From viral Chamoy pickle kit videos on TikTok to cheesy pickle-in-a-blanket air-fryer snacks, the humble cucumber is kind of a big “dill” lately. If you’re a pickle fan, you’ll want to try some of these unusual pickle combos. Or, if you’re in a pickle and looking for fun pickle-themed entertainment I’ve listed some pickle-themed events that you won’t want to miss.
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The viral pickle trend
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, houseplant collecting 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 popular uprise 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.
Must-try weird pickle combos
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.
Pickle cheesecake
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.
Pickle de gallo
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
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 pops
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.
Kool-Aid pickles
A simpler take on the viral Chamoy pickle that has been all over TikTok in recent months, Kool-Aid pickles can be made with any Kool-Aid flavoring, they just require time and patience. Simply sprinkle your favorite flavor and a little sugar into a jar of store-bought dill pickles and set it in the refrigerator for a week or so to be sure the flavors combine. Once they’re ready, you have a fun and wildly colorful sweet-tart and tangy snack that you’ll either love — or hate.
Pickle corn dog
If you’re looking for a vegetarian version of a corn dog, this might be it. Everyone is familiar with a run-of-the-mill corn dog, but consider a tart dill pickle enveloped in that crispy yet soft, sweet and buttery corn dog batter. The unusual blend of texture and flavor makes this one a must try.
My youngest is a pickle connoisseur and will try just about anything that is pickle related, but that has always been true. We recently made watermelon pickles and pickled banana peppers are a favorite here, too.
watermelon rind pickles
Get your pickle on
If you want to take your love of pickles on the road and meet like-minded gherkin groupies, there’s no shortage of options. Here are some pickle-themed events across the country where you can share your penchant for pickles with others.
Picklesburgh
Picklesburgh is your chance to become the pickle-juice drinking champion. This yearly event, held every summer in downtown Pittsburgh is home to live music, pickled foods for taste-testing, demonstrations and a variety of activities for all ages. This year, Picklesburgh will be held from July 18 – 21.
St Joe Pickle Festival
Pickle-eating, pizza-eating and pickle juice drinking contests are just a few of the events you’ll encounter at the St. Joe’s Pickle Festival in St. Joe, Indiana. Held annually during the third weekend of July, this event begins with a pickle parade and goes out with a bang; a fireworks display.
The Big Dill Pickle Festival
Billed as, the world’s largest pickle party, The Big Dill will be held on September 21, 2024, in Baltimore, MD. The dining and entertainment is every pickle lover’s dream. The party includes tastings, raves, contests and multiple pickle-themed events that keep the party going all day and night.
North Carolina Pickle Festival
The North Carolina Pickle Festival in Mount Olive, NC, is a fun celebration hosted by the brand that brings jarred pickles to grocery stores around the nation. From fried pickles to pickle ice cream, live entertainment and pickleball, The North Carolina Pickle Festival is the place to be. There’s even a bike race, called the Tour de Pickle, that you won’t want to miss. The festival is held every April in Mount Olive, North Carolina; just an hour southeast of Raleigh.
Cleveland Pickle Fest
Spend some time this fall with your pickle-loving friends in the heart of Ohio. Mark your calendar for this one-day event on September 21, 2024. Enjoy the pickle eating contests, live entertainment and all the weird pickle food combos you can imagine. Be sure to try the pickle candy; it’s popular for a reason.
Pickles are extremely popular, so have no fear, even if you don’t live near one of the above-mentioned cities; there are pickle events all over the country. Search online for pickle festivals in your area.
Pencil in a pickle day
As a pickle fan, you won’t regret showing up to party with your peers. Whether it’s a national event or a hometown festival, trying out new pickle combos while having fun is always a win. Try your hand at one of the combinations mentioned above, use the list to plan your own pickle party, and don’t forget to make time in your schedule to attend your local gherkin gathering
Michele Brosius is the creator of Midlife Healthy Living where she expertly combines her love for cooking with budget-conscious nutrition strategies. Through her blog, she encourages women to embrace a healthier lifestyle with simple recipes and wellness tips.
This article originally appeared on Food Drink Life.