Edit: Right now Lodge is offering 50% off their skillets, cookware, etc. Click Here To Take Advantage Of The Deal
Southern Fried Pickles Recipe
Take a look at the video by clicking on this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CgF1jLMV9AY&embed=true
Southern fried pickles are a delicious and addictive comfort food snack that is easy to make. This recipe combines the tanginess of pickles with a crispy and golden coating, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply craving a tasty treat, these fried pickles are sure to be a hit.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
To make this mouthwatering recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
- Dill pickle slices (about 1 jar)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup buttermilk
- Vegetable oil for frying
Start by draining the pickle slices and patting them dry with a paper towel. In a shallow dish, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix them together until well combined.
In a separate dish, pour the buttermilk. Dip each pickle slice into the buttermilk, allowing any excess to drip off, and then coat it in the seasoned flour mixture. Make sure to coat both sides evenly and shake off any excess flour.
Next, heat vegetable oil in a pot or deep fryer to around 360 degrees Fahrenheit. Carefully place a few coated pickle slices into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Fry them for about 2-3 minutes per side or until they turn golden brown and crispy.
Once fried, transfer the pickles to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. Repeat the frying process with the remaining pickle slices until they are all cooked.
Southern fried pickles are best enjoyed when they’re still hot and crispy. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch dressing or spicy mayo, to complement their tangy flavor.
These fried pickles make a fantastic appetizer or snack for any occasion. They’re a crowd-pleaser and will disappear quickly, so make sure to prepare enough for everyone to enjoy. Get ready to indulge in this irresistible southern comfort food that will leave you craving more!
That’s it! Now you have a simple and delicious recipe for southern fried pickles that you can easily make at home. Enjoy this delightful snack and impress your friends and family with your culinary skills.
Ingredients Required
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nCI9vkIuuJU&embed=true
To make the perfect Southern Fried Pickles, you’ll need to gather a few ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Dill pickle chips: These are the star of the show. I prefer using dill pickle chips, but you can use any small-sized pickles you like.
- All-purpose flour: This will be the base for the breading that will give the pickles that crispy, crunchy texture we all love.
- Buttermilk: This is optional, but some folks like to marinate the pickles in buttermilk before breading them. It adds a tangy flavor and helps the breading stick.
- Egg: This will be used to make an egg-buttermilk mixture to dip the pickles in before coating them in flour.
- Vegetable oil: You’ll need enough oil to fill a pot or skillet about 1-2 inches deep for frying.
- Salt and pepper: These are basic seasonings that will enhance the flavor of the pickles.
- Garlic powder, paprika, cayenne, onion powder, and Cajun seasoning: These seasonings will add a kick of flavor and spice to the breading. Use them to your liking.
- Mayonnaise, ranch dip, or ketchup: These are optional dipping sauces that pair well with the fried pickles.
- Cornmeal, kosher salt, and Italian seasoning: These are optional ingredients that you can add to the breading to change up the flavor and texture.
- Beer: This is another optional ingredient that some folks like to add to the breading mixture for added flavor.
With these ingredients on hand, you’ll be well on your way to making some of the best Southern Fried Pickles around.
Choosing the Right Pickles
When it comes to making Southern Fried Pickles, choosing the right type of pickles is crucial. Dill pickles are the most commonly used pickles for this recipe, but there are a few different varieties you can choose from based on your preferences.
If you prefer your pickles to be crunchy and have a satisfying snap, then pickle slices or spears are the way to go. These are the most popular choices and are often used in restaurants.
On the other hand, if you like your pickles to be a bit sweeter, then sweet pickle slices are a great option. These pickles have a higher sugar content and are usually made from cucumbers that have been soaked in a sweet brine.
Regardless of the type of pickle you choose, it’s important to make sure that they are firm and not too soft. Soft pickles won’t hold up well during the frying process and will become mushy and unappetizing.
Personally, I prefer using dill pickle slices for my Southern Fried Pickles. They have the perfect balance of tanginess and crunchiness, and the dill flavor pairs well with the batter and spices.
