A Pickle Wrapped in Cheese Is Somehow a Trend?

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Originally published by Bon Appetit on February 14th, 2023

Written By LI GOLDSTEIN

This two-ingredient recipe is making the rounds on TikTok.

Collage by Julia Duarte

In a hypothetical bracket of sandwich fixings, I’d wager it’s a clear path to the finals for two ingredients in particular: pickles and cheese. Eaten solo, these are excellent snacks; give me a sour spear or a hunk of parm and I’m set. But eaten in concert, they soar. A classic cheeseburger marries crunchy pickle medallions with a layer of velvety cheese—same goes for a fried chicken sandwich, or a tuna melt. I could go on.

Given these truths, I didn’t bat an eye when the latest TikTok hack—pickle in a blanket, as some are calling it—flooded my feed. The concept, introduced to us as a “guilty pleasure snack” by user Claire Snyder (clurmurr) last month, calls for no more than a slice of cheese, fried in a pan until golden and crispy (much like frico), and a pickle spear, which gets enveloped in said shell.

Upon first watch, my initial reaction was: That looks pretty good. What’s not to like about a tart pickle blanketed in lacy cheese? Some BA editors shared my enthusiasm without hesitation; others visibly shuddered at the thought.

TikTok, for the most part, seems sold. A quick search for “pickle cheese” returns scores of ASMR-adjacent videos of sizzly-then-crunchy cheese, most culminating in a chomp shot for dramatic effect. Some innovate on the basic formula, using shredded cheese for the blanket, or plopping a gherkin in the center, or dipping the final product in some kind of accouterment, like fried pickle and ranch dip (meta!) or mayo.

In the interest of science, I moseyed on over to my local Rite Aid and purchased a jar of kosher dill pickles and the only sliced cheese at my disposal—Kraft Singles. The cheese didn’t get quite as crisp as I’d hoped, forming a melty pool and requiring some manual labor and ingenuity to tuck the pickle into its blanket. (Maybe this was a function of my choice of cheese: American, best known for its ability to melt smoothly, might not be the ideal contender for this project.) Once she was all wrapped up, I let my pickle in a blanket hang out in the hot pan to achieve that golden, crackly shell I’d been promised. It got there eventually.

The acidity of the pickle cut the creaminess of the cheese and, yeah, it tasted pretty decent. Would I make it for a guest? Probably not. Would I snack on it of my own volition, not for the purposes of Journalism? Also probably not, only because I’d rather consume the two ingredients sandwiched between bread.

There’s ample room for creativity here. The basic pickle in cheese principle lends itself to endless combinations. Maybe cornichons wrapped in crispy parm could make for a bite-sized party app. How about a classic dill blanketed in nutty Gruyère? Let’s get mozz in the mix somehow—might I suggest a half-sour to complement? In any case, let’s save our beloved American cheese for where she’ll really shine: in our next seven-layer dip.

We Tried New Spicy Dill Pickle Goldfish

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Originally published by Sporked on June 17th, 2024

Written By Gwynedd Stuart

 

Credit: Liv Averett / PR Newswire

New Goldfish flavors don’t come around every day, so we were stoked to discover that Spicy Dill Pickle Goldfish would be swimming into stores for a limited time this summer. Granted, we’ve tried some other spicy pickle products that didn’t exactly hit (seriously, take heed when microwaving spicy pickle popcorn), but we needed to find out whether dill pickle would rank among the best Goldfish flavors. Here’s our honest review.

Spicy Dill Pickle Goldfish

Ralphs

When I did a full taste test of every Goldfish flavor we could find, flavor-blasted fish reigned supreme. But I’ve always been a Parmesan Goldfish purist at heart. There’s something about the simplicity of salty, nutty cheese baked into a small, toasty fish-shaped cracker that really hits the spot—no big, bold flavors needed. That’s where these new Goldfish falter. They’re flavor blasted, sure, but they’re sorely missing that baked-in flavor.

Pros: Spicy Dill Pickle Goldfish are very pickle-y. Upon first bite, they slap you in the face with briny, salty flavor and a modest pop of heat. If you’re a true pickle lover, it’s a good first impression!

