Are you wondering what tastes good with dill pickles? Dill pickles are a tangy, crunchy snack that can elevate a wide range of dishes. Their sharp flavor adds an unexpected zing to many meals, from classic sandwiches to adventurous pairings with sweet or spicy foods. Whether you’re a pickle enthusiast or just looking to experiment with new culinary combinations, this in-depth guide explores over 20 different ways to enjoy dill pickles.
We’ll cover traditional pairings like cheese and meats, dive into unusual yet delicious combinations such as peanut butter and pickles, and explore how dill pickles can be used creatively in cooking. By the end of this article, you’ll have plenty of ideas for what tastes good with dill pickles, as well as answers to frequently asked questions about these tasty treats.
Classic Pairings with Dill Pickles
When you think of dill pickles, certain classic pairings naturally come to mind. These combinations are simple but satisfying, offering a balance between the pickle’s sharpness and other savory or rich flavors. Here’s how you can enjoy pickles in some of their most traditional settings:
Cheese and Dill Pickles
Dill pickles and cheese are a classic combination, as the creamy, sometimes sharp flavors of cheese perfectly balance the tartness of the pickle. Here are some cheeses that pair especially well with dill pickles:
- Cheddar: A sharp cheddar can stand up to the bold flavor of a dill pickle, making it a perfect pairing. You can enjoy this combination on a charcuterie board, as part of a sandwich, or even just as a snack with crackers.
- Swiss: The mild, nutty flavor of Swiss cheese offers a smoother contrast to the sour notes of pickles. This pairing works particularly well in dill pickle grilled cheese sandwiches.
- Blue Cheese: For those who love intense flavors, dill pickles and blue cheese are a match made in heaven. The bold, tangy flavor of blue cheese complements the tartness of the pickle, creating a memorable taste experience.
If you want to elevate this pairing, try adding some cured meats or rustic bread for a complete snack. You can also incorporate cheese into your pickle dishes, such as a cheesy pickle dip or pickle and cheese stuffed pastries.
Cured Meats and Dill Pickles
Another classic combination is dill pickles and cured meats. The salty, savory flavors of meats like salami, ham, and pastrami are enhanced by the sour, crunchy bite of the pickle. Here are a few ways to enjoy this pairing:
- Salami: Thinly sliced salami pairs beautifully with pickles on a charcuterie board or in a sandwich. The rich, fatty meat is balanced by the sharp acidity of the pickle.
- Ham: Whether you’re making a ham sandwich or wrapping ham around a pickle spear for a snack, this combination is both simple and satisfying.
- Pastrami: Pickles and pastrami are a classic pairing in deli sandwiches. Add mustard and rye bread, and you have the perfect pastrami on rye with pickles for extra crunch.
You can also try adding pickles to charcuterie boards, allowing guests to mix and match different meats and cheeses with their favorite pickles.
Crackers and Bread with Dill Pickles
If you want a light snack, pairing dill pickles with crackers or bread is a great choice. The crunchy texture of crackers or the soft, chewy texture of bread creates a satisfying contrast with the crispness of the pickle. Here are a few ideas:
- Crackers: Rustic, grainy crackers or even butter crackers provide the perfect base for a slice of dill pickle and a piece of cheese. You can serve this as an easy appetizer or snack.
- Bread: A hearty slice of rye or multigrain bread pairs well with pickles, especially when used in sandwiches. Try making an open-faced sandwich with dill pickles, cream cheese, and herbs on a slice of toasted bread.
If you’re looking for more ideas on how to pair pickles with various snacks, check out this prune cupcakes recipe. It might surprise you how dill pickles can complement sweeter dishes as well.
Pickles and Condiments
Condiments can transform the flavor of pickles, making them a perfect addition to sandwiches, burgers, and appetizers. Whether you prefer traditional condiments or more adventurous options, dill pickles pair well with many sauces and spreads. Here’s a look at some popular options:
Mustard and Pickles
Mustard is a natural partner for dill pickles in sandwiches and wraps. The sharp, tangy flavor of mustard enhances the briny taste of pickles. Here are a few mustard options to try:
- Yellow Mustard: The classic choice for hot dogs and burgers, yellow mustard brings out the pickle’s sour notes without overwhelming the palate.
