Bacon Pickle Poppers are a tasty treat that combines crispy bacon with tangy pickles and a cheesy filling. It’s a fun snack that’s perfect for sharing at parties!
They’re so easy to make, you might find yourself popping a few in your mouth before they even hit the table. Who could resist bacon and cheese? I know I can’t! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Dill Pickles: Use large, whole dill pickles for the best crunch and flavor. If you prefer, you can substitute with bread and butter pickles for a sweeter taste, but keep in mind this will slightly change the flavor profile.
Cream Cheese: Cream cheese gives the poppers a creamy texture. If you want a lighter option, you can use low-fat cream cheese or even Greek yogurt for a tangy twist.
Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar is classic and flavorful, but feel free to try pepper jack for some heat, or mozzarella for a milder undertone.
Bacon: For the filling, any cooked bacon will do. If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, turkey bacon works well, though it may not get as crispy as pork bacon.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These give a crispy coating. You can swap with regular breadcrumbs if that’s what you have on hand, but panko offers a better crunch!
How Do I Properly Hollow Out Pickles Without Breaking Them?
When hollowing out pickles, it’s important to be gentle to avoid breaking them. Here’s how:
- Use a small spoon or a melon baller; they’ll help you scoop out the insides without damaging the pickle.
- Work slowly and carefully, rotating the spoon as you go to make an evenly hollow center.
- Leave about a 1/4 inch of pickle on the sides for structure.
This method ensures your poppers hold up well when being stuffed and wrapped in bacon!
How to Make Bacon Pickle Poppers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 large dill pickles (whole, not spears)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon, plus extra for wrapping
- 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 12 slices of bacon (for wrapping)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Cooking spray (for baking)
- Optional dipping sauce: Ranch dressing or spicy mayo
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious snack will take you about 15-20 minutes to prep and another 25-30 minutes to bake. So, you’re looking at a total of around 50 minutes before you can enjoy these tasty Bacon Pickle Poppers!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your poppers will be perfectly crispy when they’re done baking. While the oven heats, prepare your baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or a silicone mat, and give it a light spray of cooking spray.
2. Prepare the Pickles:
Take your dill pickles and slice them lengthwise if they’re large. If they’re smaller, you can leave them whole. Now, carefully hollow out the centers of each pickle using a small spoon or melon baller. Make sure to leave enough pickle on the sides for structure while creating room for your tasty filling.
3. Mix the Filling:
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, chopped green onions, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Use a spatula or a mixer to blend everything together until you have a smooth, creamy mixture.
4. Fill the Pickles:
Now it’s time to fill the hollowed-out pickles! Carefully spoon the cheese mixture into each pickle, heaping it up slightly for a nice stuffed effect. Don’t worry if a little overflows—it just means more deliciousness!
5. Wrap with Bacon:
Take your bacon slices and cut them in half if needed to fit. Carefully wrap each stuffed pickle with a slice of bacon, securing it in place with a toothpick if necessary. It’s okay if a bit of the filling peeks out—that’s all part of the charm!
6. Coat with Panko:
Roll each bacon-wrapped pickle in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently so they are coated evenly. This will give them that wonderful crispy texture when baked.
7. Bake the Poppers:
Place the poppers on your prepared baking sheet and give the tops a light spray with cooking spray to help them crisp up while baking. Pop them in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until you see the bacon becoming crispy and the cheese bubbling up.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the poppers are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve these scrumptious Bacon Pickle Poppers with a dipping sauce like ranch dressing or spicy mayo for added flavor. Get ready to enjoy a crunchy, cheesy bite of bliss!
Happy munching! 🥒🥓✨
Can I Use Different Types of Pickles?
Absolutely! While dill pickles are traditional for this recipe, you can use bread and butter pickles for a sweeter twist or even spicy pickles if you like a kick! Just be aware that the flavor will change slightly.
How Can I Make These Bacon Pickle Poppers Spicier?
If you want to add some heat, consider mixing diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper into the cheese filling. You can also use spicy bacon or serve them with a hot sauce on the side!
Can I Prepare Them in Advance?
Yes, you can! Assemble the poppers up to a day before and store them in the refrigerator covered with plastic wrap. Just bake them straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if necessary.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Keep any leftover Bacon Pickle Poppers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake them at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 10-15 minutes for that crispy texture again!