Mac and Cheese Fried Pickle (Printable version)

Crispy pickle rings stuffed with mac and cheese, perfect for a golden, cheesy appetizer or snack.

# What you need:

→ Mac and Cheese

01 - 1 cup elbow macaroni
02 - 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
03 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
04 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
05 - 1 cup whole milk
06 - 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
07 - Salt and black pepper, to taste

→ Pickle Rings

08 - 4 large whole dill pickles
09 - Paper towels, for drying

→ Breading

10 - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
11 - 2 large eggs
12 - 1 tablespoon milk
13 - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
14 - 1/2 teaspoon paprika
15 - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
16 - 1/2 teaspoon salt

→ Frying

17 - Vegetable oil, for deep frying

# Steps to follow:

01 - Cook elbow macaroni in boiling water according to package directions; drain and set aside. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and whisk in flour. Cook for 1 minute, then gradually stir in milk until mixture thickens, about 2–3 minutes. Add shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper; stir until smooth. Combine the cheese sauce with pasta and spread mixture onto a parchment-lined tray to chill in the refrigerator until firm, about 20 minutes.
02 - Slice each dill pickle into 1/2-inch thick rounds. Using a small round cutter or knife, remove the centers to create hollow rings. Pat the pickle rings completely dry with paper towels to prevent excess moisture.
03 - When the mac and cheese mixture is firm, press a portion into the center of each pickle ring, packing tightly. Arrange the filled rings on a tray and freeze for at least 15 minutes to maintain their structure during coating.
04 - Arrange three separate bowls: one with flour, a second with eggs beaten with 1 tablespoon milk, and a third with panko breadcrumbs mixed with paprika, cayenne (if desired), and salt. For each stuffed pickle ring, dredge in flour, dip in egg mixture, and coat in panko, pressing gently so the crumbs adhere.
05 - Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or heavy pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry the breaded pickle rings in batches for 2–3 minutes per side until crisp and golden. Remove using a slotted spoon and drain thoroughly on paper towels.
06 - Serve hot with dipping sauces such as ranch, spicy mayonnaise, or chipotle aioli.

# Expert tips:

01 -
  • Easy to make ahead and freeze before frying for stress-free party prep
  • Handheld snack sized just right for sharing
  • Perfect mix of creamy cheese crunchy breading and zippy pickle
  • Instant conversation starter
02 -
  • High protein satisfying snack that is also vegetarian friendly
  • Can be made ahead and frozen until ready to fry
  • Surprisingly easy cleanup if you line everything with parchment
03 -
  • Pat the pickles extra dry or your breading will slip
  • Chill the mac and cheese until firm or stuffing gets messy
  • Test your oil with a small piece before frying your first batch for golden perfection

Return