In summary, when choosing the right pickles for your Southern Fried Pickles recipe, consider the crunchiness, sweetness, and firmness of the pickles. Dill pickle slices are the most commonly used and are a great choice for their tanginess and crunchiness.
Preparation Process
Before we start making the delicious Southern Fried Pickles, let’s go over the preparation process.
First, we need to heat up the oil. To make the perfect fried pickles, we need to use the right kind of oil. I recommend using vegetable oil for frying, but peanut oil or canola oil can also be used. Heat up 3/4 inch of oil in a cast-iron skillet until it reaches 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
While the oil is heating up, we can start dredging the pickle slices. In a shallow bowl, mix together flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic and onion powders. In another shallow bowl, whisk together buttermilk and egg until well combined.
Once the oil is hot enough, dip the pickle slices into the buttermilk and egg mixture, then coat them in the flour mixture. Make sure to shake off any excess flour before placing the pickle slices in the hot oil.
Fry the pickles for about 1 minute on each side or until they are golden brown. Once they are done, remove them from the oil using a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
And that’s it! With these simple steps, you can make delicious Southern Fried Pickles that are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
Breading and Frying
To make the perfect Southern Fried Pickles, you need to master the art of breading and frying. The breading is what gives the pickles their crispy, golden brown exterior, while frying is what seals in the flavors and makes them crunchy.
To begin, you will need to mix together a seasoned flour mixture in one bowl and a buttermilk and egg mixture in another. The seasoned flour mixture should include flour, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic and onion powder. The buttermilk and egg mixture should be whisked together until thoroughly combined.
Next, take your pickle slices and dip them into the buttermilk and egg mixture, making sure to shake off any excess. Then, dip the pickle slices into the seasoned flour mixture, making sure to coat them evenly on all sides.
Once you have breaded all of your pickle slices, it’s time to fry them. Heat up your oil in a deep frying pan to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. The oil should be about 1-inch high in the pan.
Carefully add the breaded pickle slices to the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the pickles for about 2-3 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy.
Once the pickles are done frying, remove them from the oil using a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to remove any excess oil.
And that’s it! With these simple steps, you can make the perfect Southern Fried Pickles that are crispy, golden brown, and full of flavor.
Dipping Sauces
When it comes to fried pickles, the dipping sauce is just as important as the pickles themselves. In fact, the right dipping sauce can take your fried pickles to the next level.
One classic dipping sauce for fried pickles is ranch dressing. It’s creamy, tangy, and pairs perfectly with the crispy fried pickles. You can use store-bought ranch dressing or make your own homemade ranch dressing for an extra special touch.
Another popular dipping sauce for fried pickles is blue cheese dressing. It’s a bit more pungent than ranch dressing, but it adds a nice depth of flavor to the fried pickles.
If you’re looking for something a bit more unique, try comeback sauce. It’s a tangy, slightly sweet sauce that’s perfect for dipping fried pickles. It’s made with a combination of mayo, ketchup, hot sauce, and other seasonings.
Personally, I like to experiment with different dipping sauces for my fried pickles. Sometimes I’ll mix together a bit of ranch dressing and hot sauce for a spicy kick. Other times, I’ll whip up a quick dipping sauce with mayo, garlic, and lemon juice. The possibilities are endless!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving Southern Fried Pickles, there are several options to consider. These crispy, tangy treats are perfect as an appetizer or snack, and they’re a popular choice for game day gatherings. Here are a few ideas for serving up these delicious pickles:
-
As an appetizer: Serve fried pickles with a side of ranch dressing or spicy mayo for dipping. You can also add a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs, like parsley or chives, for a pop of color and flavor.
-
As a snack: Fried pickles make a great snack on their own, but you can also pair them with other finger foods like chicken wings or mozzarella sticks for a fun and filling snack platter.
-
As a side dish: Southern Fried Pickles are a tasty side dish for burgers, sandwiches, and other classic comfort foods. They add a crunchy, tangy element to any meal.
-
At restaurants: Many restaurants offer fried pickles as an appetizer or side dish. If you’re dining out, be sure to ask your server if they have fried pickles on the menu.
