Can I combine different types of pickles?

That creates a nice effect! Mix large, medium, and mini gherkins for more texture and playfulness, as long as the layers are cut evenly so the tower stays firm.

How do I make sure the toothpicks are not visible?

Push them vertically into the center of the structure, hidden between the gherkins. Carefully seal the outer edge so nothing remains visible.

How do I prevent the tower from drying out in the refrigerator?

Cover lightly with cling film or an inverted bowl. It's not necessary to seal it completely airtight, but prevent the wind from blowing on it freely.

Can I transport the tower to a party?

Yes, but place it in a small, suitable bowl and lightly secure it with paper towels around the sides to prevent it from falling over. Keep refrigerated until serving.

How do I make the tower extra festive?

Garnish with pink peppercorns, fresh herbs, a pretty ribbon, extra pickles all around, or use different colored pickles for a playful Christmas or party theme.

Pickled Pièce Montée with gherkin and onions

Name: Pickled Pièce Montée with gherkin and onions
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 4 people
Ingredients: 1 large jar of pickles (preferably large, firm pickles); 1 whole gherkin (for garnish); 1 jar of silver onions (pickled); Toothpicks; Extra silver onions around the tower; Bow or kitchen twine for decoration

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15 min

A pickled tower is all the rage! Think gherkins, silver onions, and a cute bow, arranged like a miniature piècemontée. Perfect as a side dish with raclette, tartiflette, cheese fondue, or a traditional cheese platter. Sweet and sour, super cute, and incredibly simple to make.

Ingredients

What do you need?

Quantity: 4 people

In front of the turret
1 large jar of pickles (preferably large, firm pickles)
1 whole gherkin (for garnish)
1 jar of silver onions (pickled)
Toothpicks

Optional for finishing
Extra silver onions around the tower
Bow or kitchen twine for decoration

1 large jar of pickles (preferably large, firm pickles)
1 whole gherkin (for garnish)
1 jar of silver onions (pickled)
Toothpicks

Extra silver onions around the tower
Bow or kitchen twine for decoration

Preparation method

How do you make this?

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Preparing pickles
Remove the pickles from the jar and place them on a cutting board. Line them up neatly and trim one side so all the pickles are the same height.

Making soil
Choose a small serving dish with a rim to keep the pickles neatly organized. Arrange the pickles upright in a circle, filling it completely. Use trimmed pieces to fill in any gaps to ensure everything stays securely in place.

Second layer
Cut more gherkins to the same height and form a second circle, slightly smaller than the first. Place this on top of the first layer and use toothpicks to secure the structure.

Top layer and finish
Top with a final layer of gherkin and top with a silver onion as a crown. Add extra silver onions around the edges for a more elegant look. Finally, tie a ribbon or some kitchen twine around the tower for a festive finish.