creamy sauce has formed.

    Taste your sauce. Depending on the moisture level in the basil and the type of parmesan you are using you may need to add a bit more oil, salt or cheese. If it's too dry add a bit more oil.

    If you add ingredients pulse the pesto until it's combined.

    Store the pesto in a jar in your refrigerator, place it in a freezer safe container and freeze or place in ice cube trays to freeze into small portions.

    Supplies

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can you substitute walnuts for pine nuts in pesto?

    Yes! I like to use either walnuts for pine nuts in my pesto. You can substitute one for another in recipes. If I'm making a change to recipes I like to start with a smaller amount and then add more until I get the desired flavor. Pine nuts can have a richer flavor and may take less in a recipe.

    How do you make pesto from scratch?

    It's so easy! I pick fresh basil from my garden, but you can also use basil that you've purchased. I remove the coarse stems and use the leaves in the pesto recipe. In a food processor I combine the ingredients and pulse until I get a nice creamy sauce.

    At this point I taste the pesto to make sure there is enough salt and oil. If the leaves have less moisture you may need a bit more oil to get the right consistency. Also, depending on how salty your cheese is you may need a bit more salt.

    More Recipes You Might Enjoy

    • Gluten Free Pesto Pasta Salad
    • Air Fryer Pesto Baby Potatoes
    • Instant Pot Pesto Chicken Soup
    • Gluten Free Burger Sauce

    I get my ingredients from Thrive Market. Thrive Market has been a game changer for me eating gluten free. They have so many options I can't get at my rural grocery stores! Use this link to get 25% off your first order!

    ingredients for pesto: basil, parmesan cheese, walnuts, olive oil, minced garlic, black pepper and sea salt
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    Gluten Free Homemade Walnut Pesto


    5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

    No reviews

    • Author: Elaine VanVleck
    • Total Time: 20 minutes
    • Yield: 1 cup 1x
    • Diet: Gluten Free
    Print Recipe
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    Description

    This easy recipe for gluten free homemade walnut pesto is a simple way to use fresh basil. This sauce is made without pine nuts and makes a great pasta sauce! I tell you how to make this flavorful, healthy topping in my recipe. 


    Ingredients

    Scale

    4 cups Basil Leaves, loosely packed
    3 Tbsp. Garlic, minced
    ½ cup Olive Oil
    2 Tbsp. Avocado Oil
    ½ cup Walnuts, chopped
    1 cup Parmesan Cheese, grated
    1 tsp. Sea Salt
    ½ tsp. Coarse Ground Black Pepper


    Instructions

    Remove the basil leaves from the stems. Discard the stems.

    In your food processor add all the ingredients. Pulse until a creamy sauce has formed.

    Taste your sauce. Depending on the moisture level in the basil and the type of parmesan you are using you may need to add a bit more oil, salt or cheese. If it's too dry add a bit more oil.

    If you add ingredients pulse the pesto until it's combined.

    Store the pesto in a jar in your refrigerator, place it in a freezer safe container and freeze or place in ice cube trays to freeze into small portions.

    • Prep Time: 20 minutes
    • Category: Sauce
    • Method: Blending
    • Cuisine: Gluten Free

    Did you make this recipe?

    Tag @smallfarmbiglife on Instagram and hashtag it #smallfarmbiglife

    Gluten Free Caramelized Onion Dip

    This easy recipe for gluten free caramelized onion dip is the best appetizer or potato chip dip. It's a cold dip that's great for parties and gatherings year round. This homemade dip combines fried, golden onions and sour cream for a creamy treat.

    The key to this dip being delicious is using sweet onions and caramelizing them. Caramelizing onions takes a little while, but it's totally worth it. Use a medium low heat setting and saute the onions for 20-30 minutes to get a really nice brown coloring.

    I like to stir the onions occasionally and scrape up the brown bits from the bottom of the pan to keep those mixed into the onion mixture. Using medium low heat you shouldn't have an issue with the onions burning. If you do notice they are burning, you may need to turn down the heat a little or add a bit more olive oil.

