Chef Combines One Egg, Pickles, Cheese, And A Packet Of Ranch Seasoning For Tasty Fries In A Flash

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Some recipes will test even the most skilled of chefs, while others flourish simply by combining flavorful, complementary ingredients and heating them up until they've become one. While we at Tasting Table have nothing but respect for the more complicated kind of gourmet fare, we are equally enthused by dishes which apply the second philosophy. One excellent example we discovered was that of an online cook who managed to whip up tasty "fries" in a flash with pickles, cheese, one egg, and a packet of ranch seasoning.

The source of this recipe is Kevin Ashton, a graduate of the Western Culinary Institute who is currently the house chef for the Pi Beta Phi sorority at the University of Nevada, Reno. Video demonstrations of his recipes can be found on YouTube and other social media platforms under the handle @oldscoolkevmo. His tutorials deliver culinary variety, ranging from crème brûlée French toast to Mongolian beef, but this is a lo-fi yet satisfyingly indulgent offering. Ashton describes them as "pickle fries," though technically they are baked. The recipe combines diced pickle spears, shredded cheddar, a packet of ranch seasoning, and an egg. They are then shaped into a recognizably fry-like shape. After a spell in the oven, the ingredients have melted together into hearty wedges, which can then be dunked into the dipping sauce of your choice. "How easy is that?" Ashton says.

Ashton offers a few tips when preparing these pickle fries. After dicing your pickles, you should place them into a strainer and try to get as much liquid out of them as you can. If the fries flatten out a little during the cooking process, don't worry — it won't impact their eventual deliciousness. According to Ashton, these fries should appeal to any fans of fried pickles. 

Aside from visibly using Claussen Kosher Dill Pickle Spears, Ashton doesn't go into much detail about what type or brands of ingredients he prefers for this particular recipe. That said, it never hurts to use the highest quality ingredients available. Note that pre-shredded cheese will often come coated with an anti-caking agent that will inhibit the cheese's ability to melt well, so if you have the chance, try and grate your own. There are many store-bought ranch seasoning powders available, but what better excuse to mix up our recipe for homemade ranch powder?

These pickle fries don't need much to improve them beyond something appropriate to dip them in. You could obviously double down on the flavor by using homemade or even your favorite store-bought ranch dressing. If you're in the mood to mix things up even more, it's hard to go wrong with an easy Russian dressing. These work as a solo snack or a savory side; they would go well with the same kind of dishes that pair delightfully with fried pickles, such as BBQ chicken.