Cons: Once you’ve gotten past that initial burst of flavor, Spicy Dill Pickle Goldfish are a little disappointing, mostly because the crackers themselves are so blah without any cheesy flavor baked in. The best pickle flavored snacks have something to counteract or complement the briny tang of pickle flavoring. The best pickle potato chips (the top four, in fact) are kettle chips. Know why? The oily nature of the chip works with the pickle seasoning to create a well-rounded snack. A plain Goldfish cracker doesn’t really bring anything to the table here. However, if they’d put this seasoning on Cheddar or Parm Goldfish, this would be a much better snack.

RATING:

5.5/10

SPORKS

20 Pickle-Flavored Foods That Are Popping Up Everywhere

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Originally published by Microsoft on June 11th, 2024

Written By Sara Nelson

Pickle-flavored foods and drinks are popping up everywhere, and let’s face it, the pickle craze is taking over. It’s like pickles got tired of being the sidekick and decided to steal the spotlight. From snacks to beverages, these tangy treats are infiltrating menus and grocery aisles with a vengeance. Whether you’re a pickle fanatic or just pickle-curious, there’s no escaping this briny invasion. Buckle up, because pickles aren’t just for sandwiches anymore.

Pickle Beer

Picture a beer that combines the tangy bite of pickles with the crisp refreshment of a cold brew. Perfect for hot days or whenever you’re feeling adventurous, this pickle beer shakes up your routine with its unique flavor combo. Breweries like Urban Artifact and Best Maid have been crafting these pickle-infused brews. Whether you’re a seasoned beer lover or just looking for something new, this pickle beer promises an unforgettable taste journey. So, why not take the plunge and see what all the buzz is about?

Pickle-Flavored Gum

Ever wanted to keep that pickle tang with you all day? Well, now you can with pickle-flavored gum. Yep, you heard that right. Pickle. Flavored. Gum. It’s the perfect choice for those who love a good dill pickle and aren’t afraid to show it. Each piece hits you with that unmistakable dill and brine punch, so your breath stays as fresh as a jar of pickles. Whether you’re a bold flavor adventurer or just want to be the person with the most interesting gum at the party, this is your ticket. It’s a surefire way to spark conversations and raise a few eyebrows. Companies like Archie McPhee have been known to dabble in quirky flavors, so keep an eye out.

Pickle-Flavored Ice Cream

Pickle ice cream might sound like a culinary dare, but it’s actually gaining quite the fan base. Vendors often start with a creamy vanilla base and infuse it with pickle brine and bits of pickles. The result? A tangy and sweet combination that’s sure to surprise your taste buds. Some creameries even roll it out as a seasonal special. Toppings like a sprinkle of sea salt or a drizzle of dill pickle juice can take the experience up a notch. Whether you’re a flavor adventurer or just curious, pickle ice cream is a must-try, whether you prefer it in a cone or a cup.

Dill Pickle Pistachios

Dill pickle pistachios – now there’s a snack that’s sure to make you do a double-take. Infused with the zesty punch of dill and just the right hint of tanginess, these nuts are a surefire way to jazz up your snack game. Perfect for parties, road trips, or even a midday pick-me-up, these pistachios bring together the rich, buttery taste of nuts with the bold flavor of dill pickles. Whether you munch on them solo or toss them into a snack mix, these pistachios are bound to add an extra kick to your day. One brand, Giants, has caught onto this trend, so you know where to look.

Pickle-Flavored Candy

Let’s talk about pickle-flavored candy. It’s a playful twist on your everyday sweets, ranging from hard candies to gummy bears, all infused with that unmistakable dill pickle essence. Many people find the sweet-and-sour combo to be oddly satisfying. Brands like Archie McPhee and Vat19 have been known to dive into these quirky flavors. For the pickle enthusiasts out there, these candies also make for great quirky gifts or party favors. Love it or hate it, pickle-flavored candy is definitely turning heads in the world of sweets.

Pickle-Flavored Freeze Pops

Let’s cool down with a fun twist on a classic summer treat: pickle-flavored freeze pops. These icy delights offer a refreshing pickle flavor that’s both surprising and, dare I say, delightful. Perfect for those scorching summer days or whenever you need a quick, flavorful refreshment. Companies like Van Holten’s have jumped on the pickle freeze pop train.

