When you love pickles as much as we do (and we’re not gonna lie…we love ’em to the point of taste-testing pickles, making pickles at home and even drinking pickle juice straight out of the jar), then you might want to brace yourself for this exciting news: pickle ice cream is a thing!
What? Pickle Ice Cream?
The Lucky Pickle Dumpling Co. on Manhattan’s Upper West Side serves up pickle soft-serve, along with Hong Kong-inspired dumplings, noodles, teas and, of course, pickles. We say “of course” because this briny-good storefront’s founder, Jacob Hadjigeorgis, is one pickle-obsessed foodie. (No judgments, Jacob, we feel you!)
He first made his mark on the Upper West Side with his restaurant, Jacob’s Pickles, specializing in Southern food, artisanal beer and handmade pickles. Then came the ever-popular Maison Pickle, specializing in French dip sandwiches, cocktails and pickles.
Why We Crave It
Jacob describes his cooking style as “back to basics,” and when you think about it, pairing pickles with ice cream is as basic as you can get. Although it’s a classic pregnancy craving, you don’t have to be pregnant (or a woman) to groove on snacks that are both salty and sweet. In fact, we’re hard-wired to do so. Our brains crave variety! Do you know why pregnant women crave pickles?
What It Tastes Like
We’ve heard Jacob’s soft-serve pickle ice cream described as tasting something like “cucumber frozen yogurt,” which makes sense, since its main ingredient is fresh-pressed cucumber. But it also has a subtle tang to it, like a half-sour pickle that’s spent little time brining. Thanks to a combination of creamy, fresh and tangy flavors, it’s been called the perfect refreshing “palate cleanser” after eating spicy food (like dumplings and noodles).
Finally…Where to Get It!
If you’re not too keen on leaving the house for pickle ice cream right now, don’t sweat it! Lucky Pickle Dumpling Co. is offering delivery nearby their address at 513 Amsterdam Avenue in New York City. You can find them on delivery apps like Postmates, DoorDash and Seamless. For only $5, we’re seriously craving some pickle ice cream!
How to Make Your Own at Home
If you’re craving pickle ice cream right about now, you don’t have to wait for Jacob to open up a food shop near you. You can actually make your own version. Simply start with this recipe for lemon gelato, and in place of the lemon juice, substitute cucumber juice, and in place of the lemon peel, substitute grated pickles. You can even make the pickles yourself with this easy homemade pickle recipe! If you want to experiment with more flavors, learn how to make homemade ice cream without an ice cream maker!
MORE Recipes to Make When You Love Pickles
Air-Fryer Pickles
Enjoy deep-fried pickles? You’ll love this version even more. Dill pickle slices are coated with panko bread crumbs and spices, then air-fried until crispy. Dip them in ranch dressing for an appetizer you won’t soon forget. —Nick Iverson, Denver, Colorado
Also, check what is a pickle all about!
