Name: Dill Pickle Bacon Shots
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 large dill pickles (whole, not spears); 12 slices of bacon (regular thickness, not thick-cut); 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/4 cup sour cream; 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped; 1 tablespoon green onion, finely chopped; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1/4 teaspoon paprika; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional); 24 toothpicks; Fresh dill sprigs for garnish; Paprika for dusting

Looking for a show-stopping appetizer that combines savory, salty, and tangy flavors in one irresistible bite? Dill Pickle Bacon Shots are the answer. This creative appetizer transforms ordinary pickles into extraordinary flavor bombs by wrapping them in crispy bacon and filling them with a cream cheese mixture that complements the pickles’ tanginess perfectly. Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering, cocktail party, or family get-together, these pickle bacon shots will have your guests reaching for seconds and thirds.

What makes Dill Pickle Bacon Shots so special is their perfect balance of contrasting flavors and textures. The crispy, smoky bacon pairs beautifully with the cool, crunchy pickle, while the creamy filling adds richness that brings everything together. Best of all, they’re surprisingly easy to make despite their impressive appearance.

Understanding Dill Pickle Bacon Shots

At their core, Dill Pickle Bacon Shots are a brilliant reimagining of the popular pickle-wrapped-in-bacon appetizer. By hollowing out dill pickle spears and turning them into edible “shot glasses,” you create a vessel that can hold a delicious filling while maintaining structural integrity. The bacon wrapper adds flavor while also helping the pickle maintain its shape.

These pickle bacon shots hit all the right notes: they’re salty, tangy, creamy, crunchy, and smoky all at once. They’re also visually impressive – the vibrant green pickle peeking through a crispy bacon wrapper with a creamy filling creates an appetizer that looks as good as it tastes.

Ingredients for Perfect Dill Pickle Bacon Shots

For the Pickle Shots:

6 large dill pickles (whole, not spears)
12 slices of bacon (regular thickness, not thick-cut)
24 toothpicks

Ingredients for dill pickle bacon shots including whole pickles, bacon strips, cream cheese, sour cream, shredded cheese, fresh dill, and spices in white bowls

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup sour cream
1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
1 tablespoon green onion, finely chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Optional: 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper for heat

For Garnish:

Additional fresh dill sprigs
Paprika for dusting
Optional: small cubes of cheese or cherry tomatoes for topping

Selecting the Perfect Ingredients

The quality of your ingredients significantly impacts the final result of your Dill Pickle Bacon Shots.

Choosing the Right Pickles

For optimal pickle bacon shots, look for large, whole dill pickles with a firm texture. Avoid pickles that are too soft or too small, as they’ll be difficult to hollow out properly. Whole pickles (sometimes labeled as “kosher dills”) work best for this recipe rather than pre-cut spears. The ideal pickle should be 4-5 inches long and about 1-1.5 inches in diameter.

Brands that offer consistent size and crunchiness include Claussen, Vlasic, and Mt. Olive, but artisanal or homemade pickles can add extra flavor dimension to your Dill Pickle Bacon Shots.

Bacon Considerations

Select regular-thickness bacon for your pickle bacon shots. Thick-cut bacon takes too long to crisp and may overwhelm the pickle flavor, while thin bacon might not hold up during cooking. Center-cut bacon tends to work well because it has a good meat-to-fat ratio that helps it wrap easily and cook evenly.

For an extra layer of flavor, consider using applewood or hickory-smoked bacon. The smoky notes complement the vinegary tang of the pickles exceptionally well in these Dill Pickle Bacon Shots.

Cream Cheese Filling Components

Full-fat cream cheese creates the richest, most stable filling for pickle bacon shots. Allow it to soften at room temperature for about 30 minutes before mixing to ensure a smooth consistency.

Fresh herbs make a noticeable difference in the filling. While dried dill can work in a pinch, fresh dill provides a brighter, more vibrant flavor that elevates these Dill Pickle Bacon Shots to another level.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Pickles

Begin by patting the pickles dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the bacon adhere better and promotes crispier cooking. Cut each pickle in half crosswise to create two shorter cylindrical pieces, giving you 12 pickle halves in total.

Using a small melon baller or a measuring spoon with a narrow edge, carefully hollow out each pickle half, leaving about a 1/4-inch wall and bottom. Be careful not to pierce through the bottom or sides. Reserve the scooped-out pickle centers for the filling or for another use.

