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Prepare the bacon: Begin by preheating a skillet over medium heat. Lightly grease the pan with olive oil. Take each slice of bacon and carefully cook it in the skillet until crispy but still flexible. Set the cooked bacon on a paper towel to drain excess grease.
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Wrap the pickles: Once the bacon is cool enough to handle, take one pickle spear and wrap it tightly with a slice of bacon. Secure the bacon in place by inserting a toothpick through the center of the wrapped pickle.
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Fry the wrapped pickles: Heat the olive oil in the skillet over medium heat again. Place the bacon-wrapped pickles in the skillet and cook, turning them as necessary, until the bacon is golden brown and crispy all around (about 2-4 minutes per side). This will add an extra layer of flavor and crunch to the dish.
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Serve: Once the bacon-wrapped pickles are crispy, remove them from the skillet and place them on a paper towel to absorb any excess oil. Arrange them on a platter and sprinkle with ranch seasoning (if using) for added flavor.
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Enjoy: Serve the Dill Pickle Bacon Shots as an appetizer or snack with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ranch dressing, BBQ sauce, or a spicy sriracha mayo.
Serving and Storage Tips:
- These shots are best enjoyed immediately while the bacon is crispy and hot, but they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in a skillet to restore the crispiness.
- If you want to make a larger batch for a crowd, you can cook the bacon-wrapped pickles in the oven. Arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy.
Variants:
- Cheese Stuffed Dill Pickles: For an extra indulgence, stuff the pickles with cream cheese or cheddar cheese before wrapping them in bacon for a gooey, savory treat.
- Spicy Dill Pickle Bacon Shots: Add a little heat by using spicy pickle spears or adding a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the bacon before wrapping the pickles.
- Maple Bacon Dill Pickles: Drizzle some maple syrup over the wrapped pickles after cooking for a sweet and savory version of this appetizer.
FAQ:
1. Can I use thick-cut bacon for this recipe? Thick-cut bacon can be used, but it may require a longer cooking time to become crispy. Thin-cut bacon tends to work best for a quicker and more even cook.
2. Can I make these in advance? Yes! You can prep and wrap the pickles ahead of time. Just store the wrapped pickles in the fridge and cook them when you’re ready to serve.
3. Can I make these in the oven instead of a skillet? Yes! You can bake the bacon-wrapped pickles at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until the bacon is crispy and golden.
4. What dipping sauces go best with Dill Pickle Bacon Shots? These shots pair well with classic dipping sauces like ranch dressing, BBQ sauce, or sriracha mayo. You can also serve them with a spicy mustard or garlic aioli for added variety.
