We’ve scrolled through (and tested) our fair share of viral social media recipes. From whipped coffee to ramen lasagna, it seems as if nothing is off-limits. Fueled by imagination, creators have captivated us with all kinds of recipes on TikTok. It’s evident that there’s fun happening in the kitchen!
@ketosackz recently caught my eye with his keto-friendly cheesy pickle fries. I don’t follow a keto diet myself. I do, however, love pickles and cheese, and if the two could somehow become a salty, crispy fry, then I knew I wanted in.
Ingredients for Cheesy Pickle Fries
Sara Haas for Taste of Home
- 1 24-ounce jar of pickles: The recipe is all about the pickles, so choose wisely. I recommend a pickle that’s firm and crisp so it holds up well when baked. I prefer Bubbies or Grillo’s pickles.
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese: For big, bold flavor, I recommend sharp cheddar. For a spicy kick, try pepper jack.
- 1 large egg: You’ll need something to bind your “fries” together, and this is it! Whisk the egg first to make combining it with other ingredients easier.
- Your choice of seasoning: You can add anything you like, from cayenne pepper to freshly cracked black pepper. You can also skip this step if your pickles come in an especially flavorful brine.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder, optional: Baking powder helps make the fries a bit fluffier, but it isn’t necessary.
Directions
Step 1: Preheat the oven
Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Prep the pickles
Add a jar of drained pickles to the bowl of a food processor and pulse until finely chopped. Place chopped pickles in a fine mesh strainer and press out any excess moisture. Transfer to a mixing bowl.
The key to success with this recipe is to make sure your pickles are well-drained—almost to the point of dryness—before mixing with the other ingredients. Extra moisture will prevent the fries from crisping up and cause them to spread as they bake.
Step 3: Make the fries
Add the shredded cheese, egg, seasoning and baking powder (if using) to the bowl and stir to combine. Shape 2 tablespoon portions into fries on the prepared baking sheet and bake until lightly golden and crispy, about 20 minutes.
Step 4: Serve the fries
Let fries cool slightly, then serve with ranch or other dip of your choice.
Are cheese pickle fries good?
After making my batch, I have to admit I was a bit underwhelmed. While they looked good, they weren’t as firm and crispy as I would’ve liked. The flavor was fun, and I enjoyed the combination of pickles and cheddar, but if I make these again, I’d change a few things. First, I’d add something else for crunch and texture, perhaps nuts and seeds or a combination of both.