    You can find all of my snack recipes here: Gluten Free Snack Recipes

    a bowl of gluten free caramelized onion dip with tortilla and potato chips
    [feast_advanced_jump_to]

    Ingredients

    Olive Oil
    Sweet Onions
    Dried Thyme
    Dried Sage
    Sea Salt
    Coarse Ground Black Pepper
    Sour Cream
    Mayonnaise
    Worcestershire Sauce

    Instructions

    In a frying pan heat the olive oil over medium low heat. Add the diced onions and saute for 10 minutes.

    Once the onions are translucent add the thyme, sage, salt and pepper. Continue to fry the onions on medium low heat for another 15 to 30 minutes stirring the onions occasionally and scraping up the browned parts.

    Make sure there is enough oil in the pan and the heat is low enough that you aren't burning the onions. You want a nice golden brown caramelization and not blackened burnt bits. This medium low, slow process will make a huge difference in achieving a sweet taste with your onions.

    Let the onions cool slightly.

    In a small bowl combine the sour cream, mayonnaise and worcestershire sauce. Scrape in the onions and all the browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir the dip to combine all the ingredients.

    Refrigerate for at least two hours before serving.

    Supplies

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How do you make onion dip from scratch?

    This gluten free caramelized onion dip is super easy to make. I like to use sweet onions, but you can use yellow onions too. Dice your onions into small pieces and fry in olive oil until they are caramelized.

    The hardest part of making onion dip from scratch is being patient with frying the onions. You want to caramelize or brown the onions for the best flavor. It takes about 20-30 minutes to get a really good caramelization. Be patient, it's totally worth it!

    What is the difference between caramelizing and sautéing onions?

    To caramelize an onion you want to use a medium-low heat and olive oil. You will cook the onions uncovered for up to 40 minutes until they are cooked down and browned. It takes patience to make sure you cook them long enough, but it's worth the delicious flavor.

    Sauteing onions is typically done at medium high heat with less oil. You just cook the onions until they are translucent and cooked through. This is a much quicker process, but the onions won't have the same flavor as caramelizing them.

    More Recipes You Might Enjoy

    Gluten Free Homemade Ranch Dip
    Refrigerator Bread and Butter Pickles
    Gluten Free Coleslaw
    Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges
    Crispy Garlic and Rosemary Smashed Potatoes

    I get my ingredients from Thrive Market. Thrive Market has been a game changer for me eating gluten free. They have so many options I can't get at my rural grocery stores! Use this link to get 25% off your first order!

    Print
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    Gluten Free Caramelized Onion Dip


    5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

    No reviews

    • Author: Elaine VanVleck
    • Total Time: 40 minutes
    • Yield: 2 cups 1x
    • Diet: Gluten Free
    Print Recipe
    Pin Recipe

    Description

    This easy recipe for gluten free caramelized onion dip is the best appetizer or potato chip dip. It's a cold dip that's great for Keto or low carb diets. This homemade dip combines fried, golden onions and sour cream for a creamy treat. 


    Ingredients

    Scale

    3 Tbsp. Olive Oil
    2 medium Sweet Onions, diced
    1 tsp. Dried Thyme
    ½ tsp. Dried Sage
    ½ tsp. Sea Salt
    ¼ tsp. Ground Black Pepper
    1 cup Sour Cream
    ½ cup Mayonnaise
    2 tsp. Worcestershire Sauce


    Instructions

    In a frying pan heat the olive oil over medium low heat. Add the diced onions and saute for 10 minutes.

    Once the onions are translucent add the thyme, sage, salt and pepper. Continue to fry the onions on medium low heat for another 15 to 30 minutes stirring the onions occasionally and scraping up the browned parts.

    Make sure there is enough oil in the pan and the heat is low enough that you aren't burning the onions. You want a nice golden brown caramelization and not blackened burnt bits. This medium low, slow process will make a huge difference in achieving a sweet taste with your onions.

    Let the onions cool slightly.

    In a small bowl combine the sour cream, mayonnaise and worcestershire sauce. Scrape in the onions and all the browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir the dip to combine all the ingredients.

    Refrigerate for at least two hours before serving.

    • Prep Time: 10 minutes
    • Cook Time: 30 minutes
    • Category: Dips and Dressings
    • Method: Frying
    • Cuisine: Gluten Free

    Did you make this recipe?

