How to Eat Pickles 6 Ways, From Cocktails to Bread-Free Subs

Pickles are maybe the world’s most perfect food. Fermented cucumbers (and tomatoes, green beans, beets, peppers, the limit does not exist…) are an excellent, crunchy snack right out of the jar, They're full of natural probiotics thanks to their fermentation process and a nice source of fiber and vitamins. Beyond being delicious and nutritious, pickles are super versatile—enjoyable any time of day, and there are so many different ways to eat them, whether you prefer a full sour, garlic spears, or sliced pickles. Ready to switch up your pickle routine? We asked two pickle pros to share more ways to eat them.

Add Pickles to Your Grazing Table

“If you're setting up a grazing table, gather your favorite meats, cheese, fruits, nuts, crackers, and don’t forget the pickle,” says Garland Reich, marketing director at Wickles Pickles. While she says you can serve them straight from the jar, we always opt to dress them up in a bowl for a bit of flair. Reich also recommends spreading pickle relish on top of a block of cream cheese for a quick and easy, tangy and creamy, spread or dip. 

Halved Pickle Subs

You’ve seen them trending all over social media, from delis to home kitchens, and as of October 2024, Jimmy John’s—pickle subs are the new low-carb bun. All it takes is a halved pickle (scoop out the seeds) that can be filled with deli meats, tuna salad, cheese, toppings, and condiments to hold everything just like a roll. Well, kind of.   

Pickle Cocktails

Pickles are a wonderful briny addition to cocktails. Beyond the classic dirty martini with pickles or pickleback shot (that’s a shot of whiskey followed by a chaser of pickle brine), Reich recommends a spicy pickle margarita. She also loves bloody mary bombs but they are more an appetizer than a cocktail. Pickles and cornichons can also be great cocktail garnishes—get creative! 

Sliced Pickle Sandwiches 

“I suggest using sliced pickles on sandwiches, just like we do at Zingerman's Deli,” says Rodger Bowser, managing partner of Zingerman’s Delicatessen in Ann Arbor, Michigan. While pickles are typical on some sandwiches, like a Cubano, Bowser also recommends them with a tangy barbecue sauce, like on the deli’s vegan BBQ tempeh sandwich, or on a sandwich based on a crispy fried item, like fried chicken or fish. You also can’t go wrong adding pickles to a plain old ham and cheese, a grilled cheese, or if you’re feeling brave, a peanut butter pickle sandwich (yes, it’s real and beloved). 

Smashed Pickle Salad

Get out your tension and frustrations after a long day by smashing your favorite pickles. Bennett recommends smashing pickles with a meat mallet, but anything can work (think a rolling pin or big spoon). Toss the smashed pickles with dill, mayo, and red onions and you've got pickle salad! Bennett is a fan of topping the salad with Koolickles—pickles marinated for at least 24 hours in a red Kool-aid brine, a gas station specialty. 

Chicken Fried Pickles 

“I would happily eat a pickle on its own any day of the week, but if I wanted something a little off the beaten path … I would dive into chicken fried pickles,” says Bob Bennett, head chef of Zingerman’s Roadhouse restaurant in Ann Arbor, Michigan. “We take our already delicious dill pickles, dredge them in a seasoned flour and fry them." That's something you can try at home. Bennett likes them served with a zesty dipping sauce like green chili ranch.