Are you looking for a quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful appetizer or snack that will impress your guests? Look no further! This bacon-wrapped pickle recipe is surprisingly delicious and incredibly simple to make. It's the perfect blend of salty, crunchy, and tangy – a delightful combination that's guaranteed to be a hit at your next gathering or even a perfect addition to your game-day spread. These little bites are so easy to customize, making them a versatile addition to your homemade cooking repertoire. Ready to dive in? Let's get started!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound thick-cut bacon, cut in half
- 1 jar (32 ounces) dill pickle spears, drained
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
- Toothpicks
Instructions:
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Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. This simple step ensures your bacon-wrapped pickles cook evenly and prevent sticking.
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Prepare the pickles: Drain your dill pickle spears thoroughly. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the bacon crisp up nicely.
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Wrap the pickles: Take one half-piece of bacon and wrap it tightly around a pickle spear. Secure the bacon with a toothpick. Repeat with the remaining bacon and pickles. If you're using smaller pickles, you may only need a quarter piece of bacon per pickle.
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Add brown sugar (optional): If you're looking for a touch of extra sweetness, sprinkle the brown sugar lightly over the bacon-wrapped pickles. This adds a delicious caramelized flavor as they bake.
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Bake: Place the bacon-wrapped pickles on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and cooked through. Keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes to prevent burning.
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Cool and serve: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the bacon-wrapped pickles cool slightly before serving. Carefully remove the toothpicks before enjoying.
Tips for the Best Bacon-Wrapped Pickles:
- Choose thick-cut bacon: Thicker-cut bacon renders better and provides a more satisfying crunch.
- Don't overcrowd the baking sheet: Give the pickles some space to ensure even cooking.
- Adjust cooking time: Depending on your oven and the thickness of your bacon, you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.
- Experiment with different pickles: Feel free to experiment with different types of pickles, such as bread and butter pickles or spicy pickles, to create unique flavor combinations.
Variations:
- Spicy Pickles: Use spicy dill pickle spears for a fiery kick.
- Sweet and Spicy: Combine brown sugar with a pinch of cayenne pepper for a sweet and spicy twist.
- Garlic Bacon: Add a clove of minced garlic to the brown sugar for an extra layer of flavor.
- Cheese Stuffed Pickles: Before wrapping in bacon, stuff the pickle with a small amount of cream cheese for an added creamy element.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the size of your pickles and the type of bacon used. However, a single bacon-wrapped pickle will likely contain approximately:
- Calories: 100-150
- Fat: 10-15g
- Protein: 3-5g
- Carbohydrates: 2-4g
These delicious bacon-wrapped pickles are a perfect example of easy recipes that deliver big on flavor. They're ideal for parties, game days, or a simple yet satisfying snack. Enjoy!