Dill Pickle Hot Sauce

Ever thought dill pickles and hot sauce should team up? Well, someone did, and now we have this zesty concoction. It takes that crisp, herbal dill pickle flavor and gives it a spicy kick. Perfect for drizzling over tacos, eggs, or even mixing into your favorite dressings. It’s like your food just got a personality upgrade. If you’re a spice lover looking to shake things up, this hot sauce is your new best friend.

Pickle-Flavored Soda

Grillo’s Pickles Presents PICKLED: 100 Pickle-Centric Recipes to Change Your Life

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Originally published by PR Newswire on June 17th, 2024

Written By Grillo’s Pickles 

BOSTON, June 17, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Today, Grillo’s Pickles, the all-natural, always fresh, cult-favorite refrigerated pickle brand, and American publishing company, Abrams, announce their new cookbook – Grillo’s Presents PICKLED: 100 Pickle-Centric Recipes to Change Your Life. For pickle lovers and pickle fiends everywhere, the cookbook is a love letter to the humble, underestimated, overlooked pickle—long relegated to the side of the plate or the supporting role of the occasional hamburger topper. PICKLED is available now for pre-order and will be hitting shelves nationwide on July 16, 2024.

PICKLED: 100 Pickle-Centric Recipes to Change Your Life

Including recipes from innovative chef and friend of Grillo’s, Raphael Jacob Khutorsky (Chef Raph), this cookbook covers the many delicious ways you can satisfy your pickle cravings at home and elevate your culinary game, including special recipes for brine, tips on canning and innovative ways to build pickles into your favorite meals, snacks, and cocktails. With recipes like Devilish Eggs, Pickle Brine Spatchcock Chicken, and a boozy Pickleback Slush, PICKLED is an ode to the beloved and mighty pickle.

“We are stoked to be releasing this special pickle-inspired cookbook with Abrams,” says Eddie Andre, VP of Branding at Grillo’s Pickles. “Chef Raph spent a lot of time creating these unique recipes that we know pickle lovers and foodies will love and we hope this cookbook becomes a new staple in people’s kitchens.”

Grillo’s Pickles Presents PICKLED: 100 Recipes to Brine, Fry, and Eat is available to pre-order for $29.99 at your closest bookstore and on Amazon before its nationwide release on July 16. For more information about Grillo’s visit www.GrillosPickles.com or on Instagram at @GrillosPickles #grillospickles.

About Grillo’s Pickles
For people who want freshness, Grillo’s is the pickle company that is changing the game. That’s because Grillo’s uses only clean, garden-fresh ingredients to make deliciously simple foods that deliver all the crunchy, tangy, satisfying flavor you’ve been searching for, with none of the junk. How do we do it? Our products are made cold, shipped cold and sold cold. So you get an incredible crunch and we never have to mess with artificial preservatives. In fact, the only thing traditional about us is our 100-year-old family recipe. The rest? It’s fresh. Grillo’s offers mouthwatering bites nationwide for sweet, spicy and sour flavor seekers, with their selection of chips, wholes and spears and Pickle de Gallo. For more information, visit GrillosPickles.com or contact grillos@autumncommunications.com.

About Raphael Jacob Khutorsky (Chef Raph)
Born in New York City to immigrant parents, Raphael Jacob Khutorsky grew up in Northern New Jersey surrounded by two hardworking parents and his grandmother, Baba Z, who taught him how to cook classic Eastern European dishes as a child. Over the next six years, Raph worked at some of the best restaurants in the country, from Rich Table and Quince in San Francisco to Gramercy Tavern and Marea in New York City. He began cooking for private clients and teamed up with his brother to launch Something Good Hospitality, a full-service culinary event agency. Raph has become a sought-after chef in the New York restaurant pop-up scene, and in 2023, Raph opened his first concept restaurant in New York City’s East Village, a stomping ground for elevated cuisine and fresh concepts.

