Pin A fun and festive appetizer featuring tangy pickles wrapped in melted cheese and a crispy coating, perfect for parties or holiday gatherings.
This appetizer was a hit at my last holiday party everyone asked for the recipe
Ingredients
- 12 small dill pickles: cornichons or mini gherkins patted dry
- 6 slices cheddar cheese: or any meltable cheese halved
- 2 large eggs:
- 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:
- 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 23 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.
Pin Serving these with my family has become a new tradition we all love
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.
Nutritional Information
Calories 120 Total Fat 8 g Carbohydrates 8 g Protein 4 g per serving
Pin This recipe is quick to prepare and perfect for any occasion
Recipe Q&A
- → What type of pickles work best?
Small dill pickles like cornichons or mini gherkins are ideal for easy wrapping and a perfect tang.
- → Can I use different cheeses?
Yes, meltable cheeses such as cheddar, pepper jack, or Swiss provide varied flavors and good melting quality.
- → How do I ensure the coating stays crisp?
Patting pickles dry, chilling after coating, and frying at the right oil temperature help achieve a crisp golden exterior.
- → Is there a gluten-free option?
Use gluten-free flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
- → Can I prepare these in advance?
Yes, you can coat and freeze them, then fry directly from frozen, adding an extra minute to the cooking time.