Pin A tangy, crunchy feast featuring crispy fried pickles, a variety of pickled vegetables, and a playful twist with pickled-wrapped bites—perfect for true pickle enthusiasts.
I first prepared this pickle meal for a family gathering and watched everyone dig into the crispy fried pickles, savor the creative rolled bites, and marvel at the assortment of pickled veggies. Now, it is the star of our summer parties and picnics.
Ingredients
- Dill pickle chips or spears: 2 cups, drained and patted dry
- Buttermilk: 1 cup
- All-purpose flour: 1 cup
- Cornmeal: 1 cup
- Paprika: 1 tsp
- Garlic powder: 1/2 tsp
- Onion powder: 1/2 tsp
- Cayenne pepper (optional): 1/2 tsp
- Salt: 1 tsp
- Black pepper: 1/2 tsp
- Vegetable oil: For frying
- Dill pickle spears: 8 large
- Swiss or cheddar cheese: 8 slices
- Deli turkey or ham (optional): 8 slices (omit for vegetarian)
- Pickled carrots: 1 cup
- Pickled onions: 1 cup
- Pickled green beans: 1 cup
- Pickled jalapeños: 1 cup
- Pickled cauliflower or favorite pickled vegetables: 1 cup
- Ranch dressing: 1/2 cup
- Pickle brine: 2 tbsp
- Fresh dill, chopped: 1 tbsp
Instructions
- Prepare the Fried Pickles:
- Pour buttermilk into a 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 the buttermilk, then dredge in the flour mixture, pressing gently to coat. Heat 2 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep skillet. Fry pickles in batches for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden and crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Make the Pickled-Wrapped Bites:
- Lay each cheese slice on a flat surface and top with a slice of turkey or ham if using. Place a pickle spear at one end and roll up tightly. Secure with a toothpick if needed. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
- Assemble the Pickled Platter:
- Arrange fried pickles, pickled-wrapped bites, and assorted pickled vegetables on a serving platter.
- Prepare the Dipping Sauce:
- In a small bowl, mix ranch dressing, pickle brine, and fresh dill until well combined. Serve alongside the platter.
Pin Gathering around the platter with my kids, we challenge each other to try the spiciest or tangiest pickle and laugh as we rank our favorites. It has become a playful tradition everyone looks forward to.
Required Tools
Shallow bowls, mixing bowls, deep skillet, 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 Serve the Pickle Lovers Meal immediately for best crunch and flavor. Leftovers can be chilled and enjoyed as a snack the next day.
Recipe Questions
- → How do you keep fried pickles crispy?
Drain pickles well, coat evenly in flour mix, and fry in hot oil. Drain on paper towels for best crunch.
- → Can vegan alternatives be used for cheese and deli slices?
Yes, substitute plant-based cheese and deli slices to easily make the platter vegan-friendly.
- → What dipping sauce pairs well with pickles?
A creamy ranch blended with pickle brine and fresh dill adds bright, herbaceous flavor to each bite.
- → Is spicy variation possible in this dish?
Include pickled jalapeños or add hot sauce to your dipping sauce for extra heat and flavor complexity.
- → What beverages go best with this tangy meal?
Crisp lagers or dry white wines, like Riesling, complement the tangy, savory flavors for a refreshing pairing.
- → How do you serve the pickled platter for gatherings?
Arrange fried pickles, wrapped bites, and pickled veggies on a large platter and serve with dipping sauce for easy sharing.