Bacon Wrapped Pickles

Name: Bacon Wrapped Pickles
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 12 to 14 dill pickle spears; 6 ounces cream cheese, (softened); 12 to 14 slices smoked bacon

Bacon Wrapped Pickles are a delicious and easy-to-make snack combining tangy pickles, creamy filling, and crispy bacon. Perfect for any occasion, this recipe comes together in just 35 minutes and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

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Table of Contents

Bacon Wrapped Pickles Ingredients
Bacon Pickles Substitutions and Additions
How To Make Bacon-Wrapped Pickles
Additional Troubleshooting Tips for Smoked Bacon Wrapped Pickles
How To Serve Bacon Wrapped Baked Pickles
How To Store Pickles and Bacon
Why These Bacon Wrapped Pickles Are The Best
Bacon Wrapped Pickles Frequently Asked Questions
More Pickle Appetizers
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Bacon wrapped pickles bring together a trio of unbeatable ingredients: dill pickles, creamy cheese, and savory bacon. But what makes this recipe truly special is the technique—hollowing out the pickles and filling them with cream cheese before wrapping them creates a flavor-packed “pickle sandwich” that is full of crunch. Every bite offers the perfect blend of tanginess, creamy richness, and bacon crispiness, making this recipe a must-try for your next snack or appetizer.

What You Need to Know

MAIN INGREDIENTS: Dill pickle spears, cream cheese, smoked bacon

QUICK STEPS: Preheat oven to 375°F, hollow out pickle spears, fill with cream cheese, sandwich two spears together, wrap in bacon, bake for 25-30 minutes

TOTAL TIME AND YIELD: 35 minutes, serves 6

WHY THIS RECIPE: With specific tips to ensure the cream cheese adheres, as well as guidance on how to make sure the bacon turns out crispy, we go beyond the basics. Our step-by-step approach, combined with these insider tips, ensures your snack will not only be delicious but foolproof. We include helpful cooking notes and doneness checks to guarantee success for home cooks of any skill level.

PRO TIP: Placing the pickles on a wire rack allows the heat to circulate around them, ensuring the bacon cooks evenly and crisps up on all sides.

Bacon Wrapped Pickles Ingredients

Bacon Wrapped Pickles raw ingredients that are labeled

You’ll need:

12-14 dill pickle spears
6 ounces cream cheese, softened
12-14 slices of smoked bacon

Bacon Pickles Substitutions and Additions

Dill Pickle Spears: You can substitute whole dill pickles. Simply slice them down the center and hollow out the pulp. Sweet pickles or bread and butter pickles can also be used for a different flavor. You could also use mini dill pickles.

Cream Cheese: Experiment with different flavors by trying flavored cream cheese spreads such as chive and onion or jalapeño.

Smoked Bacon: Turkey bacon is a good alternative for those who prefer it. We loved the taste of smoked bacon for this bacon wrapped pickles recipe, but you can experiment with maple-flavored or peppered bacon too.

Add a Barbecue Glaze: Brush the bacon with your favorite barbecue sauce before baking for an added layer of flavor. This can add a sweet and smoky taste to the pickles.

Add Spices: Sprinkle some paprika, garlic powder, or cayenne pepper over the cream cheese filling before wrapping with bacon. This will add an extra kick of flavor to the dish.

Incorporate Cheese: Mix shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese with the cream cheese for a cheesier filling. This adds a different texture and taste to the filling.

Add Herbs: Fresh herbs like dill, chives, or parsley can be added to the cream cheese filling for added freshness and flavor.

How To Make Bacon-Wrapped Pickles

Follow these detailed steps to ensure your pickles turn out just right.

STEP ONE: Before you start, preheat your oven and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or heavy-duty aluminum foil for easy cleanup.

Place an oven-safe, wire cooling rack over the lined baking sheet and spray it with nonstick cooking spray.

This setup helps the bacon crisp up by allowing air to circulate around the pickles.

STEP TWO: Use a small spoon to carefully remove the centers from each dill pickle spear. These wells will be filled with your cream cheese mixture.

PRO TIP: Be gentle during this process to keep the pickles intact for a better wrap later.

center removed from the dill pickle spears

STEP THREE: Arrange the hollowed pickle spears on a plate lined with paper towels, soft side down. Pat them dry with another layer of paper towel.

