These Pickle Poppers are a fun little snack that packs a punch! They’re crispy, tangy pickles stuffed with cream cheese and wrapped in crispy bacon. Yum!
Perfect for parties or just snacking while binge-watching your favorite show! I can’t help but munch on these little delights—they’re just so addictive! 😂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pickled Jalapeños: These add a fantastic spicy and tangy bite! If you want less heat, use sweet pickles or banana peppers instead. Both will still give a great flavor without the kick.
Cream Cheese: This gives that creamy texture. If you need a dairy-free option, try vegan cream cheese, which works just as well!
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar is a must for flavor. You can swap it for Monterey Jack or a pepper jack for an extra kick!
Bacon: I love bacon for the crunch and flavor. If you’re vegetarian, consider using plant-based bacon or omitting it altogether—just coat the jalapeños in breadcrumbs instead.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These make the poppers extra crispy. Regular breadcrumbs are fine, but they won’t be quite as crunchy.
What’s the Best Way to Ensure Crispy Pickle Poppers?
Getting that perfect crunch is key to enjoying these poppers! Here’s how to make sure they turn out crispy every time:
- Make sure your oil is hot (around 350°F) before frying. If it’s not hot enough, the poppers will soak up oil instead of getting crispy.
- Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan; this helps them fry evenly and crisp up nicely.
- Don’t skip the dredging steps! Coating in flour, egg, and panko creates the perfect barrier for that delicious crunch.
- Lastly, drain the fried poppers on paper towels to remove any excess oil. This ensures they stay crispy longer!
How to Make Pickle Poppers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 10 whole pickled jalapeños (halved and seeded)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Wrapping:
- 10 slices bacon (cut in half)
For Coating:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- Cooking oil (for frying)
Optional for Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Time Needed:
This recipe will take about 20 minutes for preparation and about 10 minutes for frying, making it a quick and delicious snack ready in around 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Filling:
In a medium bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed and creamy.
2. Stuff the Jalapeños:
Take each halved jalapeño and spoon a generous amount of the cream cheese mixture into each half. Make sure they are filled nicely but not overflowing!
3. Wrap with Bacon:
Now, take half a slice of bacon and wrap it around each stuffed jalapeño half. If you like, secure the bacon in place with a toothpick! This helps keep everything together while frying.
4. Set Up the Dredging Stations:
In one shallow dish, place the flour. In another dish, beat the eggs. In a third dish, add the panko breadcrumbs. You’ll be using these to coat the poppers to make them extra crispy!
5. Dredge the Poppers:
First, dip each bacon-wrapped jalapeño in the flour, making sure to shake off any excess flour. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally coat it well with panko breadcrumbs. This creates a delicious crispy layer!
6. Heat the Oil:
In a deep skillet or fryer, heat the cooking oil to 350°F (175°C). It’s important that the oil is hot enough before frying, so your poppers get crispy instead of soggy.
7. Fry the Poppers:
Carefully add the poppers to the hot oil in batches. Fry them for about 3–5 minutes, turning occasionally, until the bacon is crispy and the coating is golden brown.
8. Drain and Serve:
Once they’re done frying, remove the pickle poppers with a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil. This keeps them nice and crunchy!
9. Garnish and Enjoy:
If you’d like, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley over the top for a pop of color. Serve the pickle poppers warm as a tasty appetizer or snack!
Enjoy your crispy, cheesy, bacon-wrapped pickle poppers. They’re sure to be a hit!
Can I Use Different Types of Peppers?
Absolutely! If you prefer a milder flavor, you can swap out jalapeños for sweeter peppers like banana peppers or even mini sweet bell peppers. They’ll work perfectly with the cream cheese filling!
How Can I Make These Poppers Ahead of Time?
Sure! You can prepare the stuffed and wrapped jalapeños ahead of time and refrigerate them for up to a day before frying. When you’re ready to serve, just dredge them in the coatings and fry them fresh!
What Should I Do with Leftover Poppers?
Store leftover poppers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to help them regain their crispiness!
Can I Bake These Instead of Frying?
Yes! If you prefer a healthier option, you can bake these poppers. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the coated poppers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 20-25 minutes until the bacon is crispy and the coating is golden.
