Pickle wraps have become a popular appetizer and snack food, especially in the Midwest region of the United States. But what exactly are pickle wraps, and are they unique to the Midwest? Here we’ll explore the origins, ingredients, and popularity of pickle wraps to determine if they can be considered a true Midwest specialty.
What are pickle wraps?
Pickle wraps are essentially wraps or roll-ups made with pickle spears and various fillings and toppings. The most common version involves wrapping a whole dill pickle spear with slices of deli meat (typically ham or turkey) and cheese (Swiss or cheddar). The wrap is then secured with a toothpick. Some variations add cream cheese, ranch dressing, or other ingredients inside the wrap. The pickled cucumber provides a tangy crunch that balances the savory deli meat and cheese.
Origins of the pickle wrap
While pickle wraps have become ubiquitous in the Midwest, there doesn’t seem to be a clear origin story pinpointing exactly where and when they were created. However, cured and brined pickles themselves have a long history in the Central European regions where many Midwest immigrants originated. German and Eastern European immigrant groups likely brought pickled vegetables like cucumbers and cabbage when they settled in Midwestern states in the 1800s. The concept of rolling up or wrapping food in bread or dough also has European roots.
It’s not completely clear when the classic combination of pickle, meat, and cheese became popular. Some sources cite the pickle wrap becoming common bar and appetizer fare in Wisconsin in the 1970s. The availability of mass-produced sliced deli meats and cheeses post-World War II could have contributed to the rise of pickle roll-ups. Regardless of the exact origin, the pickle wrap’s simplicity and emphasis on beloved Midwestern ingredients like pickles, cheese, and cold cuts help explain its regional appeal.
Popularity and prevalence
Pickle wraps have become a staple appetizer and snack, especially in bars and restaurants throughout the Midwest. States like Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, Michigan, Iowa, Indiana, Ohio, Nebraska, and the Dakotas all have strong pickle wrap presences. Pickles wraps can commonly be found on menus at pubs, grills, diners, bowling alleys, state fairs, and other establishments throughout the Midwest. They are typically served as shareable appetizers for 2-4 people to snack on with drinks.
Beyond restaurants, pickle wraps have become a staple at public gatherings like potlucks, picnics, tailgates, and catered events in the Midwest. They are easy to assemble in batches, transport, and serve by hand. Pickles wraps are now sold pre-packaged and frozen at many grocery stores in the region as well. Major brands like Heinz now produce and distribute pickle roll-up kits for mass retail.
The accessibility and shareable nature of pickle wraps make them a go-to appetizer option with broad appeal across the Midwest. The tangy pickled flavor also serves as a flavor profile that Midwesterners identify with.
Are pickle wraps found outside the Midwest?
While pickle wraps have a strong association with Midwestern food and culture, they have begun to spread beyond the region. As Midwestern transplants move to other parts of the country, they introduce local friends and restaurants to classics like pickle rolls. Mass distribution of pre-made pickle wraps in grocery stores has also exposed more people across the U.S. to the concept.
However, pickle wraps are still most concentrated in and identified with the Midwest. Other regions like the South and West have their own specific regional appetizers that are more prominent than pickle wraps, such as pimento cheese dip in the South or onion rings in the West. Midwesterners living elsewhere in the country do commonly cite missing pickle wraps and struggling to find them outside of the Midwest.
So while no longer completely exclusive to the Midwest, pickle wraps have not gained full nationwide ubiquity yet. The salad days of finding pickle rolls on menus or store shelves still primarily center on the Midwest.
Unique aspects of Midwest pickle wraps
There are a few key factors that contribute to pickle wraps being a sensation specific to the Midwest region:
Pickle production
The Midwest is the top producing region for pickles in the United States. States like Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Ohio, and Iowa lead the nation in cucumber and pickle production. This gives the region unique access to fresh pickled vegetables. Midwest-produced brined dill pickles often adorn a classic pickle wrap.
Deli meat tradition
Deli meats like ham, turkey, roast beef and classics like bologna are central to the cuisine of the Midwest. Meat packing centers like Chicago, Milwaukee, and Madison, Wisconsin fueled this tradition. Easy access to quality deli sliced meats makes the Midwest a prime place for meaty wraps.
Influence of Germanic/Eastern European cuisine
Aspects of German and Eastern European food culture permeate the Midwest, especially in cuisine of the Upper Midwest. Items like pickled vegetables, deli meats, cheeses, and rye bread have origins in these ethnic food traditions. The quintessential pickle wrap brings these influences together.
Prevalence of community gatherings
Events like county fairs, church functions, athletic games, and town festivals define summertime culture in the rural Midwest. Pickle wraps are the ideal handheld bite to feed crowds at these community gatherings. Portability and shareability make pickle wraps a staple at these events.
Conclusion
While increasingly available outside the region, pickle wraps retain a strong association with Midwestern food culture and heritage. Keys like locally produced pickles, beloved deli meats, Central European cuisine influences, and prevalence at community gatherings make the Midwest the prime home of the pickle wrap. Taste preferences also simply seem more concentrated in the Midwest. So next time you see pickle rolls on a menu or store shelf, it’s a good bet you’re in the Midwest!