You know those moments when you stumble upon a dish that instantly becomes a total crowd-pleaser? Well, that’s exactly what happened when I discovered the magic of Bacon-Wrapped Pickle Spears with Cream Cheese. It all started a few years ago when I was hosting a big game day party at my place. I wanted to serve up something unique and mouthwatering, something that would have all my guests raving. That’s when I came across this recipe, and let me tell you, it was love at first bite.
As soon as I tried the perfect combination of salty, tangy, and creamy flavors, I knew I had a winner on my hands. The way the crispy bacon wraps around the juicy pickle spears, complemented by the rich and zippy cream cheese filling – it’s an explosion of textures and tastes that’s simply irresistible. Ever since that first party, this Bacon-Wrapped Pickle Spears with Cream Cheese dish has become a staple in my recipe repertoire, making appearances at everything from casual game days to fancy cocktail parties.
Why This Bacon-Wrapped Pickle Spears with Cream Cheese Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Bacon-Wrapped Pickle Spears with Cream Cheese
What makes this Bacon-Wrapped Pickle Spears with Cream Cheese recipe so special is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The key is in the way the salty, savory bacon wraps around the tangy, crunchy pickle spears, creating a delightful contrast. But the real magic happens when you add the creamy, herbaceous cream cheese filling – it takes this appetizer to a whole new level of flavor.
The secret is in the simple yet ingenious combination of ingredients. The softened cream cheese is blended with cool and tangy sour cream, then seasoned with fragrant fresh dill, garlic powder, and onion powder. This creates a lush, flavorful filling that perfectly complements the pickle and bacon. And when you bake it all together, the result is a mouthwatering, irresistible appetizer that your guests won’t be able to resist.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these show-stopping Bacon-Wrapped Pickle Spears with Cream Cheese, you’ll need just a handful of simple ingredients:
- 12 dill pickle spears – The tart, crunchy pickle spears are the star of the show, providing the perfect base for the bacon and cream cheese.
- 12 slices of bacon – High-quality, thick-cut bacon wraps around each pickle spear, adding a delightful salty crunch.
- 8 oz. of softened cream cheese – The rich, creamy cheese filling is the glue that holds it all together, balancing the pickle’s tang.
- 1/4 cup of sour cream – This cool, tangy ingredient adds a lovely creaminess to the filling.
- 2 tablespoons of fresh, chopped dill – Fresh dill brings a beautiful herbal flavor that complements the pickles beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder – Just a touch of garlic adds depth and warmth to the filling.
- 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder – Onion powder enhances the savory notes and ties all the flavors together.
- Salt and pepper to taste – A sprinkle of salt and pepper brings out the best in all the ingredients.
Step-by-Step Bacon-Wrapped Pickle Spears with Cream Cheese Instructions
Preparing Your Bacon-Wrapped Pickle Spears with Cream Cheese
With a prep time of just 15 minutes and a cook time of 25 minutes, you can have these delectable Bacon-Wrapped Pickle Spears with Cream Cheese ready to serve in just 40 minutes total. All you’ll need is a baking sheet, a mixing bowl, and a few simple kitchen tools.
1- First, preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This will ensure the bacon-wrapped pickles don’t stick to the pan.
2- In a medium-sized bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, chopped fresh dill, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir until the filling is smooth and well-blended.
3- Take each dill pickle spear and generously coat it with the creamy, herbed filling, making sure to cover the entire surface.
4- Wrap a slice of bacon around each filled pickle spear, overlapping the edges slightly to keep the filling secure.
5- Arrange the bacon-wrapped pickles on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they’re not touching.
6- Bake the Bacon-Wrapped Pickle Spears with Cream Cheese for 25 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and golden brown. Serve these irresistible appetizers warm, garnished with a sprinkle of extra fresh dill.
Pro Tips for Success
- Use thick-cut bacon for the best texture. The thicker slices will crisp up beautifully without overcooking the pickles.
- Make sure to fully coat the pickle spears with the cream cheese filling. This helps the bacon adhere and creates a delectable creamy center.
- Arrange the pickles on the baking sheet with a little space between them. This allows the bacon to get evenly crispy all around.
- Keep a close eye on the baking time. You want the bacon to be crispy but not burnt, and the pickles to retain their signature crunch.
Serving and Storing Your Bacon-Wrapped Pickle Spears with Cream Cheese
Perfect Pairings for Bacon-Wrapped Pickle Spears with Cream Cheese
These Bacon-Wrapped Pickle Spears with Cream Cheese are the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer, serving up to 12 people. They pair beautifully with an array of game day snacks and beverages.
For the perfect game day spread, serve them alongside crispy potato chips, creamy ranch dip, and an ice-cold beer or cocktail. They also make a fantastic addition to a charcuterie board, complementing cured meats, olives, and crusty bread.
