Delicious & Crispy Southern Fried Pickles Recipe
Southern Fried Pickles Recipe: The Perfect Appetizer for Any Occasion
Fried pickles are a classic Southern dish that has been enjoyed for generations. Originating in the early 1960s, this appetizer has become a staple in Southern cuisine and is loved by many for its crispy texture and tangy flavor. If you haven’t tried fried pickles yet, it’s time to come over to the Southern side and indulge in this mouthwatering snack.
In this recipe article, I’ll guide you on how to make Southern Fried Pickles from scratch. These tender dill pickle slices or spears are battered with golden breading and deep-fried until crispy. The combination of a savory crunch with the tang of the pickle is sure to satisfy your taste buds.
Whether you’re watching the game with friends, hosting a barbecue, or just looking for a new appetizer recipe, Southern Fried Pickles are perfect for any occasion. They’re easy to make, require few ingredients that you likely already have on hand, and are a crowd-pleaser every time.
So let’s get cooking! Follow my steps below to make these crispy fried pickles that will have your guests raving and coming back for more.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Attention all foodies and fans of southern cuisine! I’ve got a recipe that will send your taste buds on a delicious journey. Introducing my Southern Fried Pickles recipe.
Some may argue that fried pickles are a recent fad, but did you know that they have been around since the early 1960s? That’s right, this classic southern snack has been enjoyed by generations, and for good reason too.
Firstly, I must highlight the perfect balance of flavor and texture you’ll experience with every bite. Picture this: crispy golden breading meets tangy pickle slices, creating an unbeatable combination of crunch and juiciness. The batter is infused with garlic powder, paprika, cajun seasoning and salt to give it that extra kick of flavor that will keep you wanting more.
Moreover, this recipe is incredibly versatile. You can use any type of dill pickle – chips, spears or even jalapeño popper style – to make your own variation of the dish. It’s also easy to adjust the spiciness level based on your preference. Add more cajun seasoning, or even a splash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes, for a little heat.
Additionally, these fried pickles make for a great appetizer or side dish for any occasion. Whether you’re looking to impress guests at a party or just craving a snack while watching the game, these pickles are sure to satisfy.
And finally, this recipe is so simple to make that even beginner cooks can tackle it with ease. All you need are some basic pantry staples such as eggs, white flour and peanut oil, along with jarred dill pickles. You can even make them ahead of time and store them in the fridge or freezer for later use.
In conclusion, if you haven’t tried Southern Fried Pickles yet, it’s time to come on down south and give it a go! Trust me, you won’t be disappointed.
Ingredient List
- 1 jar hamburger dill-pickle chips (or pickle spears or slices)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour, divided into ½ cup portions
- 1/2 cups of buttermilk
- 2 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp of garlic powder
- 4 tsp of paprika
- Salt and ground black pepper (to taste)
- Cornmeal flour, plus 2 tablespoons
- 2 large eggs
- Peanut oil, for deep frying
Ingredients 2
For the Dipping Sauce
– 1/2 cup of ranch dressing
– 1/2 tsp of garlic powder
– Salt and ground black pepper to taste
The key ingredient for this recipe is centered on the southern fried pickles. For this reason, it’s important you select the best jarred dill-pickle chips available in your local store. In addition, ensure you make use of fresh ingredients like garlic powder, paprika, and cajun seasonings for that piquant ting you need to complete the taste of these delicious pickles.
The Recipe How-To
Now that you have gathered all the ingredients, it’s time to turn on your stovetop and start making these delicious Southern Fried Pickles!
Step 1: Prepare the Pickles
Begin the process by draining and patting dry a jar of dill pickle chips or slices. If you want to use dill pickle spears, cut them into thin slices before draining. Make sure to remove excess moisture with paper towels to achieve crispy fried pickles.
Step 2: Make the Breading Mix
In a bowl, combine 1 cup of white flour with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon of paprika, and 1/4 teaspoon of cajun seasoning. Mix well until evenly distributed.
Step 3: Dip the Pickles in the Breading Mix
Pour 1/2 cup of buttermilk into another separate bowl. Take a handful of drained pickles, dip them into the buttermilk, shake off excess, then coat them in the breading mix. Press the breading gently onto each pickle so it will stick better while frying.
Step 4: Fry the Pickles
In a deep skillet or fryer pan, heat up 2 cups of peanut oil or enough oil to submerge half of the pickles at once. The ideal temperature is around 350 degrees F. Use a cooking thermometer if necessary.
Grab one by one each coated pickle slice and carefully place them in hot oil with kitchen tongs or chopsticks for safety. Determined by how much oil is used, it takes about 2-3 minutes to cook each side, or until they turn golden brown.
Don’t overcrowd your skillet or fryer pan as this can cause uneven cooking and oily mess. Repeat this step until all pickles are done frying in batches.
