Bacon Wrapped Pickles
Crispy turkey bacon wrapped around crunchy pickle spears creates a deliciously simple appetizer perfect for game day or any gathering.
I’ve been wrapping turkey bacon around pickle spears for years—it’s one of those impossibly simple snacks that keeps surprising guests. Crispy, salty turkey bacon meets tangy, crunchy pickle in a handheld bite that’s perfect for game day, potlucks, or any time you want a no-fuss appetizer. If you like a crispier, air-fryer version, I also enjoy the texture contrast in my air-fryer fried pickles recipe air-fryer fried pickles, which makes a great companion idea for a party spread.
Why you’ll love this dish
This recipe is fast, forgiving, and outrageously tasty. Two ingredients—pickles and turkey bacon—deliver big contrast: the pickle’s tart snap cuts through the turkey bacon’s fatty, smoky crunch. It’s ideal when you need a last-minute appetizer, a salty snack to serve with drinks, or a kid-friendly finger food that adults will steal.
Reasons to try it:
- Super quick: minimal prep and about 20–25 minutes in the oven.
- Budget-friendly: pantry staples, no fancy equipment required.
- Crowd-pleaser: salty-sour balance appeals across ages.
- Make-ahead friendly: components can be prepped in advance and baked just before serving.
Step-by-step overview
Before you start: this recipe is essentially wrap, bake, and serve. Trim pickles into spears (if not pre-cut), pat them dry so turkey bacon crisps up, wrap each spear with a single slice of turkey bacon, place on a lined sheet, and bake at 400°F (200°C) until the turkey bacon is deeply browned and crisp—about 20–25 minutes. Expect some drips; use parchment or a rimmed baking sheet. If you prefer an extra-crispy finish, broil a minute or two while watching closely.
What you’ll need
- Pickle spears (dill or bread-and-butter—your choice). For a milder bite, use bread-and-butter pickles.
- Turkey bacon slices (regular-cut works best; thick-cut takes longer and may need slicing in half).
Notes and substitutions: - Turkey bacon can be used for a leaner option, though texture and crispness will differ.
- If your turkey bacon slices are wide, cut them lengthwise so one strip wraps a single spear without too much overlap.
- Optional: toothpicks to secure wraps (remove before serving if preferred).
Step-by-step instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Pat the pickle spears dry with paper towels to remove excess brine—this helps the turkey bacon crisp.
- Wrap each spear with one turkey bacon slice, starting at one end and overlapping slightly. Secure with a toothpick if needed.
- Arrange the wrapped spears on the prepared sheet with space between them so air can circulate.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, turning once halfway through if your oven has hot spots. Bake until the turkey bacon is uniformly crisp.
- If you want extra browning, switch to broil for 30–90 seconds—watch closely to prevent burning.
- Let rest 2 minutes, then serve warm as an appetizer.
01Ingredients
Main Ingredients
02Method
- Preparation
- Cooking
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0 OF 7 DONE03Recipe notes
- 01Serve on a platter with toothpicks. Pair with dips like ranch or smoked paprika aioli, and drinks like alcohol-free beer or a citrusy cocktail. Store leftovers in an airtight container and consume within 3–4 days.
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Best ways to enjoy it
Serve these on a platter with toothpicks for guests to grab. Pairing suggestions:
- Dips: ranch, smoked paprika aioli, or a cool dill sauce.
- Drinks: an alcohol-free beer, a dry sparkling white grape juice, or a citrusy mocktail to cut the richness.
- Sides: add other finger foods like pig-in-a-blanket, stuffed mushrooms, or my favorite smoky dip—try a creamy turkey bacon-and-cheese dip for the spread turkey bacon and cheese dip.
Plating tip: arrange warm on a bed of lettuce or a simple wooden board and garnish with chopped chives for color.
Storage and reheating tips
Cooling and storing:
Refrigerate leftovers within two hours in an airtight container. Consume within 3–4 days.
For longer storage, freeze on a tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
Reheating:
Oven or toaster oven: reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes until warmed through and turkey bacon re-crisped.
Air fryer: 350°F for 4–6 minutes works well from refrigerated.
Avoid microwaving if you care about texture—microwaves make the turkey bacon soggy.
Food safety: always cool food promptly, store at 40°F (4°C) or below, and reheat to 165°F (74°C) when serving to vulnerable guests.
Creative twists
- Sweet and spicy: sprinkle a little brown sugar and cayenne on the turkey bacon before baking for a candied, spicy finish.
- Cheese-stuffed: tuck a sliver of cheddar or pepper jack between pickle and turkey bacon for a melty center.
- Turkey bacon lattice: for party platters, weave turkey bacon briefly in strips and wrap small pickle rounds for a different presentation.
- Vegetarian swap: use marinated tofu strips or eggplant ribbons for a vegetarian take (won’t be the same texture but delivers smoky-salty flavor).
- Regional spin: brush with a thin layer of barbecue sauce during the last 5 minutes for a tangy glaze.
Common questions
How long does prep and cook time take?
A: Prep is about 10 minutes (shorter if pickles are pre-sliced). Bake time is 20–25 minutes, so plan on roughly 30–40 minutes total.
Can I make these in an air fryer?
A: Yes—air fry at 375°F (190°C) for about 12–15 minutes, flipping once, until turkey bacon is crisp. Cooking times vary by air fryer size.
Do I need to remove the toothpicks before serving?
A: If using wooden toothpicks, leave them in for serving convenience but tell guests they’re there. If you prefer a cleaner presentation, remove them after baking and before plating.
Are these safe to freeze?
A: Yes—freeze on a tray, then transfer to a bag for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen in a 350°F oven for 12–15 minutes.
What if my turkey bacon isn’t crisping?
A: Ensure pickles are dry, avoid overlapping turkey bacon too much, and finish under the broiler for a minute while watching closely.
Conclusion
If you want a tried-and-true reference with variations and helpful photos, see the detailed Turkey bacon-Wrapped Pickles Recipe – Allrecipes. You might also like my Easy Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf Recipe.
Appetizer
Appetizer
Appetizer
