Save A tangy, crunchy feast featuring crispy fried pickles, a variety of pickled vegetables, and a playful twist with pickle-wrapped bites. This Pickle Lovers Meal is perfect for true pickle enthusiasts seeking bold flavors in every bite.
I first created this meal for my family's annual picnic, and the fried pickles quickly became everyone's favorite. There's something about the zesty, briny flavors that gets even the most pickle-shy excited for seconds.
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 any 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 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.
Save The Pickle Lovers Meal has become a quirky comfort food at our house, especially on rainy days when everyone craves something crunchy and fun. Kids love to help assemble the platter and invent their own dipping combinations.
Required Tools
Shallow bowls, mixing bowls, deep skillet or heavy-bottomed saucepan, slotted spoon, paper towels, toothpicks, and a serving platter will make assembling and serving this dish easy and enjoyable.
Allergen Information
Contains milk (cheese, buttermilk, ranch dressing), wheat (flour), eggs (may be present in ranch), and possible soy in deli meats or cheese. Carefully verify all ingredient labels if preparing for guests with allergies.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 420 calories, 22 g total fat, 38 g carbohydrates, 17 g protein. Actual nutritional content may vary based on chosen ingredients and substitutions.
Save Serve this platter with plenty of napkins and let everyone dive in. There's no wrong way to enjoy pickles when you assemble them with a mix of flavors and textures!
Recipe Guide
- → How do you make fried pickles crispy?
Coat pickles in buttermilk and a spiced flour-cornmeal mix. Fry in hot oil until golden for best crunch.
- → Can the pickled-wrapped bites be made vegetarian?
Absolutely! Skip deli meats and use cheese or vegan alternatives for a veggie-friendly version.
- → What pickled vegetables work best for the platter?
Pickled carrots, onions, green beans, jalapeños, and cauliflower bring color and varied tangy flavors.
- → Are there tips for a spicy flavor?
Include pickled jalapeños or add hot sauce to the dipping sauce for extra heat and kick.
- → What can be served with the platter?
Pair with crusty bread, tortilla chips, or chilled drinks like lager or Riesling for a complete meal.
- → How do you store leftovers?
Refrigerate fried pickles and pickled bites separately, then reheat or enjoy cold for future snacking.