Cheesy Bacon Fried Pickles

Looking for a mouthwatering snack that’s sure to impress at your next gathering? Look no further than Cheesy Bacon Fried Pickles! This delightful appetizer combines the tangy crunch of dill pickles with the savory goodness of bacon and cheddar cheese, all wrapped up in a crispy, golden breadcrumb coating. Perfect for parties, game days, or anytime you crave a unique and tasty treat, these fried pickles are sure to be a hit.

Ingredients:

• 1 jar (16 oz) dill pickle spears, drained and patted dry
• 8 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Oil for frying
• Ranch dressing for dipping

Directions:

1. Prepare the Pickles
   • Lay out the pickle spears on a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
2. Mix Bacon and Cheese
   • In a bowl, mix together the crumbled bacon and shredded cheddar cheese. Place a spoonful of this mixture onto each pickle spear and wrap tightly.
3. Set Up Breading Stations
   • Prepare three separate bowls for breading: one with flour seasoned with paprika, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs.
4. Bread the Pickles
   • Roll each bacon and cheese-wrapped pickle first in the flour, then dip in the egg, and finally coat in the breadcrumbs.
5. Fry the Pickles
   • Heat oil in a deep fryer or large skillet to 375°F (190°C). Fry the breaded pickles in batches, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes.
6. Drain and Serve
   • Remove the fried pickles with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
7. Enjoy with Dipping Sauce
   • Serve the Cheesy Bacon Fried Pickles hot with ranch dressing for dipping. Enjoy this unique and tasty snack that combines the tangy crunch of pickles with the savory flavors of bacon and cheese.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

Nutritional Information

• Calories: Approximately 300 kcal per serving
• Servings: 4 servings

Serving Tips

1. Serve Immediately
   Cheesy Bacon Fried Pickles are best enjoyed hot and crispy. Serve them immediately after frying to ensure they retain their crunch and gooey cheese center.
2. Dipping Sauces
   While ranch dressing is a classic choice, you can also offer other dipping sauces like spicy mayo, blue cheese dressing, or a tangy barbecue sauce to provide a variety of flavors.
3. Garnish
   Add a touch of freshness by garnishing the fried pickles with chopped parsley or green onions before serving.
4. Accompanying Snacks
   Pair these fried pickles with other finger foods like chicken wings, mozzarella sticks, or onion rings for a complete appetizer spread.
5. Serve on a Platter
   Arrange the fried pickles on a serving platter with small bowls of dipping sauces around them for an appealing presentation.

Storage Tips

1. Refrigeration
   Store any leftover fried pickles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Note that they may lose some of their crispiness upon refrigeration.
2. Reheating
   To reheat and regain some of their crispiness, place the fried pickles on a baking sheet and heat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving as it can make them soggy.
3. Freezing
   For longer storage, you can freeze the fried pickles. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
4. Reheating from Frozen
   To reheat frozen fried pickles, place them on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until hot and crispy.
5. Avoiding Moisture
   Ensure the pickles are completely cooled before storing to prevent moisture buildup, which can make them soggy.

Variations:

