Bacon Pickle Poppers are a fun snack made by wrapping crispy bacon around crunchy pickles. They’re the perfect blend of salty and tangy, making every bite a tasty treat!
If you love bacon and pickles, this is the ultimate combo! I could munch on these all day long. Just bake them and enjoy—party food that feels like a guilty pleasure! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Dill Pickle Spears: These are the star of the dish! Choose crispy, firm pickles for the best crunch. If you want something different, you could use pickled jalapeños for a spicy kick.
Bacon: Thin to medium cut bacon is ideal as it gets crispy while wrapping around the pickles. Turkey bacon can be a lighter alternative, but it won’t get as crispy.
Cream Cheese: This adds creaminess to your filling. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try using a vegan cream cheese substitute for a similar texture.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives a nice tang. For variety, try pepper jack for added spice or mozzarella for a milder flavor.
Panko Breadcrumbs: They help achieve the perfect crunch. If you don’t have panko, you can use regular breadcrumbs, but the texture will be a bit different.
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Crispy Bacon on Your Pickle Poppers?
The key to crispy bacon is cooking at the right temperature and time. Here’s how to ensure your bacon turns out perfectly:
- Wrap the bacon snugly around each pickle, but not too tight—this allows for even cooking.
- Lightly coat the bacon-wrapped pickles with cooking spray to promote crisping.
- Check the poppers after 25 minutes; if the bacon isn’t crispy enough, leave them in for a few more minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
Let them cool for a couple of minutes after baking to allow the cheese to firm up a bit before serving, making them easier to handle!
Bacon Pickle Poppers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 dill pickle spears, drained and patted dry
- 12 slices bacon (thin to medium cut)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Cooking spray or oil for greasing
- Chopped fresh chives or parsley for garnish (optional)
- Ranch or your favorite dipping sauce, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
Getting these Bacon Pickle Poppers ready takes about 15 minutes of prep time. Then, they’ll bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes. So, in total, you should set aside about 45 minutes to enjoy these delicious snacks!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it’s heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy clean-up, and give it a light spray with cooking oil to prevent sticking.
2. Make the Cheese Filling:
In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Stir everything together until it’s nicely blended and creamy.
3. Stuff the Pickles:
Take each dill pickle spear and pack it with the cheesy filling. Press down gently to fill them completely so that every bite is tasty!
4. Coat with Panko:
Roll each stuffed pickle in panko breadcrumbs, covering them well. This will give you that extra crunch we all love!
5. Wrap in Bacon:
Now, wrap one slice of bacon around each stuffed pickle, slightly overlapping the edges so it stays secure. If the bacon isn’t staying in place, you can use a toothpick to hold it together.
6. Bake the Poppers:
Place the bacon-wrapped pickles on the prepared baking sheet. Give them a light spray of cooking oil to help the bacon crisp up while baking.
7. Get Baking!
Put the baking sheet in the oven and let the Bacon Pickle Poppers bake for 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on them until the bacon is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese filling is bubbly.
8. Cool and Serve:
Once they’re ready, take them out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. This helps the cheese set a little, making them easier to handle.
9. Garnish and Enjoy:
If you’d like, sprinkle some chopped chives or parsley on top for a nice touch. Serve these poppers warm with a side of ranch or your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy every crispy, creamy bite!
Can I Use Different Types of Pickles?
Absolutely! While dill pickle spears are traditional, you can use bread and butter pickles for a sweeter flavor, or even pickled jalapeños for some heat. Just ensure they are firm and not overly soft to hold up during cooking.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make these Bacon Pickle Poppers gluten-free, simply substitute panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. They will still provide that necessary crunch!
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the poppers up to the baking stage and refrigerate them for a few hours or overnight. Just let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them back in a hot oven for a few minutes to regain their crispiness, rather than using the microwave, which can make them soggy.