Bacon Wrapped Pickles Recipe
If you’re looking for a snack that’s equal parts crispy, tangy, and downright addictive, then you’ve got to try this Bacon Wrapped Pickles Recipe. Seriously, it’s one of those unexpected combos that works like magic—salty bacon, creamy cheese, and the bright crunch of pickles all wrapped up together. I first stumbled on this recipe when hosting a casual hangout, and let me tell you, it disappeared faster than I could say “pass me another one!”
What I love about this Bacon Wrapped Pickles Recipe is how simple it is and how well it fits any occasion, whether it’s game day, a quick appetizer for dinner, or even a fun party snack. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll find yourself reaching for this combo again and again. Plus, you don’t need a ton of fancy ingredients, which means you can whip it up anytime and impress your friends with very little fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients balance out each other perfectly, giving you that crisp, creamy, and smoky bite every time. One tip when shopping: look for firm dill pickle spears and good quality smoked bacon to make the flavor really pop.
- Dill pickle spears: I use Vlasic brand because they’re nice and crunchy, but you can try any brand you prefer. Just make sure they’re not too soggy.
- Cream cheese: Softened cream cheese is key—smooth filling sticks better and feels richer alongside the pickle.
- Smoked bacon slices: Choose a good smoked bacon like Great Value or your favorite brand; the smoky flavor is essential here.
Variations
I like to play around with this Bacon Wrapped Pickles Recipe quite a bit depending on my mood or who I’m cooking for. It’s super flexible, so don’t hesitate to tweak it and make it your own.
- Add some heat: I sometimes mix a little jalapeño cream cheese or sprinkle cayenne inside for a spicy kick. It’s a total crowd-pleaser if you like things with a bit of a punch.
- Swap the filling: Tried it with herbed goat cheese once and loved the tangy twist it added—totally worth a try if you want to get fancy.
- Glaze the bacon: Before baking, brush the bacon with a little maple syrup or BBQ sauce to add a sticky, caramelized finish.
- Use whole pickles: Instead of spears, try slicing whole dill pickles in half lengthwise, hollowing them out, and assembling the same way. It makes for great finger food.
How to Make Bacon Wrapped Pickles Recipe
Step 1: Prep the pickles with care
The very first thing I do is preheat my oven to 375°F and set up my baking sheet with parchment paper and a wire rack. This little setup helps the bacon crisp up evenly, and it keeps everything from getting soggy. Then, carefully hollow out the center of each pickle spear with a small spoon—take your time here because you want just enough room for the cream cheese without breaking the pickle apart.
Step 2: Dry and fill the pickles
Pat those hollowed-out pickles dry with paper towels. This is a crucial step — getting rid of excess moisture helps the cream cheese stick and means your bacon doesn’t steam, it crisps up beautifully instead. Then, gently fill each pickle with about a tablespoon of softened cream cheese and smooth it flat using a butter knife. I like to pack it in pretty well—it’s the creamy center that contrasts so nicely with the bacon and pickle.
Step 3: Sandwich and wrap ‘em up
Next, I sandwich two cream-cheese filled pickle spears together like little pickle boats. This keeps everything snug so nothing slips out while baking. Then comes the bacon wrapping—take one slice of bacon and wrap it around the pickle sandwich, making sure to overlap the bacon slice over the middle and then you can wrap a second slice toward the end for extra crisp and seal. Pro tip: You can secure the bacon with a toothpick if needed, especially if your bacon isn’t super stretchy.
Step 4: Bake until golden and crispy
Place your bacon wrapped pickles on the prepared wire rack and slide them into the oven for about 25-30 minutes. Watch closely after 22 minutes because ovens vary—you want that perfect golden-brown color on the bacon with a nice crisp. If you like, you can brush the bacon with a touch of maple syrup or BBQ sauce at this point for a sweet glaze that bakes right in.
How to Serve Bacon Wrapped Pickles Recipe

Garnishes
I usually keep it simple with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives right after baking – it adds a splash of color and a bit of freshness against the rich bacon and creamy cheese. If you’re serving alongside dips, some ranch or spicy mustard pairs wonderfully.
Side Dishes
These bacon wrapped pickles are perfect as a standalone snack but also shine alongside crispy fries, a fresh green salad, or even some baked beans for a hearty spread. I’ve even paired them with wings at game day events—they fit right in with those bold flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, I like to serve them on skewers or cocktail picks for easy grabbing. Laying them out on a wooden board with assorted dipping sauces makes a great centerpiece for guests to nibble around. Sometimes, I’ll stack them in little bundles tied with a thin chive for a cute presentation twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (I rarely am!), store the bacon wrapped pickles in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Make sure they’re cool before sealing to avoid sogginess.