Removing excess moisture is key to ensuring the cream cheese sticks and the bacon crisps up nicely.

PRO TIP: Thoroughly drying the pickles will enhance the texture and help the appetizer bake up crispier and with more flavor.

STEP FOUR: With a butter knife, fill each hollowed-out spear with about one tablespoon of softened cream cheese. Smooth it out to create an even filling.

STEP FIVE: Pair two filled pickle spears, cream cheese sides together, like a sandwich.

pickle spears filled with cream cheese smashed together

STEP SIX: Take one bacon slice and wrap it tightly around the middle of each pickle sandwich, overlapping slightly. Use a second slice to cover the ends. Secure the bacon if necessary with toothpicks.

slices of bacon wrapped around slices of pickles

STEP SEVEN: Place each bacon-wrapped pickle on the prepared cooling rack. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the bacon is golden brown.

Check them at the 22-minute mark to avoid overcooking.

Bacon Wrapped Pickles baked on a baking dish

STEP EIGHT: Once they’ve baked to crispy perfection, remove the pickles from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving with your choice of dipping sauce.

Additional Troubleshooting Tips for Smoked Bacon Wrapped Pickles

Pre-cook the bacon slightly: If you prefer extra crispy bacon, you can partially cook the bacon strips before wrapping them around the pickles.
Use toothpicks to secure bacon: If you find the bacon isn’t staying wrapped around the pickles, use toothpicks to hold it in place. Just remember to remove them before serving.
Uniform pickle sizes: Try to use pickle spears that are similar in size for even cooking. If the spears vary too much in size, some may be undercooked while others are overcooked.
Avoid thick bacon: Using regular or thin-cut bacon works best for this recipe. Thick-cut bacon may not cook thoroughly by the time the pickles are done. If thick-cut bacon is all you have, be sure to slightly precook it before wrapping it around the pickles.
Space pickles apart: On the wire rack, leave enough space between each pickle to allow air circulation. This helps the bacon cook evenly and become crispy on all sides.
Check for doneness: If you’re unsure whether the bacon is fully cooked, you can use a meat thermometer. Bacon is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

How To Serve Bacon Wrapped Baked Pickles

These tasty treats are versatile and can fit into various meal settings, from casual snacks to more formal gatherings. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.

Party Snack: Serve these pickles at your next party alongside other finger foods like deviled eggs, stuffed mushrooms, and mini sliders. Offer a dip like homemade ranch dressing with them, too!

Lunch Box Addition: Include bacon wrapped pickles in your lunch box for a fun and flavorful twist. Pair them with a salad and some fresh fruit for a balanced meal.

Outdoor Cookout: For an outdoor party, pair these pickles with sandwiches, chips, and a refreshing beverage like iced tea or lemonade for a relaxing meal in the park.

Game Day Snack: These pickles are great appetizers for game day. Serve them with other game-day favorites like chicken wings, nachos, and potato skins. The combination of crispy, cheesy, and savory snacks will keep everyone satisfied during the game.

Keto Diet: This is the ultimate low carb keto snack making it a good idea for pickle lovers who are looking for options without net carbs.

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How To Store Pickles and Bacon

Proper storage of your bacon wrapped dill pickles will help maintain their deliciousness and ensure they stay fresh. Here’s how you can make ahead, store, and reheat these tasty snacks.

MAKE AHEAD: You can prepare bacon wrapped pickles a day in advance. Follow the recipe up to the baking step, then cover and refrigerate the wrapped pickles on the wire rack over the baking sheet. When you’re ready to serve, simply bake them according to the instructions.

IN THE FRIDGE: Store leftover bacon wrapped pickles in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to two days. Make sure they are fully cooled before placing them in the fridge to avoid condensation, which can make the bacon soggy.

IN THE FREEZER: To freeze, place the fully cooked and cooled bacon wrapped pickles on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to one month, however, be aware that the texture of the pickles may change when thawed.

REHEATING: For the best texture, reheat bacon wrapped pickles in the oven at 375°F for five to eight minutes. If you’re in a hurry, you can use the microwave. Place the pickles on a microwave-safe plate and heat on high for 30-45 seconds, checking them halfway through to avoid overcooking.

