If you’re searching for the ultimate crispy, creamy, and downright irresistible appetizer, look no further than Cheesy Stuffed Fried Pickles! This playful spin on classic fried pickles combines the tangy snap of dill pickles with a luxurious, melty cheese filling, all wrapped in a golden, crunchy coating. Each bite is a little explosion of flavor and texture—perfect for game day, parties, or anytime you want to wow your friends and family with something out-of-the-ordinary. Trust me, once you serve up a platter of Cheesy Stuffed Fried Pickles, you’ll never look at pickles the same way again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the joys of Cheesy Stuffed Fried Pickles is how each ingredient truly shines. You don’t need anything fancy—just a handful of everyday items that come together to create pure snack magic. Here’s what you’ll need and why each piece matters:
- Dill Pickles: The crunchy, tangy base that holds the cheesy filling and delivers that iconic pickle flavor.
- Cream Cheese: Adds rich creaminess and binds the filling for that luscious texture inside.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully for gooey, bold cheese pulls with every bite.
- Garlic Powder: Brings subtle savory depth to the filling, making the flavors pop.
- Onion Powder: Adds a gentle sweetness and complexity to the cheese mixture.
- Paprika: Lends a smoky, warm undertone and a hint of color.
- Cayenne Pepper (optional): For those who like it spicy, this adds a little kick without overwhelming the other flavors.
- All-Purpose Flour: Helps the breading stick, ensuring a crisp and even coating.
- Eggs: Acts as the glue between the flour and breadcrumbs, so your crust stays put.
- Seasoned Breadcrumbs (or Panko): Creates that essential golden crunch—try panko for extra crispiness.
- Oil for Frying: Choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point for perfectly fried pickles.
- Ranch Dressing or Spicy Mayo (optional): The perfect cool and creamy dip to round out each bite.
How to Make Cheesy Stuffed Fried Pickles
Step 1: Prep the Pickles
Start by thoroughly patting the pickles dry with paper towels. This is important for a crispy exterior—excess moisture is the enemy of crunch! Carefully slice each pickle in half lengthwise, but don’t cut all the way through; you want them to open like a little sandwich bun. Scoop out a small amount of the center from each pickle half to make room for all that cheesy goodness.
Step 2: Make the Cheesy Filling
In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and a pinch of cayenne if you want a bit of heat. Mix everything together until you have a smooth, evenly blended mixture. This creamy, zesty combo is what makes Cheesy Stuffed Fried Pickles so irresistible!
Step 3: Stuff and Seal
Spoon or pipe the cheese filling generously into the hollowed-out centers of each pickle half. Once stuffed, press the two halves back together so that the filling is neatly enclosed. Give each pickle a gentle squeeze to make sure it holds together for the next step.
Step 4: Bread the Pickles
Set up your breading station with three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs or panko. Dredge each stuffed pickle in flour first, making sure to coat all sides. Then dip it into the egg, and finally roll it in the breadcrumbs, pressing lightly so the coating sticks. This triple layer is crucial for that signature crunch!
Step 5: Fry to Golden Perfection
Heat your oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep skillet or pot. Once it’s shimmering, fry the stuffed pickles in batches for 2 to 3 minutes, or until they’re golden and crispy. Don’t overcrowd the pan—give them space to crisp up beautifully! Once done, transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any extra oil.
Step 6: Serve Hot and Enjoy!
Cheesy Stuffed Fried Pickles are at their very best when served hot and fresh. Arrange them on a platter and offer ranch dressing or spicy mayo for dipping. Watch them disappear in minutes!
How to Serve Cheesy Stuffed Fried Pickles
Garnishes
For a finishing touch, sprinkle your Cheesy Stuffed Fried Pickles with a little chopped parsley or chives for a lovely pop of color and freshness. A dusting of extra paprika or a few thinly sliced jalapeños can also add visual flair and a flavor boost.