Freezing
Honestly, I haven’t frozen these before because they’re so quick to make fresh, but I’ve read you can freeze them raw (assembled but uncooked) on a tray then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When ready, bake them straight from frozen—just add a few extra minutes to the cook time.
Reheating
To bring leftovers back to life, I pop them in the oven at 375°F for 5-8 minutes until the bacon regains its crunch and the cheese is warmed through. Microwaving tends to make the bacon chewy, so oven reheating is definitely my go-to.
FAQs
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Can I use whole pickles instead of spears for this Bacon Wrapped Pickles Recipe?
Absolutely! You can slice whole dill pickles lengthwise and hollow out the center just like with spears. The filling and baking method stays the same, but the presentation is different—it’s a neat way to create bite-sized, savory pickle boats.
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What type of bacon works best for this recipe?
Smoked bacon slices are your best bet for that rich, smoky flavor that complements the tangy pickles and creamy cheese. I’ve used everything from store-brand to artisanal bacon, and as long as it crisps well, it’ll work. Just watch your cook time so it doesn’t burn or stay chewy.
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How do I prevent the bacon from unwrapping during baking?
If your bacon slice isn’t clinging well, try overlapping the slices tightly around the pickle and securing with a toothpick. That little trick keeps everything intact and means you don’t lose any of that delicious bacon coverage while baking.
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Can I prepare the bacon wrapped pickles ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the pickles up to a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator in an airtight container. When you’re ready to bake, just place them on a rack and follow the baking instructions as usual.
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What sauces go well with Bacon Wrapped Pickles?
I personally love serving these with a classic ranch dip, spicy mustard, or even a smoky chipotle mayo. The creamy dips complement the tang and salt perfectly, but really, whatever you like best is the right choice!
Final Thoughts
This Bacon Wrapped Pickles Recipe is one of those recipes that’s easy enough to throw together on a weeknight but impressive enough for any get-together. I love how it surprises everyone with its flavor combo every time. If you’re craving a snack that hits all the right notes—crispy, creamy, salty, and tangy—this one’s for you. Trust me, once you make it, it’ll quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation, just like it is in mine!
Print
Bacon Wrapped Pickles Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Bacon Wrapped Pickles are a savory and crunchy appetizer featuring dill pickle spears stuffed with creamy cheese and wrapped in crispy smoked bacon. This easy-to-make recipe combines tangy pickles, smooth cream cheese, and smoky bacon baked to golden perfection, perfect for game days, parties, or a flavorful snack.
Ingredients
Pickles
- 12–14 dill pickle spears (Vlasic brand recommended)
Filling
- 6 ounces cream cheese, softened
Bacon
- 12–14 slices smoked bacon (Great Value brand recommended)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare rack: 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 and spray the rack with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and promote crispiness.
- Hollow out pickles: Use a small spoon to carefully scrape out the center of each dill pickle spear to create space for the filling.
- Dry the pickles: Line a plate with paper towels and place the hollowed pickle spears soft side down. Pat them dry with additional paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring the cream cheese will stick and the bacon crisps properly.
- Fill pickles with cream cheese: Using a butter knife, gently fill each hollowed-out part of the pickle with about 1 tablespoon of softened cream cheese, smoothing the surface flat.
- Make pickle sandwiches: Sandwich two filled pickle spears together with the cream cheese sides facing each other, creating a pickle pair.
- Wrap with bacon: Wrap one slice of bacon around each pickle sandwich, overlapping the bacon in the middle. Then wrap a second slice of bacon around the same sandwich towards the end, fully covering it. Place the bacon-wrapped pickles onto the sprayed wire rack. Repeat for all sandwiches.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the bacon is golden brown and crispy. Start checking at 22 minutes, as oven temperatures vary.
- Serve: Carefully remove from the oven and serve warm with your choice of dipping sauce.
Notes
- Storage: Store leftover bacon wrapped pickles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 375°F for 5-8 minutes to crisp the bacon again.
- Make Ahead: Assemble the pickle sandwiches up to one day in advance, store in the refrigerator in an airtight container, then bake just before serving.
- Tips: Use a wire cooling rack over foil to allow bacon to crisp evenly. Pat pickles dry thoroughly to prevent sogginess. Use toothpicks to secure bacon if desired. Substitute whole dill pickles by slicing and hollowing; bake time remains the same. Brush bacon with barbecue sauce, maple syrup, or fruit preserves before baking for extra flavor.
Keywords: Bacon wrapped pickles, stuffed pickles, bacon appetizer, cream cheese pickles, party food, game day snack
