Smoked bacon wrapped pickles are an extraordinary treat that has swiftly become a favorite among food enthusiasts. This delightful combination of crispy bacon and tangy pickles creates a flavor explosion that is both surprising and addictive. Not only are they incredibly tasty, but these bacon-wrapped pickles also serve as a visually appealing appetizer or party snack, making them a conversation starter at any gathering.
This dish stands out due to its versatility, offering various cooking methods to suit your preferences. Whether you choose to cook them in the oven, grill, or smoker, the result is always mouthwatering. The best part is the freedom to experiment with different types of pickles and bacon, allowing you to tailor the flavor to your liking.
Ingredients for Smoked Bacon Wrapped Pickles
To craft these delicious smoked bacon-wrapped pickles, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients that pack a punch of flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:
Pickle Spears: The star of the show, providing that iconic tangy crunch.
Thinly Sliced Bacon: The key to achieving that perfect crispy exterior.
Toothpicks (Optional): Helpful for securing the bacon around the pickles, especially if you’re grilling.
BBQ Seasoning: Adds an extra layer of flavor, enhancing the smoky goodness.
This short list of ingredients makes it easy to whip up this snack whenever the craving strikes.
The Art of Wrapping and Seasoning
The process of wrapping and seasoning the pickles is where the magic begins. Start by taking a slice of bacon and carefully wrapping it around each pickle spear. If needed, secure the bacon with a toothpick to ensure it stays in place during cooking.
A helpful tip is to use thin-cut bacon, as it crisps up more easily.
Additionally, tucking the ends of the bacon under the pickle ensures a snug fit, preventing unraveling during the cooking process.
For an added burst of flavor, lightly season the top of the bacon-wrapped pickles with your favorite BBQ rub. Opt for a sweet rub, like Meat Church’s Texas Sugar, which pairs beautifully with the spicy sriracha mayo dipping sauce. Repeat this process until all your pickles are wrapped and ready to cook.
Smoking the Bacon Wrapped Pickles
Smoking the bacon-wrapped pickles is where the flavors meld together to create a truly irresistible snack. Set your smoker to 350°F and cook the pickles for 30-40 minutes, or until the bacon reaches your desired level of crispiness.
For a more intense smoky flavor, start cooking the pickles at a lower temperature, around 225°F, and gradually increase to 350°F to finish them off. This method infuses the pickles with a deeper, richer smoke flavor that complements the bacon perfectly. Whether you’re using a pellet smoker, oven, or air fryer, this cooking technique ensures a consistently delicious result.
Elevating the Flavor with Sriracha Mayo Dipping Sauce
No appetizer is complete without a dipping sauce, and the sriracha mayo is the perfect complement to these smoked bacon-wrapped pickles. This sauce adds a creamy, spicy kick that takes the dish to the next level.
To make the sriracha mayo, simply combine 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise and sour cream with 1 tablespoon each of sriracha and white wine vinegar. The result is a tangy, spicy sauce that perfectly balances the richness of the bacon. If you prefer, you can substitute lime juice or apple cider vinegar for a different flavor profile. Alternatively, homemade ranch dressing also makes an excellent dip for these pickles.
A Low-Carb, Keto-Friendly Snack
In addition to being delicious, smoked bacon-wrapped pickles are a great choice for those following a low-carb or keto diet. The combination of bacon and pickles provides a satisfying snack that’s high in fat and low in carbohydrates, making it ideal for anyone looking to indulge without breaking their diet. This snack is not only flavorful but also guilt-free, making it a win-win in any situation.
Why You Should Try Smoked Bacon Wrapped Pickles
If you’re searching for a new and exciting snack, smoked bacon-wrapped pickles are a must-try. They may sound unusual, but the combination of crispy bacon and tangy pickles is sure to win you over. Perfect for parties, BBQs, or simply enjoying at home, these pickles are a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for more.
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients Summary
1 Jar of pickle spears
1 package of bacon
1 tablespoon of BBQ seasoning
Toothpicks (optional)
Sriracha Mayo Ingredients
2 tablespoons of mayonnaise
2 tablespoons of sour cream
1 tablespoon of sriracha
1 tablespoon of white wine vinegar
Instructions
- Wrap the Pickles: Take each pickle spear and wrap it with a slice of bacon. Lightly season with BBQ rub.
- Cook the Pickles: Place the bacon-wrapped pickles on your smoker at 350°F for 30-40 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy.
- Make the Sriracha Mayo: Combine 2 tablespoons each of mayonnaise and sour cream with 1 tablespoon of Sriracha and white wine vinegar. Stir well to combine
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1-hour
Category: Appetizer
Method: BBQ
Cuisine: American
FAQs:
Q. Can I make smoked bacon-wrapped pickles in the oven or air fryer?
A: Absolutely! While smoking adds a deep, rich flavor, you can easily cook bacon-wrapped pickles in the oven or air fryer. For the oven, bake at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes until the bacon is crispy. In an air fryer, cook at 375°F for 12-15 minutes, checking for desired crispiness. Both methods will still give you a delicious result.
Q. What types of pickles work best for this recipe?
A: Dill pickle spears are the most popular choice due to their tangy flavor that complements the bacon. However, feel free to experiment with bread and butter pickles, spicy pickles, or even homemade pickles to customize the taste to your liking.
Q. How do I prevent the bacon from unraveling while cooking?
A: To keep the bacon securely wrapped around the pickles, you can use toothpicks to hold the bacon in place. Alternatively, tucking the ends of the bacon under the pickle or overlapping the bacon slices slightly can help prevent unraveling, especially if you’re using thin-cut bacon.
Q. What other dipping sauces can I serve with bacon-wrapped pickles?
A: While sriracha mayo is a fantastic choice, other dipping sauces work well too. Consider serving them with ranch dressing, honey mustard, garlic aioli, or even a spicy BBQ sauce. These options add a different flavor dimension to the snack.
Q. Are smoked bacon-wrapped pickles keto-friendly?
A: Yes, smoked bacon-wrapped pickles are an excellent low-carb, keto-friendly snack. They combine high-fat bacon with low-carb pickles, making them perfect for those following a ketogenic diet. Plus, they’re a delicious way to satisfy cravings without compromising your diet.
