You know what’s better than a pickle? A pickle wrapped in bacon. And if you’re rolling your eyes thinking “that’s just too much,” let me stop you right there.
This isn’t just another internet food trend – it will have you question everything you thought you knew about appetizers. It’s salty, it’s crunchy, it’s ridiculous in all the right ways, and it’s about to become your new party trick.
Want to know what makes this combo so irresistible?
Why This Recipe Rocks
Perfect party appetizer combining crispy bacon and tangy dill pickles for an irresistible sweet-salty flavor combo everyone will love.
Super easy to prepare with just two main ingredients, making it ideal for busy hosts and beginner cooks. The crispy bacon strips can be prepared using the same cooking method as a classic burger topping. Similar to stuffed chicken breasts, careful wrapping ensures the best results.
Budget-friendly crowd pleaser that yields plenty of servings without breaking the bank.
Versatile enough to serve at any gathering – from game day parties to summer barbecues and holiday celebrations.
Naturally low-carb and gluten-free option that satisfies cravings while fitting various dietary preferences.
Like popular BBQ bacon bombs, this recipe gained significant social media attention as a creative evolution of bacon-wrapped appetizers.
Bacon-Wrapped Grilled Pickle Recipe
Bacon-wrapped grilled pickles combine the smoky, salty bacon taste with the tangy crunch of dill pickles. This unique appetizer is perfect for summer grilling and tailgating events, offering a delicious twist on two beloved foods that will surprise and delight your guests. Consider serving alongside spicy beer cheese salsa for an irresistible party spread that offers complementary flavors.
Prep Time: 15 mins | Cook Time: 20 mins | Total Time: 35 mins | Serves: 6
Ingredients
- 6 large dill pickles, whole
- 12 slices of thick-cut bacon
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- Toothpicks or skewers for securing
Wisconsin-made products shine in this recipe – local thick-cut bacon offers superior flavor and texture, while locally produced pickles provide the perfect crunch. The brown sugar creates a sweet-savory balance and helps the bacon caramelize. Garlic powder enhances the overall flavor profile. Turkey bacon can be substituted, though it won’t render the same richness.
Cooking Instructions
- Pat the pickles dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture
- Mix brown sugar, black pepper, and garlic powder in a small bowl
- Wrap each pickle with 2 slices of bacon in a spiral pattern, securing ends with toothpicks
- Sprinkle the sugar-spice mixture evenly over the wrapped pickles
- Preheat grill to medium heat (350°F)
- Place pickles on the grill, on the indirect heat side
- Grill for 15-20 minutes, rotating a quarter turn until bacon is crisp
- Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing into rounds
Additional Pro Tips
As a professional cook working in Wisconsin, I’ve found that keeping the pickles whole rather than spears maintains better moisture and prevents them from becoming too soft during grilling. Patting the pickles completely dry is critical to success.
This guarantees the bacon adheres well and crisps properly.
For the best results, use room-temperature bacon as it wraps more easily and cooks more evenly. If grilling isn’t possible, these can be baked at 375°F on a rack over a baking sheet.
Serving Suggestions
- Paired with a cold Wisconsin craft beer, particularly a crisp pilsner
- Served alongside a creamy ranch dip made with local sour cream
- Presented on a platter with Wisconsin cheese curds and mustard sauce
- Offered as part of a grilled appetizer spread with corn on the cob and bratwurst
Nutritional Guide (per Serving)
Nutritional Information (per serving – 2 pickle spears):
- Calories: ~180
- Protein: ~12g
- Total Fat: ~14g
- Carbohydrates: ~8g
- Fiber: ~2g
- Sodium: ~890mg
Additional nutrients include vitamin K and probiotics from fermented cucumbers.
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients, brands used, and portion sizes.
Great Cooking Starts With the Right Tools
Ready to elevate your grilling game beyond these bacon-wrapped pickles? As a professional chef and Wisconsin native, I grill year-round. I’ve learned that quality tools make all the difference in the kitchen and at the grill.
After years of commercial cooking experience and countless family barbecues, I’ve curated a collection of must-have grilling essentials that deliver consistent results.
Whether smoking meats, grilling vegetables, or trying out this pickle recipe, having the right equipment transforms good food into great food.
I personally test and use every tool I recommend, focusing on durability and performance that stands up to Wisconsin’s varied seasons.
Check out my recommended grilling toolkit for everything from premium tongs to temperature probes that nail the perfect cooking time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?
While turkey bacon is an option, regular bacon provides better flavor and, due to its fat content, wraps more easily around the pickles.
Why are my pickles falling apart during cooking?
Sandwich pickle slices are too thin and fragile for this recipe. Use whole dill pickles, as they maintain their structure better when cooking.
How do I keep the bacon securely wrapped around the pickles?
Secure the bacon using toothpicks soaked in water before cooking to prevent them from burning during grilling.
Final Thoughts
Once you’ve mastered these bacon-wrapped pickles, you’ll never look at regular pickles the same way again. They’re the perfect appetizer for game day, backyard BBQs, or just because it’s Tuesday and you’re feeling fancy. Trust me, as someone who’s cooked in kitchens from California to Wisconsin, these are always a crowd-pleaser.
My kids call them “pickle candy” – and honestly, that’s pretty spot-on. The salty-sweet-tangy combo is addictive. Plus, they’re a great way to showcase our amazing Wisconsin bacon. Go ahead, make a double batch. They’ll disappear faster than you think!
