Pickles, those tangy, briny delights, are more than just a side dish. They’re a flavor bomb, a textural contrast, and a culinary chameleon capable of elevating countless meals. But what exactly do pickles go well with? The answer, surprisingly, is a lot! From classic pairings to unexpected combinations, we’ll explore the delicious world of pickle pairings, offering inspiration for your next meal.
The Allure of the Pickle: Why We Love Them
Before diving into specific pairings, let’s briefly examine why pickles hold such a special place in our hearts (and stomachs). Their distinctive sourness cuts through richness, cleanses the palate, and adds a refreshing zing. This makes them an ideal counterpoint to savory, fatty, or creamy dishes. Furthermore, the satisfying crunch of a well-made pickle provides a textural contrast that enhances the overall eating experience.
The fermentation process, crucial to pickle making, also contributes unique flavor complexities, often involving subtle notes of sweetness, spice, and earthiness. This nuanced flavor profile allows pickles to complement a broader range of foods than you might initially think.
The Classic Combinations: Pickle Perfection Defined
Some pickle pairings are so iconic they’ve become practically synonymous with the dishes they accompany. These are the time-tested, crowd-pleasing combinations that never fail to satisfy.
Burgers and Sandwiches: A Match Made in Culinary Heaven
The undisputed champion of pickle pairings is, without a doubt, the humble burger. The tangy acidity of a dill pickle slices straight through the richness of the patty and cheese, preventing the flavors from becoming overwhelming. This provides a refreshing counterpoint that keeps you coming back for more. Whether it’s a classic cheeseburger, a juicy turkey burger, or even a veggie burger, pickles are an essential ingredient.
Similarly, sandwiches of all kinds benefit from the addition of pickles. Whether it’s a deli-style sandwich with pastrami or corned beef, a simple ham and cheese, or a vibrant vegetarian creation, pickles add moisture, flavor, and crunch. They prevent the sandwich from becoming dry and one-dimensional, transforming it into a culinary masterpiece.
Hot Dogs: A Symphony of Flavors
Hot dogs and pickles are another classic combination that has stood the test of time. A crisp, sour pickle relish or even a whole pickle spear placed strategically beside a hot dog creates a burst of flavor that balances the richness of the meat and the sweetness of the bun. The contrast is particularly delightful when the hot dog is topped with mustard and other condiments.
Fried Chicken: A Southern Staple
In the Southern United States, fried chicken and pickles are a match made in culinary heaven. The salty, crispy fried chicken is perfectly balanced by the sour, crunchy pickles. This pairing is so popular that some restaurants even offer fried chicken sandwiches with pickles as a standard menu item. The acidity of the pickle cuts through the richness of the chicken, creating a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
Beyond the Classics: Expanding Your Pickle Palate
While the classic pairings are undoubtedly delicious, there’s a whole world of pickle pairings waiting to be explored. Don’t be afraid to experiment and discover your own favorite combinations.
Cheese and Charcuterie Boards: A Sophisticated Touch
Pickles add a welcome burst of acidity to cheese and charcuterie boards, cutting through the richness of cheeses and cured meats. Sweet pickles, such as bread and butter pickles or cornichons, pair particularly well with creamy cheeses like brie or camembert. Sour pickles, such as dill pickles or gherkins, are an excellent complement to bolder cheeses like cheddar or gouda.
On charcuterie boards, pickles help balance the salty and fatty flavors of cured meats like prosciutto, salami, and chorizo. Their tangy flavor profile cleanses the palate between bites, allowing you to fully appreciate the nuances of each ingredient.
Eggs: A Surprisingly Perfect Pair
Pickles and eggs might seem like an unusual combination, but the contrasting flavors and textures work surprisingly well together. Chopped pickles can be added to scrambled eggs or omelets for a burst of flavor and crunch. Pickled onions, in particular, are a delicious addition to egg dishes.
Pickles are also a great accompaniment to deviled eggs. Finely diced pickles can be mixed into the yolk filling, adding a tangy twist to this classic appetizer. The acidity of the pickles helps to balance the richness of the yolks and mayonnaise.
