🥫 Grandma's Old-Fashioned Sandwich Spread
A Family Recipe Handed Down Through Generations
🥫 Grandma's old-fashioned sandwich spread — a family treasure in every jar
📌 In This Article
👵 A Family Treasure: My Grandmother's Sandwich Spread
"FYI: This is a VERY old recipe that belonged to my maternal grandmother and has been handed down throughout the generations." 🥫✨
This recipe is more than just a condiment — it's a piece of family history. It belonged to my maternal grandmother and has been handed down throughout the generations. My sweet momma canned it for us growing up and passed it on to me when I started canning.
I'm 57 years old now, and I grew up eating this stuff. I've been making it for 30+ years myself, and I've never had any issues. It's simple, honest, and delicious — just like the recipes our grandmothers used to make.
Yes, I know the "alphabet" folks wouldn't approve of it. And of course, each of us must decide what is acceptable for our own practices. But all I know is that this recipe has stood the test of time in our family, and I'm proud to share it with you.
💬 My grandmother's instructions: "Put in hot jars and seal." That's it. Simple, straightforward, and it works. We put it in hot, sterile jars and cap with boiled lids.
📦 Ingredients
- 🥒 2 cups chopped pickles (sweet or dill, your preference)
- 🧅 1 cup chopped onion (yellow or white)
- 🌶️ 1 cup chopped bell peppers (green, red, or mixed)
- 🍅 2 cups ketchup (homemade or store-bought)
- 🍎 1 cup apple cider vinegar
- 🍬 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 🧂 1 teaspoon salt
- 🌿 1 teaspoon mustard seed
- 🌿 1 teaspoon celery seed
📝 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Finely chop the pickles, onion, and bell peppers. You want them small but not mushy — a nice, chunky texture is part of this spread's charm.
Step 2: Combine All Ingredients
In a large pot, combine the chopped vegetables, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, salt, mustard seed, and celery seed. Stir well to combine.
Step 3: Cook the Mixture
Place the pot over medium heat and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together.
Step 4: Prepare Your Jars
While the mixture is cooking, sterilize your jars and lids. Wash them in hot, soapy water and then boil them for 10 minutes to sterilize. Keep them hot until ready to fill.
Step 5: Fill and Seal
Ladle the hot sandwich spread into hot, sterile jars, leaving ½ inch headspace. Wipe rims clean with a damp cloth. Apply lids and rings, tightening to fingertip tight.
Step 6: Process (Optional)
For shelf-stable storage, process in a boiling water bath for 15 minutes (adjust for altitude). If you prefer, you can simply refrigerate the spread and use it within a few weeks.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Let the jars cool completely. Check that they have sealed properly. Store in a cool, dark place or refrigerator. This spread is ready to use immediately but gets even better with time!
💡 My grandmother's wisdom: "Put in hot jars and seal." That's all she wrote. Sometimes the simplest instructions produce the best results.
🍔 How to Enjoy Your Homemade Sandwich Spread
This spread is incredibly versatile! Here's how we've enjoyed it for three generations:
Burgers
This spread is the perfect topping for any burger. It adds a tangy, sweet, and savory kick that takes your burger to the next level.
Hot Dogs
Slather it on your hot dog for a flavor that's anything but ordinary. It's a game-changer!
Fried Bologna Sandwiches
My grandmother's favorite! Spread it on a fried bologna sandwich for a taste of pure nostalgia.
Sausage Sandwiches
My personal favorite! Spread it on a sausage sandwich and thank me later. It's absolutely amazing.
❤️ A Legacy of Love
This recipe is more than just food — it's a connection to my grandmother, my mother, and the generations of women who came before me. Every time I open a jar of this sandwich spread, I'm reminded of the love and care that went into making it.
"For those who have asked about the sandwich spread, here is the recipe…compliments of my sweet momma, who canned it for us growing up and passed it on to me when I started canning." ♥️
I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as my family has for all these years. It's a simple recipe made with love — and that's what makes it so special.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
❓ How long does this sandwich spread last?
If canned properly in a water bath, it lasts 12-18 months. If refrigerated, it will keep for 3-4 weeks.
❓ Can I use different vegetables?
Absolutely! This recipe is flexible. Some family variations include adding chopped cabbage or using different types of peppers.
❓ Is this like a relish or a chutney?
It's somewhere in between! It has the chunky texture of a relish but with a sweet-tangy flavor profile more like a chutney.
❓ Can I use sweet pickles instead of dill?
Yes! Sweet pickles will make it sweeter. Some family members prefer it with dill for a more savory flavor.
❓ Is this safe for canning?
Yes! The combination of vinegar, sugar, and acid makes it safe for water bath canning. Just make sure to follow proper canning procedures.
❓ What's the best way to serve this?
My absolute favorite is on a sausage sandwich. But it's also amazing on burgers, hot dogs, and fried bologna sandwiches. Just try it and see what you love!
📄 Printable Recipe Card
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║ GRANDMA'S OLD-FASHIONED SANDWICH SPREAD ║
║ A Family Recipe Handed Down Through Generations ║
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YIELD: 4-5 pints | TIME: 45 minutes
INGREDIENTS:
- 2 cups chopped pickles (sweet or dill)
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1 cup chopped bell peppers
- 2 cups ketchup
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp mustard seed
- 1 tsp celery seed
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Finely chop all vegetables.
2. Combine all ingredients in a large pot.
3. Simmer 15-20 minutes until vegetables are tender.
4. Fill hot, sterile jars leaving ½" headspace.
5. Wipe rims, apply lids, fingertip tight.
6. Process in water bath 15 minutes (optional).
7. Cool and store.
SERVING IDEAS:
✓ Burgers
✓ Hot dogs
✓ Fried bologna sandwiches
✓ Sausage sandwiches ⭐
"Put in hot jars and seal." — Grandma 👵
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© CanningRebels — Grandma's Old-Fashioned Sandwich Spread | A Family Treasure
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