About Abrams
Founded in 1949, ABRAMS was the first company in the United States to specialize in publishing art and illustrated books. The company continues to publish critically acclaimed and bestselling works in the areas of art, photography, cooking, craft, comics, interior and garden design, entertainment, fashion, and popular culture as well as narrative nonfiction and new works of fiction for adults; children’s books ranging from middle grade to young adult fiction to picture books to board books. ABRAMS creates and distributes brilliantly designed books with the highest production values under the following imprints: Abrams; Abrams ComicArts; Megascope; Surely Books; Abrams Image; Abrams Press; The Overlook Press; Cernunnos; Cameron + Company; Abrams Books for Young Readers; Amulet Books; Abrams Appleseed; and Magic Cat. ABRAMS also distributes books for Booth-Clibborn Editions, Alain Ducasse Édition, Èditions de La Martiniére, Editions BPI, Global Golf Group, Lucky Spool, Milky Way Picture Books, The Museum of Modern Art, SelfMadeHero, Tate Publishing, V&A Publishing, and The Vendome Press.

SOURCE Grillo’s Pickles

A two-week pickle festival returns to the Lower East Side

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Originally published by TimeOut on May 29th, 2024

Written By Christina Izzo

Grillo’s Pickles Instagram; May 2024

It’s kind of a big dill.

It’s a pickle-lovers paradise: for two weeks next month, 2 Rivington Street will transform into a wonderland of half-sours, bread-and-butters, dilly cukes, cute cornichons and good ol’ gherkins. Yes, Grillo’s Pickles is back for their second annual pickle-themed pop-up on the Lower East Side, adding some vinegary pep to your summertime proceedings from Thursday, June 6 through Saturday, June 22.

From 11am to 7pm every day, the Boston-based brand will be hosting its Grillo’s Pickle World event featuring free food, limited-edition pickle merch, collaborations and more. On Friday, June 7, attendees can enjoy free burgers from West Village patty purveyor Burgerhead. The gratis grub continues the next day, Saturday, June 8, with free gourmet hot dogs from the supper club DM Dinners. And on Saturday, June 15, the shuckers from Island Creek Oysters will be serving up free, slurp-ready shellfish.

The kiddos will have their own pickle fun during designated family-friendly days on Sunday, June 9 and Sunday, June 16, during which pickle lovers of all ages can create their own pickle characters. An after-party at Ray’s Hometown Bar on Thursday, June 13 is more of an adult affair, with food, drinks and more from 6pm until late. And Chef Raphael Jacob Khutorsky will round things out on June 18 with a Taco Tuesday fiesta.

Along with all of the great grub, there will be pickle-centric collabs from brands such as Cheatin Snakes and artists including Adrianne Paerels (a.k.a. Hello Adrianne), Mike Lottie, Najeeb Shelkh, Nick Zaremba and more. Guests can expect a pickle-inspired mural by Jon Burgerman and a plushie wall created by John Scharbach, perfect for your next pickle-loving pic.

23 Recipes for Pickle Fanatics

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Originally published by Taste of Home on May 9th, 2024

Written By Lisa Kaminski

Grillo’s Pickles has unveiled new packaging to prevent spillage. It’s gone viral.

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Originally published by The Boston Globe on May 6, 2024

Written By Dana Gerber

Opening Grillo’s’ old packaging put customers in quite the pickle. So they changed it. MACIE PARKER

Pickle fans, rejoice: Diving into a fresh jar of Grillo’s spears is about to get a whole lot easier.

The Westwood-based pickle company recently unveiled new twist-top packaging, designed to sidestep the vinegary spillage common with its previous containers, which required snackers to break off a plastic tab before popping open the lid.

The new packaging was announced on April 1 — timing that resulted in some pickle aficionados thinking it was a prank — and it is currently being rolled out in stores, starting with the brand’s 32 ounce dill spears, hot spears, and dill chips.

Fans of Grillo’s relished the news on social media, with one user dubbing it the “most significant tech advancement of the last decade.”

“This must be what it felt like when people first saw sliced bread,” one wrote.

“Finally I can stop opening the jars in the sink,” another mused.

Others took the opportunity to bid a not-so-fond farewell to the old packaging, recalling their full-sour experiences with it.

“In college, the last night before my final capstone paper was due, a jar of Grillo’s exploded in my bag, frying my laptop. I graduated 7 months late!” one Instagram user wrote. “Talk about being in a pickle.”

