Bacon Pickle Poppers are a fun treat that combines crispy bacon with zesty pickles. These little bites are packed with flavor and are perfect for snacking anytime!
Honestly, who can resist bacon? Wrapping pickles in it is like putting a cherry on top of a sundae! I love serving these at parties—they’re always a hit!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Dill Pickles: Use thick-cut dill pickles for a nice bite. If you prefer a milder flavor, bread-and-butter pickles work too. They add sweetness instead of tang!
Cream Cheese: This is essential for a creamy filling. If you’re looking to cut fat, you can use reduced-fat cream cheese, or even Greek yogurt for a tangy twist.
Bacon: Thin-sliced bacon wraps beautifully around the pickles. Turkey bacon is a leaner choice, though it won’t crisp up as much. Choose according to your preference!
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives a wonderful flavor, but feel free to mix in other cheeses like pepper jack for a spicy kick or mozzarella for a milder taste.
What’s the Best Way to Get Bacon Crispy on Pickles?
To ensure your bacon is crispy when making these poppers, follow these steps:
- Wrap bacon tightly but not too tightly around the pickles, allowing some space for it to shrink during cooking.
- Using a wire rack in the oven allows fat to drip off, helping the bacon crisp up. If frying, ensure the oil is hot enough—this avoids greasy textures.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan or baking sheet. Give each popper room so hot air or oil circulates evenly.
With these tips, you’ll have wonderfully crispy Bacon Pickle Poppers every time!
Bacon Pickle Poppers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 12 large dill pickle slices (thick-cut, about 3 inches long)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For Wrapping:
- 12 slices of bacon (thin sliced)
For Coating:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Cooking spray or oil (for frying or baking)
- Toothpicks or small skewers (for securing bacon)
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and around 25-30 minutes for cooking. So, in total, you’ll need about an hour to enjoy these delicious Bacon Pickle Poppers from the moment you start cooking to the moment you serve them!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Filling:
In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, and black pepper. Mix all the ingredients until they are well blended into a creamy mixture.
2. Fill the Pickles:
Take your dill pickle slices and pat them dry with some paper towels to remove excess moisture. Then, using a knife or a spatula, spread a generous amount of the cheese mixture evenly onto each pickle slice, making sure to cover them well.
3. Wrap with Bacon:
Take one slice of bacon and carefully wrap it around each filled pickle slice. Make sure it hugs the pickle snugly. Use a toothpick or skewer to secure the bacon in place so it doesn’t unravel during cooking.
4. Coat the Poppers:
Set up a breading station by placing the flour in one shallow bowl, beaten eggs in a second bowl, and panko breadcrumbs in a third bowl. Dip each bacon-wrapped pickle first into the flour, then into the beaten eggs, and finally coat it in panko breadcrumbs. Ensure all sides are well coated.
5. Cook the Poppers:
- Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place a wire rack on top of the sheet. Arrange the poppers on the rack and spray them lightly with cooking spray. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until you see the bacon crispy and the breadcrumbs golden brown.
- Frying Method: Heat oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Fry the poppers in batches, turning them occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes until they are golden and the bacon is fully cooked. Drain on paper towels after frying.
6. Serve:
Carefully remove the toothpicks from each popper and serve them warm. These Bacon Pickle Poppers are perfect with ranch dressing, spicy mayo, or your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy every crunchy, cheesy bite!
Enjoy your crispy, cheesy, smoky Bacon Pickle Poppers!
Can I Use Different Types of Pickles?
Absolutely! While dill pickles are traditional, you can use bread-and-butter pickles for a sweeter flavor or even spicy pickles if you want an extra kick. Just choose thick-cut pickles to hold the filling well.
How Do I Make These in Advance?
You can prepare the poppers up to the point of cooking and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to cook, just bake or fry them as directed. This is great for party prep!
Can I Freeze Bacon Pickle Poppers?
Yes! You can freeze them before cooking. Arrange the uncooked poppers on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months. Cook them straight from frozen; just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What Should I Serve with These Poppers?
Bacon Pickle Poppers pair wonderfully with dips like ranch dressing, spicy mayo, or even a tangy barbecue sauce. They also make a fantastic appetizer alongside some celery sticks or a fresh side salad!