    Tag @smallfarmbiglife on Instagram and hashtag it #smallfarmbiglife

    Refrigerator Bread and Butter Pickles

    If you have never made homemade pickles before, this refrigerator bread and butter pickle recipe is the perfect place to start. Fresh cucumbers and sweet onion get packed into a half gallon jar with a simple sweet and tangy brine made from apple cider vinegar, white vinegar, sugar, mustard seeds, celery seeds, and turmeric. There is no canning equipment required, no special skills needed, and the whole thing comes together in about 20 minutes.

    Just let the jar cool, pop it in the fridge, and in one week you have the most flavorful crunchy homemade pickles you have ever tasted.

    These homemade bread and butter pickles are so much better than anything you can buy at the store and they are a wonderful way to use up an abundance of garden cucumbers at the end of summer.

    The brine is perfectly balanced between sweet and tangy with just the right amount of spice from the mustard seeds and a beautiful golden color from the turmeric.

    I make a few jars every summer and we enjoy them on burgers, sandwiches, snack boards, and straight from the jar all the way into fall. Once you try homemade refrigerator pickles you will never go back to store bought.

    If you are looking for more cucumber recipes try my Cucumber Salad with Vinegar Dressing, my Creamy Cucumber Salad or my Watermelon Cucumber and Feta Salad.

    You can find all of my snack recipes here: Gluten Free Snack Recipes

    [feast_advanced_jump_to]

    Ingredients

    Cucumbers
    Sweet Onion
    Granulated Sugar
    Brown Sugar
    White Vinegar
    Apple Cider Vinegar
    Sea Salt
    Mustard Seeds
    Celery Seeds
    Ground Turmeric

    Instructions

    This recipe makes one 2 quart or half gallon jar. I slice up the cucumbers and the onions and then layer them into the jar. Be sure to press them in as you go so you can get everything into the jar.

    Next I make the brine in a saucepan on my stovetop. When it's complete I pour it over the jar of pickles and onions. Let the jar set on your counter until it is cooled before placing a lid on and putting it in your refrigerator.

    I like to shake the jar every other day to keep the spices mixed up with the liquid. I let the jar set in the refrigerator for one week before tasting the pickles. At this point they should have a vinegar and spice pickle flavor with a bit of sweet.

    Supplies

    Storage

    Store the pickles in your refrigerator for up to 1-2 months in an air tight jar or container. The pickles will get more flavor the longer they sit in the brine.

    More Recipes You Might Enjoy

    • Cucumber Salad with Vinegar Dressing
    • Easy Refrigerator Pickled Cauliflower
    • Watermelon Cucumber and Feta Salad
    • Sugar Free Broccoli Salad

    I get a lot of my ingredients from Thrive Market. Thrive Market has been a game changer for me eating gluten free. They have so many options I can't get at my rural grocery stores! Use this link to get 40% off your first order!

    Print
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    Refrigerator Bread and Butter Pickles


    5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

    No reviews

    • Author: Elaine VanVleck
    • Total Time: 23 minutes
    • Yield: 1 half gallon jar 1x
    • Diet: Gluten Free
    Print Recipe
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    Description

    This easy refrigerator bread and butter pickle recipe makes the most crunchy and flavorful homemade pickles with no canning required! Fresh cucumbers and sweet onion are packed into a half gallon jar with a simple sweet and tangy brine made from apple cider vinegar, white vinegar, sugar, mustard seeds, celery seeds, and turmeric. Ready to eat in one week and perfect for burgers, sandwiches, snack boards, and snacking straight from the jar.


    Ingredients

    Scale
    • 6 cups Cucumbers, thinly sliced rounds
    • 2 cups Sweet Onion, thinly sliced
    • ¾ cup Granulated Sugar
    • ¼ cup Brown Sugar
    • 1 cup White Vinegar
    • 1 cup Apple Cider Vinegar
    • 1 tsp. Sea Salt
    • 1 tsp. Mustard Seeds
    • ½ tsp. Celery Seeds
    • ½ tsp. Ground Turmeric

    Instructions

    Make sure your 2 quart jars or half gallon jar is clean and sterilized. I like to run my jar through the dishwasher and the heat dry before using it.