Go to Recipe
Bacon Cheeseburger CasseroleThis casserole has it all: ground beef, bacon, onions and cheese, all baked up in your trusty 9x13 pan. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Dill Pickle DipMy love for pickles led me to create this dill pickle dip. It's so easy to whip together. But be warned...it's addicting! —April Anderson, Forest Lake, Minnesota
Dill Pickle SoupThis dill pickle soup is made from a century-old Swiss recipe. Traditionally, it is a winter soup, but we serve it year-round because of the demand. —Nancy Ross, Salem, Oregon
Cuban SlidersThese wonderful little rolls are baked until lightly toasted and the cheese melts. The leftover King's Hawaiian ham sliders keep really well in the fridge, and they make a lovely cold snack. Followers of my blog, houseofyumm.com, go nuts for these! —Serene Herrera, Dallas, Texas
Cheeseburger PizzaMy husband's favorite foods are pizza and cheeseburgers, so I combined the two in a pie with mayo and dill pickle juice. People who try this cheeseburger pizza always laugh in surprise because it's so good. —Angie Zimmerman, Eureka, Illinois
Dill Pickle Potato SaladThis creamy dill pickle potato salad makes a flavorful and attractive addition to a Fourth of July picnic or church supper.—Nancy Holland, Morgan Hill, California
Cheeseburger NachosCheeseburger nachos are the perfect game-day graze. Load them up with all the toppings or let everyone claim part of the platter that they can top with their faves. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Fried Dill PicklesYou may be surprised when you see how easy it is to make a batch of Fried Dill Pickels. Don't be surprised if they get snatched up in a flash! —Eloise Maynor, Scottsboro, AL
Dilly Turkey MeltThis is a hearty grilled sandwich with a distinctive and delicious combination of ingredients. The pickle slices add a bit of fun, and the barbecue sauce provides a hint of sweetness that's irresistible. —Henry Mujica, North Riverside, Illinois
Pastrami Roll-UpsFor a book club event, I created pastrami roll-ups with cream cheese and a pickle. Those tasty bites quickly pulled a disappearing act. —Merritt Heinrich, Oswego, Illinois
Dill Bloody MarysWith a nice level of pepper, and just enough dill from the pickle, these Bloody Marys are sure to please. To make Contrary Marys simply leave out the vodka. —Jay Ferkovich, Green Bay, Wisconsin
Cheeseburger PieThis cheeseburger pie tastes so much like its namesake—right down to the pickles in it! We home-school our children so I like easy recipes like this that get them involved in cooking. —Rhonda Cannady, Bartlesville, Oklahoma
Dilly Mini Cheese Balls??These mini cheese balls are perfect for any gathering, no matter what time of year it is! Kids love the cheesy, salty flavor, and adults appreciate how easy they are to make. —Carole Lanthier, Courtice, Ontario
Moist N Tender WingsHere are some irresistible, fall-off-the-bone chicken wings that everyone will love. Chili sauce and powder give them just a bit of heat, while molasses lends a hint of sweetness. They make a fantastic meal served with rice. –Sharon Morcilio, Joshua Tree, California
Cubano Macaroni SaladOne of my favorite sandwiches is a hot Cubano, piled high with juicy pork, layers of ham and melty Swiss cheese. These same ingredients are amazing in a macaroni salad. —Marina Castle Kelley, Canyon Country, California
Cheeseburger NachosCheeseburger nachos are the perfect game-day graze. Load them up with all the toppings or let everyone claim part of the platter that they can top with their faves. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Cuban Roasted Pork SandwichesFor an incredible hot sandwich, slowly roast pork in a seasoned citrus marinade, then layer slices of the meat with pickles, zippy mustard, ham and cheese. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Ham & Pickle WrapsI decided to try this recipe on my card club, and it was a big success. They loved it. This ham pickle roll up recipe can be swapped around and changed in so many different ways and always turns out as an awesome appetizer or great-looking centerpiece over a hand of cards.
Chili Dog PizzaMy girls love it when I make this mash-up pizza with hot dogs and chili. It’s a marvelous way to use up leftover chili. —Jennifer Stowell, Smithville, Missouri
Garlic-Dill Deviled EggsIn my family, Easter isn't complete without deviled eggs. Fresh dill and garlic perk up the flavor of these irresistible appetizers that you'll want to eat on every occasion. —Kami Horch, Calais, Maine
Sweet and Hot Chicken with Dill Pickle SauceThis is my low-carb version of Nashville hot chicken. We try to cut carbs as much as possible, so the fried breaded version and the sandwich version of this dish were out. Instead, I make a baked rendition with the same delicious flavors. This is also amazing made with chicken tenders and served in wraps. —Fay A. Moreland, Wichita Falls, Texas
Peanut Butter Pickle SandwichCrunchy, tangy, salty and sweet, this open-faced peanut butter pickle sandwich hits all your cravings. —James Schend,
Taste of Home Deputy Editor
One-Pot Bacon Cheeseburger PastaWhen the weather's too chilly to grill, I whip up a big pot of this cheesy pasta. Believe it or not, it tastes just like a bacon cheeseburger, and it's much easier for my young children to enjoy. —Carly Terrell, Granbury Texas
Updated: Nov. 01, 2023
