I recently stumbled upon a concoction that’s both unconventional and irresistible—hot Cheetos Pickles. This snack fusion has been taking social media by storm, particularly among TikTok users, who can’t seem to get enough of its unique blend of fiery heat and tangy crunch.
Table of Contents
How to make Hot Cheetos Pickles
Hot Cheetos Pickles are a spicy, crunchy, and tangy snack made by coating pickles with crushed Flamin’ Hot Cheetos. They’re a viral snack that combines the sourness of pickles with the bold, spicy crunch of Hot Cheetos.
Ingredients:
- 1 bag of Flamin’ Hot Cheetos
- 1 jar of large dill pickles (you can choose between whole or pre-sliced, depending on your preference)
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon of milk or water (for egg wash)
- Oil for frying (if you opt for a crispy, fried version)
Instructions:
Prepare the Ingredients:
- Crush the Cheetos: Begin by crushing your Flamin’ Hot Cheetos into a fine crumb. You can do this either by pulsing them in a food processor or placing them in a zip-lock bag and rolling them with a rolling pin until they reach a breadcrumb-like consistency.
- Prepare the Pickles: If you use whole pickles, slice them to your preferred thickness. About 1/4 inch is good for a satisfying crunch. Pat the pickle slices dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture; this helps the coating stick better.
Setup Your Dredging Station:
- Flour, Eggs, and Cheetos Crumbs: Set out three shallow bowls or plates. First, place your cup of all-purpose flour. In the second, beat the eggs with a tablespoon of milk or water to create an egg wash. In the third, spread out your crushed Flamin’ Hot Cheetos crumbs.
Coating the Pickles:
- Dredge the Pickles: One by one, coat your pickle slices in the flour, tapping off any excess. Next, dip them into the egg wash, ensuring they’re fully coated. Finally, dredge them in the crushed Cheetos, pressing gently to adhere the crumbs all over.
For Fried Pickles:
- Heat the Oil: Pour oil into a frying pan (about 1 inch deep) and heat it over medium-high heat. The oil is ready when a few Cheetos crumbs are dropped in sizzle upon contact.
- Fry the Pickles: Carefully lower a few coated pickle slices into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry each side for about 2 minutes or until the crust is crispy and golden. Remove and let them drain on paper towels.
Tips for the Perfect Hot Cheetos Pickles:
- Ensure Complete Coating: Don’t rush the coating process. Ensure each pickle slice is fully coated at each step for the best flavor and crunch.
- Keep the Crunch in the Oven: If you prefer not to fry, lay your coated pickles on a wire rack over a baking sheet and bake in a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven until crispy. The wire rack ensures heat circulation for an evenly crispy outcome.
- Customize Your Dip: While fantastic on their own, Hot Cheetos Pickles can be paired with various dips to customize your flavor experience. Ranch dressing, creamy dill, or even a spicy aioli can elevate this snack to new levels.
- Storage: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge, though they’re best enjoyed fresh for maximum crunch.
What to serve with
Serving an adventurous snack like Hot Cheetos Pickles opens up a world of culinary possibilities. Their unique combination of tangy, spicy, and crunchy textures makes them versatile enough to complement a variety of dishes and events.
Cool and Creamy Dips:
- Ranch Dressing: The classic herby creaminess of ranch dressing can help cool down the heat from the Hot Cheetos Pickles, providing a delicious contrast.
- Blue Cheese Dip: For a more tangy and robust option, a blue cheese dip offers a decadent balance that pairs wonderfully with the spices of the Hot Cheetos crust.
- Greek Yogurt Dip: Mixing Greek yogurt with herbs like dill and parsley and a squeeze of lemon gives a refreshing and healthier dipping option.
Protein-Rich Companions:
- Grilled Chicken Strips: Serve these alongside or even integrate them into a meal that features Hot Cheetos Pickles for a satisfying crunch and a good protein source.
- Mini Slider Burgers: The spiciness of the pickles is a perfect match for juicy mini burgers. The combination complements both the flavors and textures, making for a hearty snack.
- Fried or Baked Fish: Mild fish like cod or tilapia, whether fried in a crispy batter or baked with herbs, pairs nicely with the punchy taste of the pickles.
Vegetarian Options:
- Stuffed Mini Bell Peppers: Filled with a mixture of cream cheese, spices, and maybe even a bit of corn, these sweet peppers offer a colorful and sweet counterbalance to the spicy pickles.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses, from sharp cheddar to creamy goat cheese, alongside the pickles makes for an indulgent spread where guests can mix and match flavors.
- Veggie Crudité: This simple, fresh option, which includes carrots, celery, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes, can provide a refreshing and crunchy contrast to the deep-fried snack.
Carbohydrate Pairings:
- Loaded Tater Tots or Fries: Pile on cheese, bacon bits, diced green onions, and dollops of sour cream on crispy tater tots or fries for a decadent side that’s as enjoyable as the Hot Cheetos Pickles themselves.
- Cornbread: Soft, slightly sweet cornbread offers a comforting texture and flavor that contrasts with the crunchy and spicy pickles.
