Disney Fried Pickles

Fried pickles are one of my favorite appetizers. While they are usually made with pickle chips, this Disney version uses sliced dill pickle spears, so there's even more to love.

This tasty dish is served at the Carnation Cafe on Main Street Disneyland. If you don't live near the parks or don't feel like traveling, you can now enjoy them just like I do - from the comfort of your home.

🥘 Ingredients

Zesty House Sauce

• Sriracha - Sriracha sauce is what gives this dip its zesty flavor.
• Ranch - You can use your favorite store-bought ranch or try my homemade ranch.
• Lime Juice - Use freshly squeezed or store-bought lime juice.
• Mayo - Try my homemade mayonnaise, or use your favorite brand.
• Seasonings - Salt and pepper, to taste.

Fried Dill Pickles

• Oil - Canola oil, extra virgin olive oil, tallow, or any of your preferred neutral-flavored cooking oils will work. Choose an oil with a high smoke point, too.
• Flour - All-purpose flour is used as part of your dredging station.
• Eggs - Beaten eggs to coat the pickles.
• Panko - Panko breadcrumbs are larger and crunchier than standard plain breadcrumbs. They add the familiar crunch to these copycat pickles.
• Parmesan - Freshly grate your cheese for the best results, and avoid the green shaker cheese.
• Pickles - You'll use dill pickle spears. Try to use ones that are uniform in size, slicing them in half if needed.

🔪 How To Make Disney Fried Pickles

You can use your preferred dipping sauce, but this simple zesty ranch is delicious. To get started, you'll need to grab your measuring utensils, small bowls, and a large skillet.

This recipe will yield 12 fried pickle spears, and 2-3 are a great snack-size serving.

Make The Sauce

Step 1: Mix. In a small bowl, whisk together 1½ teaspoons of sriracha, ½ cup (120 grams) of ranch dressing, 1½ teaspoons of lime juice, ⅓ cup (75 grams) of mayonnaise, ⅛ teaspoon of salt, and 1 pinch of ground black pepper until smooth.

Step 2: Chill. Cover the bowl and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.

Prepare The Pickles

Step 3: Heat. Meanwhile, pour 2 cups (473 milliliters) of canola oil into a large skillet and heat it to 365°F (185°C).

Step 4: Prepare the dredging station. Place ½ cup (63 grams) of all-purpose flour into a small bowl, 3 large beaten eggs into a second bowl, then combine 1 cup (60 grams) of Panko bread crumbs and ⅓ cup (33 grams) of Parmesan cheese in a third bowl.

Step 5: Coat the pickles. Dredge 16 ounces (454 grams) of dill pickle spears in the flour, dip them in the eggs, and coat them in the breadcrumb mixture.

Step 6: Repeat. Place the breaded pickles onto a plate and repeat until you have coated all the pickle spears.

Fry & Serve

Step 7: Fry. Place the breaded pickles into the hot oil and fry them until golden in color, turning occasionally (about 4-5 minutes). Cook in batches to prevent crowding your pan.

Step 8: Drain. Remove the fried pickles from the skillet and place them onto a wire rack over a paper towel-lined plate.

Step 9: Serve. Serve immediately with the sauce.

💭 Angela's Pro Tips & Notes

• Use a thermometer. This is the best way to ensure your oil is at the proper temperature before frying the pickles.
• Dry your pickles. Pat the pickle spears dry using a paper towel to help the breading stick during the frying process.
• Choose panko. Panko breadcrumbs are larger than standard breadcrumbs and are perfect for making the pickles extra crispy.
• Make them crispy. Don't overcrowd the skillet. If the pickles are too crowded, they won't be as crispy.
• Don't steam them. Placing your fried pickles directly onto paper towels continues cooking them. Use a rack to keep the breading from getting soggy.
• Storage. These pickles are best when enjoyed immediately. However, you could store them in the fridge for up to one day.

❓ Disney Fried Pickles Recipe FAQs

📖 Recipe Card