24 Recipes with Pickles That Go Beyond the Jar

These recipes with pickles feature the briny cucumbers in casseroles, soups and sandwiches, proving just how versatile the crunchy ingredient can be.

Pickles are one of those ingredients that spark strong opinions; you either crave their salty, tangy crunch or wonder what the fuss is about. These recipes with pickles appeal to both camps. Some dishes feature big chunks of pickles, while others use just the brine or a modest amount of chopped pickles for a subtle taste, turning everyday meals into something unique.

Our collection highlights the versatility of pickles and how they can be sharp and refreshing at the same time. Pickles are integrated in all sorts of ways, from chopped spears in summer potato salads to pickle-forward marinades. Their acidity balances rich flavors in creamy dips for easy party appetizers, casseroles for Sunday dinner or a quick sandwich for lunch. Even cocktails, like a dill Bloody Mary, show how far pickles can go.

These dishes with pickles can be customized to include all types of pickles. Use classic dill for a fresh, herbaceous note, bread and butter pickles for a hint of sweetness or spicy varieties for extra kick. With so many pickle recipe ideas to explore, there’s always a bold new way to use up the jar in your fridge.

1/24

Air-Fried Pickles

Total Time:35 min
Servings:32 slices
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Enjoy deep-fried pickles? You’ll love this version even more. Dill pickle slices are coated with panko bread crumbs and spices, then air-fried until crispy. Dip them in ranch dressing for an appetizer you won’t soon forget. —Nick Iverson, Denver, Colorado
Nutrition Facts: 1 pickle slice: 26 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 13mg cholesterol, 115mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
2/24

Pickle Martini

Total Time:5 min
Servings:1
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: If sweet drinks aren't your thing, try this pickle martini recipe instead. This cocktail leans on the briny and salty side of the flavor palette with its blend of vodka (or gin), pickle juice and dry vermouth. And for the pickle lovers out there—feel free to pour that juice with a heavy hand! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 180 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 219mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
3/24

Pickle de Gallo

Total Time:10 min
Servings:2 cups
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This pickle de gallo recipe is anything but ordinary. Tangy diced pickles and pickle juice are added to fresh pico de gallo for a condiment that’s bursting with flavor. Try it on hot dogs, tacos, nachos and more! —Nancy Mock, Southbridge, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts: 1/4 cup: 15 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 474mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
4/24

Bacon Cheeseburger Casserole

Total Time:55 min
Servings:12
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This bacon cheeseburger casserole has it all: ground beef, bacon, onions and cheese, all baked up in your trusty 13x9 pan. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 418 calories, 32g fat (15g saturated fat), 230mg cholesterol, 602mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 28g protein.

Also check: What’s sweet, sour, spicy, and red all over? A chamoy pickle, the latest viral recipe taking over TikTok.

5/24

Dill Pickle Dip

Total Time:10 min
Servings:3 cups
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: My love for pickles led me to create this dip. It's so easy to whip together. But be warned, it's addictive! —April Anderson, Forest Lake, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts: 1/4 cup: 108 calories, 11g fat (6g saturated fat), 33mg cholesterol, 210mg sodium, 2g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
6/24

Pickle-Brined Chicken

Total Time:1 hour 30 min
Servings:4
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: My pickle-loving five-year-old is a huge fan of this chicken dish, and so is the rest of my family. —Susan Bronson, Rhinelander, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 413 calories, 11g fat (3g saturated fat), 102mg cholesterol, 483mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 2g fiber), 39g protein.
7/24

Dill Pickle Soup

Total Time:20 min
Servings:8 (2 quarts)
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This dill pickle soup is made from a century-old Swiss recipe. Traditionally, it is a winter soup, but we serve it year-round because of the demand. —Nancy Ross, Salem, Oregon
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 338 calories, 26g fat (16g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 1982mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
8/24

