Save A fun and festive appetizer featuring tangy pickles wrapped in melted cheese and a crispy coating, perfect for parties or holiday gatherings.
These crispy cheese-wrapped pickle ornaments were a hit at our last holiday party and easy to prepare ahead of time.
Ingredients
- Main: 12 small dill pickles (cornichons or mini gherkins), patted dry; 6 slices cheddar cheese (or any meltable cheese), halved
- 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 loves gathering around the kitchen to assemble these and enjoy the unique taste together.
Notes
Try using pepper jack or Swiss cheese for a different flavor profile. Serve with ranch or honey mustard dipping sauce.
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 These crispy cheese-wrapped pickle ornaments bring festive flavor and fun to any occasion.
Recipe FAQ Section
- → What type of pickles work best for these ornaments?
Small dill pickles, such as cornichons or mini gherkins, are ideal for their size and tangy flavor.
- → Can I use different kinds of cheese?
Yes, meltable cheeses like cheddar, pepper jack, or Swiss can be used to vary the flavor profile.
- → How do I ensure the coating sticks well to the pickles?
Dry the pickles thoroughly and follow a three-step dredging process: flour, beaten eggs, then seasoned breadcrumbs.
- → What frying method gives the best results?
Deep frying in vegetable oil heated to 350°F (175°C) produces an even, golden crisp texture.
- → Is there a way to prepare these in advance?
Yes, coat and freeze the pickles, then fry them directly from frozen, adding extra frying time as needed.
- → Are there suggested seasonings to enhance flavor?
Smoked paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper in the breadcrumb mixture add a smoky and savory touch.