Most commonly found on the side of a deli sandwich or paired with your favorite charcuterie board, pickles are actually a diverse condiment that has many different uses. Not just restricted to condiment status, there are many ways to eat pickles. Plus, they can add texture and taste to an otherwise boring meal or snack.
For many the taste of pickles can be polarizing. The vinegar and salt used in the pickling process give pickles a distinct acidic flavor that is balanced by the natural sweetness of the cucumbers. Some types of pickles, like dill pickles, may also have a slightly sour or herbaceous taste from the addition of spices like dill or garlic. The texture of pickles can vary depending on the type of pickle, but they are generally crisp and crunchy with a satisfying snap when bitten into.
There are a variety of pickles, each with its own distinct flavor. Dill Pickles are made with fresh cucumbers that are brined with dill weed, garlic and other spices to create a tangy and slightly sour flavor. Bread and Butter Pickles are made with cucumbers, sugar, vinegar, and spices and have a sweeter taste than dill pickles.
Sweet Pickles are made the same way dill pickles are made, but have a little sugar added to the brine mixture. Then on the smaller side, Gherkin Pickles are small, young cucumbers that are pickled in vinegar and spices, and are known for their small size and crunchy texture. Another even smaller pickle is the cornichon — a French-style pickle with big crunch and stand-out acidic flavor. They are often found on a charcuterie board.
At Wendi’s Good Things Market, we sell a variety of pickles including our Better Days Bread & Butter Pickles and the I’m a Big Deal Pickle Spears. Plus, specialty flavors like the Habanero Pepper Pickles and Wendi’s Hot Sweet Pickles. Use one or use them all with these unique ways to eat pickles.
9 Ways to Eat Pickles
1. Pickle Roll-Ups: Spread cream cheese on a slice of ham or turkey, add a pickle spear like our I’m a Big Deal Pickle spears, and roll it up for a simple yet delicious snack.
2. Pickle Tartar Sauce: Mix mayo, diced pickles, capers, and lemon juice for a tangy and flavorful tartar sauce that's perfect for seafood.
3. Pickle Pimento Cheese: Mix cream cheese, grated cheddar cheese, diced pickles, and pimentos for a tangy and creamy spread.
4. Pickle-Salsa: Mix diced pickles with chopped tomatoes, onions and jalapeños for a unique salsa.
5. Pickle Salad: Mix a variety of chopped pickles with sliced red onions, chopped fresh dill, olive oil, white wine vinegar and salt to taste. Mix and toss for a delightful and flavorful side crunch.
6. Grilled pickles: Lay spear pickles on the grill and leave for two to three minutes for a slight char. The sugars from the brine carmelize and char for a unique flavor. Pair with a dill mustard dipping sauce as a lovely side dish.
7. Bread and butter pickle sandwich. Using Wendi’s Better Days Bread and Butter Pickles, combine mayo or butter on two slices of toasted bread — we suggest potato bread — then add a cheese of your choice.
8. A true classic, charcuterie and cheese boards also make a great pickle pairing, no matter if dill, sweet or spicy, pickles are a great add-on to any cheese and meat tray.
9. Straight out of the jar! Yes, of course, there is no shame in standing there in the kitchen eating a pickle spear straight from the jar. Pickles make for a quick and crunchy guilt-free snack all on its own. Our Habanero Pepper Pickles and Wendi's Hot Sweet Pickles are perfect for eating right from the jar.
So, there you have it! These are a few of our favorite ways to eat pickles. Enjoy!