- Sweet Potato Fries: The natural sweetness of these fries alongside the spicy pickles creates a delightful sweet-and-spicy scenario that’s hard to resist.
Beverage Pairings:
- Craft Beers: A hoppy IPA can compliment the heat of the pickles, while a light lager offers a crisp and refreshing counter-note.
- Cocktails: A classic margarita with its salty-sweet rim and zesty lime flavor or a spicy Bloody Mary can amplify the flavors of the Hot Cheetos Pickles for a truly festive snacking occasion.
- Iced Tea or Lemonade: For a non-alcoholic option, the sweetness and acidity of lemonade or the subtle bitterness of iced tea are both excellent choices to wash down the spiciness and enjoy a moment of refreshment.
Ingredients Substitutes
If you’re keen on making Hot Cheetos Pickles but find yourself missing some ingredients or need to cater to dietary restrictions, there are several substitutes you can use.
For the Pickles:
Original Pickles: The best option for this dish is dill pickles because their tang complements the heat from the Cheetos. However, you could use sweet pickles for a different flavor profile or even substitute with other pickled vegetables like green beans, carrots, or okra if you want variety.
For the Crunchy Cheetos Coating:
Hot Cheetos: If you don’t have Hot Cheetos or prefer something less spicy, try using regular cheese-flavored puffed snacks or other spicy chips. For a gluten-free option, you can use crushed gluten-free pretzels or puffed snacks. For a less processed option, try using seasoned almond flour or crushed cornflakes mixed with your choice of spices.
For the Wet Batter:
- Eggs: Eggs are typically used to help the Cheetos crumbs adhere to the pickles, but if you’re allergic to eggs or vegan, you can use flaxseed meal mixed with water (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons water as a substitute for one egg) or a commercial vegan egg substitute.
- Milk: If you can’t consume dairy or prefer a dairy-free recipe, substitute it with any plant-based milk like almond, soy, oat, or cashew milk. Make sure it’s unsweetened and unflavored to maintain the savory nature of the recipe.
- Flour: This is often used to help the egg/milk mixture adhere to the pickles. If you need to avoid gluten, use gluten-free all-purpose flour, rice flour, or chickpea flour as the base for your wet batter.
For the Seasoning:
Seasoning Mix: While Hot Cheetos typically include their blend of seasonings, you might need to add extra spices if you use an alternate coating. If you need a substitute for specific spices in a seasoning mix (such as paprika, garlic powder, or onion powder), try using a similar powdered spice or a general all-purpose seasoning mix. For instance, a bit of chili powder could work in the absence of paprika, though it will be spicier.
For Deep Frying:
Oil: Vegetable oil or any neutral oil like canola or peanut oil is best for frying due to its high smoke point. If you want to make a healthier version, you can bake or air fry the coated pickles instead of deep-frying them. To do so, preheat the oven or air fryer and spray the coated pickles lightly with cooking spray to help achieve a crunchy texture.
Final Thoughts
This Hot Cheetos Pickles recipe is not just a snack; it’s an experience blending the best of spicy, savory, and crunchy elements.
I recently stumbled upon a concoction that’s both unconventional and irresistible—hot Cheetos Pickles. This snack fusion has been taking social media by storm, particularly among TikTok users, who can’t seem to get enough of its unique blend of fiery heat and tangy crunch.
More Treat Recipes:
- Dill Pickle Hot Cheetos Recipe
- Lemon Oatmeal No-Bake Cookies Recipe
- French Silk Pie Blizzard Recipe
- Copycat Starbucks Valentine’s Cake Pop Recipe
- Dubai Chocolate Bar Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 bag of Flamin' Hot Cheetos
- 1 jar of large dill pickles
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon of milk or water (for egg wash)
- Oil for frying
Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients:
- Crush the Cheetos: Begin by crushing your Flamin' Hot Cheetos into a fine crumb. You can do this either by pulsing them in a food processor or placing them in a zip-lock bag and rolling them with a rolling pin until they reach a breadcrumb-like consistency.
- Prepare the Pickles: If you use whole pickles, slice them to your preferred thickness. About 1/4 inch is good for a satisfying crunch
Setup Your Dredging Station:
- Flour, Eggs, and Cheetos Crumbs: Set out three shallow bowls or plates. First, place your cup of all-purpose flour. In the second, beat the eggs with a tablespoon of milk or water to create an egg wash. In the third, spread out your crushed Flamin' Hot Cheetos crumbs.
Coating the Pickles:
- Dredge the Pickles: One by one, coat your pickle slices in the flour, tapping off any excess. Next, dip them into the egg wash, ensuring they're fully coated. Finally, dredge them in the crushed Cheetos, pressing gently to adhere the crumbs all over.
For Fried Pickles:
- Heat the Oil: Pour oil into a frying pan (about 1 inch deep) and heat it over medium-high heat. The oil is ready when a few Cheetos crumbs are dropped in sizzle upon contact.
- Fry the Pickles: Carefully lower a few coated pickle slices into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry each side for about 2 minutes or until the crust is crispy and golden. Remove and let them drain on paper towels.
