Crispy Fried Pickle Chaffle

I never thought I’d be combining pickles with waffles until I discovered the chaffle craze. Growing up, pickles were strictly a burger topping or straight-from-the-jar snack in our house. When my sister first told me about pickle chaffles, I honestly thought she was joking.

That’s because pickle chaffles sound a bit odd at first—until you try them. Unlike regular waffles that need flour and milk, these crispy treats are made with cheese and eggs, making them perfect for anyone watching their carbs. And when you add the tangy crunch of fried pickles? Well, let’s just say my family’s snack game changed forever.

What Kind of Pickles Should I Use?

For chaffles, dill pickles are your best bet since they bring that classic tangy flavor without being too sweet. You can use either whole pickles that you slice yourself or pre-sliced pickle chips – just make sure they’re thin enough to lay flat in your waffle maker. Store-bought pickles work perfectly fine here, but if you’re feeling fancy, you can also use homemade ones. The most important thing is to pat your pickle slices dry with paper towels before using them, since extra moisture can make your chaffle less crispy. If you’re slicing your own pickles, aim for about 1/8 inch thickness to ensure they cook evenly in the chaffle.

Options for Substitutions

This chaffle recipe is pretty adaptable – here are some swaps you can try:

• Pork panko: If you don’t have pork panko, you can use regular panko breadcrumbs (note: this makes it not keto-friendly), or crushed pork rinds that you’ve ground up yourself in a food processor.
• Mozzarella cheese: While mozzarella works great here, you can swap it with other mild cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or even a cheese blend. Just avoid very soft cheeses like brie or very aged hard cheeses.
• Pickle brine: No pickle juice? You can use a mix of white vinegar and water (equal parts) with a pinch of salt. The taste won’t be exactly the same, but it’ll add that needed tang.
• Pickles: Any type of dill pickle will work here – from spears (cut thin) to pre-sliced rounds. Just make sure they’re well-drained and patted dry before using.
• Egg: The egg is essential for this recipe and can’t be substituted as it’s what holds everything together.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

The biggest challenge when making pickle chaffles is getting them crispy – using too much cheese or egg can make them soggy, so stick to the exact measurements in the recipe and make sure to preheat your waffle iron until it’s nice and hot.

A common mistake is not drying your pickle slices thoroughly before adding them to the batter, which can release excess moisture and prevent proper browning – pat them completely dry with paper towels first.

For the crispiest results, don’t open your waffle iron too early (wait until the steam starts to decrease), and let the chaffle cook for an extra 30 seconds after the steam subsides to achieve that perfect golden-brown exterior.

To keep your chaffles from sticking, consider giving your waffle iron a light spray of cooking oil before the first batch, and always let them cool for 1-2 minutes on a wire rack to maintain their crunch.

What to Serve With Pickle Chaffles?

These savory pickle chaffles make an awesome low-carb alternative to regular sandwiches and work great as a base for all your favorite toppings! Try them as the “bread” for a juicy burger patty with lettuce, tomato, and your choice of sauce – ranch dressing and spicy mayo are both fantastic options. You can also keep things simple and serve them as a side dish alongside grilled chicken or pulled pork. For a fun appetizer spread, cut them into smaller pieces and serve with a variety of dipping sauces like garlic aioli, honey mustard, or even buffalo sauce.

Storage Instructions

Keep Fresh: These pickle chaffles are best enjoyed right after cooking when they’re still warm and crispy. If you have leftovers, place them in an airtight container with paper towels between each chaffle to absorb any moisture. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days, though the texture won’t be quite as crispy as fresh.

Make Ahead: You can prep the chaffle batter mix (without the pickles) up to a day ahead and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, just give it a quick stir and add your pickle slices. This is super handy when you want a quick snack!

Crisp Up: To bring back some crispiness to refrigerated chaffles, pop them in a toaster or air fryer for 1-2 minutes. Avoid microwaving as this will make them soggy. They’re pretty good at room temperature too, making them perfect for lunch boxes!

Preparation Time	5-10 minutes
Cooking Time	4 minutes
Total Time	9-14 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Easy

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 450-500
• Protein: 25-30 g
• Fat: 35-40 g
• Carbohydrates: 10-15 g

Ingredients

• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup pork panko
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 tablespoon pickle brine
• 6 to 8 thinly sliced pickles

Step 1: Prepare the Mixture

Start by mixing all the necessary ingredients together in a bowl to create a uniform batter or mixture.

Ensure everything is well incorporated to achieve the desired consistency for the waffle.

Step 2: Preheat and Prepare the Waffle Iron

Preheat your waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Once preheated, lightly coat it with cooking spray or a small amount of oil to prevent sticking.

This will help achieve that golden crispy exterior.

Step 3: Assemble the Waffle Layers

Pour a thin layer of the prepared mixture onto the bottom surface of the waffle iron, making sure it evenly covers the surface.

Blot excess juice from pickle slices to prevent sogginess and place them evenly over the mixture.

Add another thin layer of the mixture to cover the pickle slices fully for even cooking.

Step 4: Cook the Waffle

Close the waffle iron and cook the layers for about 4 minutes, or until the waffle is golden brown and crispy.

Cooking times may vary depending on the waffle iron used, so keep an eye on the progress to prevent overcooking.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once cooked to perfection, carefully remove the waffle from the iron using a utensil safe for your waffle iron’s surface.

Let it cool slightly before serving.

Enjoy your unique and tasty pickle-stuffed waffle creation!