Oven Baked ‘Fried’ Pickles

By Sydney Johnson Knowles Contributing columnist

Fried pickles are a common American treat when visiting a local restaurant. While their crunch may be extra satisfying, fried foods tend to be higher in calories and trans fats meaning they can negatively affect your health. Trans fats are associated with an increased risk of heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and other health conditions. Try out this baked pickle alternative that is still full of crunch and flavor, plus the bonus of being able to make them at home!

Ingredients

· ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs

· 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

· 1 teaspoon chili powder

· ¾ teaspoon garlic powder

· Pinch of black pepper

· 2 egg whites

· 1 teaspoon hot sauce

· 1 (16 oz) jar of hamburger dill pickle chips

Instructions

1. Spread panko crumbs across dry skillet. Bring to medium heat for 2-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden. Remove breadcrumbs.

2. In a separate dish, mix flour, chili and garlic powder, and black pepper. In a third dish, whisk egg whites and combine with hot sauce.

3. Place cooling rack onto a baking sheet. Mist lightly with cooking spray. Place rack in the oven, center and set to broil.

4. Drain pickles, lay flat and pat dry. Coat fully in flour mixture, then egg wash, and lastly panko crumbs. Place pickles on cooling rack.

5. Lightly mist pickles with cooking spray and place in oven for 4 minutes.

6. Remove baking sheet from oven. Flip pickles over. Return to oven for 3-4 minutes.

7. Once the crumb crust is golden brown and crunchy, remove from the oven.

Find more recipes like this and information to apply for FNS/SNAP at MoreFood.org.

More In My Basket accessed this recipe at emilybites.com

Sydney Johnson Knowles is an Area Family & Consumer Sciences Extension Agent, with the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service. She can be reached by calling the Sampson County Center at 910-592-7161.