Salads: Adding Zest and Texture
Adding pickles to salads is a simple way to enhance both the flavor and texture. Diced pickles can be incorporated into potato salad, macaroni salad, or coleslaw for a tangy twist. Pickled beets or pickled onions are also delicious additions to green salads.
The acidity of the pickles helps to balance the richness of creamy dressings, while their crunch provides a welcome contrast to the softer textures of the other ingredients.
Grilled Meats: A Flavorful Garnish
Pickles can also be used as a garnish for grilled meats, such as steak, chicken, or pork. A dollop of pickle relish or a few slices of pickled onions can add a burst of flavor and acidity to the dish.
The tangy flavor of the pickles cuts through the richness of the meat, providing a refreshing counterpoint. They also add a visual appeal to the plate, making the dish more enticing.
Spicy Foods: Cooling Relief
Pickles are a surprisingly effective way to cool down your palate after eating spicy foods. The acidity of the pickles helps to neutralize the heat, while their crunchy texture provides a soothing contrast.
Many cultures incorporate pickled vegetables into their cuisine specifically for this purpose. For example, pickled radishes are a common accompaniment to spicy Korean dishes, while pickled ginger is often served with sushi.
Pickle Types and Their Ideal Partners
The type of pickle significantly impacts its suitability for different pairings. Here’s a brief guide to some common pickle varieties and their best matches:
- Dill Pickles: These are the most common type of pickle, characterized by their sour, tangy flavor. They pair well with burgers, sandwiches, hot dogs, fried chicken, and grilled meats.
- Sweet Pickles (Bread and Butter Pickles): These pickles are sweeter and less sour than dill pickles. They are a good match for creamy cheeses, charcuterie boards, and salads.
- Gherkins: These are small, crunchy pickles that are often served whole. They are a classic accompaniment to cheese and pâté.
- Pickled Onions: These are a versatile ingredient that can be used in salads, sandwiches, tacos, and grilled meats.
- Pickled Beets: These earthy and slightly sweet pickles add a vibrant color and flavor to salads and side dishes.
- Cornichons: These are tiny, tart French pickles. They are commonly served with pâté, cheese, and charcuterie.
- Spicy Pickles: Pickles with added chili peppers or spices pair well with rich foods or as a counterpoint to milder dishes.
Making Your Own Pickles: A Culinary Adventure
While store-bought pickles are readily available, making your own pickles is a rewarding culinary experience. It allows you to customize the flavors to your liking and create unique pickle varieties that you won’t find in stores. The basic pickling process involves submerging vegetables in a brine made from vinegar, water, salt, and spices. The fermentation process that follows creates the characteristic sour flavor and crunchy texture.
You can experiment with different vegetables, spices, and brines to create your own signature pickles. Consider adding garlic, dill, peppercorns, mustard seeds, or chili peppers to your brine for a unique flavor profile. The possibilities are endless!
Pickles: More Than Just a Condiment
Pickles are more than just a condiment. They’re a versatile ingredient that can enhance the flavor and texture of countless dishes. From classic pairings like burgers and hot dogs to unexpected combinations like eggs and spicy foods, the possibilities are endless. So, the next time you’re looking to add a little zing to your meal, don’t forget the power of the pickle! They can offer a new flavor dimension to any food you may be eating. So grab some of your favorite pickles and get ready to start pairing.
With experimentation and an open mind, you can discover your own favorite pickle pairings and unlock a whole new world of culinary possibilities. Remember, the key to a great pickle pairing is balance: finding the right combination of flavors and textures that complement each other perfectly. So, go ahead, embrace the crunch, and start experimenting!
What are some popular sandwich pairings with pickles?
Pickles and sandwiches are a classic combination for a reason! The acidity and crunch of a pickle cuts through the richness of many sandwich fillings. Think about a classic deli-style sandwich like a Reuben – the tangy sauerkraut and Swiss cheese are perfectly balanced by a dill pickle on the side. A simple ham and Swiss with mustard also benefits from the salty, sour snap of a pickle spear.