1. Spicy Cheesy Bacon Fried Pickles
   • Ingredients: Add 1-2 teaspoons of hot sauce to the beaten eggs and 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture.
   • Directions: Follow the original recipe, but mix hot sauce into the beaten eggs and add cayenne pepper to the flour for an extra kick of heat.
   • Serving Tip: Serve with a cooling ranch or blue cheese dressing to balance the spiciness.
2. Cheesy Bacon Jalapeño Fried Pickles
   • Ingredients: Add 1-2 finely chopped jalapeños to the bacon and cheese mixture.
   • Directions: Mix the chopped jalapeños with the crumbled bacon and shredded cheddar cheese. Follow the original recipe for the rest of the steps.
   • Serving Tip: Serve with a creamy avocado dip to complement the spicy and tangy flavors.
3. Cheesy Bacon Dill Fried Pickles
   • Ingredients: Add 1 tablespoon of finely chopped fresh dill to the bacon and cheese mixture.
   • Directions: Mix the chopped dill with the crumbled bacon and shredded cheddar cheese. Continue with the original recipe.
   • Serving Tip: Serve with a dill-flavored ranch dressing for an extra burst of dill flavor.
4. Cheesy Bacon Ranch Fried Pickles
   • Ingredients: Add 1 packet of dry ranch seasoning mix to the breadcrumbs.
   • Directions: Mix the dry ranch seasoning with the breadcrumbs. Follow the original recipe steps for coating and frying the pickles.
   • Serving Tip: Serve with additional ranch dressing for dipping.
5. Cheesy Bacon Parmesan Fried Pickles
   • Ingredients: Add 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese to the breadcrumbs.
   • Directions: Mix the grated Parmesan cheese with the breadcrumbs. Continue with the original recipe for breading and frying the pickles.
   • Serving Tip: Sprinkle with extra Parmesan cheese and serve with marinara sauce for dipping.
6. Cheesy Bacon BBQ Fried Pickles
   • Ingredients: Add 1 tablespoon of barbecue sauce to the bacon and cheese mixture.
   • Directions: Mix the barbecue sauce with the crumbled bacon and shredded cheddar cheese. Follow the original recipe steps.
   • Serving Tip: Serve with a side of additional barbecue sauce for dipping.
7. Cheesy Bacon Panko Fried Pickles
   • Ingredients: Substitute regular breadcrumbs with panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
   • Directions: Use panko breadcrumbs in place of regular breadcrumbs. Follow the original recipe for breading and frying the pickles.
   • Serving Tip: Serve with a spicy mayo dip for a crunchy and flavorful experience.
8. Cheesy Bacon Honey Mustard Fried Pickles
   • Ingredients: Add 1 tablespoon of honey mustard to the bacon and cheese mixture.
   • Directions: Mix the honey mustard with the crumbled bacon and shredded cheddar cheese. Continue with the original recipe.
   • Serving Tip: Serve with a honey mustard dipping sauce for a sweet and tangy twist.
9. Cheesy Bacon Chipotle Fried Pickles
   • Ingredients: Add 1-2 teaspoons of chipotle powder to the flour mixture.
   • Directions: Mix the chipotle powder with the flour. Follow the original recipe steps for coating and frying the pickles.
   • Serving Tip: Serve with a chipotle aioli for a smoky and spicy flavor.
10. Cheesy Bacon Greek Fried Pickles
    • Ingredients: Add 1 tablespoon of crumbled feta cheese and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano to the bacon and cheese mixture.
    • Directions: Mix the crumbled feta and dried oregano with the crumbled bacon and shredded cheddar cheese. Follow the original recipe steps.
    • Serving Tip: Serve with a tzatziki sauce for a Mediterranean twist.

These variations offer creative and delicious ways to enjoy Cheesy Bacon Fried Pickles, allowing you to customize the recipe to suit different flavor preferences and occasions. Experiment with these ideas to find your favorite version!

FAQs:

1. Can I use different types of pickles for this recipe?
   • Yes, you can use different types of pickles such as bread and butter pickles, spicy pickles, or sweet pickles. Adjust the flavorings and seasonings accordingly to complement the type of pickle you choose.
2. Can I bake the pickles instead of frying them?
   • Yes, you can bake them for a healthier alternative. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C), place the breaded pickles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and crispy, turning them halfway through.
3. Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
   • Yes, you can use pre-shredded cheese. However, freshly shredded cheese may melt better and have a smoother texture.
4. How do I prevent the cheese from oozing out during frying?
   • Ensure the pickles are tightly wrapped with the cheese and bacon mixture. If needed, secure them with toothpicks while frying, but remember to remove the toothpicks before serving.
5. Can I prepare these in advance?
   • Yes, you can prepare the pickles up to the breading stage and refrigerate them for a few hours before frying. This can save time when you’re ready to serve them.
6. What oil is best for frying the pickles?
   • Use a high smoke point oil such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil for frying. These oils will ensure the pickles fry evenly and achieve a crispy texture.