Compared to many foods with histories tracing back hundreds of years, fried pickles are a relatively recent invention.
The first fried pickles were probably created in the early 1950s. Unlike the fried pickles in Springfield, MO, today that is fried dill pickles, the first printed recipe for fried pickles appeared on November 19, 1962, in an Oakland, California, newspaper. In many parts of the country, however, fried pickles were already a popular appetizer.
One story suggests that Bernell “Fatman” Austin was the first to serve fried pickles in his restaurant located about 200 miles south of Springfield. According to the story, Austin’s establishment was located right across the street from a pickle factory. After staring at the factory every day, he hatched the idea of battering and frying pickles for the factory workers to eat with their meals. While Austin would never share his recipe, his invention is celebrated annually at a pickle festival.
Others claim that fried pickles were invented in Hollywood, Mississippi. Unlike Austin who cut a pickle in half before battering it, those made by Tate Seldon were cut into slices before being dipped in an egg wash and seasoning. Then, they were fried to a golden brown.
Regardless of who invented the first fried pickle, you will want to be sure to get some when you go to a 1950’s-style cafe in Springfield, MO. Eating fried pickles in Springfield, MO, is the perfect way to celebrate a more simple time in America.
Contact Jackie B. Goode’s Uptown Cafe and Dinner Theater to learn more!
