Name: Cheesy Turkey Bacon Fried Pickles
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 jar (16 oz) dill pickle spears, drained and patted dry; 8 slices turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; ½ cup all-purpose flour; 2 large eggs; 1 cup panko breadcrumbs; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon paprika; Salt and pepper, to taste; Oil, for frying (vegetable or canola)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Cheesy Turkey Bacon Fried Pickles are a delicious and fun appetizer that combines the tangy crunch of dill pickles with savory turkey bacon and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for parties, game day snacks, or a unique side dish, this recipe offers a bold flavor experience that is crispy, cheesy, and absolutely irresistible.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe brings together some of the best flavors and textures: salty, crispy, cheesy, and tangy. Cheesy Turkey Bacon Fried Pickles are quick to prepare and make an exciting addition to any gathering. With the use of turkey bacon, they are a slightly lighter option compared to traditional bacon-wrapped versions. Whether served alone or with your favorite dipping sauce, they are guaranteed to be a crowd favorite.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 jar (16 oz) dill pickle spears, drained and patted dry
8 slices of turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

(Note: To complete the recipe, you would typically also need flour, eggs, breadcrumbs, and oil for frying.)

Directions

Preheat oil in a deep fryer or heavy skillet to 350°F (175°C).
Pat the pickle spears completely dry with paper towels to help the coating stick.
In a shallow bowl, place flour. In a second bowl, beat a few eggs. In a third bowl, combine breadcrumbs, crumbled turkey bacon, and shredded cheddar cheese.
Dredge each pickle spear first in the flour, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture.
Carefully place the coated pickles into the hot oil, a few at a time, and fry until golden brown and crispy, about 2–3 minutes.
Remove the pickles with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
Serve hot with ranch dressing, spicy aioli, or your favorite dipping sauce.

Servings and timing

This Cheesy Turkey Bacon Fried Pickles recipe serves approximately 6–8 people. Preparation takes about 20 minutes, and frying time is around 10 minutes.

Variations

Spicy Version: Add cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture for extra heat.
Dill Enhancement: Mix dried dill into the coating for an even stronger pickle flavor.
Baked Version: Bake the coated pickles at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes until crispy instead of frying for a lighter option.
Cheese Blend: Use a mix of cheddar and pepper jack cheese for a spicier, cheesier experience.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs to accommodate dietary needs.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftover fried pickles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, bake them in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for about 8–10 minutes to restore their crispiness. Microwaving is not recommended, as it can make them soggy.

FAQs

Can I use whole pickles instead of spears?

Yes, but slicing them into manageable sizes helps ensure even cooking and coating.

How do I keep the coating from falling off?

Make sure the pickles are very dry before breading and press the breadcrumb mixture firmly onto each spear.

Can I air fry these pickles?

Yes, air fry at 400°F (200°C) for about 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through.

What dipping sauces go well with these pickles?

Ranch dressing, spicy aioli, or honey mustard are excellent choices.

Can I make these ahead of time?

It is best to fry them fresh for the crispiest texture, but you can prepare and bread the pickles ahead and fry them just before serving.

What type of turkey bacon works best?

Use thick-cut turkey bacon for a heartier texture and better flavor.

Can I add more cheese?

Yes, but adding too much cheese to the coating can make frying a bit messy; keep a balanced ratio.

How do I prevent the cheese from leaking out while frying?

Press the coating firmly around the pickle and ensure it is fully sealed.

Is there a way to make them less greasy?

Drain thoroughly on paper towels after frying and avoid overcrowding the fryer, which can lower the oil temperature.

Can I use different types of pickles?

Yes, you can experiment with spicy pickles, bread-and-butter pickles, or other varieties for different flavor profiles.

Conclusion

Cheesy Turkey Bacon Fried Pickles are a unique and flavorful appetizer that is perfect for any occasion. Combining crunchy, cheesy, and savory elements with the irresistible tang of dill pickles, this dish is sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it. Simple to prepare and endlessly customizable, it brings a fun and satisfying twist to traditional party foods.

Cheesy Turkey Bacon Fried Pickles

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Author: Olivia
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: About 12 fried pickles

Print Recipe

Description

Crispy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, these Cheesy Turkey Bacon Fried Pickles are the ultimate snack or appetizer! Dill pickle spears are coated with gooey cheddar cheese and savory turkey bacon for a deliciously addictive bite.

Instructions

Preheat oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C).
Set up a dredging station with three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Pat pickle spears very dry with paper towels.
Wrap each pickle spear with a layer of shredded cheddar and crumbled turkey bacon, pressing gently to adhere.
Dredge each wrapped pickle first in flour, then in egg, and finally coat with seasoned panko.
Fry the pickles in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 2–3 minutes.
Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

Serve hot with ranch dressing, spicy mayo, or your favorite dipping sauce!

Notes

Drying the pickles very well is key to helping the coating stick and stay crispy.
For extra cheesiness, sprinkle a little more shredded cheese over the pickles right before serving.

You can bake or air fry for a lighter version — just spray with cooking spray and bake at 400°F for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10minutes
Category: Appetizer, Snack
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American