Pin it A fun and festive appetizer featuring tangy pickles wrapped in melted cheese and a crispy coating, perfect for parties or holiday gatherings.
This appetizer has been a hit at every holiday party I've hosted, and guests always ask for the recipe!
Ingredients
- Small dill pickles (cornichons or mini gherkins): 12, patted dry
- Cheddar cheese (or any meltable cheese): 6 slices, halved
- Large eggs: 2
- All-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour): ½ cup
- Panko breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs): 1 cup
- Smoked paprika: ½ tsp
- Garlic powder: ¼ tsp
- Black pepper: ¼ tsp
- Vegetable oil: for frying
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Pat the pickles dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Step 2:
- Wrap each pickle tightly with a half slice of cheese.
- Step 3:
- In three shallow bowls, place flour in one, beaten eggs in the second, and breadcrumbs mixed with smoked paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper in the third.
- Step 4:
- Dip each cheese-wrapped pickle first in flour, then in egg, then coat well with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Step 5:
- Place coated pickles on a parchment-lined tray. Chill in the freezer for 10 minutes to help set the coating.
- Step 6:
- In a deep skillet or saucepan, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
- Step 7:
- Fry pickles in batches for 2–3 minutes each, turning to ensure even crispiness, until golden brown.
- Step 8:
- Transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Let cool slightly before serving.
Pin it This recipe became a beloved tradition that brings my family closer during the holidays as we share these fun, crispy bites.
Notes
For a spicy kick, add cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture. Try using pepper jack or Swiss cheese for a different flavor profile. Serve with ranch or honey mustard dipping sauce. To make ahead, prepare and freeze coated pickles, then fry directly from frozen, adding an extra minute to frying time.
Required Tools
Shallow bowls, paper towels, baking tray, saucepan or deep skillet, slotted spoon or tongs, thermometer (recommended for oil temperature).
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (cheese eggs) and gluten (flour breadcrumbs use gluten-free alternatives if needed). Always check product labels for potential allergens.
Pin it These crispy cheese-wrapped pickle ornaments are a perfect party treat that combines tangy and savory flavors in every bite.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I ensure the coating stays crispy?
Dry the pickles thoroughly before wrapping and chilling them after breading to set the coating, which helps maintain crispiness during frying.
- → Can I use different types of cheese?
Yes, cheeses like pepper jack or Swiss work well for varied flavors, as long as they melt nicely around the pickles.
- → Is it possible to prepare these in advance?
Yes, you can bread and freeze the pickles, then fry them straight from frozen, adding a little extra frying time.
- → What oils are best for frying these snacks?
Use neutral oils with high smoke points, such as vegetable or canola oil, to achieve even, golden crispiness.
- → How can I add extra spice to the coating?
Incorporate cayenne pepper or smoked paprika into the breadcrumb mix for a subtle to strong spicy kick.
- → Are these suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, by substituting all-purpose flour and regular panko with gluten-free alternatives, these can be made gluten-free.