These crispy, creamy stuffed fried pickles are an irresistible snack or appetizer, combining the tangy crunch of pickles with a rich and flavorful cream cheese filling. Perfect for any occasion, they are sure to be a crowd favorite!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5-10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American
Servings: 12
Calories per Serving: 130 kcal (approx.)
Ingredients
For the Pickles:
- 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
Directions
Prepare the Pickles:
- Halve the 12 dill pickles lengthwise, then scoop out the insides using a spoon. Set the pickle insides aside in a small bowl.
Make the Cream Cheese Filling:
- In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, chives, dill, diced 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.
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.