Famous Dave's, a brand celebrated for its smoky barbecue sauces and savory ribs, has also carved out a niche with its unique line of pickles. Unlike standard dill pickles, Famous Dave's offers a variety of flavor profiles, each with a carefully crafted list of ingredients. Understanding the specifics of each version is key to appreciating what sets them apart.
The Ingredients for Famous Dave's Sweet 'n Spicy Pickles
The Sweet 'n Spicy pickle chips and spears blend sweetness with a subtle kick of heat, making them popular on sandwiches and burgers. Key ingredients include fresh cucumbers, water, vinegar, and salt, forming the brine base. Sweetness comes from sugar or high fructose corn syrup, balanced with a blend of spices like mustard and celery seed. Dehydrated onions and red bell peppers add savory notes. Calcium chloride ensures crispness, while natural and artificial flavors and Polysorbate 80 contribute to the final taste and texture. Turmeric extract provides the yellow color.
Deconstructing the Devil's Spit Pickles
For intense heat, Devil's Spit™ pickles feature fresh cucumbers, water, vinegar, salt, and spices similar to other varieties. Their significant heat comes from dehydrated red chili peppers. Dehydrated onions and red bell peppers are included for flavor, along with calcium chloride for crispness, natural and artificial flavors, Polysorbate 80, and turmeric extract for color and consistency.
The Hot Spicy Dill Pickle
The Hot Spicy Dill pickle offers a zesty, garlic-infused heat without added sweetness. Essential ingredients include fresh cucumbers, water, vinegar, salt, and calcium chloride. The spice comes from dried arbol chili pepper, and dried garlic is a key flavoring agent. Gum Arabic acts as a stabilizer, and natural flavors enhance the dill and spice profile.
Comparison of Famous Dave's Pickle Ingredients
| Ingredient | Sweet 'n Spicy | Devil's Spit | Hot Spicy Dill |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sweetener | High Fructose Corn Syrup / Sugar | High Fructose Corn Syrup | None |
| Heat Source | Mild Spice Blend (Chili/Bell Peppers) | Dehydrated Red Chili Peppers | Dried Arbol Chili Pepper |
| Garlic | Dehydrated Onions | Dehydrated Onions | Dried Garlic |
| Key Spices | Mustard and Celery Seed | Mustard and Celery Seed | Natural Flavors |
| Color | Turmeric Extract | Turmeric Extract | Natural Color |
| Texture Agent | Calcium Chloride, Polysorbate 80 | Calcium Chloride, Polysorbate 80 | Calcium Chloride, Gum Arabic |
The Secret Behind the Famous Dave's Pickle Taste
The distinctive taste of Famous Dave's pickles results from the balance of flavors and specific spice and pepper blends. Sweet varieties combine sweeteners with spices for a sweet-and-heat experience. Spicy versions use different chili peppers and supporting spices like garlic for varying heat profiles. Attention to detail in ingredient selection, including fresh cucumbers and firming agents, contributes to quality and popularity.
Making Your Own Famous Dave's Copycat Pickles
Home cooks can replicate Famous Dave's flavors with copycat recipes, often substituting ingredients like high fructose corn syrup with sugar and brown sugar, and using fresh peppers. A typical method involves creating a hot brine with vinegar, sugar, salt, and spices poured over cucumber and onion slices. This allows for customization of sweetness and heat.
Conclusion: Decoding the Pickle's Distinct Flavor
The ingredients in Famous Dave's pickles showcase a range of formulations catering to different tastes. From the sweet and spicy to the fiery Devil's Spit and the garlicky spicy dill, each variety uses specific peppers, sweeteners, and spices. While core ingredients like cucumbers, vinegar, water, and salt are consistent, the supporting components create the unique flavors that make Famous Dave's pickles a popular side dish. Understanding these ingredients enhances appreciation and enables home experimentation.
Note: Ingredient lists can sometimes vary slightly by region or retailer. Always check the label on the specific product you are purchasing for the most accurate information. For example, some lists mention Yellow 5 instead of Turmeric Extract.
