Save A tangy, crunchy feast featuring crispy fried pickles, a variety of pickled vegetables, and a playful twist with pickled-wrapped bites is perfect for true pickle enthusiasts.
I first made this meal for a backyard gathering of pickle fans. The fried pickles were gone in minutes and everyone enjoyed sampling each pickled veggie. Even the pickle skeptics kept coming back for more bites with dipping sauce.
Ingredients
- Dill pickle chips or spears: Drained and patted dry, 2 cups
- 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 any favorite pickled vegetables: 1 cup
- Ranch dressing: 1/2 cup
- Pickle brine: 2 tbsp
- Fresh dill: 1 tbsp, chopped
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 When my niece visited last summer, we let her choose the dinner theme—she demanded all things pickled. Creating this platter together became a silly, tasty memory that we still talk about.
Serving Suggestions
Pair the meal with crusty bread or crunchy chips for extra texture. A crisp lager or dry Riesling makes a refreshing beverage match.
Allergen Information
Contains milk, wheat, and eggs (may be present in ranch dressing). Check deli meats, cheese, and ranch for possible soy or additional allergens if sensitive.
Required Tools
Have shallow bowls, mixing bowls, a deep skillet, a slotted spoon, paper towels, toothpicks, and a serving platter ready for best results.
Save This tangy pickle lovers meal will have everyone reaching for one more bite. Enjoy experimenting with more pickled veggies to suit your tastes.
Kitchen Guide
- → How do you keep fried pickles crispy?
Drain fried pickles on paper towels immediately after frying and serve hot for best crunch.
- → Which cheese works best for pickle-wrapped bites?
Swiss or cheddar cheese slices both pair well, lending creaminess and flavor to the wrapped spears.
- → Can I make this platter fully vegetarian or vegan?
Omit deli meats and use vegan cheese and plant-based dressing for vegetarian or vegan options.
- → What dipping sauces pair well?
A ranch dressing with dill and pickle brine provides freshness, but spicy or creamy sauces also work well.
- → Are pickled vegetables customizable?
Absolutely! Include your favorite pickled vegetables, such as beets, asparagus, or cucumbers for variety.
- → What beverages complement this meal?
A crisp lager or dry Riesling highlights the sharp tang and crunch, balancing the flavors beautifully.