- Dijon Mustard: For a more refined flavor, Dijon mustard offers a smoother, slightly spicier taste that complements the crispness of the pickle.
- Honey Mustard: If you like a touch of sweetness, honey mustard provides a delightful contrast to the sharpness of the pickle.
Ranch Dressing and Dill Pickles
Ranch dressing is another popular condiment for pickles, especially when you’re looking for something creamy. The rich, herbaceous flavor of ranch balances the tangy sourness of the pickle. You can use ranch dressing as a dip for pickle chips or drizzle it over sandwiches and burgers.
Sriracha and Spicy Condiments
If you love a little heat, try pairing dill pickles with spicy condiments like Sriracha. The combination of spicy and sour is a flavor explosion that works particularly well in wraps, sandwiches, or even salads. You can also experiment with other hot sauces or chili-based spreads.
Honey and Pickles
While it might sound strange at first, honey and dill pickles are a surprisingly good combination. The sweetness of honey tempers the sourness of the pickle, creating a delightful sweet-and-sour balance. Drizzle honey over pickle slices for a quick snack or serve pickles with a honey mustard dipping sauce.
For more sweet pairing ideas, try this coffee cupcake recipe for an unexpected blend of flavors that complement pickles.
Unexpected Pairings with Dill Pickles
While the classic combinations are delicious, there are many unexpected ways to enjoy dill pickles that can surprise your palate. These unusual pairings showcase the versatility of pickles and how they can be enjoyed in more adventurous culinary settings.
Peanut Butter and Pickles
One of the most unusual but surprisingly tasty combinations is dill pickles and peanut butter. The rich, nutty flavor of peanut butter creates a unique contrast with the sour crunch of pickles. Here’s how you can enjoy this pairing:
- Peanut Butter Sandwich: Spread peanut butter on a slice of bread, add thin pickle slices, and top it with another slice of bread for a simple but satisfying snack.
- Pickle and Peanut Butter Dip: Mix peanut butter with a bit of pickle juice to create a tangy, salty dip for apple slices or crackers.
This combination may sound strange, but it’s one of those flavor pairings that has a cult following among food adventurers. Give it a try—you might just love it!
Fruits and Dill Pickles
You might not immediately think of fruit when pairing foods with dill pickles, but certain fruits can create a delicious sweet-and-sour combination. Here are a few fruits that pair surprisingly well with pickles:
- Apples: The crisp texture and sweet flavor of apples offer a nice contrast to the tangy bite of pickles. Try serving apple slices alongside pickle spears for a snack or salad topping.
- Pineapple: The tropical sweetness of pineapple adds a refreshing flavor to dill pickles. You can serve them together in a fruit salad or add pickles to a Hawaiian-style burger with pineapple and ham.
Pickles and Chocolate
For the truly adventurous, dill pickles and chocolate can be an unexpectedly delightful combination. The salty-sour flavor of pickles contrasts with the rich, sweet taste of chocolate. Try this combination in the following ways:
- Pickle and Chocolate Dipped Snacks: Dip pickle slices in melted chocolate for a salty-sweet snack. You can sprinkle sea salt on top for an extra flavor boost.
- Pickle and Chocolate Dessert: Add finely chopped dill pickles to a chocolate cake or brownie recipe for an unusual twist on a classic dessert.
If you’re intrigued by the idea of mixing sweet flavors with pickles, you might enjoy this mini cupcake recipe guide for even more inspiration.
Pickles with Dairy
Dairy products like cream cheese, sour cream, and buttermilk are excellent companions to dill pickles. The creamy texture of dairy balances the acidity of the pickle, making these pairings both satisfying and delicious.
Cream Cheese and Dill Pickles
Cream cheese is one of the most popular dairy products to pair with dill pickles. The rich, creamy flavor of cream cheese tempers the sharpness of the pickle, creating a perfect balance of flavors. Here are a few ways to enjoy this pairing:
- Pickle Roll-Ups: Spread cream cheese on a slice of deli meat (such as ham or turkey), add a pickle spear, and roll it up for a quick and tasty snack.
