Pin A tangy, crunchy feast featuring crispy fried pickles, a variety of pickled vegetables, and a playful twist with pickle-wrapped bites. This is a meal created especially for true pickle enthusiasts looking for something different and delicious.
I put this meal together for my pickle-loving family and friends during our last weekend get-together. Everyone dove in for crispy fried pickles and the creative pickle-wrapped bites. The dipping sauce was a new favorite and paired perfectly with the tangy flavors.
Ingredients
- For the Fried Pickles: 2 cups dill pickle chips or spears, drained and patted dry, 1 cup buttermilk, 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 cup cornmeal, 1 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional), 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, vegetable oil for frying
- For the Pickled-Wrapped Bites: 8 large dill pickle spears, 8 slices Swiss or cheddar cheese, 8 slices deli turkey or ham (optional; omit for vegetarian)
- Assorted Pickled Vegetables: 1 cup pickled carrots, 1 cup pickled onions, 1 cup pickled green beans, 1 cup pickled jalapeños, 1 cup pickled cauliflower or favorite pickled vegetables
- Dipping Sauce: 1/2 cup ranch dressing, 2 tbsp pickle brine, 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill
Instructions
- Prepare the Fried Pickles:
- Pour buttermilk into shallow bowl. In another bowl, combine flour, cornmeal, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and black pepper. Dip each pickle chip or spear into buttermilk, then dredge in flour mixture, pressing gently to coat. Heat 2 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C) in deep skillet. Fry pickles in batches for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden and crisp. Remove with slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Make the Pickled-Wrapped Bites:
- Lay each cheese slice on flat surface and top with slice of turkey or ham if using. Place pickle spear at one end and roll up tightly. Secure with toothpick if needed. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
- Assemble the Pickled Platter:
- Arrange fried pickles, pickled-wrapped bites, and assorted pickled vegetables on serving platter.
- Prepare the Dipping Sauce:
- Mix ranch dressing, pickle brine, and fresh dill in small bowl until well combined. Serve alongside platter.
Pin This has become a quirky favorite at our family's summer picnics. Even the kids love assembling their own pickle-wrapped bites and there's always someone debating which dip is best.
Required Tools
Shallow bowls, mixing bowls, deep skillet or heavy-bottomed saucepan, slotted spoon, paper towels, toothpicks, serving platter
Allergen Information
Contains: milk (cheese, buttermilk, ranch dressing), wheat (flour), eggs (may be present in ranch dressing), possible soy (deli meats, cheese). If using deli meats, check for additional allergens. Always verify ingredient labels if concerned about allergens.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: calories 420, total fat 22 g, carbohydrates 38 g, protein 17 g
Pin This tangy, crunchy meal will wow any pickle lover and is guaranteed to bring smiles to your next gathering.
Recipe FAQ
- → How can I make the fried pickles extra crispy?
Use well-drained pickles and coat them thoroughly in flour and cornmeal. Fry in hot oil and drain on paper towels for added crunch.
- → Can this meal be made vegan?
Absolutely! Use vegan cheese and plant-based deli alternatives in the wrapped bites, and ensure dipping sauce is dairy-free.
- → Are other pickled vegetables suitable for this platter?
Feel free to add pickled asparagus, radishes, or your favorite pickled produce for more variety and color.
- → What is the best dipping sauce pairing?
The ranch dressing with pickle brine and fresh dill offers a creamy, tangy complement, but spicy mayo or garlic aioli also work well.
- → How should the pickled bites be served?
Arrange them neatly with fried pickles and assorted veggies on a platter. Secure each roll with a toothpick for easy serving.
- → Can I add extra heat to this dish?
Add pickled jalapeños, a dash of hot sauce in the dipping sauce, or cayenne to the coating mix for extra spice.