Step 5: Drain and Season
Use a slotted spoon or strainer to remove the cooked pickles from the hot oil and place them in a plate lined with paper towels. Sprinkle some ground salt and more cajun seasoning on top of the fried pickles while they are still hot for additional flavor.
Step 6: Serve Hot and Enjoy!
Your delicious Southern Fried Pickles are now crispy, savory, and good to go for everyone to taste. They can be enjoyed on their own as appetizer recipes, or as a side dish for your favorite hamburger with dipping sauce.
Make sure to store any excess pickles crisp roasted in an airtight container with layers of paper towels to keep them fresh for later use. Simply reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) until warm before eating again.
Now that you know how to make this classic southern-style fried pickle recipe, it’s time to grab some pickles and start frying!
Substitutions and Variations
Are you feeling adventurous and want to mix things up a bit? Luckily, there are many substitutions and variations you can try with this Southern Fried Pickles recipe.
First of all, if you’re not a fan of dill pickles, you can substitute them for other types of pickles such as sweet or bread and butter pickles. This will give your fried pickles a slightly different flavor profile but will still be undeniably delicious.
If you’re looking for a healthier option, consider using cornmeal flour instead of white flour. This alternative is not only gluten-free but also adds a unique texture to the breading.
For an extra kick, add some cajun seasoning or jalapeño pepper to your breading mix. These spices will give your fried pickles a Southern flare that’s sure to impress your guests.
You can also experiment with the shape of your pickles. Instead of slicing them into chips or spears, try making fried pickle balls or even jalapeño popper-style fried pickles for a fun twist on this classic appetizer.
Lastly, don’t forget to pair your fried pickles with your favorite dipping sauce. Ranch dressing is a popular choice, but you can also try honey mustard or spicy mayo for an added flavor boost.
Making substitutions and variations in recipes is part of the fun of cooking – it allows you to get creative and add your own personal touch. So go ahead and make this recipe your own – the possibilities are endless!
Serving and Pairing
Fried pickles are a quintessential southern appetizer that demand to be shared and combined with other southern dishes alike. Once your fried pickles are crispy and golden in color, serve them immediately with dipping sauce of your choice. Ranch dressing or a spicy mayo-based dipping sauce make great items to pair with these savory treats.
They can make for a perfect snack at parties or sports game gatherings, but I like to pair them with other classic southern dishes like barbecue ribs or pulled pork sandwiches. The savory and juicy flavors from these dishes complement the salty flavor of fried pickles perfectly. They would also go great with other deep-fried finger foods like jalapeño poppers or mozzarella sticks.
Don’t limit yourself to only eating fried pickles as an appetizer! You can also incorporate them in a sandwich or burger as a condiment. Try fried pickle chips on top of your favorite fried chicken sandwich, or mix them in with your favorite coleslaw recipe for an added crunch.
In general, I recommend serving your southern fried pickles hot out of the frying pot accompanied by cold drinks like lemonade or iced tea. This creates the perfect balance between crispy and refreshing and brings out the best of that classic Southern flavor we all love.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
As a cook, I know how important it is to make the most out of my time in the kitchen. And that’s why I think it’s crucial to plan ahead when making Southern Fried Pickles. These crispy treats are perfect for parties and get-togethers, and it’s not a bad idea to prepare them in advance. Here’s what you need to know about making-ahead, storing, and reheating these mouth-watering fried pickles:
Make-Ahead
If you plan on making Southern Fried Pickles ahead of time, the first thing you should consider is the timing. You don’t want to fry them up too early as they will lose their crispy texture over time. So for best results, it’s recommended to prepare pickles ingredients 1 day before frying and store them in individual air-tight bags or containers until ready for frying.
Storing
Southern Fried Pickles are best served fresh, but if you have leftovers, here’s what you need to do – store them in a paper towel-lined sealable container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to two days. You can also use plastic zip-lock bags for storage but remember that the longer they stay there, the more likely they’ll lose their crispiness.
Reheating
The key to reheating Southern Fried Pickles is to make sure they get crispy again without getting burnt. The best way to reheat them is by popping them in a preheated oven at 425°F (218°C) for about 5-7 minutes or until golden brown in color. Another option would be to place them back into a hot skillet with some oil or butter and fry them for another minute – but remember not to overcrowd the pan.
In summary, if you want your Southern Fried Pickles perfectly crispy even after a few hours or days, follow these simple tips for make-ahead, storing, and reheating – this will allow you to serve your guests these tasty appetizers without having to consistently worry about your cooking time.
Tips for Perfect Results
When it comes to fried pickles, one of the most important things is achieving the perfect crispy texture. After all, nobody wants a soggy pickle on their plate! Here are a few tips to help you ensure your Southern Fried Pickles turn out perfectly every time:
Firstly, it’s important to choose the right type of pickle. Dill pickles are the classic choice for Southern Fried Pickles, but you can also use hamburger dill chips or even pickle spears if you prefer. Make sure you drain them carefully before breading and frying to prevent excess moisture.