One thing to keep in mind when serving fried pickles is that they can become soggy if they sit for too long. To keep them light and crispy, serve them immediately after frying and avoid letting them sit in a covered container for too long.
Overall, Southern Fried Pickles are a versatile and tasty snack or side dish that can be enjoyed in a variety of settings. Whether you’re serving them up at home or ordering them at a restaurant, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Nutritional Information
As a chef, I always strive to create dishes that are not only delicious but also healthy. When it comes to Southern Fried Pickles, it’s important to be mindful of the nutritional information. Here’s what you need to know:
-
Calories: One serving of Southern Fried Pickles contains around 200-300 calories, depending on the size of the serving and the ingredients used.
-
Saturated Fat: Southern Fried Pickles can be high in saturated fat, which can increase the risk of heart disease. It’s important to use healthy oils like olive oil or coconut oil for frying, and to use a minimal amount.
-
Cholesterol: Fried foods can be high in cholesterol, which can also increase the risk of heart disease. It’s important to use low-cholesterol ingredients like egg whites instead of whole eggs, and to use a minimal amount.
-
Sodium: Southern Fried Pickles can be high in sodium, which can increase blood pressure and lead to other health issues. To reduce the sodium content, use low-sodium pickles and seasonings.
-
Protein: Southern Fried Pickles are not a significant source of protein, but they can be paired with protein-rich dips like hummus or Greek yogurt to make a more balanced snack.
Overall, Southern Fried Pickles can be a tasty treat in moderation. By being mindful of the nutritional information and using healthy ingredients, you can enjoy this classic Southern dish without sacrificing your health.
Storage and Reheating
As someone who loves to cook, I always make more food than I need. And when it comes to my Southern Fried Pickles, I want to make sure that I can store them properly so that I can enjoy them later.
When it comes to storing Southern Fried Pickles, the most important thing is to make sure that they are kept in an airtight container. This will help to prevent them from drying out or getting soggy. You can keep them in the fridge for up to three days.
Now, when it comes to reheating your Southern Fried Pickles, you have a few options. One of the easiest ways to reheat them is to use a frying pan. Simply heat up some oil in the pan and add your pickles. Cook them for a few minutes on each side until they are heated through and crispy.
Another great option is to use an air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and then spread your pickles in a single layer in the basket. Cook them for a few minutes until they are heated through and crispy.
No matter which method you choose, make sure that you don’t overcrowd the pan or air fryer. This will help to ensure that your pickles stay crispy and delicious.
Fun Facts
I love making southern fried pickles for my friends and family. It’s a classic snack that never fails to impress guests. But did you know that this popular dish has a fascinating history? Here are a few fun facts about southern fried pickles that you might not have known:
-
The first person to ever fry a pickle was a woman named Bernell “Fatman” Austin, who lived in Atkins, Arkansas. She came up with the idea in 1963 when she was trying to find a way to use up excess pickles from her family’s farm. She deep-fried the pickles and served them to her friends, who loved them. The rest is history!
-
Southern-style fried pickles are different from French fried pickles. French fried pickles are made by coating the pickles in a batter and then frying them, while southern-style fried pickles are made by coating the pickles in seasoned flour and then frying them. The result is a crispy, crunchy snack that’s perfect for dipping.
-
The Oakland Tribune once called fried pickles “the snack of the 21st century.” They’re certainly popular today, and you can find them on the menu at many restaurants and bars across the country.
-
If you’re looking for cooking tips for making the perfect southern fried pickles, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, make sure you use firm, crunchy pickles. You don’t want them to be too soft, or they’ll fall apart when you fry them. Second, make sure your oil is hot enough. You want it to be around 375°F so that the pickles cook quickly and don’t absorb too much oil. Finally, don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasonings. Some people like to add garlic powder, cayenne pepper, or even ranch seasoning to their flour mixture for extra flavor.
Overall, southern fried pickles are a delicious and fun snack that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party or just looking for a tasty treat, these crispy, crunchy pickles are sure to hit the spot.