Cheesy Pickle Chips Recipe

Cook Time: 25 minutes

This simple recipe yields 12 servings of crispy and savory cheddar and pickle bites. These bite-sized snacks are perfect for any occasion, offering a great combination of sharp cheese and tangy pickles. Here's how to prepare them:

Ingredients

• 24 dill pickle slices
• 2 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• Ranch dressing for dipping (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 400F (200C).
2. In a muffin tin, place about 1 tablespoon of shredded cheddar cheese in the bottom of each of the 12 muffin cups.
3. Top the cheese with two pickle slices in each cup.
4. Finish by adding the remaining shredded cheese on top of the pickles.
5. Sprinkle the tops with crushed red pepper for a bit of heat.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, or until the edges are browned and crispy.
7. Once done, let the bites cool in the muffin tin for 10 minutes before transferring them to paper towels to drain any excess oil.
8. Serve warm, optionally with ranch dressing for dipping.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Nutrient	Amount	% Daily Value
Calories	97	-
Total Fat	8g	10%
Saturated Fat	4g	22%
Cholesterol	23mg	8%
Sodium	267mg	12%
Total Carbohydrate	1g	0%
Dietary Fiber	0g	1%
Total Sugars	0g	-
Protein	5g	11%
Vitamin C	0mg	0%
Calcium	175mg	13%
Iron	0mg	0%
Potassium	36mg	1%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Origin and History

Cheesy pickle chips are a unique and delicious twist on classic American snack foods. The origins of this dish are closely tied to the American obsession with pickles, which have been a staple in American cuisine for centuries. Pickles were brought to the U.S. by European settlers, and over time, they became synonymous with Southern comfort food and hearty snacks. The addition of cheese is a more recent invention, blending the tangy, vinegary bite of pickles with the creamy, rich flavor of melted cheddar. While it's difficult to pinpoint exactly when cheesy pickle chips first appeared, they have become a popular appetizer and snack, particularly in Southern states, where pickles are a culinary favorite.

Regional Variations

Cheesy pickle chips are most often associated with Southern cuisine, particularly in the United States. In Southern cooking, pickles are used in a variety of dishes, from fried pickles to pickled vegetables served alongside meals. The combination of cheese and pickles offers a unique contrast of flavorssalty, sour, and creamy. In some regions, the dish may be served with different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack or mozzarella, but cheddar remains the most common choice due to its bold flavor that pairs well with the tangy pickles. In certain areas, you might even find variations of the recipe that involve deep-frying instead of baking, adding a crispy crunch to the pickles before serving.

How It Differs from Similar Dishes

Cheesy pickle chips are often confused with fried pickles, a Southern classic where pickles are battered and deep-fried to a crispy, golden texture. The key difference is that cheesy pickle chips are baked with cheese, offering a gooey, savory experience rather than a crunchy bite. While both dishes involve pickles, the addition of cheese and the baking process in cheesy pickle chips creates a richer, more indulgent snack. Additionally, cheesy pickle chips are typically served in individual portions, often in a muffin tin, making them more elegant and easier to serve in gatherings, compared to the traditional basket of fried pickles served at casual restaurants.

Where Are Cheesy Pickle Chips Typically Served?

Cheesy pickle chips are usually served as an appetizer or snack in casual dining establishments, particularly those with a Southern or comfort food influence. Theyre a popular item at bars, pubs, and family-friendly restaurants, where they pair wonderfully with cold drinks like beer or soda. You may also find them at home gatherings and barbecues, where theyre easy to prepare in large batches and served as finger food. Given their savory and tangy nature, they are often accompanied by dipping sauces like ranch dressing, providing an extra layer of flavor to complement the cheesy, pickled goodness.

Fun Facts about Cheesy Pickle Chips

• Pickles have been a part of American cuisine since the 17th century, with early settlers preserving cucumbers in brine as a way to extend shelf life.
• The invention of deep-fried pickles is often attributed to the South, with Arkansas claiming to have invented the dish in 1963.
• Cheddar cheese is the most popular cheese used for cheesy pickle chips, as its sharp and creamy flavor balances the tartness of the pickles.
• While the traditional recipe uses dill pickles, other varieties such as bread-and-butter pickles or spicy pickles can be used to create different flavor profiles.
• Cheesy pickle chips can be easily customized with additional seasonings, such as garlic powder, cayenne pepper, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

FAQ about Cheesy Pickle Chips Recipe

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