To make sure the batter sticks properly to the pickles, be sure to coat them first in a mixture of flour, cornmeal, and spices like garlic powder and paprika. It may be tempting to skip this step and go straight for the egg wash, but taking the extra time to coat your pickles thoroughly will make all the difference in achieving that golden-brown breading we all love.
Speaking of egg wash, it’s important to make sure your eggs are well beaten before dipping your pickles in them. This will ensure that every inch of breading is coated evenly and stays put during frying.
Next up is oil temperature. To get that perfect crispiness without making the breading too brown or burnt, heat peanut oil to 350-375 degrees Fahrenheit before adding in your pickles for frying. If you don’t have a thermometer handy, there’s a simple trick: test one pickle chip by dropping it into the oil – if it sizzles and starts cooking immediately, your oil is ready.
Finally, be careful not to overcrowd your pan when frying the pickles. This can cause a drop in temperature and lead to uneven cooking. Instead, work in batches and use tongs or a slotted spoon to flip the pickles periodically so they cook evenly on both sides.
Follow these tips for perfectly crispy Southern Fried Pickles every time, and you’ll be sure to impress your guests at your next gameday party or family gathering.
FAQ
Now that you know how to make this mouthwatering southern-style fried pickles recipe, there may still be some questions lingering in your mind. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with the most frequently asked questions about this dish. In this section, you’ll find answers to common queries that cover ingredient substitutions, cooking techniques, and serving suggestions for your fried pickles dish. So, let’s dive in and see what are some of the concerns that home cooks have when it comes to making perfect southern fried pickles.
How do you keep breading from falling off fried pickles?
When preparing fried pickles, using either paper towels or a small fan can be effective in removing excess moisture. To further enhance the breading process, consider placing the pickles in a preheated oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for a few minutes. This will help reduce surface moisture and ensure that the flour, egg, and breading stick to the pickle itself, rather than the excess liquid.
Is fried pickles a southern food?
One can find frickles, a popular Southern U.S. side dish and appetizer made by deep-frying sliced battered dill pickles. This dish was first introduced in the early 1960s and became a hit among American food enthusiasts.
How to make super crunchy pickles?
First things first, when making pickles, it’s crucial to opt for the crispest and most recent cucumbers available. To avoid ending up with a mushy pickle, make sure to cut and toss out the portion of the cucumber that once had the blossom. Keep in mind that picking smaller cucumbers yields better results than using larger ones. Also, steer clear from peeling cucumbers before pickling them as the peel provides essential enzymes for the process. Lastly, it’s a great idea to toss in some tannins to the mix to guarantee a tangy and flavorful pickle.
How do you make fried pickles crispy again?
When it comes to reheating fried pickles, the usual approach won’t do. Microwaving them could leave you with an unappetizing and mushy mess, which is certainly not what you’re after. As a Southern-style chef, I’ve discovered a better way to get them back to crispiness. First, you need to lay the fried pickles out in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Then, you’ll want to heat them up in the oven at a temperature between 300-350 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s important to turn them only once, so they maintain their texture. With this method, reheating your fried pickles will be quick and easy, and they’ll come out just as crispy as they were when they were fresh out of the fryer.
Bottom Line
After reading all about this southern-style Fried Pickles recipe, I am sure that you are convinced to make them right now. The crispy golden breading with the tangy-salty dill pickles inside is a delicious combination that everyone will love. This recipe is perfect for gameday, parties, or just to enjoy as a snack at home.
Whether you’re a pickle lover, a fan of southern-style cuisine or just curious to try something new, this recipe is sure to please. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different dipping sauces and variations for the breading mix. You may want to try adding some jalapeño popper filling to your fried pickles for a spicy twist.
In conclusion, the early 1960s gave us one of the greatest appetizer recipes ever — southern fried pickles. It’s time for you to become a part of this legacy and create your own crispy and delicious fried pickles following this classic southern recipe. Don’t wait any longer; make them today and become a true Southern food enthusiast!
Southern Fried Pickles Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 (24 ounce) jar pickle spears
- 1 cup white flour
- 2 -3 eggs (beaten)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 cups vegetable oil (enough to cover the surface of a skillet 1 inch deep)
Instructions
- Put the flour, eggs, and crumbs into separate bowls.
- Put oil in pan, heat on medium.
- For each pickle:.
- Cover the pickle in flour by dipping it in the bowl and working on it from there.
- Then, dip the pickle in the eggs and quickly cover it in egg.
- Next, dip the pickle into the bread crumbs and quickly cover the pickle in bread crumbs.
- You have to move quickly or the egg will slide off of the pickle.
- GENTLY place the pickle in the hot oil.
- (CAUTION: Pickles are mostly water, so oil will pop at you).
- Once the pickle is a nice golden brown color, remove from oil and place on a paper towel covered plate. Repeat until you are out of pickles!
- Enjoy!