If you’re hosting a cocktail party, these bacon-wrapped bites are sure to be a hit. They’re the perfect savory counterpart to dry martinis, crisp white wine, or bubbly champagne.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Bacon-Wrapped Pickle Spears with Cream Cheese are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, but you can easily make them ahead of time.
To store, simply place the cooled, cooked pickles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, reheat them in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes until heated through and the bacon is crispy.
For longer-term storage, you can also freeze these appetizers. Place the unbaked, bacon-wrapped pickles on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, bake the frozen pickles directly from the freezer at 400°F for 30-35 minutes.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Bacon-Wrapped Pickle Spears with Cream Cheese
Creative Bacon-Wrapped Pickle Spears with Cream Cheese Variations
While the classic version of Bacon-Wrapped Pickle Spears with Cream Cheese is hard to beat, there are plenty of ways to put a creative spin on this tasty appetizer:
- Try using different flavored pickles, like spicy Sriracha or tangy bread and butter pickles, for a twist on the classic.
- Swap the fresh dill for other fresh herbs like chives, parsley, or rosemary for unique flavor profiles.
- Add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese or crumbled feta to the cream cheese filling for an extra creamy, savory bite.
- Drizzle the baked pickles with a sweet and tangy balsamic glaze or honey mustard sauce for a delectable flavor contrast.
Making Bacon-Wrapped Pickle Spears with Cream Cheese Diet-Friendly
For those with dietary restrictions, there are plenty of ways to adapt this recipe to fit your needs:
- To make it gluten-free, simply use gluten-free bacon and ensure the other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
- For a low-carb or keto-friendly version, swap the regular pickle spears for low-carb pickle alternatives, like dill cucumber spears.
- For a dairy-free option, use a dairy-free cream cheese and sour cream substitute, like almond or cashew-based versions.
- To make it vegan, use plant-based bacon and a creamy, dairy-free filling made with nut-based cream cheese and vegan sour cream.
No matter how you make them, these Bacon-Wrapped Pickle Spears with Cream Cheese are sure to be a hit with your guests!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of pickle besides dill?
A: Absolutely! While dill pickle spears are the classic choice, you can experiment with other pickle varieties like bread and butter, spicy, or even cornichons. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning in the cream cheese filling to complement the pickle flavor.
Q: How can I ensure the bacon gets crispy?
A: To get the bacon nice and crispy, make sure to use thick-cut bacon and bake the pickles at a high temperature (400°F). Keep a close eye on them during the 25-minute baking time, and flip the pickles halfway through to ensure even crisping.
Q: Can I make these Bacon-Wrapped Pickle Spears with Cream Cheese ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can definitely make these appetizers in advance. Prepare the filled, bacon-wrapped pickles up to 3 days ahead and store them in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat them in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes until heated through and the bacon is crispy.
Q: How many servings does this recipe make?
A: This Bacon-Wrapped Pickle Spears with Cream Cheese recipe makes 12 servings. Each serving consists of one bacon-wrapped pickle spear, making it the perfect shareable appetizer for game days, parties, or any other gatherings.
Q: What should I do if the bacon doesn’t fully cook?
A: If the bacon isn’t quite as crispy as you’d like, try extending the baking time by 5-10 minutes. You can also try broiling the pickles for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking to help the bacon achieve that perfect crispness.
Bacon-Wrapped Pickle Spears with Cream Cheese
- Total Time: 40
- Yield: 12 servings
Description
Indulge in the perfect balance of savory and tangy with these Bacon-Wrapped Pickle Spears, coated in a creamy cream cheese dip. A quick and easy appetizer that’s sure to be the hit of any party or gathering.
Ingredients
– 12 dill pickle spears
– 12 slices of bacon
– 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
– 1/4 cup sour cream
– 2 tbsp. chopped fresh dill
– 1 tsp. garlic powder
– 1/2 tsp. onion powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Wrap each pickle spear tightly with a slice of bacon, securing with a toothpick if needed.
3. Place the bacon-wrapped pickle spears on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
4. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy.
5. In a small bowl, mix together the cream cheese, sour cream, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
6. Serve the warm bacon-wrapped pickle spears with the creamy dipping sauce on the side.
Notes
For best results, use dill pickle spears that are firm and crunchy. You can also experiment with different seasonings or dipping sauces to suit your taste preferences.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
Bacon-Wrapped Pickle Spears with Cream Cheese is undoubtedly one of the most delightful and crave-worthy appetizers you’ll ever make. With its irresistible combination of salty, tangy, and creamy flavors, it’s no wonder this dish has become a staple in my recipe repertoire.
Whether you’re hosting a game day celebration, a cocktail party, or simply want to treat yourself to a mouthwatering snack, this recipe is sure to impress. So what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients and get ready to wow your guests with these irresistible Bacon-Wrapped Pickle Spears with Cream Cheese. I promise, it’ll be love at first bite!
