Introduction
Stuffed Fried Pickles are a delicious twist on a classic snack that combines the tangy crunch of dill pickles with a creamy, cheesy filling. This recipe takes the humble pickle to new heights by wrapping it in crispy egg roll wrappers and frying it to golden perfection. Perfect for parties, game days, or simply as a fun appetizer, these stuffed fried pickles are sure to be a hit!
Ingredients
12 dill pickles
4 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese
1 tablespoon minced fresh chives
1 tablespoon minced fresh dill
1 pickled jalapeño, diced
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon fine salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
12 egg roll wrappers
Vegetable oil, for frying
Prep Time
25 minutes
Cook Time
10 minutes
Total Time
35 minutes
Yield
12 stuffed pickles
Directions
1. Prepare the Pickles: Halve the 12 dill pickles lengthwise and scoop out the insides using a spoon. Set the insides aside in a bowl.
2. Make the Cream Cheese Filling: In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, minced chives, minced dill, diced pickled jalapeño, honey, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
3. Stuff the Pickles: Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture into each hollowed-out pickle half and press the halves together.
4. Wrap the Pickles: Place one stuffed pickle on an egg roll wrapper, fold it, and seal it with water. Repeat for the remaining pickles.
5. Fry the Pickles: Heat vegetable oil in a pot to 350°F (175°C). Fry the wrapped pickles for about 1 minute per side until golden brown, then drain on paper towels.
6. Serve: Enjoy the stuffed fried pickles warm, either plain or with your preferred dipping sauce like ranch or spicy mayo.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 400°F (200°C) oven for about 5 minutes.
Recipe Variations
You can try using flavored cheese spreads, add fresh chiles for more heat, or even roll fried pickles in dill pickle seasoning for extra flavor.
Cooking Tips
Ensure pickles are well-drained before stuffing to avoid soggy wrappers. Fry in small batches to maintain oil temperature and crispiness. An oven method is available for a healthier option.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a different type of pickle? Yes, feel free to use bread-and-butter pickles for a sweeter taste.
2. Can I make these ahead of time? Yes, prepare and refrigerate the stuffed pickles until ready to fry.
3. Can I bake these instead of frying? Yes, bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 15 minutes.
4. What dipping sauce goes best? Ranch dressing, spicy mayo, or barbecue sauce work wonderfully.
5. Can I use a different kind of cheese? Absolutely! Swap cheddar for cream cheese, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella based on your preference.
Enjoy making and savoring these delicious stuffed fried pickles!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Pickles:
Halve the 12 dill pickles lengthwise. Scoop out the insides using a spoon and set them aside in a small bowl.
Make the Cream Cheese Filling:
In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, minced chives, minced dill, diced pickled jalapeño, honey, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until fully combined and smooth.
Stuff the Pickles:
Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture into each hollowed-out pickle half. Press the halves together to enclose the filling. Repeat with the remaining pickles.
Wrap the Pickles:
Lay an egg roll wrapper on a clean surface with one corner facing you (it should look like a diamond). Place one stuffed pickle in the center of the wrapper. Fold up the bottom of the wrapper, then fold in the sides. Gently roll the wrapper around the pickle and seal it with a couple of drops of water to ensure the wrap stays closed. Repeat for the remaining pickles.
Fry the Pickles:
Add enough vegetable oil to a large pot to reach about 2 inches up the sides. Heat the oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Carefully add 4 wrapped pickles at a time to the hot oil. Fry for about 1 minute per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove from the oil and transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Serve:
Serve the stuffed fried pickles warm, on their own or with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch or spicy mayo.
Notes
Storage:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 400°F (200°C) oven for about 5 minutes, or until heated through.
Recipe Variations:
Flavored Cheese Spread: Fill the pickles with a prepared flavored cheese spread, such as Boursin. Spicy Filling: For more heat, add chopped fresh chiles, pickled Calabrian chiles, or cayenne pepper to the filling. Extra Pickle Flavor: After frying, roll the still-warm pickles in Trader Joe’s dill pickle seasoning for an extra burst of pickle flavor.
