Save The first time I made these, my husband looked at me like I had completely lost my mind. Pickles wrapped in bacon sounded like some strange fever dream, but twenty minutes later the whole kitchen smelled like a state fair and he was hovering by the oven door. Sometimes the weirdest combinations turn out to be the ones that disappear fastest from the platter.
I brought these to a Super Bowl party years ago when I was still trying to figure out my contribution game. My friend Sarah took one bite, eyes went wide, and immediately demanded the recipe. Now I cannot show up to a single gathering without someone asking if I brought the bacon pickle things. They have become my signature appetizer by complete accident.
Ingredients
- 6 large dill pickles: Whole pickles work best here because spears would make the wrapping process frustrating and the bacon coverage uneven
- 12 slices bacon: Regular cut bacon crisps up better than thick cut which stays chewy and does not wrap as neatly around the pickle curves
- Black pepper and smoked paprika: These add a subtle warmth that plays so nicely with the tang but honestly they are completely optional if you want to keep things simple
Instructions
- Get your oven ready:
- Preheat to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a wire rack which lets the bacon grease drip away for extra crispy results
- Prep the pickles:
- Pat them completely dry with paper towels because any surface water will steam the bacon instead of letting it crisp up properly
- Slice and season:
- Cut each pickle in half lengthwise so you end up with 12 pieces and give them a light dusting of pepper and paprika if you are using them
- Wrap them up:
- Encase each pickle half with a slice of bacon overlapping slightly and secure with a toothpick if the bacon keeps sliding off
- Bake until golden:
- Arrange seam side down and bake for 18 to 22 minutes until the bacon is crispy and has that gorgeous deep brown color
Save My niece who swears she hates pickles tried one at a family reunion just to be polite. She ate five of them and then asked if I could teach her how to make them. There is something about the smoky saltiness that even pickle skeptics cannot resist once they take that first bite.
Making Them Your Own
I have discovered that brushing the bacon with a tiny bit of maple syrup halfway through baking creates this incredible candied exterior. The sweetness balances the pickle tang in ways I never expected but now cannot stop thinking about.
Dipping Sauces That Work
Ranch dressing is the obvious choice and honestly you cannot go wrong there. But a creamy blue cheese dip adds this whole other layer of funkiness that takes them somewhere completely unexpected and wonderful.
Serving For A Crowd
These disappear so quickly that I always make at least double what I think I need. The bacon keeps them warm for about 15 minutes which gives you enough time to bring them out and watch them vanish.
- Keep toothpicks handy even if the bacon stays secure because they make grabbing so much easier
- A wire rack over the baking sheet saves you from dealing with a pool of grease later
- Make extra because you will want to snack on them while they come out of the oven
Save These have become my go to whenever I need to feed a crowd but do not want to spend all day in the kitchen. Simple messy and absolutely everyone loves them.
Recipe FAQs
- → Should I use whole pickles or pickle spears?
Whole dill pickles work best because they provide enough surface area for the bacon to wrap securely. Spear-style pickles are too narrow and won't hold the bacon properly during baking.
- → Do I need toothpicks to secure the bacon?
Toothpicks are optional but helpful, especially if your bacon slices are on the thinner side. They prevent the bacon from unwrapping while baking. Just remember to remove them before serving.
- → Can I air fry these instead of baking?
Yes, air frying works well. Cook at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. The bacon may cook faster, so keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
- → How do I prevent soggy pickles?
Thoroughly pat the pickles dry with paper towels before wrapping. Removing surface moisture helps the bacon crisp up properly and prevents the pickles from becoming waterlogged during baking.
- → What dipping sauces pair well?
Ranch dressing and blue cheese are classic choices that complement the tangy pickles and smoky bacon. Spicy mustard, honey mustard, or a creamy garlic dip also work beautifully.