These Bacon Pickle Poppers are a fun and tasty treat! Crunchy pickles are wrapped in smoky bacon and baked until golden. You won’t be able to resist their tasty, salty goodness!
They’re the perfect snack for game day or movie night! I love how easy they are to make—you just wrap, bake, and enjoy. Warning: you might not want to share! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Dill Pickles: Choose large, firm dill pickles for the best texture. If you prefer, you can use bread and butter pickles for a sweeter touch. Gherkins are also an option if you want smaller bites!
Cream Cheese: This gives a creamy base. You can substitute with Neufchâtel cheese for a lighter option, or even vegan cream cheese for a dairy-free version.
Cheddar Cheese: While sharp cheddar adds great flavor, feel free to mix it up with pepper jack for a kick, or go for a milder cheese like Monterey Jack if preferred.
Bacon: Regular bacon works best but turkey bacon is a leaner alternative if you’re looking to cut down on fat. Just note it may not crisp up as well!
Pork Rinds: These add crunch, but you can use seasoned bread crumbs instead if you’re looking for a more traditional coating. Gluten-free breadcrumbs also work well as an alternative!
How Do You Get the Bacon Extra Crispy?
Achieving crispy bacon on your poppers is all about the right technique! Here’s how to make sure your bacon comes out perfectly:
- First, make sure the pickles are well-drained. Excess moisture can prevent the bacon from getting crispy.
- Position the bacon-wrapped pickles on a wire rack in the oven. This allows hot air to circulate around, cooking the bacon evenly.
- Cook at a higher temperature, around 400°F (200°C). It’s great for getting that crispiness!
- Keep an eye on them in the last few minutes of baking, as bacon can go from crispy to burnt quickly.
Let them cool a bit before biting in; this helps the filling set slightly, making them easier to enjoy!
How to Make Bacon Pickle Poppers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Poppers:
- 12 large dill pickles (whole, not sliced, ideally firm pickles)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 12 slices bacon, cut in half
- 1/2 cup crushed pork rinds or optional seasoned bread crumbs for coating
- Toothpicks for securing
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10-15 minutes to prepare and 20-25 minutes to bake, giving you a total time of approximately 35-40 minutes. Just a bit of prep work and then it’s mostly waiting for the oven to do its magic!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup, and if you have one, place a wire rack on top. This will help make the poppers crispy all around!
2. Prepare the Pickles:
Take your dill pickles and pat them dry with paper towels. You want them as dry as possible to help with the crispiness later. Carefully cut each pickle in half lengthwise and gently hollow out a little bit of the center of each half using a small spoon or knife. This makes room for the cheese filling!
3. Make the Cheese Filling:
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Mix it all together until it’s nice and smooth. Don’t be shy—give it a good stir!
4. Fill the Pickles:
Using a spoon, fill each hollowed-out pickle half generously with the cheese mixture. The more cheesy goodness, the better!
5. Coat the Cream Cheese:
Now, take the filled side of each pickle and lightly press it into the crushed pork rinds (or seasoned bread crumbs) to coat. This adds a nice outer crunch!
6. Wrap with Bacon:
Take a half slice of bacon and wrap it around each stuffed pickle half, securing it with a toothpick. This keeps the bacon in place while it cooks. Yum!
7. Arrange on Baking Sheet:
Place your bacon-wrapped pickles on the wire rack over the baking sheet to help them cook evenly and crisp up nicely.
8. Bake to Perfection:
Pop them in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on them until the bacon is crispy and the cheese filling is nice and bubbly.
9. Cool and Serve:
Once they’re done, carefully remove the pickles from the oven. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving, as the filling will be hot!
10. Enjoy:
Serve these Bacon Pickle Poppers warm as a smoky, tangy, and creamy appetizer or snack. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Can I Use Leftover Pickles for This Recipe?
Absolutely! If you have leftover pickles in the fridge, they’re perfect for this recipe. Just ensure they’re still crisp and not too soft for the best results!
Can I Make Bacon Pickle Poppers Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the poppers up to a day in advance. Simply wrap the filled pickles with bacon, place them on a baking sheet, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Bake them right before serving!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
What Dipping Sauce Pairs Well with Bacon Pickle Poppers?
These poppers are fantastic on their own, but they go great with ranch dressing, spicy mayo, or a honey mustard dip for extra flavor!