Pat the hollow pickle halves dry once more, inside and out. This step is crucial for successful Dill Pickle Bacon Shots as it prevents the bacon from becoming soggy during cooking.

Wrapping with Bacon

Wrap each hollow pickle half with a slice of bacon, starting at the bottom and spiraling upward. The bacon should slightly overlap with each turn to ensure complete coverage. The pickle top can remain partially uncovered, showing a bit of green.

Secure the bacon with toothpicks – typically, two toothpicks per pickle shot placed on opposite sides works well. These will be removed before serving your finished pickle bacon shots.

Cooking the Bacon-Wrapped Pickles

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil, then place a wire rack on top. This setup allows air to circulate around the Dill Pickle Bacon Shots and helps the bacon cook evenly while excess fat drips away.

Arrange the bacon-wrapped pickles on the wire rack, standing them upright with the hollow end facing up. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the bacon is crispy and golden brown. If needed, you can broil for the last 1-2 minutes to achieve extra crispiness, but watch carefully to prevent burning.

Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes. The pickle bacon shots will firm up slightly as they cool, making them easier to handle.

Preparing the Cream Cheese Filling

While the bacon-wrapped pickles are cooking, prepare your filling. In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sour cream, mixing until smooth and well incorporated.

Add the shredded cheddar cheese, chopped fresh dill, green onion, minced garlic, paprika, black pepper, and cayenne (if using). Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients. The result should be a smooth, creamy mixture with flecks of green and a subtle aromatic quality.

For easier filling of your Dill Pickle Bacon Shots, transfer the mixture to a piping bag fitted with a star tip. If you don’t have a piping bag, a zip-top plastic bag with one corner snipped off works as an alternative.

Assembling Your Dill Pickle Bacon Shots

Once the bacon-wrapped pickles have cooled enough to handle, carefully remove the toothpicks. Fill each hollow pickle with the cream cheese mixture, either by piping or spooning it in. Fill to slightly above the rim for an attractive presentation.

Garnish each pickle bacon shot with a small sprig of fresh dill and a light dusting of paprika for color. For added flair, top with a small cube of cheese or a halved cherry tomato.

Return the filled Dill Pickle Bacon Shots to the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld and the filling to set, resulting in a more cohesive appetizer.

Serving Suggestions

Dill Pickle Bacon Shots are versatile and can be presented in various ways depending on the occasion:

For casual gatherings, arrange them on a serving platter with additional fresh dill sprigs as decoration. Consider grouping them in circular arrangements for visual appeal.

For more formal events, place individual pickle bacon shots on small appetizer plates or serving spoons. This presentation elevates them from finger food to a sophisticated passed appetizer.

These shots pair exceptionally well with cold beer, making them perfect for game day spreads. For cocktail parties, their salty-tangy profile complements both whiskey-based drinks and crisp white wines.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

One of the advantages of Dill Pickle Bacon Shots is their make-ahead potential. You can prepare them in stages:

The bacon-wrapped pickles can be prepared and baked up to one day ahead, then stored in the refrigerator. Before serving, reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to re-crisp the bacon, then cool before filling.

The cream cheese mixture can be made up to two days in advance and kept refrigerated. Let it soften slightly at room temperature before filling the pickles for easier piping.

Fully assembled pickle bacon shots can be prepared up to 4 hours before serving. Cover loosely with plastic wrap in the refrigerator, but don’t let them sit much longer, or the bacon may lose its crispness.

Leftover Dill Pickle Bacon Shots can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, though the bacon will soften somewhat upon storage.

Variations and Adaptations

Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, consider these creative variations to your Dill Pickle Bacon Shots:

Spicy Southwest Version

Add 1-2 tablespoons of chopped pickled jalapeños and substitute pepper jack for cheddar in the filling. Top with a small slice of jalapeño for garnish and add a dash of taco seasoning to the cream cheese mixture.

Mediterranean Twist

Incorporate 2 tablespoons of finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes and 1 tablespoon of chopped Kalamata olives into the filling. Use fresh oregano instead of dill and top with a small cube of feta cheese.

Loaded Baked Potato Style

Mix in 2 tablespoons of finely chopped chives, 2 tablespoons of cooked, crumbled bacon, and use shredded Colby-Jack cheese. Top each pickle bacon shot with a tiny dollop of sour cream and additional bacon crumbles.

