Southern Fried Pickles: Incredible and Delicious Snack Delight

Name: Southern Fried Pickles
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 1 cup dill pickle slices (or spears); 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup cornmeal (fine or medium grind); 2 large eggs; 1 cup buttermilk; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper; Salt and pepper to taste; Vegetable oil (for frying)

Published: June 9, 2025

by dishv

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There’s something undeniably magical about Southern Fried Pickles. Imagine the sound of hot oil bubbling, the aroma wafting through your kitchen as you prepare this delicious snack. Each bite delivers a satisfying crunch, followed by a tangy, juicy pickle that dances on your taste buds like it’s auditioning for a Broadway show. With just the right amount of seasoning, these crispy delights become an irresistible treat perfect for sharing—or hoarding all to yourself. For more inspiration, check out this more delicious recipes.

Jump to:

Essential Ingredients
Let’s Make it together
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Add Your Touch
Storing & Reheating
FAQ
What type of pickles work best for southern fried pickles?
Can I make southern fried pickles ahead of time?
How do I keep my fried pickles crispy?
📖 Recipe Card

I vividly remember the first time I tried Southern Fried Pickles at a local fair. The vendor’s hand-painted sign promised “the best fried pickles in the South,” and boy, did they deliver! My friends and I devoured basket after basket, laughing and savoring each crunchy morsel. Since then, I’ve mastered my own version that’s equally addictive, ideal for game days, backyard barbecues, or simply enjoying while binge-watching your favorite series.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

These Southern Fried Pickles are incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients that pack maximum flavor
Their golden-brown appearance is sure to impress guests at any gathering
Perfectly crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, they make an ideal appetizer or snack
Versatile enough to be paired with various dipping sauces for an exciting flavor twist

My friends couldn’t stop raving about how delicious these pickles were when I made them for a game night gathering.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Pickles: Use dill pickles for that classic tangy flavor; spears or slices work well.
All-Purpose Flour: This helps create a crispy coating; don’t skip it!
Cornmeal: Adds extra crunch and gives that authentic Southern feel; choose fine or medium grind.
Eggs: Beat two eggs to help bind the coating to the pickles.
Buttermilk: Marinating the pickles in buttermilk enhances flavor and tenderness; it’s a game-changer!
Seasonings: Combine salt, pepper, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper for a flavorful kick.
Oil: Use vegetable oil or peanut oil for frying; both have high smoke points. For more inspiration, check out this cooking tips for frying recipe.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Prepare the Pickles: Start by draining your pickles and patting them dry with paper towels. This step prevents excess moisture from ruining that glorious crunch we all crave.

Marinate in Buttermilk: Place the dried pickles into a bowl and cover them with buttermilk. Let them soak for at least 30 minutes—this will keep them moist while giving them an extra zing.

Mix Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, combine flour, cornmeal, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. Whisk until everything is evenly blended—this spice mix will elevate your fried pickles!

Coat the Pickles: Remove each pickle slice from buttermilk and let excess drip off before dipping into your dry mixture. Ensure every nook and cranny gets coated; we want these beauties fully dressed!

Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat about two inches of oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers gently—around 350°F (175°C)—which means it’s ready for frying.

Fry Until Golden Brown: Carefully drop coated pickles into hot oil in batches. Fry until they turn golden brown and crispy—about 3-4 minutes per side—then transfer them to paper towels to absorb excess oil.

Now you’re ready to enjoy these crispy Southern Fried Pickles! Serve them warm with your favorite dipping sauce (ranch dressing is always a winner) and watch as everyone gathers around for seconds—or thirds!

You Must Know

Southern fried pickles are a delightful snack, perfect for parties or game day
Their crispiness paired with tangy flavors makes them utterly irresistible
Experimenting with batter variations can elevate this classic dish to new heights
Just be ready for some pickle-loving friends to appear!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by heating your oil to 350°F, then dip pickles in batter and fry until golden brown. This ensures even cooking and that perfect crunch.

Add Your Touch

Consider adding spices like cayenne or garlic powder to the batter for an extra kick. You can also try different dipping sauces, such as ranch or spicy mayo.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover fried pickles in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat them in an oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes to restore their crunch.

Chef's Helpful Tips

Ensure your oil is hot enough before frying to achieve that crispy texture
Use a wire rack instead of paper towels after frying; it prevents sogginess
Maintain the right pickle thickness; too thin may lead to overcooking, while too thick won’t crisp properly

Making southern fried pickles brings back wonderful memories of family gatherings, where laughter filled the air and everyone fought over the last crispy piece.

FAQ

What type of pickles work best for southern fried pickles?

Dill pickle slices are traditionally used, but you can experiment with other varieties too.

Can I make southern fried pickles ahead of time?

Fried pickles are best enjoyed fresh, but you can prep ingredients ahead of time.

How do I keep my fried pickles crispy?

Avoid stacking them on top of each other after frying; use a wire rack instead.

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