Cheese Wrapped Pickles are a fun and tasty snack! Imagine crunchy pickles wrapped in creamy cheese, making a great combo of flavors and textures. Super simple to make too!
These little bites are perfect for parties or just as a snack while watching TV. I love grabbing a few when I need a quick crunch and a zing! Who knew pickles could be this exciting? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Dill Pickles: I recommend using whole dill pickles for their crunch and tang. If you prefer something sweeter, try bread and butter pickles. Mini pickles can also work well as bite-sized snacks.
Cream Cheese: This adds a smooth, creamy texture. For a lighter option, you can use Greek yogurt or reduced-fat cream cheese. Vegan cream cheese is a great substitute if you’re dairy-free.
Feta Cheese: Feta provides a nice salty bite. If you don’t have feta, goat cheese works too! You might also try using shredded cheddar or mozzarella for a milder flavor.
Pepperoni: I love using pepperoni for its spiciness but feel free to swap it out with turkey pepperoni or even ham. For a vegetarian version, use zucchini ribbons or roasted red pepper strips instead.
How Can I Stuff the Pickles Perfectly?
Stuffing pickles might sound tricky, but it’s easy with the right method! First, ensure your pickles are dry; this helps the cheese stick better. You can use a piping bag or a small spoon to fill them. Don’t overfill; you want enough cheese to enjoy but not too much to overflow.
- With a small spoon or a piping bag, gently stuff the cheese mix into the hollow of each pickle.
- For even layering, consider slicing the pickles lengthwise and layering your cheese mixture evenly.
- Using small skewers can help hold everything together when wrapping.
How to Make Cheese Wrapped Pickles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 6 large dill pickles (whole)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (for coating)
- 6 slices of pepperoni or thinly sliced cured sausage
- Fresh dill or parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
- Wooden skewers (optional for serving)
- Ranch dressing or your favorite dipping sauce (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare. It’s a pretty quick process, and you can enjoy these delicious Cheese Wrapped Pickles as a fun snack in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pickles:
Start by patting the dill pickles dry with paper towels. This step is super important because it removes excess moisture and helps the cheese mixture stick better to the pickles.
2. Make the Cheese Mixture:
In a small mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, crumbled feta cheese, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix everything together until it’s smooth and creamy. This filling is what makes the pickles so cheesy and delicious!
3. Stuff the Pickles:
Now, using a small spoon or a piping bag (if you have one), stuff the cheese mixture into the hollow center of each pickle. If you like, you can also slice the pickles lengthwise and fill them, which makes for easy snacking.
4. Wrap the Pickles:
Take a slice of pepperoni or cured sausage and wrap it around each stuffed pickle. Give it a gentle press to make sure it sticks. This adds a nice flavor and crunch!
5. Add a Touch of Spice:
Sprinkle a little smoked paprika over the wrapped pickles to give them an extra layer of flavor and a beautiful color.
6. Optional Skewering:
If you’d like, you can skewer each wrapped pickle on a wooden stick for easy handling. This makes them a perfect party finger food!
7. Serving:
Arrange the cheese wrapped pickles on a serving platter. If you’re feeling fancy, garnish them with fresh chopped dill or parsley. This adds a nice pop of color and freshness!
8. Enjoy:
These cheesy, pickle delights can be served chilled or at room temperature. Pair them with ranch dressing or your favorite dipping sauce for a perfect snack that’s bursting with flavor!
Enjoy the perfect combo of tangy pickles, creamy cheese, and savory sausage in this simple, delicious snack!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! If you prefer a different flavor, you can substitute the cream cheese with Greek yogurt or a plant-based cream cheese for a dairy-free option. For the feta, goat cheese or shredded cheddar can work well too!
What Can I Use Instead of Pepperoni?
If you’re looking for alternatives to pepperoni, thinly sliced ham, turkey pepperoni, or even crispy bacon can work great. For a vegetarian option, consider using roasted red pepper strips or zucchini ribbons.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover cheese wrapped pickles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, but I recommend consuming them within a day or two for the best flavor and freshness.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the cheese stuffed pickles in advance! Just assemble them a few hours ahead of your event and keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. They make for a fantastic make-ahead snack!