Herb Garden Variation

Enhance the filling with a tablespoon each of finely chopped fresh parsley, chives, and basil in addition to the dill. Add a teaspoon of lemon zest for brightness and use goat cheese for part of the cream cheese for a tangier profile.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even experienced cooks occasionally encounter challenges. Here are solutions to common problems with Dill Pickle Bacon Shots:

Bacon Won’t Crisp

If your bacon remains too chewy, it might be wrapped too tightly or overlapping too much. Try slightly stretching the bacon before wrapping and ensuring your oven is fully preheated. Using the broiler for the final minute or two can also help achieve crispiness.

Pickle Too Soft

Sometimes pickles become too soft during baking. To prevent this, choose firmer pickles initially and make sure they’re well-dried before wrapping. You can also try reducing the cooking time slightly if your bacon crisps quickly.

Filling Too Runny

A runny filling usually results from excess moisture in the ingredients or cream cheese that’s too warm. Ensure your pickles are thoroughly dried before filling, and chill the cream cheese mixture until it’s firm enough to hold its shape but still pipeable.

Bacon Unraveling

If bacon refuses to stay wrapped around the pickle, secure it with additional toothpicks during baking. Alternatively, you can partially cook the bacon until it’s still pliable but not fully cooked, then wrap it around the pickle while warm – it will stick better and continue cooking in the oven.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use pickle spears instead of whole pickles? While whole pickles work best for authentic Dill Pickle Bacon Shots, you can adapt the recipe using large pickle spears. Instead of hollowing them out, create a groove along the top for the filling. The result will be more of a “boat” than a “shot,” but still delicious.

How do I prevent the pickles from becoming too salty? If you’re concerned about excessive saltiness in your pickle bacon shots, rinse the pickles briefly under cold water before patting them dry. You can also look for reduced-sodium pickles or balance the salt by adding a bit more sour cream to the filling.

Can I make these without bacon for vegetarian guests? Absolutely! For a vegetarian version, skip the bacon wrap entirely and simply fill the hollowed pickles with the cream cheese mixture. While you’ll lose the smoky element, the tangy-creamy combination is still delightful. Consider adding a bit of smoked paprika to the filling for a hint of that missing smoky flavor.

Can I grill these instead of baking them? Yes, Dill Pickle Bacon Shots can be adapted for the grill. Prepare them as directed, then grill over medium heat for 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally, until the bacon is crisp. Use a cast iron skillet or heavy-duty foil on the grill to catch drippings and prevent flare-ups.

How far in advance can I make these for a party? For optimal taste and texture, prepare the components ahead of time but assemble no more than 4 hours before serving. The bacon will maintain its crispness better this way while the flavors have enough time to meld.

Conclusion

Dill Pickle Bacon Shots represent the perfect party appetizer – visually impressive, bursting with complementary flavors, and simple enough for even novice cooks to master. They transform ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary bite that guests will talk about long after the party ends, much like the irresistible crispy fried cornbread or the ever-popular homemade crackers.

The beauty of these pickle bacon shots lies in their balance: the vinegary tang of dill pickles, the smoky richness of bacon, and the creamy, herb-infused filling create a flavor experience that hits all the right notes—just like the dynamic pairing found in cowboy steak or the satisfying crunch of low-carb tortilla chips. Their handheld nature makes them ideal for mingling at parties, while their unique presentation ensures they’ll stand out on any appetizer table alongside cheddar popcorn or a plate of crispy golden ham & cheese breakfast muffins.

Whether you’re hosting a casual game day gathering or a sophisticated cocktail party, Dill Pickle Bacon Shots deserve a place in your entertaining repertoire. With endless variations possible, you can adapt them to suit any taste preference or special diet needs—much like the customizable shrimp rice bowl or the crowd-pleasing Philly cheesesteak sliders. These creative adaptations ensure they remain a versatile addition to your cooking arsenal.

So the next time you’re looking to impress without stress, remember these delicious, crowd-pleasing pickle shots. They’re proof that creativity in the kitchen doesn’t require complicated techniques or exotic ingredients—sometimes, the most memorable dishes come from imaginative combinations of familiar flavors, just like in Mississippi meatballs or the tangy twist of dill pickle potato salad.

Dill Pickle Bacon Shots

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