Pickle poppers are a fun and tasty snack! These little bites are stuffed with cream cheese and wrapped in crispy bacon. It’s a flavor party in every bite!
Making pickle poppers is a blast! I love how the crunchy bacon pairs perfectly with the creamy filling. Perfect for game night or just because—you won’t be able to eat just one! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Dill Pickles: Choose large dill pickles for the best bite. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can use bread and butter pickles, but note that they will add sweetness.
Cream Cheese: This is essential for that creamy filling. If you’re looking for lighter options, consider Greek yogurt or ricotta cheese. It’s not quite the same, but it can still be tasty!
Cheddar Cheese: I love using sharp cheddar for extra flavor. If you want something different, try pepper jack for a bit of heat or mozzarella for a milder cheese.
Bacon: Traditional bacon adds great flavor. For a healthier choice, turkey bacon works well, though it may not get as crispy.
Breadcrumbs: I recommend seasoned breadcrumbs for added flavor. If you’re gluten-free, use crushed gluten-free crackers or cornmeal instead.
How Do You Get the Perfect Crunchy Coating?
The key to getting that perfect crunchy outside is all in the breading process. Make sure to coat your pickles properly for the best results:
- Start with dry pickles—pat them with paper towels if they’re wet.
- Coat in flour first to help the egg stick, then dip in the beaten egg.
- Finally, roll them in breadcrumbs, pressing gently to get a good layer.
- Don’t skip the cooking spray! It helps the coating get extra crispy in the oven or air fryer.
Following these steps will ensure your pickle poppers come out crispy, delicious, and ready to impress!
How to Make Delicious Pickle Poppers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pickle Poppers:
- 12 large dill pickles (whole)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- 12 slices of bacon (cut in half)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 1/2 cups seasoned breadcrumbs (or panko for extra crunch)
- Cooking spray or vegetable oil (for air fryer or oven)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare, plus another 25-30 minutes to bake (or 12-15 minutes in the air fryer). So, in roughly one hour, you’ll be ready to enjoy these crunchy, cheesy treats!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). If you’re using an air fryer, set it up now. Then, slice each pickle in half lengthwise. Be careful! Use a small spoon or knife to scoop out a little bit of the insides to make room for the yummy filling.
2. Make the Cream Cheese Filling:
In a medium bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika (if you’re using it). Stir until everything is well blended and creamy.
3. Stuff the Pickles:
Now it’s time to fill those pickles! Take the cream cheese mixture and evenly fill each pickle half. Don’t be shy; make sure they’re nice and full.
4. Wrap with Bacon:
Take half a slice of bacon and wrap it around each stuffed pickle half. If your bacon doesn’t seem to stay in place, you can use a toothpick to secure it. This step is where the magic of flavor begins!
5. Prepare for Breading:
Set up three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with the beaten eggs, and one with the seasoned breadcrumbs. This assembly line will help you coat the poppers easily.
6. Bread the Pickle Poppers:
Now, take each bacon-wrapped pickle and dip it first into the flour (make sure to shake off any extra), then into the egg, and finally into the breadcrumbs. Make sure they’re evenly coated for that perfect crunch!
7. Get Ready to Bake:
Place the coated pickle poppers on a wire rack over a baking sheet or directly in the air fryer basket. Lightly spray them with cooking spray to help them crisp up beautifully.
8. Bake or Air Fry:
If you’re baking, pop them in the oven for about 25-30 minutes, or if you’re air frying, set it to 400°F and cook for 12-15 minutes. Remember to turn them halfway through for even cooking. You want them golden brown and crispy!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Once they’re done, remove the toothpicks if you used them, let them cool for a minute, and then serve your delightful pickle poppers! They’re best enjoyed warm and crispy!
Enjoy every crunchy, cheesy, bacon-wrapped bite! Perfect for parties, game days, or just a fun snack!
Can I Use Different Types of Pickles?
Absolutely! While dill pickles are the classic choice, you can experiment with bread and butter pickles for a sweeter flavor. Just keep in mind that the sweetness will change the overall taste of the poppers!
How Can I Store Leftover Pickle Poppers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven for a few minutes at 350°F (175°C) to get them crispy again, or microwave briefly if you’re in a hurry!
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the pickle poppers a day in advance! Just prepare everything up until the baking step. Cover and refrigerate, then bake them when you’re ready to serve!
Is There a Vegetarian Option for This Recipe?
Definitely! You can leave out the bacon and instead use a plant-based alternative or simply bake the cream cheese-stuffed pickles without any wrapping. They’ll still be delicious!