I Tried the Viral Cheesy Pickle Fries, and I’ve Got Opinions

We’ve scrolled through (and tested) our fair share of viral social media recipes. From whipped coffee to ramen lasagna, it seems as if nothing is off-limits. Fueled by imagination, creators have captivated us with all kinds of recipes on TikTok. It’s evident that there’s fun happening in the kitchen!

@ketosackz recently caught my eye with his keto-friendly cheesy pickle fries. I don’t follow a keto diet myself. I do, however, love pickles and cheese, and if the two could somehow become a salty, crispy fry, then I knew I wanted in.

Ingredients for Cheesy Pickle Fries

Sara Haas for Taste of Home

• 1 24-ounce jar of pickles: The recipe is all about the pickles, so choose wisely. I recommend a pickle that’s firm and crisp so it holds up well when baked. I prefer Bubbies or Grillo’s pickles.
• 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese: For big, bold flavor, I recommend sharp cheddar. For a spicy kick, try pepper jack.
• 1 large egg: You’ll need something to bind your “fries” together, and this is it! Whisk the egg first to make combining it with other ingredients easier.
• Your choice of seasoning: You can add anything you like, from cayenne pepper to freshly cracked black pepper. You can also skip this step if your pickles come in an especially flavorful brine.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder, optional: Baking powder helps make the fries a bit fluffier, but it isn’t necessary.

Directions

Step 1: Preheat the oven

Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Prep the pickles

Add a jar of drained pickles to the bowl of a food processor and pulse until finely chopped. Place chopped pickles in a fine mesh strainer and press out any excess moisture. Transfer to a mixing bowl.

The key to success with this recipe is to make sure your pickles are well-drained—almost to the point of dryness—before mixing with the other ingredients. Extra moisture will prevent the fries from crisping up and cause them to spread as they bake.

Step 3: Make the fries

Add the shredded cheese, egg, seasoning and baking powder (if using) to the bowl and stir to combine. Shape 2 tablespoon portions into fries on the prepared baking sheet and bake until lightly golden and crispy, about 20 minutes.

Step 4: Serve the fries

Let fries cool slightly, then serve with ranch or other dip of your choice.

Are cheese pickle fries good?

After making my batch, I have to admit I was a bit underwhelmed. While they looked good, they weren’t as firm and crispy as I would’ve liked. The flavor was fun, and I enjoyed the combination of pickles and cheddar, but if I make these again, I’d change a few things. First, I’d add something else for crunch and texture, perhaps nuts and seeds or a combination of both. Next, I’d consider air-frying these since baking them left the underside a bit softer than the top. Finally, I’d play with seasoning and pickle varieties, just for fun.

Is this a healthy keto snack?

The keto diet is an eating pattern that’s high in fat, moderate in protein and low in carbohydrates. Its original use was by healthcare providers as a method to help control seizures in children with epilepsy. A recent interest in the diet has emerged among adults who are using it as a method for weight loss. The combined effects of excluding certain foods (including carbohydrate-rich whole grains, fruits and some vegetables) while simultaneously putting your body into a state of ketosis (where the body uses fat over carbohydrates for fuel) can prompt weight loss. The diet’s popularity has led to an increase in keto-friendly recipes and ready-to-eat snacks.

This recipe certainly fits within the high-fat, low-carbohydrate parameters of the keto diet. However, there are some concerns. First, pickles are brined, which makes them high in sodium, and too much sodium can contribute to heart disease. The fries are also made with cheese, which supplies important nutrients like protein and calcium but is also high in saturated fat, which can affect heart health.

They have a fair amount of protein and fat, both of which can help with satiety. And thanks to the cheese, they supply some calcium as well as phosphorus and vitamin B12. In small amounts, the “fries” could be a decent, but maybe not healthy, snack.

To determine whether this type of eating pattern is right for you, discuss with a healthcare professional.