- Pickle and Cream Cheese Dip: Mix chopped dill pickles with cream cheese, sour cream, and herbs to create a tangy, creamy dip that’s perfect for chips or crackers.
Sour Cream and Dill Pickles
Sour cream is another dairy product that pairs beautifully with dill pickles. The tanginess of sour cream complements the acidity of the pickle, creating a harmonious flavor combination. You can use sour cream in the following ways:
- Pickle Dip: Combine sour cream with chopped pickles, herbs, and spices to make a refreshing dip for vegetables, chips, or crackers.
- Pickle and Sour Cream Salad: Toss sliced pickles with sour cream, fresh dill, and cucumbers for a tangy side salad.
Buttermilk and Pickles
Buttermilk’s tangy flavor pairs well with the sourness of pickles, making it a great base for sauces, dressings, or even fried pickle recipes. Here are a few ideas:
- Buttermilk Pickle Dressing: Mix buttermilk, pickle juice, and fresh herbs for a tangy salad dressing that’s perfect on greens or potato salads.
- Fried Pickles: Soak pickle slices in buttermilk before breading and frying them for a crispy, tangy snack. Serve with ranch dressing or a spicy dipping sauce.
Dill Pickles and Beverages
Pairing dill pickles with the right beverages can enhance their flavor and make for a more enjoyable dining experience. Here are a few beverages that pair especially well with pickles:
Beer and Dill Pickles
Beer is one of the best beverages to pair with dill pickles, as its carbonation and bitterness balance the sourness of the pickle. Here are a few beer styles that work particularly well:
- Lager: A light, crisp lager complements the tangy flavor of dill pickles without overwhelming the palate.
- Pilsner: The slight bitterness of a pilsner helps cut through the sharpness of pickles, making it a refreshing pairing.
- Wheat Beer: The smooth, fruity flavors of wheat beer offer a nice contrast to the sourness of pickles.
If you’re serving dill pickles at a gathering, consider offering a variety of beers to allow guests to experiment with different pairings.
Pickleback Shots
A pickleback shot is a popular way to enjoy pickle juice as a chaser to a shot of whiskey. The salty, sour pickle juice helps to neutralize the burn of the alcohol, creating a smoother drinking experience. Here’s how to make a pickleback shot:
- Step 1: Pour a shot of your favorite whiskey.
- Step 2: Follow the whiskey shot with a shot of cold pickle juice.
This combination is a favorite at bars and parties, but you can also serve it at home for a fun twist on happy hour.
Pickle Juice Cocktails
Pickle juice isn’t just for pickleback shots—it can also be used as an ingredient in cocktails. The briny flavor of pickle juice adds an unexpected twist to drinks like Bloody Marys or martinis. Here are a few pickle juice cocktail ideas:
- Bloody Mary with Pickle Juice: Add a splash of pickle juice to your Bloody Mary for extra tanginess. Garnish with a pickle spear for an extra pickle punch.
- Pickle Martini: Swap out the olive brine in a dirty martini for pickle juice to create a pickle martini. The sourness of the pickle juice adds a unique twist to this classic cocktail.
Cooking with Dill Pickles
Dill pickles aren’t just for snacking—they can also be used as a key ingredient in a variety of recipes. From soups to sandwiches to salads, here are some creative ways to cook with dill pickles.
Dill Pickle Soup
Dill pickle soup is a tangy, creamy dish that originates from Eastern Europe. This comforting soup is perfect for pickle lovers who want to incorporate pickles into a hearty meal. Here’s how to make it:
- Ingredients: Pickle juice, chopped pickles, potatoes, carrots, onions, garlic, chicken broth, and sour cream.
- Instructions: Sauté the onions, garlic, and carrots, then add the broth, potatoes, and pickle juice. Simmer until the vegetables are tender, then stir in sour cream and chopped pickles. Season with dill and serve hot.
Dill pickle soup is a great option for chilly days when you want something warm and tangy.
