Bacon Pickle Poppers are a fun and tasty snack! You take crunchy pickles, stuff them with cream cheese, and then wrap them in crispy bacon. What’s not to love?
These little bites are perfect for parties or just for a crunchy treat at home. I like to make a big batch because they disappear fast—trust me, they’re that good! 🥓
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Dill Pickle Spears: These are the star of the show! For a hit of flavor, use whole dill pickles cut into spears. If they’re too sour for your taste, try using bread-and-butter pickles instead. They add a different sweetness!
Cream Cheese: This creamy base gives the poppers a rich texture. If you’re dairy-free, there are great vegan cream cheese options available now that work just as well!
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds a nice kick. If you want something milder, use mild cheddar or a cheese blend. Pepper Jack cheese can also spice things up if you like some heat.
Bacon: Regular bacon is delicious, but turkey bacon or even prosciutto can be lighter alternatives. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary with different types of bacon.
Panko Breadcrumbs: For extra crunch, panko is the way to go! If you want a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free panko or crushed rice cereal as a substitute.
How Do I Ensure My Pickle Poppers Are Extra Crispy?
To get the bacon nice and crispy, follow these tips closely:
- Thoroughly dry your pickle spears after rinsing them. Excess moisture can prevent crisping.
- Preheat your oven properly—this helps achieve that nice crunch right from the start.
- Use a wire rack on top of your baking sheet. This allows hot air to circulate around the poppers so the bacon crisps evenly.
- Don’t skip the cooking spray! A light coat helps the panko and bacon get golden brown.
- Keep an eye on them while baking! The last few minutes can make a big difference in getting that perfect crunch.
With these tips, you’ll have poppers that are not only tasty but also perfectly crispy every time! Enjoy your cooking!
Bacon Pickle Poppers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 24 dill pickle spears, drained and patted dry
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 12 slices bacon, cut in half
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- Cooking spray
- Fresh dill for garnish (optional)
- Ranch dressing or your favorite dipping sauce
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and an additional 25-30 minutes to bake. So, you can expect about 50 minutes total to create these delicious Bacon Pickle Poppers—perfect for parties, game days, or a fun movie night snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil and place a wire rack on top of it. This will help the bacon become crispy.
2. Prepare the Cheese Mixture:
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir everything together until the mixture is smooth and well mixed.
3. Stuff the Pickles:
Take your dill pickle spears and carefully stuff each one with the cream cheese mixture. Press the cheese firmly into the pickle so it stays in place without spilling out.
4. Wrap with Bacon:
Next, wrap each stuffed pickle spear with half a slice of bacon. Be sure to secure the ends of the bacon underneath the pickles or use a toothpick if necessary to keep everything together.
5. Set Up the Breading Station:
Now, get set up for breading! Use three shallow bowls: one for all-purpose flour, one for beaten eggs, and one for panko breadcrumbs. This makes the breading process easier and mess-free.
6. Coat the Poppers:
Take each bacon-wrapped pickle popper and roll it first in the flour, then dip it into the beaten egg, and finally coat it with panko breadcrumbs, making sure it’s fully covered.
7. Arrange on Baking Sheet:
Carefully place the breaded poppers on the wire rack on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray them with cooking spray to help the bacon get crispy while baking.
8. Bake Them:
Put the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on them until the bacon is crispy and the coating is a lovely golden brown.
9. Cool and Serve:
Once they’re done baking, take them out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. If you used toothpicks, remove them now.
10. Garnish and Enjoy:
If you like, add a sprinkle of fresh dill for a bit of color and flavor. Serve your Bacon Pickle Poppers warm with ranch dressing or your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy!
With every bite, you’ll enjoy the perfect crunch and delicious flavors! Happy cooking!
Can I Use Different Types of Pickles?
Absolutely! While dill pickles are traditional, you can substitute them with bread-and-butter pickles for a sweeter taste or even spicy pickles if you want some heat.
What Can I Use Instead of Cream Cheese?
If you’re looking for a substitute, you can use Greek yogurt for a lighter option or a non-dairy cream cheese alternative if you’re avoiding dairy. Just ensure it has a similar creamy texture.
Can I Make These Poppers Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the poppers up to the baking stage, cover them, and refrigerate for up to a day. Just pop them in the oven when you’re ready to cook; you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they are cold from the fridge.
How Should I Store Leftover Bacon Pickle Poppers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or an air fryer to maintain their crispiness before serving.
