I’ll never forget the day I first tried Bacon-Wrapped Pickle Spears with Cream Cheese. It was a scorching summer afternoon, and my buddy Mike invited me over for a backyard barbecue. As soon as I walked through the gate, the mouthwatering aroma of sizzling bacon hit me like a freight train. “Hey man, you gotta try these!” Mike shouted, handing me a perfectly golden-brown spear, dripping with melted cream cheese. I’ll admit, I was a bit skeptical at first – I mean, bacon and pickles? But one bite and I was hooked. The savory, salty bacon perfectly complemented the tangy, crunchy pickle, with the cool, creamy cheese tying it all together. From that moment on, Bacon-Wrapped Pickle Spears with Cream Cheese became a summertime staple in my household.
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? It’s all about the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The key is in the bacon-wrapping technique – you want to make sure the bacon is cooked until crispy and golden-brown, without overcooking the pickle spears. And the cream cheese? Well, that’s the secret ingredient that takes this dish to the next level, providing a cool, creamy contrast to the salty, crunchy bacon and pickle.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these Bacon-Wrapped Pickle Spears with Cream Cheese, you’ll need a few simple ingredients:
- Pickle spears – Look for large, firm pickle spears that can hold up to the bacon wrapping.
- Cream cheese – Full-fat cream cheese works best for a rich, indulgent flavor.
- Bacon – Choose a thick-cut, high-quality bacon for optimal crispiness.
- Toothpicks – These will help hold the bacon in place while baking.
Step-by-Step Bacon-Wrapped Pickle Spears with Cream Cheese Instructions
Preparing Your Bacon-Wrapped Pickle Spears with Cream Cheese
This Bacon-Wrapped Pickle Spears with Cream Cheese recipe is a breeze to make, with a total prep and cook time of just 30 minutes. You’ll need a baking sheet, a sharp knife, and a few simple tools to get started.
1- First, pat the pickle spears dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture.
2- Next, spread a generous amount of cream cheese onto each pickle spear, making sure to cover the entire surface.
3- Carefully wrap a slice of bacon around each cream cheese-covered pickle spear, securing it in place with a toothpick.
4- Arrange the Bacon-Wrapped Pickle Spears on a baking sheet, making sure they’re not touching each other.
5- Bake the Bacon-Wrapped Pickle Spears in a preheated oven until the bacon is crispy and the cheese is melted, about 20-25 minutes.
6- Remove the Bacon-Wrapped Pickle Spears from the oven, let them cool for a minute, and then serve immediately.
Pro Tips for Success
The key to perfect Bacon-Wrapped Pickle Spears with Cream Cheese is all in the technique. Here are a few pro tips to ensure your dish turns out flawless every time:
- Use a high-quality, thick-cut bacon for maximum crispiness.
- Make sure to pat the pickle spears dry before adding the cream cheese to prevent soggy results.
- Adjust the baking time as needed, keeping a close eye on the bacon to prevent burning.
- For an extra flavor boost, try seasoning the cream cheese with a pinch of garlic powder or dried herbs.
- Avoid overstuffing the pickle spears with too much cream cheese, as this can cause them to become messy and difficult to wrap.
Serving and Storing Your Bacon-Wrapped Pickle Spears with Cream Cheese
Perfect Pairings for Bacon-Wrapped Pickle Spears with Cream Cheese
Bacon-Wrapped Pickle Spears with Cream Cheese are the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer or side dish. They pair perfectly with cold, crisp beers or refreshing summer cocktails. For a more substantial meal, serve them alongside grilled burgers, hot dogs, or a fresh green salad.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftover Bacon-Wrapped Pickle Spears with Cream Cheese can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the cheese is melted.
For make-ahead convenience, you can assemble the Bacon-Wrapped Pickle Spears with Cream Cheese up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate them until ready to bake. This makes them the perfect appetizer or side dish for your next backyard barbecue or game day gathering.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Bacon-Wrapped Pickle Spears with Cream Cheese
Creative Bacon-Wrapped Pickle Spears with Cream Cheese Variations
While the classic Bacon-Wrapped Pickle Spears with Cream Cheese is a surefire hit, there are plenty of ways to put a unique spin on this crowd-pleasing dish. Try swapping out the pickles for other crunchy vegetables, like asparagus or zucchini spears. Or, for a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a drizzle of hot sauce to the cream cheese before wrapping.
Making Bacon-Wrapped Pickle Spears with Cream Cheese Diet-Friendly
For a healthier take on Bacon-Wrapped Pickle Spears with Cream Cheese, you can substitute low-fat or dairy-free cream cheese, and use turkey bacon or plant-based bacon alternatives. To make them gluten-free, simply skip the toothpicks and use a sturdy toothpick alternative, like a small skewer or wooden pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use pre-sliced bacon for this recipe?
A: While pre-sliced bacon can work in a pinch, I highly recommend using thick-cut, high-quality bacon for the best texture and flavor. The thicker slices will wrap around the pickle spears more easily and get perfectly crispy in the oven.
Q: How long should I bake the Bacon-Wrapped Pickle Spears with Cream Cheese?
A: The Bacon-Wrapped Pickle Spears with Cream Cheese should bake for 20-25 minutes in a preheated 400°F oven. Keep a close eye on them and remove them from the oven once the bacon is crispy and the cheese is melted.
Q: Can I make these Bacon-Wrapped Pickle Spears with Cream Cheese ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can assemble the Bacon-Wrapped Pickle Spears with Cream Cheese up to 24 hours in advance and store them in the refrigerator until ready to bake. This makes them a great make-ahead appetizer or side dish.
Q: How many Bacon-Wrapped Pickle Spears with Cream Cheese should I plan for per person?
A: As a general rule, plan for 2-3 Bacon-Wrapped Pickle Spears with Cream Cheese per person as an appetizer. If serving them as a side dish, 1-2 spears per person should be sufficient.
Q: What should I do if the bacon isn’t getting crispy?
A: If the bacon isn’t crisping up as much as you’d like, try turning up the oven temperature to 425°F and baking the Bacon-Wrapped Pickle Spears for an additional 5-10 minutes. You can also try broiling them for 1-2 minutes at the end to get that perfect, golden-brown finish.
Bacon-Wrapped Pickle Spears with Cream Cheese
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 12 servings
Description
These irresistible Bacon-Wrapped Pickle Spears with Cream Cheese are the perfect party appetizer. Salty, savory, and utterly delightful, they come together in just 20 minutes for a quick and easy crowd-pleasing treat.
Ingredients
– 12 pickle spears
– 12 slices bacon
– 4 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill (optional)
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1/2 tsp onion powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. – Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. – In a small bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, dill (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3. – Spread about 1-2 tbsp of the cream cheese mixture onto each pickle spear.
4. – Wrap a slice of bacon around each cream cheese-topped pickle spear, securing it with a toothpick.
5. – Arrange the bacon-wrapped pickle spears on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. – Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy.
7. – Remove from oven and let cool for 5 minutes.
8. – Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
– For best results, use dill pickle spears.
– Try experimenting with different cheese fillings, such as cheddar or goat cheese.
– These can be prepped ahead of time and baked right before serving.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Snacks & Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
Bacon-Wrapped Pickle Spears with Cream Cheese are the ultimate flavor explosion that’s sure to wow your family and friends. With their irresistible combination of salty, savory, and tangy, these bite-sized delights are the perfect addition to any summer gathering or game day spread. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a go-to staple in your culinary repertoire. So what are you waiting for? Grab those pickles, bacon, and cream cheese, and let’s get cookin’!