Dill Pickle Grilled Cheese
If you love grilled cheese sandwiches, adding dill pickles to the mix can take this classic comfort food to the next level. The crunch and tanginess of the pickles contrast beautifully with the melty cheese. Here’s how to make a dill pickle grilled cheese:
- Ingredients: Bread, butter, cheese (such as cheddar or Swiss), and dill pickles.
- Instructions: Butter the bread and layer slices of cheese and dill pickles inside. Grill in a pan until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
This simple recipe is perfect for lunch or a quick snack.
Dill Pickle Pizza
For a more adventurous recipe, try making dill pickle pizza. While it might sound unusual, the combination of tangy pickles and creamy cheese creates a unique flavor that pickle lovers will enjoy. Here’s how to make it:
- Ingredients: Pizza dough, mozzarella cheese, garlic sauce, dill pickles, and fresh dill.
- Instructions: Roll out the pizza dough and spread a layer of garlic sauce over the surface. Top with mozzarella cheese and dill pickle slices. Bake until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly. Garnish with fresh dill before serving.
This creative pizza is a fun way to incorporate pickles into your dinner routine.
Dill Pickles in Sandwiches and Burgers
Dill pickles are a staple in sandwiches and burgers, adding a tangy, crunchy element that enhances the overall flavor. Here are a few popular sandwich and burger combinations that feature pickles:
Cuban Sandwiches
A Cuban sandwich is a classic dish that combines ham, roasted pork, Swiss cheese, mustard, and dill pickles on Cuban bread. The pickles add a necessary tanginess that cuts through the richness of the meat and cheese. Here’s how to make a Cuban sandwich:
- Ingredients: Cuban bread, mustard, Swiss cheese, ham, roasted pork, and dill pickles.
- Instructions: Layer the ham, pork, cheese, and pickles on the bread. Spread mustard on the bread and press the sandwich in a hot skillet or sandwich press until the cheese is melted and the bread is crispy.
This hearty sandwich is perfect for lunch or dinner, and the pickles play a key role in balancing the flavors.
Cheeseburgers with Dill Pickles
Cheeseburgers and pickles are a match made in heaven. The tangy bite of a dill pickle adds a refreshing contrast to the rich, juicy burger and melted cheese. Here’s how to make the perfect cheeseburger with pickles:
- Ingredients: Ground beef, cheese (such as cheddar or American), burger buns, lettuce, tomato, onions, and dill pickles.
- Instructions: Grill the burger patties and top with cheese. Assemble the burgers with lettuce, tomato, onions, and plenty of dill pickle slices for crunch.
You can also add your favorite condiments, such as mustard, ketchup, or mayo, to enhance the flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can dill pickles be paired with fish?
Yes! The acidity of dill pickles complements the rich, oily flavor of fish like salmon or tuna. You can add pickles to a fish sandwich or serve them alongside grilled or smoked fish. - What are some healthy snacks involving dill pickles?
For a healthy snack, try pairing pickles with hummus, cheese, or turkey slices. You can also make a pickle and cucumber salad with fresh herbs for a light, refreshing option. - What spices or herbs pair well with dill pickles?
Dill, garlic, caraway seeds, and mustard seeds are all excellent choices for seasoning dishes that include pickles. These herbs and spices enhance the flavor of the pickles without overpowering them. - Can dill pickles be paired with sweet dishes?
Absolutely! Sweet and sour combinations can be surprisingly delicious. Try pairing pickles with fruits like apples or pineapples, or experiment with chocolate for a salty-sweet treat.
Conclusion
Dill pickles are a versatile and flavorful ingredient that can be used in countless ways. From classic pairings like cheese and cured meats to more adventurous combinations like peanut butter or chocolate, dill pickles add a tangy, crunchy element to any dish. Whether you’re snacking on them straight from the jar, incorporating them into sandwiches, or using them in creative recipes like dill pickle soup or pizza, there’s no limit to the culinary possibilities.
So next time you reach for a jar of dill pickles, don’t be afraid to try something new. You might just discover your next favorite flavor combination!