Stuffed Fried Pickles

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

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.