I recently hosted a casual get-together at home with my husband and his friends. They’re always up for something unique and indulgent, so I wanted to surprise them with a snack that would stand out. After a bit of thought, I came up with Dill Pickle Bacon Shots—a combination of smoky bacon, creamy cheese, and a tangy pickle twist.
I prepped them in advance and set them out on a platter as soon as the guys arrived. They were skeptical at first, but once they tried one, they couldn’t stop reaching for more! The salty bacon and pickles paired so well together, and the creamy filling took it to another level.
Everyone was talking about them the rest of the evening, and before I knew it, the whole batch was gone. It was the perfect balance of crunchy, creamy, salty, and tangy.
These shots are super easy to make, so I can easily recreate them for future hangouts, and I already know they’ll be a hit. If you’re looking for a fun snack that’s sure to impress, these Dill Pickle Bacon Shots are an absolute winner.
Short Description
These Dill Pickle Bacon Shots are a savory, creamy bite-sized appetizer featuring crisp bacon wrapped around a tangy, flavorful filling made from cream cheese, dill pickles, and Colby Jack cheese. They’re easy to make, full of flavor, and a guaranteed hit at any gathering.
Key Ingredients
For the filling:
- 8 oz Cream Cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup Sour Cream
- 1/2 cup Dill Pickles, diced
- 1 cup Colby Jack Cheese, shredded
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tbsp Pickle Juice
- 1 tbsp Fresh Dill, chopped
For the bacon:
- 12 strips Bacon (cut in half lengthwise)
Optional Garnish:
- Additional chopped dill
- Hamburger pickle chips
Tools Needed
- Mini muffin tin
- Toothpicks (optional)
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or hand mixer
- Knife and chopping board
- Baking sheet or tray (if not using a muffin tin)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a mini muffin tin with a light spray of cooking oil or non-stick spray. Set it aside while you prepare the bacon rolls.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese and sour cream. Beat the mixture until fluffy and well-combined. Add in the diced dill pickles, shredded Colby Jack cheese, garlic powder, pickle juice, and chopped fresh dill.
Stir the mixture until evenly combined, ensuring the cream cheese is fully incorporated with the other ingredients. Set this mixture aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Bacon
Take 12 strips of bacon and cut them in half lengthwise to create 24 smaller strips. Lay the strips flat on a clean workspace. You want them to be long enough to wrap around the filling, so make sure they’re even.
Step 4: Wrap the Filling
Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the filling at the end of each bacon strip. Carefully roll the bacon around the filling, securing it tightly. Repeat this process with all 24 pieces of bacon.
Step 5: Bake the Roll-Ups
Place each bacon roll-up upright into the slots of your greased mini muffin tin. If needed, secure them with a toothpick to prevent the filling from falling out.
Once all roll-ups are in the tin, place it in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and cooked through. You’ll know it’s done when the bacon is golden brown and crispy on the edges.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Flavor Explosion: The cream cheese and dill pickle combination adds a creamy, tangy kick, perfectly balanced by the crispy, salty bacon.
Quick and Easy: With just a few ingredients and simple steps, these shots come together fast and require minimal effort.
Versatile: These shots are perfect for parties, game days, or even a fun family snack. They can be made in advance and reheated too.
Low Carb Friendly: Using bacon as the main wrapper keeps this recipe lower in carbs, making it a great option for low-carb diets or anyone looking to eat a bit lighter.
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
1. Bacon Not Crispy Enough: If your bacon isn’t crispy by the end of the cooking time, try placing the muffin tin under the broiler for a few minutes, but keep an eye on it to avoid burning.
2. Filling Leaks Out: Ensure the bacon is tightly wrapped around the filling. If necessary, use toothpicks to secure them in place, or roll the bacon more tightly.
3. Too Much Filling: Avoid overstuffing the bacon. If the filling spills out during baking, reduce the amount you’re placing in each roll.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
As a Snack: Serve them on a platter with a side of pickle chips for extra crunch and a burst of pickle flavor.
As an Appetizer: These bacon shots are perfect for sharing at parties or gatherings. Pair with a cold beer or a tangy cocktail like a dill pickle martini.
Pair with a Salad: For a balanced meal, serve these shots with a fresh, crisp salad, perhaps with a tangy vinaigrette to complement the savory flavors.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Storage: Place any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat these bacon shots in the oven for 5-10 minutes at 375°F to retain their crispy texture. You can also use a microwave, but the bacon won’t be as crispy.
FAQs
1. Can I make these ahead of time? Yes! You can assemble the bacon shots and store them in the fridge for up to a day before baking. Just bake them right before serving.
2. Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon? Yes, turkey bacon can work, but it won’t get as crispy as pork bacon. You might need to bake it a bit longer.
3. How do I keep the filling from leaking? Make sure the bacon is tightly wrapped around the filling. If you’re worried about leaks, secure the rolls with toothpicks while baking.
4. What can I substitute for Colby Jack cheese? You can substitute with cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend of your favorite cheeses.
5. Can I use a different type of pickle? Absolutely! You can use sweet pickles or bread-and-butter pickles for a different flavor profile.
Tips & Tricks
Ensure the cream cheese is softened before mixing for a smoother filling. If it’s too firm, it won’t blend well with the other ingredients.
For extra flavor, add a dash of hot sauce to the filling mixture for a little heat.
Secure the bacon tightly and be mindful of the portion size. Too much filling can make the bacon hard to wrap.
Recipe Variations
Spicy Dill Pickle Bacon Shots: Add a few dashes of hot sauce or some finely diced jalapeños to the filling to give these bacon shots a spicy kick.
Cheese Swap: If you’re not a fan of Colby Jack, substitute it with cheddar for a sharper flavor, or go for mozzarella for a creamier, meltier bite.
Paleo-Friendly: Use turkey bacon and swap out the cream cheese for a dairy-free alternative, like cashew cream, for a lighter, dairy-free version.
Final Thoughts
Creating these Dill Pickle Bacon Shots was an adventure in flavor. It’s incredible how bacon, cream cheese, and pickles can combine into something so satisfying. The crispy bacon gives you that crunchy, salty exterior, while the creamy, tangy filling makes every bite feel indulgent.
This recipe has quickly become a favorite in my household, and it’s perfect for any occasion. If you love bacon and you’re looking for something a bit different, give these shots a try. They’re easy, fun, and packed with flavor that’s sure to leave everyone asking for the recipe. And let’s face it, who can resist bacon?
Dill Pickle Bacon Shots
Ingredients
For the filling:
- 8 oz Cream Cheese softened
- ¼ cup Sour Cream
- ½ cup Dill Pickles diced
- 1 cup Colby Jack Cheese shredded
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tbsp Pickle Juice
- 1 tbsp Fresh Dill chopped
For the bacon:
- 12 strips Bacon cut in half lengthwise
Optional Garnish:
- Additional chopped dill
- Hamburger pickle chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a mini muffin tin with cooking spray and set it aside.
- In a bowl, beat softened cream cheese and sour cream until fluffy. Stir in diced dill pickles, shredded Colby Jack cheese, garlic powder, pickle juice, and fresh dill until well combined. Set aside.
- Cut 12 strips of bacon in half lengthwise to create 24 smaller strips. Lay them flat on a clean surface.
- Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the filling onto each bacon strip and roll it up tightly. Repeat with all 24 pieces.
- Place the bacon roll-ups upright in the greased muffin tin. Secure with toothpicks if needed. Bake for 40-45 minutes until the bacon is golden brown and crispy.