Side Dishes
Pair these crispy delights with classic sides like french fries, coleslaw, or loaded potato skins for the ultimate appetizer spread. They also shine alongside a big fresh salad or crunchy veggie platter to balance out the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try skewering each Cheesy Stuffed Fried Pickle with a toothpick and serving them on a platter for easy party snacking. Or, arrange them in a basket lined with checkered paper for a playful, diner-style vibe. Don’t be afraid to get creative—these pickles love the spotlight!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any Cheesy Stuffed Fried Pickles left (they tend to vanish fast), let them cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For best results, separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Freezing
You can actually freeze Cheesy Stuffed Fried Pickles before frying! Assemble and bread the stuffed pickles, then place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag and keep for up to 1 month. Fry directly from frozen, adding a minute or two to the cooking time.
Reheating
To re-crisp leftover pickles, reheat them in an oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5–7 minutes, until hot and crunchy. Microwaving isn’t recommended, as it tends to make them soggy. Always let them cool slightly before diving in!
FAQs
Can I use baby dill pickles instead of large ones?
Absolutely! Baby dill pickles work well and make perfect bite-sized snacks. Just adjust the amount of filling accordingly and keep an eye on frying time, as smaller pickles may cook a bit faster.
Are Cheesy Stuffed Fried Pickles gluten-free?
As written, this recipe isn’t gluten-free because of the flour and breadcrumbs. However, you can easily substitute with gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs or panko. Make sure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free as well.
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes! Arrange breaded pickles on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spray lightly with oil, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway. While they won’t be quite as crispy as fried, they’re still delicious and a bit lighter.
What’s the best way to keep them warm for a party?
If you’re making a big batch for a crowd, keep finished Cheesy Stuffed Fried Pickles warm in a 200°F (95°C) oven on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. This keeps them crisp without drying them out until ready to serve.
Can I make these with different cheeses?
Definitely! Try pepper jack, mozzarella, or even smoked gouda for a fun flavor twist. You can also mix in chopped cooked bacon, jalapeños, or fresh herbs to the filling for extra personality.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about the combination of tangy pickles, melty cheese, and a crispy coating that makes Cheesy Stuffed Fried Pickles impossible to resist. Whether you’re hosting a party or just treating yourself, this recipe is pure crowd-pleasing comfort food. Give it a try and prepare for rave reviews—your snack game will never be the same!
Print
Cheesy Stuffed Fried Pickles Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 stuffed pickles 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy, golden fried pickles stuffed with a creamy, cheesy filling are the perfect snack or appetizer for any occasion. These Cheesy Stuffed Fried Pickles combine the tangy crunch of dill pickles with a flavorful blend of cream cheese, cheddar, and spices, all coated in a crispy breadcrumb crust. Serve them hot with ranch or spicy mayo for a deliciously addictive treat.
Ingredients
Pickles and Filling
- 12 large whole dill pickles
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Breading
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs (or panko)
- Oil for frying
Dipping Sauce (Optional)
- Ranch dressing or spicy mayo
Instructions
- Prep the Pickles: Pat the pickles dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure the coating sticks well. Carefully slice each pickle in half lengthwise without cutting all the way through, creating a clam shell shape. Use a spoon to scoop out a small amount from the center of each half to make room for the filling.
- Make the Cheese Filling: In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper if using. Mix until the ingredients are well incorporated and the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Stuff the Pickles: Spoon or pipe the cheese mixture evenly into each pickle half. Press the two halves together gently to seal them and keep the filling inside during frying.
- Prepare the Breading Station: Place the flour, beaten eggs, and seasoned breadcrumbs in three separate shallow bowls. This setup allows for an easy dredging process to achieve a crunchy coating.
- Bread the Pickles: Dredge each stuffed pickle first in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally coat it thoroughly with the breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to ensure the crumbs adhere well.
- Fry the Pickles: Heat oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry the pickles in batches for 2 to 3 minutes, turning them occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried pickles to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Serve: Serve the cheesy stuffed fried pickles hot with ranch dressing or spicy mayo for dipping. Enjoy immediately for the best crunchy texture and delicious flavor.
Notes
- These stuffed fried pickles can also be prepared in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 8 to 10 minutes; flip halfway through cooking.
- Try using jalapeño cream cheese instead of regular to add an extra spicy kick to the filling.
- For the crispiest results, serve the fried pickles immediately after cooking as they soften over time.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed pickle
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