“Thank you for this. However, I still need reparations for the time where I struggled opening the old pickle jar and it exploded all over my mattress and bed frame,” wrote a TikTok user in a comment of a video announcing the new packaging, which has been viewed over two million times.

Grillo’s, founded in 2008 by namesake Travis Grillo, can be found in local grocery stores such as Shaw’s, Star Market, and Whole Foods Market. The brand started as a pop-up, eventually opening a brick-and-mortar storefront in Cambridge’s Inman Square, which closed in 2015.

It’s Officially Pickle Season at Trader Joe’s — Here Are The Best Pickle-Flavored Products To Look For

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Originally published by All Recipes on May 19, 2022

Written By Bailey Fink

PHOTO: TRADER JOE’S

If you’re as pickle obsessed as we are, then you need to hit up your local Trader Joe’s ASAP. The cult-favorite grocery chain has officially entered their pickle season with the introduction of two new limited-time products: Dill Pickle Mini Falafel and Seasoning In a Pickle.

And that’s not all, TJ’s knows we love pickle-flavored foods so much that it’s brought back tons of customer favorite pickle-flavored products to celebrate summer — a.k.a. TJ’s official pickle season. Here are our favorite pickle-flavored products hitting shelves near you.

Seasoning In a Pickle Seasoning Blend

If you are a pickle-on-the-side at every meal kind of person, you will love this spice for adding pickle flavor to your favorite foods. Sprinkle a little bit on eggs, veggies, potatoes, hamburgers, or anything else for an extra tangy flavor. Try using it on chicken to achieve the vinegary taste that you love without doing a time-consuming pickle brine. The seasoning blend is available for $2.49 for a limited time.

Dill Pickle Mini Falafel

Whether enjoyed by itself, on top of a salad, or in a wrap, ready-made falafel is the perfect easy food. Pair the crunchy chickpea-based falafel with pickles and you’ve got a combo made in heaven. This dill pickle falafel is quick and easy to make in you air fryer, oven, or microwave and is packed with pickle flavor because the garbanzo bean mixture is hydrated with pickle juice. Grab a bag from the freezer aisle for $3.99 for a limited time.

Dill Pickle Mustard

The dill pickle mustard is back for its second year in a row! And you don’t to miss it this time around. Enjoy extra pickle flavor on your hamburgers, hot dogs, or sandwiches, or use it to spice up your potato salad, deviled eggs, or macaroni salad. The sky’s the limit with this dill-enhanced yellow mustard. Pick up your new favorite summertime condiment for $1.99 for a limited time.

Dill Pickle Hummus

We spoke with our local Trader Joe’s manager, and he let us in on a little secret: the dill pickle hummus is returning! Back by popular demand, TJ’s dill pickle hummus will be back on the shelves in September. The beloved hummus is great served with chips, pita, and veggies. While we don’t know the exact price, in the past this hummus retailed for $1.99.

Chips In a Pickle

Don’t worry pickle-flavored chip fans, Chips In a Pickle are on their way back to TJ’s, too! These pickle-flavored kettle cooked potato chips became a fan favorite after their release in 2021. However, many customers may have noticed the Chips In a Pickle haven’t been on the shelves recently, even though they are not a limited-time offer. We spoke with our local Trader Joe’s manager, and he told us there’s been some manufacturing backups impacting both Chips In a Pickle and Popcorn In a Pickle. He doesn’t know when the two pickle-flavored snacks will be back as a TJ’s staple, but they are coming soon.

Popcorn In a Pickle

The snack that started it all. Trader Joe’s Popcorn In a Pickle was its first pickle-flavored snack that became a customer favorite. Now, the pickle popcorn makes a comeback every year to ring in TJ’s summer pickle season. Unfortunately, this year, Popcorn In a Pickle won’t be available during its normal summer season due to the manufacturing delays. Trader Joe’s doesn’t know when the snack will be back, but rest assured, it’s coming!

Pickle-Brined Chicken Tenders

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Originally published by Southern Living on May 26,2024

Written By Josh Miller and Anna Theoktisto

Spicy dill pickle juice brings flavor and tenderness to crowd-favorite chicken tenders.

PHOTO: VICTOR PROTASIO, FOOD STYLIST: CHELSEA ZIMMER, PROP STYLIST: CHRISTINA DALEY

 

You know that place with the amazing fried chicken nuggets that you can’t get on Sundays? Now you can.