    Slice the cucumber and the sweet onion. Layer the cucumber and sweet onion into your jar or jars.

    On the stovetop in a saucepan heat the granulated sugar, brown sugar, white vinegar, apple cider vinegar, salt, mustard seeds, celery seeds and ground turmeric until the sugar is dissolved. 

    Pour the vinegar mixture over the cucumbers and onions in the jar. This should fill the jars to the top and completely cover the cucumbers and onions. If it doesn't add a bit more apple cider vinegar or water to the jar.

    Let the jar cool completely on your countertop. After the jar has cooled place a lid on the jar and put it in the refrigerator. 

    I shake the jar every other day to keep the spices mixed in. The pickles should be ready to eat in a week.

    Notes

    Refrigerator bread and butter pickles should keep in your refrigerator for 1-2 months. 

    • Prep Time: 15 minutes
    • Cook Time: 8 minutes
    • Category: Condiments
    • Method: Pickling
    • Cuisine: American

    Did you make this recipe?

    Tag @smallfarmbiglife on Instagram and hashtag it #smallfarmbiglife

    If you make these Refrigerator Bread and Butter Pickles I would love to hear how they turned out! Leave a star rating and a comment below and let me know what you served them with.

    Don't forget to save this recipe to your Pinterest boards so you can find it again all cucumber season long!

    Top Tips

    I start using the pickles after a week in the brine, but the flavor gets even better after two weeks.

    These refrigerator bread and butter pickles are perfect for a snack board and on hamburgers. They are a great way to use extra cucumbers from the garden.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can I use pickling cucumbers instead of regular cucumbers?

    Yes and pickling cucumbers are actually a great choice for this recipe! They tend to have thinner skins, fewer seeds, and a firmer flesh than regular slicing cucumbers, which means they stay crunchier longer in the brine. If you are using pickling cucumbers you can slice them the same way as regular cucumbers. Either variety works beautifully in this recipe so use whatever you have on hand or whatever is growing in your garden.

    Do I need to sterilize the jar before making refrigerator pickles?

    Yes, starting with a clean sterilized jar is important for food safety and for keeping your pickles fresh as long as possible. The easiest way to sterilize your jar is to run it through the dishwasher on the hot dry cycle right before you use it. You can also wash it thoroughly with hot soapy water and let it air dry completely. Since these are refrigerator pickles and not shelf stable canned pickles the sterilization process does not need to be as rigorous as traditional canning, but a clean jar makes a big difference.

    Can I make these bread and butter pickles with other vegetables?

    Absolutely! The sweet and tangy brine in this recipe works beautifully with other vegetables too. Cauliflower florets, sliced bell peppers, sliced jalapeños, and green beans are all great options. You can even do a mix of cucumbers and another vegetable in the same jar. If you love pickled cauliflower specifically I also have a dedicated refrigerator pickled cauliflower recipe on the blog that you might enjoy.

    Why did my pickles turn soft instead of staying crunchy?

    A few things can cause soft refrigerator pickles. The most common reason is that the cucumbers sat in the brine too long before being refrigerated. It is important to let the jar cool completely on the counter before putting the lid on and moving it to the fridge, but do not leave it out longer than necessary. Using very fresh cucumbers also makes a big difference in crunch. Older cucumbers that have been sitting in the refrigerator for a while tend to produce softer pickles. Slicing the cucumbers thicker can also help them hold their texture better in the brine.

    Can I reduce the sugar to make these less sweet?

    Yes you can reduce the sugar to suit your taste preferences. Keep in mind that the sugar is what balances the tartness of the vinegar and gives bread and butter pickles their signature sweet and tangy flavor. If you reduce the sugar too much they will taste more like a dill style pickle than a traditional bread and butter pickle. Start by reducing the sugar by a couple of tablespoons and taste the brine before pouring it over the cucumbers to find the right balance for you.

    Can I double this recipe to make more jars?

    Absolutely! This recipe scales up very easily. Simply double or triple all of the ingredients to make two or three half gallon jars at once. Making a few jars at the end of summer when cucumbers are at their peak is a great way to stock your fridge with homemade pickles to enjoy well into the fall months. The flavor only gets better the longer they sit in the brine.

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