Bacon Wrapped Pickles with Cream Cheese Recipe

Alright, if you’re looking for a snack that’s downright addictive, let me introduce you to my Bacon Wrapped Pickles with Cream Cheese Recipe. Picture this: crunchy dill pickles, creamy cheese filling, all wrapped in smoky, crispy bacon. It’s got that satisfying mix of textures and flavors that I swear could cure just about any craving—and it’s super easy to make!

I’ve found this recipe to be a knockout at parties or casual get-togethers, but honestly, it’s perfect whenever you’re in the mood for something salty, tangy, and cheesy all in one bite. Plus, since it’s just a few simple ingredients, you can whip it up in no time. Trust me, once you try this Bacon Wrapped Pickles with Cream Cheese Recipe, you’ll want to keep it in your snacking rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Now, let’s talk ingredients. These few staples work so well together because the tanginess of the dill pickles balances the richness of the cream cheese and that irresistible crisp bacon finish. When shopping, look for firm, crunchy pickles to avoid sogginess and quality smoked bacon for maximum flavor.

• Dill pickle spears: I like using Vlasic brand for their consistent crunch and size. You’ll want firm ones so they hold up well when baked.
• Cream cheese: Softened cream cheese makes spreading and filling the pickles a breeze. Try to use full-fat for creamier richness.
• Smoked bacon slices: Grab a good quality smoked bacon—the smoky flavor really elevates the snack. Also, keep an eye on thickness; thinner bacon crisps better.

Variations

I love how versatile this Bacon Wrapped Pickles with Cream Cheese Recipe is. I’ve played around with a few tweaks, and honestly, making it your own is part of the fun. Feel free to swap ingredients and try new twists to suit your taste or dietary preferences.

• Spicy kick: Adding a spoonful of diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce into the cream cheese filling gave me such a delightful zip. If you like heat, definitely give this a shot!
• Herb infusion: Mix fresh chives or dill into the cream cheese for a fresh herbal note—it brightens the whole bite beautifully.
• Cheese swap: Instead of plain cream cheese, try flavored varieties like garlic & herb or even a little shredded cheddar mixed in for extra cheesiness.
• Vegetarian twist: If you want to skip bacon, try wrapping the pickles with thin slices of smoked gouda or a vegetarian bacon alternative before baking.

How to Make Bacon Wrapped Pickles with Cream Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Rack

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Next, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or heavy-duty aluminum foil – this makes cleanup so much easier. Then, place a wire cooling rack over the lined sheet and spray it with nonstick cooking spray. This setup allows the bacon to crisp nicely on all sides because the heat circulates underneath, preventing sogginess.

Step 2: Hollow Out Your Pickles

Grab a small spoon and carefully scrape out the center of each dill pickle spear. This step makes room for the cream cheese filling and keeps the bacon-wrapped treats from bursting during baking. I usually use a grapefruit spoon with a serrated edge—it’s the perfect size and shape for scraping.

Step 3: Dry the Pickles Thoroughly

Lay your hollowed pickle spears hollow side down on paper towels, then pat the pickles dry with another paper towel on top. Drying them well is key—it helps the cream cheese stick better and ensures the bacon crisps up instead of steaming. This little step might seem tedious, but it totally pays off.

Step 4: Fill with Cream Cheese and Assemble

Using a butter knife, gently spread about a tablespoon of softened cream cheese inside the hollowed area of each pickle spear. Smooth it flat so each bite has a nice even layer of creamy goodness. Then, sandwich two filled pickle spears cream cheese sides together—this creates the perfect size for wrapping.

Step 5: Wrap With Bacon

Take one slice of smoked bacon and wrap it snugly around each pickle sandwich. Overlap the bacon so it covers the middle and both sides of the pickle pair. If you find the bacon is slipping, feel free to secure it with a toothpick—which you can leave in when serving or remove for a cleaner look. I usually wrap twice with bacon slices, depending on the size of the pickle.

Step 6: Bake Until Crispy and Golden

Place your bacon-wrapped pickles on the sprayed wire rack and bake for 25-30 minutes. But don’t forget all ovens cook a little differently, so start checking at the 22-minute mark to avoid overcooking. You’re looking for golden brown bacon that’s nice and crispy. Pull them out, let them cool just slightly, and get ready to indulge!

How to Serve Bacon Wrapped Pickles with Cream Cheese Recipe

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle mine with freshly chopped green onions or chives for a pop of fresh color and mild onion flavor. A dash of smoked paprika or a drizzle of barbecue sauce can also elevate the presentation and add another layer of smoky sweetness that pairs beautifully with the bacon.

Side Dishes

These Bacon Wrapped Pickles with Cream Cheese Recipe bites go wonderfully with classic comfort sides like crispy fries or onion rings. For a lighter touch, pairing with a fresh green salad or coleslaw balances out the richness perfectly. I also love serving them alongside a tangy dipping sauce, like ranch or spicy aioli.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I like arranging them on a wooden platter with toothpicks poking out for easy grab-and-go snacking. You can even line them up in mini muffin tins to hold them upright—looks adorable and keeps the bacon in place while serving. If you’re feeling fancy, a side bowl of flavored sour cream or mustard dip adds that special touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually keep any leftover Bacon Wrapped Pickles with Cream Cheese in an airtight container in the fridge, and they stay good for up to 2 days. The key is to let them cool completely before storing to avoid soggy bacon.

Freezing

I’ve tried freezing these, and while it’s doable, the texture changes a bit—especially the bacon crispiness. If you want to freeze, wrap each pickle well in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer bag. When thawing, reheat in the oven to help revive that crisp bacon texture.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, pop them back into a 375°F oven for 5-8 minutes. This reheats the cream cheese filling gently and crisps up the bacon again without drying out the pickles. Using the oven instead of a microwave makes a big difference in texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I have to say, this Bacon Wrapped Pickles with Cream Cheese Recipe has become one of my go-to snacks whenever I want something quick, flavorful, and satisfying. It’s the kind of recipe you share with friends and find yourself making over and over because it just hits the spot every time. Give it a try—you might just find yourself hooked, and I promise you’ll impress everyone at your next gathering!

Print