Weirdest Pickle Combos to Try

It’s hard to pinpoint exactly when pickles became such a viral hit, but in recent years all things pickle have dominated our social media feeds. It may have begun when everyone was homebound in 2020, baking bread, birdwatching and looking for ways to spend their new-found free time.

An increase in internet searches for both homemade quick pickles as well as tips for canned pickle preservation, skyrocketed, perhaps due to the popularity of fermented foods and gut health, in the throes of a global pandemic. Whatever the reason, the pickle trend looks like it is here to stay. Food manufacturers, foodies and professional chefs alike have been hard at work keeping pickle enthusiasts happy.

In the past, pickles have been just another condiment to add a bit of tang and crunch to our favorite sandwiches, like the Cuban or turkey burgers. Sometimes pickles just make their way to the plate as a crunchy accompaniment to the main event. But today, pickles have taken center stage and are enjoying their moment in the spotlight. If you’re an adventurous pickle enthusiast, here are a few unusual pickle combos you need to try.

Unfurl your upper lip, it’s not as bad as it sounds. When you move beyond the notion of cheesecake as a sweet dessert topped with your favorite fruits, and think savory instead, pickle cheesecake just works. Cream cheese, goat cheese, parmesan, pickles and spices combine with a buttery pretzel crust to create a delicious savory treat that you can eat on its own or paired with crackers and crudites.

If chips and salsa are your go-to party snack, try a tangy twist on an old favorite by dicing dill pickles and adding them to your pico de gallo. This mouth-puckering snack pairs well with a variety of flavored chips — you don’t have to stick to tortillas — and is a fun option if you’ve grown weary of your old backyard cookout standby.

Chocolate-covered pickles may be for the true pickle adventurers. But, if you stop and think about it, it’s not all that strange. We’ve been combining sweet and salty for years, so naturally pickles should be part of that mix.

You can DIY this at home by simply slicing your pickles — pre-sliced pickles are too thin for dipping — drying them completely with a paper towel and dipping them halfway into some chocolate candy coating. If you truly want to push the envelope, decorate with sprinkles, let the chocolate set up and enjoy.

Dill pickle brine, pickle slices and sugar combine to create a tart and tangy frozen treat. Quench your thirst or satisfy a craving with these sweet and sour pops that you can make at home in your favorite popsicle molds. You can even find pickle pops at your local grocery and adventurous ice cream shops or concession stands near you.