Beyond the classics, pickles elevate all sorts of sandwiches. Consider adding pickle slices directly into a chicken salad sandwich for added texture and flavor, or pairing a spicy pulled pork sandwich with sweet bread and butter pickles for a sweet and savory contrast. Even veggie sandwiches can be improved with pickles – a cucumber and cream cheese sandwich, for example, is delightfully enhanced by a few dill pickle chips.
Beyond sandwiches, what are some main course dishes that benefit from pickles?
Pickles aren’t just for sandwiches; they can be a fantastic addition to main course dishes, adding a layer of complexity and flavor that can transform a meal. Consider pairing fried chicken with a sweet pickle relish or serving pickled vegetables alongside grilled sausages. The acidity of the pickles helps to cut through the richness of these dishes, providing a refreshing balance.
Think about dishes like tacos or burgers – pickles are often an integral part of these meals, adding a necessary crunch and tang. Furthermore, chopping up pickles and adding them to potato salad, coleslaw, or even deviled eggs can elevate these side dishes, giving them a zesty kick that complements the main course beautifully.
Can pickles be used in appetizers or as part of a charcuterie board?
Absolutely! Pickles shine in appetizer settings, offering a delightful burst of flavor and a contrasting texture that can awaken the palate. Consider serving them as part of a relish tray alongside other vegetables, olives, and dips. Pickles can also be skewered with cheese, cherry tomatoes, and olives for a quick and easy appetizer that’s both visually appealing and delicious.
On a charcuterie board, pickles add a welcome tang that cuts through the richness of cheeses, cured meats, and pâtés. They provide a textural contrast to the soft cheeses and smooth meats, and their acidity helps to cleanse the palate between bites. Experiment with different types of pickles – dill, sweet, spicy – to find the perfect complement to your board’s other components.
What are some surprising or unconventional food pairings with pickles?
While pickles are often associated with savory foods, they can also create interesting and unexpected flavor combinations with sweet or creamy dishes. For example, some people enjoy dipping pickles in peanut butter, finding that the salty, sour, and sweet flavors create a surprisingly satisfying experience.
Another unconventional pairing involves using pickle juice in cocktails or marinades. Pickle juice adds a unique tang and salinity that can elevate Bloody Marys, Micheladas, or even grilled chicken. Experimenting with pickles in unexpected ways can lead to exciting culinary discoveries.
How do different types of pickles (dill, sweet, spicy) pair with different foods?
The type of pickle significantly impacts its pairing potential. Dill pickles, with their classic sour and garlicky flavor, are incredibly versatile and pair well with a wide range of foods, especially savory dishes. Sweet pickles, on the other hand, offer a sugary counterpoint that complements richer foods like barbecued meats or creamy cheeses.
Spicy pickles add a kick of heat that can elevate any dish. They are particularly delicious with burgers, tacos, or even as a topping for nachos. Experimenting with different types of pickles allows you to tailor the flavor profile to perfectly match your meal. For example, bread and butter pickles with a touch of sweetness can be wonderful with fried fish.
Can pickles be incorporated into cooking, not just used as a side?
Indeed! Pickles are more than just a side dish; they can be a valuable ingredient in cooking, adding a unique depth of flavor to various recipes. Chopped pickles can be added to tartar sauce, potato salad, or even meatloaf to provide a tangy and textural element. The brine from pickles can also be used to marinate meats, tenderizing them and infusing them with flavor.
Consider using pickle relish in deviled egg recipes, or adding chopped pickles to a vinaigrette dressing for a salad. The possibilities are endless! Even pickle juice can be used creatively in cooking, adding a surprising twist to sauces and dips. Think of a pickle-brined chicken or a creamy dill pickle dip.
What are some vegetarian or vegan dishes that pair well with pickles?
Pickles are a fantastic addition to vegetarian and vegan meals, adding a burst of flavor and texture that can enhance the overall dining experience. They work particularly well with dishes that are rich or creamy, providing a welcome contrast. For example, a vegan grilled cheese sandwich with dill pickles is a satisfying and flavorful combination.
Think about adding chopped pickles to a vegan potato salad or serving them alongside a veggie burger. The acidity of the pickles helps to cut through the richness of these dishes, creating a more balanced and enjoyable meal. Pickles also complement dishes made with grains like quinoa or farro, adding a tangy element that brightens the flavors.