We soaked chicken tenders in a tangy mixture of buttermilk and pickle juice to give them that craveable, always-busy drive-thru flavor, then fried them up with a little something extra—pickles—to make them even better.

If you really want to gild the lily, as they say, try drizzling these salty, crispy chicken tenders with a little spicy hot honey—you won’t regret it.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup spicy dill pickle juice (from 1 [24-oz.] jar of Wickles Dirty Dill Chips)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 1/2 cups whole buttermilk, divided
  • 2 lb. chicken breast tenders
  • Peanut or vegetable oil
  • 2 cups self-rising flour
  • 1 Tbsp. seasoned salt
  • 2 tsp. black pepper, plus more for serving
  • 1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 cup spicy dill pickle chips (such as Wickles Dirty Dill Chips), plus more for serving
  • Honey

Directions

  1. Whisk together pickle juice, egg, and 1 cup of the buttermilk in a medium bowl until smooth. Add chicken tenders to the buttermilk mixture; cover and chill at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.

  2. Remove chicken tenders from marinade (do not discard marinade). Add oil to a large cast-iron skillet or Dutch oven, filling to a depth of 1 1/2 inches. Heat over medium-high until oil reaches 350°F, about 10 minutes.

  3. Meanwhile, stir together flour, seasoned salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper (if desired), and 3 tablespoons of the marinade in a shallow bowl until well combined. Working with 2 or 3 chicken tenders at a time, dredge in flour mixture, patting to coat. Shake off excess flour mixture, and transfer to a plate. Repeat with remaining chicken tenders and flour mixture.

  4. Working in batches, fry breaded chicken tenders, turning occasionally, until golden brown and an instant- read thermometer inserted into thickest portion of chicken registers 165°F, 4 to 6 minutes per batch. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil. (Allow oil to return to 350°F between batches.)

  5. Combine pickle chips and remaining 1/2 cup buttermilk in a small bowl. Use a slotted spoon to transfer pickle chips to remaining flour mixture; toss to coat. Add pickles to hot oil; fry until golden brown, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil. (Discard any remaining oil.)

  6. Transfer fried chicken tenders and fried pickle chips to a platter. Sprinkle with black pepper, and drizzle with honey. Serve with additional pickle chips, if desired.

People either love or hate Disneyland’s bizarre new drink

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Originally published by SFGATE on May 15th, 2024

Written By Julie Tremaine

First, the pickles came for TikTok. Then, it was Disneyland.

The Sparkling Pickle Lemonade at Disneyland.
Julie Tremaine

 

Friends, be warned: Pickles are coming for your Disney park snacks. First, it was the pickle dog, a pickle-stuffed corn dog (served with, of all things, peanut butter on the side). Then it was a pickle milkshake, topped with fresh dill and pickling spices.

Pickles are so ubiquitous at Disneyland that there’s even an award for getting the first one of the day. There’s no denying it: The pickles are winning.

Now, there’s a drink at Disneyland: the sparkling pickle lemonade, which just debuted at Refreshment Corner on Main Street U.S.A. It’s Minute Maid Zero Sugar Lemonade, Sprite and pickle juice, garnished with a pickle spear, born out of a viral trend of people putting pickles in unsuspecting beverages that’s all over TikTok right now. (Pickle-infused Dr. Pepper is huge at the moment, especially among Sonic fans.)

Being deeply committed to pickle journalism, I had to try it. The drink was a combination of salty and sweet, refreshing and cold. And… pretty pleasant? The brine blended with the lemonade and soda so much that I couldn’t really pick it out individually.  Without the pickle spear, I’m not sure I would have immediately realized there was pickle juice in there. It tasted more like an lemon-lime electrolyte drink than a pickle one. But that’s what the pickle itself was for — to bring home that briny goodness.

I’m not surprised I liked it. I’ve enjoyed pretty much every pickle concoction I’ve had at a Disney park, no matter how unusual.

As I picked up my drink, someone stopped me to ask what it was, and I overheard other people in line talking about how excited they were to try it. There are already recipe dupes online, too. It looks like Disneyland jumped on this trend at exactly the right moment.