Save A fun and festive appetizer featuring tangy pickles wrapped in melted cheese and a crispy coating, perfect for parties or holiday gatherings.
I first served this at a holiday party and it was an instant hit everyone asked for the recipe
Ingredients
- Main: 12 small dill pickles (cornichons or mini gherkins) patted dry 6 slices cheddar cheese (or any meltable cheese) halved 2 large eggs
- Breading: ½ cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour) 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs) ½ tsp smoked paprika ¼ tsp garlic powder ¼ tsp black pepper
- For Frying: 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 23 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.
Save My family loves making these together during holiday gatherings it has become a beloved tradition
Serving Suggestions
Serve with ranch dressing or honey mustard dipping sauce for extra flavor.
Storage Tips
Prepare and freeze coated pickles then fry directly from frozen adding an extra minute to frying time.
Variations
Try pepper jack or Swiss cheese for a different flavor profile or add cayenne pepper to breadcrumbs for a spicy kick.
Save These crispy cheese-wrapped pickle ornaments are sure to be a crowd pleaser at your next party.
Recipe FAQ
- → What type of pickles work best?
Small dill pickles such as cornichons or mini gherkins are ideal for their size and tangy flavor, which balance well with the cheese and coating.
- → Can I use different cheeses?
Yes, cheeses that melt well like cheddar, pepper jack, or Swiss add unique flavors and texture to the wrapping.
- → How do I achieve a crispy coating?
Thoroughly dry the pickles before wrapping, use a triple-dip method with flour, egg, and seasoned breadcrumbs, then chill before frying to set the crust.
- → What oil temperature is best for frying?
Heat vegetable oil to about 350°F (175°C) to ensure even cooking and a golden, crispy exterior without sogginess.
- → Are gluten-free substitutions possible?
Yes, substituting all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives maintains the texture and suitability for gluten-sensitive diets.
- → Can these be prepared ahead of time?
Coat and freeze the cheese-wrapped pickles in advance; fry directly from frozen, adding about a minute to the frying time for best results.