Why These Bacon Wrapped Pickles Are The Best

Easy to Make: Straightforward steps that anyone can follow.

Perfect for Parties: A crowd-pleaser that fits any casual gathering or special event.

Kid-Friendly Snack: A recipe that’s simple enough for little helpers to join in.

Bacon Wrapped Pickles Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use whole pickles instead of spears to make bacon wrapped pickles?

Yes, slice whole pickles down the center and hollow them out before following the rest of the recipe.

Can I still make this recipe if I don’t have an oven-safe wire rack?

If you don’t have a wire rack, you can still make bacon wrapped pickles. Simply place the wrapped pickles directly on a parchment-lined or foil-lined baking sheet.

Just be aware that without a wire rack, the bacon may not get as crispy on the underside since the air can’t circulate around it as effectively. To help with this, you could flip the pickles halfway through baking to ensure even cooking and crispiness.

How do I prevent the bacon from unwrapping while baking?

Secure each piece of bacon with toothpicks to keep it in place during baking.

What dipping sauces go well with bacon wrapped pickles?

Ranch dip, honey mustard, and spicy aioli are great options.

Can I use flavored cream cheese?

Yes, flavored cream cheese like chive and onion or jalapeño can add extra flavor.

How do I know when the bacon is done?

The bacon should be golden brown and crispy, which usually takes 25-30 minutes.

Can I prepare these bacon wrapped pickles on the grill?

Yes, you can grill them over medium heat until the bacon is crispy.

What type of bacon works best for this bacon wrapped pickles?

Regular or thin-cut bacon works best as it cooks evenly and crisps up nicely.

How many bacon wrapped pickles does this recipe make?

This recipe makes six to seven whole pickles wrapped in bacon, depending on the size of the spears.

Can I make this recipe spicy?

Yes, you can add spices like cayenne pepper to the cream cheese or use spicy pickles for a kick.

Bacon wrapped pickles bring together crunchy pickles and savory bacon in a fun and easy recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy this simple yet flavorful snack that’s sure to impress!

More Pickle Appetizers

Bacon Wrapped Pickles

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 25

Total Time 35

Servings

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Ingredients

12 to 14 dill pickle spears
6 ounces cream cheese, softened
12 to 14 slices smoked bacon

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or heavy duty aluminum foil. Lay a wire cooling rack over the lined baking sheet. Spray the rack with nonstick cooking spray.
Use a small spoon to carefully scrape out the center of each of the dill pickle spears.
Line a plate with paper towels.
Lay the hollowed pickle spears soft side down. Pat the pickles dry with another layer of paper towel. This will ensure the cream cheese adheres properly and the bacon crisps up without being steamed by the extra moisture.
Use a butter knife to gently fill the hollowed out part of the pickle with 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese. Be sure to smooth the cream cheese flat.
Next sandwich 2 filled pickle spears cream cheese sides together.
Wrap 1 strip of bacon around each pickle “sandwich.” Be sure to overlap the slice of bacon to the middle of the spear sandwich. Wrap the 2nd slice of bacon the same way to the end of the spear. Place each bacon wrapped pickle onto the sprayed rack. Repeat for remaining pickles.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown. (Since all ovens cook differently, begin checking on the bacon wrapped pickles at the 22 minute mark.) Remove from the oven and serve with your choice of dipping sauce.

Notes

Pre-cook the bacon slightly: If you prefer extra crispy bacon, you can partially cook the bacon strips before wrapping them around the pickles.
Use toothpicks to secure bacon: If you find the bacon isn’t staying wrapped around the pickles, use toothpicks to hold it in place for the best results. Just remember to remove them before serving.
Uniform pickle sizes: Try to use pickle spears that are similar in size for even cooking. If the spears vary too much in size, some may be undercooked while others are overcooked.
Avoid thick bacon: Using regular or thin-cut bacon works best for this recipe. Thick-cut bacon may not cook thoroughly by the time the pickles are done. If thick-cut bacon is all you have, be sure to slightly precook it before wrapping it around the pickles.
Space pickles apart: On the wire rack, leave enough space between each pickle to allow air circulation. This helps the bacon cook evenly and become crispy on all sides.
Check for doneness: If you’re unsure whether the bacon is fully cooked, you can use a meat thermometer. Bacon is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

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