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 these crispy cheese-wrapped pickle ornaments at a holiday gathering and they were the hit of the party, disappearing almost immediately.
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 2 3 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 absolutely loves these festive pickles especially when served warm with ranch or honey mustard dipping sauce during holiday get-togethers.
Notes
Try using pepper jack or Swiss cheese for a different flavor profile. To make ahead prepare and freeze coated pickles then fry directly from frozen adding an extra minute to frying time.
Required Tools
Shallow bowls paper towels baking tray saucepan or deep skillet slotted spoon or tongs thermometer (recommended for oil temperature)
Allergen Information
Contains Dairy (cheese eggs) Gluten (flour breadcrumbs use gluten-free alternatives if needed). Always check product labels for potential allergens.
Save This appetizer combines tangy pickles with crispy cheesy coating for a crowd-pleasing snack that is both fun and easy to prepare.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of pickles work best?
Small dill pickles such as cornichons or mini gherkins are ideal because their size and firm texture hold up well during frying.
- → Can I use different cheese varieties?
Yes, cheeses like pepper jack or Swiss melt well and add unique flavor profiles to the dish.
- → How do I achieve a crispy coating?
Patting the pickles dry, chilling them after coating, and frying at the right oil temperature ensures a crisp, golden exterior.
- → Is it possible to prepare these in advance?
You can coat and freeze the cheese-wrapped pickles ahead of time, then fry directly from frozen, adding an extra minute to cooking time.
- → Which sauces pair well with these ornaments?
Ranch dressing or honey mustard complement the tangy pickles and cheesy coating beautifully.