There are few things in life as satisfying as the first crunchy bite of a fried pickle — especially when it’s stuffed with gooey cheese and smoky bacon. Growing up in an Italian-American household, my Nonna believed that every gathering needed a crunchy, cheesy appetizer. While she was famous for her fried zucchini, I’ve taken inspiration from her golden batter techniques and created a modern twist with these Cheesy Bacon Fried Pickles!
Whether you’re planning a backyard summer barbecue or a cozy winter game day feast, these pickles are a total crowd-pleaser. Let’s dive right into this fun and savory snack!
Why You’ll Love These Cheesy Bacon Fried Pickles
- Ultra crispy on the outside, warm and melty inside
- Smoky bacon adds a rich, savory flavor
- Quick and easy — ready in under 30 minutes
- Perfect appetizer for parties, BBQs, or game nights
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Pickles:
- 12 large dill pickle spears (patted dry with paper towels)
- 6 slices cooked bacon (crispy, finely crumbled)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
Optional for Serving:
- Ranch dressing
- Spicy mayo
- Honey mustard sauce
How to Make Cheesy Bacon Fried Pickles
1. Prepare the Pickles
- Gently pat each pickle spear dry to remove excess moisture.
- Slice a small pocket down the side of each pickle spear.
2. Stuff with Cheese and Bacon
- In a bowl, combine the shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and crumbled bacon.
- Carefully stuff each pickle spear with the cheese-bacon mixture. Don’t overfill or they may burst while frying!
3. Set Up the Breading Station
- Place the flour in one shallow dish.
- In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk.
- In a third dish, mix the panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, and pepper.
4. Bread the Pickles
- Roll each stuffed pickle spear in flour, then dip it into the egg wash, and finally coat it with the seasoned panko breadcrumbs.
- Press lightly to make sure the breadcrumbs stick well.
5. Fry to Crispy Perfection
- Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the pickles in batches, 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove them and drain on paper towels.
6. Serve and Enjoy!
- Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces!
Tips for the Best Cheesy Bacon Fried Pickles
- Dry the pickles well: Moisture is the enemy of a crispy coating!
- Don’t overstuff: A little cheese goes a long way.
- Use a thermometer: Keep the oil at a steady 350°F for perfect frying.
Delicious Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños to the cheese mixture.
- Different Cheeses: Try pepper jack or gouda for a new flavor twist.
- Air Fryer Method: Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway!
Perfect Pairings
Pair these Cheesy Bacon Fried Pickles with:
- Ice-cold beer
- Grilled burgers
- A fresh summer slaw
Conclusion: Your New Favorite Snack Awaits!
Whether you’re hosting friends or just indulging in some weekend snacking, Cheesy Bacon Fried Pickles are bound to steal the show. With their irresistible combination of smoky bacon, melty cheese, and crunchy pickle goodness — they’re basically happiness in one crispy bite.