Cooking Tips:
Ensure that the pickles are well-drained before stuffing them to avoid excess moisture that could make the wrappers soggy. Don’t overcrowd the pot while frying to ensure each pickle gets crispy and golden. Use a candy thermometer to monitor the oil temperature to prevent burning or undercooking. If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought flavored cheese spreads to make the filling even faster. If you prefer a healthier option, try baking the stuffed pickles in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes instead of frying.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use a different type of pickle? Yes! While dill pickles work best for this recipe, you can use bread-and-butter pickles for a sweeter version or other types of pickles based on your preference. Can I make these ahead of time? You can prepare the stuffed pickles and refrigerate them until ready to fry. Just make sure the wrappers are sealed properly to prevent leaks. Can I bake these instead of frying? Yes! You can bake the stuffed pickles in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 15 minutes, or until golden and crispy. What dipping sauce goes best with these stuffed pickles? These fried pickles pair wonderfully with dipping sauces like ranch dressing, spicy mayo, barbecue sauce, or garlic aioli. Can I use a different kind of cheese? Absolutely! Feel free to swap the cheddar cheese for other cheeses like cream cheese, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella, depending on your taste preference.
Cook techniques
Preparing the Pickles
Halve the dill pickles lengthwise and scoop out the insides with a spoon. This helps create a pocket for the filling.
Making the Cream Cheese Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese with shredded cheddar, herbs, and spices until the mixture is smooth and well-blended.
Stuffing the Pickles
Fill each hollowed-out pickle half with about a tablespoon of the cream cheese mixture, then press the halves back together to enclose the filling.
Wrapping the Pickles
Using egg roll wrappers, carefully wrap each stuffed pickle by folding up the bottom, bringing in the sides, and rolling to seal. Use water to ensure they stay closed.
Frying the Pickles
Heat vegetable oil in a large pot to 350°F (175°C) and fry wrapped pickles in batches until golden brown and crispy, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot.
Serving
Serve the stuffed fried pickles warm, either plain or with your choice of dipping sauce.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of pickle?
Yes! You can use various types of pickles, such as bread-and-butter for a sweeter option.
Can I make these ahead of time?
You can prepare and refrigerate the stuffed pickles beforehand. Just ensure they are sealed correctly.
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes, baking is an option. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 15 minutes until crispy.
What dipping sauce goes best with these stuffed pickles?
They pair well with ranch dressing, spicy mayo, barbecue sauce, or garlic aioli.
Can I use a different kind of cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute cheddar with other cheeses like mozzarella or Monterey Jack.
Conclusion
These stuffed fried pickles are a delightful combination of flavors and textures, making them a perfect appetizer or snack for any gathering. The creamy filling pairs wonderfully with the crispy exterior, creating an irresistible treat. Enjoy them fresh from the fryer with your favorite dipping sauce for an unforgettable experience!
More recipes suggestions and combination
Stuffed Jalapeños
Try using the same cream cheese filling to stuff jalapeño peppers, then wrap them in bacon and bake until crispy for a spicy twist.
Cheese-Stuffed Mushrooms
Use the cream cheese mixture to fill mushroom caps, sprinkle with breadcrumbs, and bake until golden brown for a savory appetizer.
Buffalo Chicken Egg Rolls
Combine shredded chicken with buffalo sauce and cream cheese, then wrap in egg roll wrappers, and fry or bake for a spicy snack.
Spinach and Artichoke Dip Bites
Fill egg roll wrappers with a mixture of spinach, artichokes, cream cheese, and mozzarella, then fry until golden for a creamy treat.
Sweet Potato Fries
Serve your stuffed fried pickles with a side of crispy sweet potato fries and a dipping sauce for a delicious flavor combo.