Fried Pickles Disneyland Copycat Recipe
Introduction
Fried pickles are a crunchy, tangy treat that perfectly balances savory and zest. This Disneyland copycat recipe brings the fun of this popular snack right to your kitchen with a crispy coating and a flavorful dipping sauce.

Ingredients
- 2 cups canola oil (for frying)
- 12 pickle spears (I used Claussen)
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 teaspoon dried dill
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 egg
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise (heaping 1/4 cup)
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce (I used Cholula)
- 1/4 teaspoon Lawry’s garlic salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat the canola oil in a medium saucepan filled about 1/4 full over medium heat until it reaches 350-375°F.
- Step 2: Place the pickle spears onto a paper towel-lined plate and pat dry to remove excess liquid.
- Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, buttermilk, dried dill, paprika, black pepper, baking powder, and egg. Stir until well combined to make a wet batter.
- Step 4: In a shallow dish, mix together the Panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Step 5: Dip each pickle spear into the wet batter, then press firmly into the breadcrumb mixture, coating all sides.
- Step 6: Carefully place the coated pickles into the hot oil and fry until golden brown on all sides. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
- Step 7: Repeat the dipping and frying process until all pickles are cooked.
- Step 8: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, garlic salt, and black pepper to prepare the house dipping sauce.
- Step 9: Serve the warm fried pickles on a plate alongside the dipping sauce or your favorite Ranch dressing.
Tips & Variations
- Use Claussen or any firm dill pickle spears for best texture when frying.
- For extra crispiness, double dip the pickles by repeating the batter and breadcrumb coating.
- Experiment with different hot sauces in the dipping sauce to adjust the heat level.
- Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the batter for a spicy kick.
Storage
Store leftover fried pickles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 375°F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen pickles for this recipe?
Fresh or jarred pickles work best because frozen pickles tend to be too soggy and may not hold up well during frying.
Is there a substitute for buttermilk in the batter?
You can use regular milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar as a buttermilk substitute. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
Print
Fried Pickles Disneyland Copycat Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 fried pickle spears 1x
Description
Crispy and flavorful fried pickle spears coated in a seasoned batter and panko-Parmesan crust, served with a tangy house-made dipping sauce. A perfect Disneyland copycat snack that is crunchy on the outside and tangy on the inside.
Ingredients
Frying
- 2 cups canola oil (for frying)
Pickle Coating
- 12 pickle spears (Claussen recommended)
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup buttermmilk
- 1/2 teaspoon dried dill
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 egg
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
House Dipping Sauce
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise (heaping)
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce (Cholula recommended)
- 1/4 teaspoon Lawry’s Garlic salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Heat the Oil: Heat 2 cups of canola oil in a medium saucepan filled about a quarter full over medium heat until it reaches 350 to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature range is ideal for frying to achieve a crispy texture without greasiness.
- Dry the Pickles: Place the 12 pickle spears on a paper towel-lined plate and pat them dry carefully to remove as much excess liquid as possible. This step helps the batter adhere better and prevents splattering during frying.
- Prepare the Wet Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine 3/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1 cup buttermilk, 1/2 teaspoon dried dill, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, and 1 egg. Stir thoroughly until the batter is smooth and well mixed.
- Prepare the Breadcrumb Mixture: In a shallow dish, mix together 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese evenly. This mixture adds a crunchy and flavorful coating to the pickles.
- Bread the Pickles: Take each pickle spear one at a time and dip it into the wet batter to coat fully. Then press it firmly into the Panko-Parmesan mixture, ensuring all sides are evenly covered.
- Fry the Pickles: Carefully place the coated pickles into the hot oil and fry until golden brown on all sides, which should take a few minutes per batch. Remove the fried pickles using a slotted spoon and transfer them onto a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Repeat this process until all pickles are fried.
- Prepare the Dipping Sauce: In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup heaping mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon ketchup, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce (such as Cholula), 1/4 teaspoon Lawry’s garlic salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Stir well until all ingredients are fully blended to create a tangy and flavorful dipping sauce.
- Serve: Transfer the warm, crisp fried pickles to a serving plate and serve immediately with the house-made dipping sauce or your favorite ranch dressing for dipping.
Notes
- Patting the pickles dry is crucial to avoid excess moisture that can cause oil splatter and soggy coating.
- Maintaining the oil temperature between 350°F and 375°F ensures that the pickles fry evenly and become crisp without absorbing too much oil.
- You can substitute buttermilk with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar as a homemade buttermilk alternative.
- For a spicier twist, add cayenne pepper to the batter or increase the hot sauce in the dipping sauce.
- Serve immediately after frying for the best crispness, as fried pickles tend to lose their crunch if they sit too long.
- Use a thermometer to monitor oil temperature for consistent frying results.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Fried Pickles, Disneyland Copycat, Appetizer, Snack, Crispy Pickles, Panko, Parmesan, Dipping Sauce