Cuban Sliders

Total Time:30 min
Servings:2 dozen
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Bake till these wonderful little rolls are lightly toasted and the cheese melts. The leftovers keep really well in the fridge, and they make a lovely cold snack. People go nuts for these! —Serene Herrera, Dallas, Texas
Nutrition Facts: 1 slider: 191 calories, 10g fat (5g saturated fat), 42mg cholesterol, 532mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 1g fiber), 10g protein.
9/24

Cheeseburger Pizza

Contest Winner
Total Time:30 min
Servings:6
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: My husband's favorite foods are pizza and cheeseburgers, so I combined the two in a pie with mayo and dill pickle juice. People who try this cheeseburger pizza always laugh in surprise because it's so good. —Angie Zimmerman, Eureka, Illinois
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 508 calories, 31g fat (10g saturated fat), 58mg cholesterol, 1132mg sodium, 37g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 21g protein.
10/24

Dill Pickle Potato Salad

Total Time:40 min
Servings:10
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This creamy dill pickle potato salad makes a flavorful and attractive addition to a Fourth of July picnic or church supper.—Nancy Holland, Morgan Hill, California
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 415 calories, 30g fat (5g saturated fat), 139mg cholesterol, 677mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 3g fiber), 7g protein.
11/24

Pastrami Roll-Ups

Total Time:15 min
Servings:4 dozen
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: For a book club event, I created pastrami roll-ups with cream cheese and a pickle. Those tasty bites quickly pulled a disappearing act. —Merritt Heinrich, Oswego, Illinois
Nutrition Facts: 1 roll-up: 25 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 158mg sodium, 0 carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
12/24

Cuban Sandwich

Total Time:2 hours 5 min
Servings:8
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: If you want a hearty sandwich that won't 'overstuff' you, then the Cubano is for you. Tangy pickles, tender pork, savory ham, gooey melted Swiss cheese and a hint of mustard are layered between two toasty pieces of bread for the ultimate panini. —Margaret Knoebel, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 1 sandwich: 726 calories, 40g fat (16g saturated fat), 168mg cholesterol, 2153mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 1g fiber), 54g protein.
13/24

Dill Bloody Marys

Total Time:10 min
Servings:2
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: With a nice level of pepper, and just enough dill from the pickle, these Bloody Marys are sure to please. To make Contrary Marys simply leave out the vodka. —Jay Ferkovich, Green Bay, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 224 calories, 9g fat (3g saturated fat), 20mg cholesterol, 1613mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
14/24

Kool-Aid Pickles

Total Time:10 min
Servings:3 cups
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Everyone will love getting into these pickles. They owe their color and sweet-sour taste to a long marinade in a fruity drink mix.—Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts: 1/4 cup: 20 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 1019mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
15/24

Cheeseburger Rice

Total Time:30 min
Servings:4
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: My husband and I thought the original skillet dish lacked pizazz, so we created this tastier version. I've had teenage nieces and nephews request the recipe after their first bite. —Joyce Whipps, West Des Moines, Iowa
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/2 cups: 579 calories, 27g fat (13g saturated fat), 110mg cholesterol, 995mg sodium, 48g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 34g protein.
16/24

Deviled Potatoes

Total Time:35 min
Servings:6
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Wondering how you'll treat the family to deviled eggs this spring when eggs are so expensive? Delicious deviled potatoes are the answer. —Nancy Mock, Southbridge, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts: 2 potato halves: 194 calories, 13g fat (2g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 877mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.
17/24

Nashville Hot Chicken

Contest Winner
Total Time:40 min
Servings:6
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: I live in Tennessee and absolutely love our state's famous Nashville hot chicken. To make cooking it easier, I thought I’d try air-frying. I’m so glad I did—this Nashville hot chicken recipe is almost better than the original. —April Lane, Greeneville, Tennessee
Nutrition Facts: 5 ounces cooked chicken: 419 calories, 21g fat (3g saturated fat), 96mg cholesterol, 367mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 39g protein.
18/24

Dilly Mini Cheese Balls

Total Time:15 min
Servings:2-1/2 dozen
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: These mini cheese balls are perfect for any gathering, no matter what time of year it is! Kids love the cheesy, salty flavor, and adults appreciate how easy they are to make. —Carole Lanthier, Courtice, Ontario
Nutrition Facts: 1 mini cheese ball: 56 calories, 5g fat (2g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 65mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
19/24

