Pin it The first time I made bacon-wrapped pickles was for a last-minute game night with friends who showed up hungry and expectant. I had limited ingredients but remembered seeing this appetizer somewhere online. The contrast between the salty, smoky bacon and the tangy, cool pickles created an unexpected hit. Everyone hovered around the kitchen island, snatching them up before I could even plate them properly.
During football season last year, I served these bacon-wrapped pickles alongside more elaborate appetizers that took hours to prepare. My husband kept circling back to this simple dish, eventually confessing that these two-ingredient wonders were his favorite of all. Sometimes the simplest combinations create the most satisfying flavors, a reminder not to overcomplicate things in the kitchen or in life.
Ingredients
- Dill pickles: Choose large, firm whole pickles rather than spears for the perfect bite-to-bacon ratio I discovered after testing various pickle types.
- Bacon: Regular-cut bacon works best as thick-cut takes too long to crisp around the pickle and thin-cut often tears during wrapping.
- Black pepper and smoked paprika: These optional seasonings elevate the flavor profile with a subtle heat and smokiness that complements both the pickle and bacon beautifully.
Instructions
- Prep your pickles:
- Thoroughly pat those pickles dry with paper towels, getting them as moisture-free as possible. This crucial step ensures your bacon will crisp up properly rather than steaming against wet pickle surfaces.
- Slice and season:
- Cut each pickle in half lengthwise and consider dusting them with that black pepper and smoked paprika. Even this small seasoning step adds remarkable depth to the final flavor.
- The bacon wrap:
- Wrap each pickle half with a bacon slice, slightly overlapping as you go to ensure complete coverage. If your bacon keeps unraveling, secure it with toothpicks at each end like Ive learned to do.
- Strategic placement:
- Arrange your wrapped pickles seam-side down on the baking sheet, which naturally helps keep them closed during baking. The parchment paper or wire rack prevents them from sticking and allows excess grease to drain away.
- Bake to perfection:
- Watch these transform in a 400°F oven for about 20 minutes until the bacon turns that irresistible golden brown. Youll notice the edges beginning to crisp while the entire kitchen fills with a savory aroma.
- The patience test:
- Let them cool briefly before serving, though this is honestly the hardest part of the recipe. Those few minutes of cooling prevent burned mouths and allow the flavors to settle together.
Pin it When my sister was going through a tough time last winter, I dropped by her place with a batch of these bacon-wrapped pickles still warm from the oven. We sat at her kitchen counter eating them straight from the container, laughing about how something so simple could taste so complex. Food has always been our language of comfort, and these little morsels spoke volumes that day without needing many words between us.
Serving Suggestions
After experimenting with various dipping options, Ive found that a cool ranch or tangy blue cheese dressing creates the perfect temperature and flavor counterpoint to these hot, savory bites. The creamy element against the crisp bacon and juicy pickle creates a third dimension of flavor that elevates the entire experience. For casual gatherings, I place these on a wooden board with small ramekins of different dips and let people discover their own favorite combinations.
Make-Ahead Options
You can prep these bacon-wrapped pickles up to a day ahead by wrapping the pickles and storing them covered in the refrigerator. Just remember to bring them to room temperature for about 15 minutes before baking for the most even cooking results. While they taste best fresh from the oven, leftovers can be reheated in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore most of their crispy texture, though Ive rarely had enough left to test this thoroughly.
Variations to Try
After making this recipe dozens of times, Ive discovered several delicious variations that keep it interesting. Brushing the bacon with a thin layer of maple syrup before baking adds a subtle sweetness that plays beautifully against the salty and tangy elements, creating an almost addictive flavor profile. For heat lovers, sprinkling red pepper flakes along with the paprika transforms these into spicy bites that leave a pleasant warmth.
- Substitute turkey bacon for a lighter version, though youll need to watch the cooking time as it tends to cook faster than pork bacon.
- For a more complex flavor, use flavored pickles like garlic or spicy versions instead of plain dill.
- Sprinkle with a touch of brown sugar along with the spices before wrapping for a sweet-savory-tangy combination thats unexpectedly delicious.
Pin it These bacon-wrapped pickles have earned their place in my entertaining repertoire, proving that sometimes the most memorable dishes come from the simplest ideas. Next time youre looking for an easy yet impressive appetizer, let this two-ingredient wonder save the day.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I use pickle spears instead of whole pickles?
Yes, pickle spears work well for this appetizer. You may need to adjust baking time slightly since spears are thinner and will cook faster. Check for doneness around 15 minutes instead of 18-22.
- → How do I prevent the bacon from sliding off?
Pat the pickles completely dry before wrapping—moisture causes bacon to slip. Wrap the bacon tightly with slight overlaps, and use toothpicks if needed to secure the ends during baking.
- → What dipping sauces pair best with these?
Ranch dressing and blue cheese dressing are classic choices. You can also try sriracha mayo, garlic aioli, or a tangy mustard-based sauce for different flavor profiles.
- → Can I make these ahead of time?
You can assemble them a few hours ahead and refrigerate until ready to bake. However, for best crispness, bake just before serving. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- → What type of bacon works best?
Regular-cut bacon works perfectly as specified. Thick-cut bacon takes longer to cook, while thin-cut varieties may overcook. Turkey bacon is a lighter alternative that cooks similarly to regular bacon.
- → Are these truly gluten-free?
Yes, the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. However, always check bacon labels for additives or fillers, as some brands may contain gluten or added sugars.