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Craving a crispy, spicy, and tangy snack that’s sure to get the crowd talking? These Buttermilk Fried Pickles with Red Hot Ranch are the ultimate indulgent treat, combining the satisfying crunch of deep-fried pickles with the fiery zing of a homemade hot ranch sauce. Perfectly battered and seasoned, these golden bites are ideal for game nights, backyard parties, or anytime you want a bold appetizer that leaves a lasting impression. Paired with a creamy yet spicy dipping sauce, they offer a flavor explosion that’s both comforting and adventurous. Whether you’re preparing snacks for a movie night or looking for a fun, shareable appetizer to kick off your meal, this recipe is your go-to.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

1 jar of dill pickle chips (drained and patted dry)
1 cup buttermilk
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon paprika
1 cup all-purpose flour
½ cup cornmeal
Salt and pepper to taste
Oil for frying

For the Red Hot Ranch:

½ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup sour cream
2 tablespoons hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
1 teaspoon dried dill
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
Salt to taste

Directions

Preheat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 375°F (190°C).
Pour buttermilk into a bowl and season with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
In another bowl, mix flour and cornmeal.
Dip each pickle chip in the buttermilk mixture, then dredge in the flour-cornmeal mix until fully coated.
Carefully place the pickles in the hot oil and fry in batches for about 2–3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
Use a slotted spoon to remove them and transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
For the Red Hot Ranch, combine all ingredients in a bowl and whisk until smooth.
Serve the fried pickles hot with the spicy ranch sauce for dipping.

Nutrients

Calories per serving: ~250 kcal
Carbohydrates: ~20g
Protein: ~2g
Fat: ~18g
Saturated fat: ~3g
Cholesterol: ~15mg
Sodium: ~600mg
Fiber: ~1g
Sugar: ~2g

Why This Recipe Stands Out

What makes these buttermilk fried pickles exceptional is the perfect balance of textures and flavors. The pickles retain their sharp tangy bite, while the golden coating provides an addictive crunch. The cornmeal in the batter adds a subtle grainy texture that elevates the overall crispiness, making each bite deeply satisfying. On top of that, the Red Hot Ranch sauce pulls everything together with its rich, creamy base and spicy undertones. It’s not just a dip—it’s the bold flavor contrast that transforms this snack from good to unforgettable.

Unlike typical appetizers that rely solely on salt or cheese for flavor, this recipe layers complex tastes: sour, spicy, creamy, and savory. It’s a unique experience that hits all the right notes for your taste buds. The homemade nature of both the pickles and the dip also means you get to control the heat, salt, and seasoning according to your preference—perfect for anyone looking to bring a personalized gourmet touch to their appetizer game.

The Benefits of the Ingredients

The buttermilk used in this recipe isn’t just for show—it acts as a tenderizer, helping the coating cling better to the pickles and contributing a subtle tang that deepens the flavor. The flour and cornmeal combination ensures that the pickles come out extra crispy without being greasy, making them perfect for dipping.

Pickles, which are fermented cucumbers, are low in calories and contain antioxidants. While they may not be considered a health food, their inclusion in small amounts can add variety and tang to your diet. Moreover, sour cream and mayonnaise contribute a creamy texture to the sauce while allowing the heat from the hot sauce to shine through without overwhelming the palate. Hot sauce, rich in capsaicin, not only brings heat but may offer metabolism-boosting benefits.

Even though this dish is indulgent, it’s built around real, accessible ingredients that come together in harmony. It’s a fun way to bring people together and make vegetables like pickles the star of the show in an unexpected way.

Cooking Tips

For the best results, make sure your pickles are thoroughly dried before dipping them in the buttermilk. Excess moisture can cause the coating to slip off or become soggy during frying. You can even pat them dry and place them in the fridge for 10 minutes to further reduce moisture.

Frying in batches is essential to avoid overcrowding the pan. When too many items are added to hot oil at once, the temperature drops, resulting in greasy rather than crispy pickles. Use a thermometer if possible to monitor the oil temperature and keep it at a steady 375°F.

Also, allow the oil to reheat between batches for consistent results. If you’re preparing these for a gathering, you can keep them warm in an oven at 200°F while frying the rest. Lastly, don’t forget to taste your Red Hot Ranch and adjust it. Want it spicier? Add more hot sauce. Prefer it milder? Add a bit more mayo or sour cream.

Serving Suggestions

These fried pickles shine brightest when served piping hot alongside the Red Hot Ranch, but don’t stop there. They make an excellent starter for burgers, barbecue, or Southern-style dinners. You could also pair them with other finger foods like wings, loaded fries, or sliders to build a full game-day spread.

For a more unexpected twist, try serving them with different dips—think chipotle aioli, blue cheese dressing, or even a sweet chili sauce. They’re also great on top of sandwiches or burgers for added texture and zing. Present them in a lined basket for a rustic, diner-inspired aesthetic or on a sleek serving board with individual dipping bowls for a modern party platter.

And if you’re making this as part of a college back-to-school get-together, it’s a crowd-friendly snack that’s quick to make, budget-friendly, and packed with flavor—a guaranteed hit among roommates and friends alike.

Conclusion

Buttermilk Fried Pickles with Red Hot Ranch offer the ultimate blend of indulgence and flavor. They’re crunchy, creamy, spicy, and completely addictive, making them a top-tier appetizer for parties, casual hangouts, or cozy nights in. This recipe is a fun twist on traditional Southern cuisine, bringing a bit of heat and a whole lot of crunch to your table.

With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even beginner cooks can create something that tastes like it came from a gourmet kitchen. Plus, the Red Hot Ranch dip elevates these pickles to a whole new level, delivering the kind of bold, craveable flavor that keeps people coming back for more.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, these fried pickles are more than a snack—they’re a conversation starter. So next time you’re looking for something out of the ordinary to spice up your appetizer spread, remember this fiery, tangy treat that’s bound to be the star of the table.

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