Cheeseburger Nachos

Total Time:25 min
Servings:8
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Cheeseburger nachos are the perfect game-day graze. Load them up with all the toppings or let everyone claim part of the platter that they can top with their faves. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 407 calories, 24g fat (11g saturated fat), 71mg cholesterol, 1082mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 3g fiber), 22g protein.
20/24

Macaroni Salad with Pickles

Total Time:20 min
Servings:12
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: After finding this vintage macaroni salad recipe years ago, I tweaked the flavor and bumped up the pickles. Tuck this dill pickle pasta salad inside your picnic basket. —Elizabeth Kirchgatter, Maysville, Kentucky
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 347 calories, 28g fat (6g saturated fat), 113mg cholesterol, 413mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 8g protein.
21/24

Pickle Wraps

Total Time:10 min
Servings:1 dozen
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: I decided to make this for my card club, and it was a big success. They loved it. This ham pickle roll up recipe can be swapped around and changed in so many different ways and always turns out as an awesome appetizer or great-looking centerpiece over a hand of cards. —Detra Little, Moultrie, Georgia
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 24 calories, 2g fat (1g saturated fat), 6mg cholesterol, 243mg sodium, 1g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
22/24

Sweet and Hot Chicken with Dill Pickle Sauce

Contest Winner
Total Time:1 hour 5 min
Servings:8
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This is my low-carb version of Nashville hot chicken. We try to cut carbs as much as possible, so the fried breaded version and the sandwich version of this dish were out. Instead, I make a baked rendition with the same delicious flavors. This is also amazing made with chicken tenders and served in wraps. —Fay Moreland, Wichita Falls, Texas
Nutrition Facts: 1 chicken thigh with 2 tablespoons pickle sauce: 350 calories, 23g fat (9g saturated fat), 106mg cholesterol, 484mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 1g fiber), 23g protein.
23/24

Smash Burger Tacos

Total Time:25 min
Servings:8 tacos
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This recipe takes the crispy tortilla of tacos and the juicy beef patty of smash burgers to make the ultimate pair. Stuff the taco with the burger sauce, lettuce, tomatoes and pickles to make it complete. —Julie Andrews, Rockford, Michigan
Nutrition Facts: 2 tacos: 519 calories, 29g fat (10g saturated fat), 96mg cholesterol, 1414mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 3g fiber), 33g protein.
24/24

Peanut Butter Pickle Sandwich

Total Time:5 min
Servings:1
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Crunchy, tangy, salty and sweet, this open-faced peanut butter pickle sandwich hits all your cravings. —James Schend, Taste of Home Deputy Editor
Nutrition Facts: 1 open-faced sandwich: 207 calories, 10g fat (2g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 1223mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.

Recipes With Pickles FAQ

What can I make with a jar of pickles?

You can make plenty of pickle recipes, from simply layering slices into a sandwich to building a casserole for a cozy dinner. Use them alongside your favorite burger toppings for crunch, dice them and add to cold salads or finely chop them and whisk into homemade salad dressings for acidity and freshness. Don’t forget to use the brine, too! It’s great in a marinade for spicy fried chicken, in soups for seasoning and depth or in cocktails for a surprising twist.

Can you cook with pickles?

You can absolutely cook with pickles, from quickly fried recipes to slowly simmered soups and baked casseroles. Battered pickle chips are a fun, crunchy appetizer, and scattering them over pizza before cooking gives it a zesty bite. Cooking pickles softens their texture and sharpness, so it’s a great way to use them if you don’t love the taste out of the jar.

What are some creative ways to use pickles?

One of the most creative ways to use pickles is to add the salty, vinegary brine to innovative cocktails, such as a pickle martini, a dill Bloody Mary or even a spicy pickle margarita. Mix chopped pickles into burger patties for extra flavor or try them in fresh salsas, pickle roll-ups and smash burger tacos.