Bacon Wrapped Pickles I Easy Appetizer I Smokey Pete's Barbeque
Bacon Wrapped Pickles I Easy Appetizer I Smokey Pete's Barbeque is a easy American recipe that serves 6. 180 calories per serving. Recipe by Smokey Pete's Barbeque on YouTube.
Prep: 20 min | Cook: 1 hr 30 min | Total: 2 hrs 5 min
Cost: $41.57 total, $6.93 per serving
Ingredients
- 12 slices Thin Applewood Smoked Bacon (Jimmy Dean's Applewood Smoked Bacon, thin cut)
- 6 pieces Original Dill Pickles (Whole dill pickles, original brand)
- 6 pieces Wicked Dill Pickles (Wicked Dill brand whole pickles)
- 0.25 cup Honey (For honey‑chipotle glaze)
- 2 tablespoon Chipotle Hot Sauce (e.g., Cholula Chipotle)
- 1 teaspoon Chipotle Powder (Smoked chipotle powder)
- 0.5 cup Trigger Happy Red Bandit Sauce (Store‑bought BBQ sauce from Wes Rockhold (Amarillo))
Instructions
Prepare Bacon and Pickles
Slice the bacon in half lengthwise to create thinner strips. Halve each pickle lengthwise.
Time: PT5M
Wrap Pickles with Bacon
Wrap each pickle half with a strip of bacon, seam side down, and press gently to adhere.
Time: PT5M
Make Honey‑Chipotle Glaze
In a small mixing bowl combine honey, chipotle hot sauce, and chipotle powder. Stir until smooth.
Time: PT3M
Glaze Wrapped Pickles
Brush both sides of each bacon‑wrapped pickle with the honey‑chipotle glaze. Let sit for 2–3 minutes.
Time: PT5M
Preheat Smoker
Set the Traeger smoker to 275°F and allow it to preheat.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 275°F
Smoke the Pickles
Arrange the glazed, bacon‑wrapped pickles on the smoker rack, spacing them evenly. Smoke for about 1 hour, or until the bacon is crisp and the pickles are heated through.
Time: PT1H
Temperature: 275°F
Apply Red Bandit Sauce (Optional)
Remove the pickles from the smoker. Brush half of them with Trigger Happy Red Bandit sauce; leave the other half plain.
Time: PT5M
Rest and Set Sauce
Let the pickles rest on a plate for 15 minutes so the sauce can set and the bacon to finish crisping.
Time: PT15M
Serve
Arrange the pickles on a serving platter. Serve hot or warm as a game‑day snack.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 180
- Protein
- 8 g
- Carbohydrates
- 10 g
- Fat
- 12 g
- Fiber
- 1 g
Dietary info: Contains Pork, Gluten-Free (if sauces are gluten‑free)
Allergens: Pork, Honey
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Thin Applewood Smoked Bacon: Turkey bacon, Regular smoked bacon
- Instead of Original Dill Pickles: Bread and butter pickles
- Instead of Wicked Dill Pickles: Regular dill pickles
- Instead of Honey: Agave syrup
- Instead of Chipotle Hot Sauce: Sriracha, Tabasco
- Instead of Chipotle Powder: Paprika, Cayenne pepper
- Instead of Trigger Happy Red Bandit Sauce: Any sweet BBQ sauce
Equipment Needed
- Traeger Pro 575 Smoker
- Cutting Board
- Chef's Knife
- Tongs
- Heat‑Resistant Gloves
- Small Mixing Bowl
- Basting Brush
- Plate for Resting
- Meat Thermometer (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Wrap bacon tightly around each pickle half.
- Apply honey‑chipotle glaze evenly before smoking.
- Smoke at a steady 275°F until bacon is crisp.
- Apply Trigger Happy Red Bandit sauce after smoking and allow it to set.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use thin‑cut bacon so it crisps quickly without overcooking the pickle inside.
- For extra flavor, sprinkle a pinch of smoked paprika on the glaze before smoking.
- If you prefer a spicier bite, add extra chipotle powder to the glaze.
Troubleshooting
Bacon does not become crisp.
Increase smoking time by 5‑10 minutes or raise the smoker temperature to 300°F for the last few minutes.
Pickles release too much moisture and become soggy.
Pat the pickle halves dry thoroughly before wrapping and consider adding a brief 5‑minute air‑dry period after glazing.
Glaze burns or caramelizes too quickly.
Apply the glaze after the first 30 minutes of smoking, or lower the smoker temperature to 250°F for the remainder.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Not recommended; texture of bacon and pickle will degrade.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Wrap the pickles in bacon and refrigerate up to 24 hours before smoking.
- Prepare the honey‑chipotle glaze ahead of time and store it in the fridge.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of bacon wrapped pickles in American game‑day cuisine?
Bacon wrapped pickles have become a staple at American tailgate parties and sports gatherings, combining the salty crunch of bacon with the tang of pickles. The snack reflects the U.S. love for handheld, high‑protein finger foods that are easy to share while cheering on a team.
What are the traditional regional variations of bacon wrapped pickles in Southern barbecue cuisine?
In the Southern United States, variations include using smoked ham instead of bacon, adding a brown‑sugar glaze, or stuffing the pickle with cheese before wrapping. Some regions also drizzle the finished bites with a honey‑mustard sauce for extra sweetness.
How is bacon wrapped pickle traditionally served in the Midwest during football season?
Midwestern fans often serve the bites on a platter with a side of ranch or a sweet barbecue sauce for dipping. They are typically presented hot from the smoker, allowing the bacon to stay crisp while the pickle stays juicy.
What occasions or celebrations is bacon wrapped pickle traditionally associated with in American culture?
Bacon wrapped pickles are most popular at tailgate parties, Super Bowl gatherings, baseball games, and backyard barbecues. They are also a common offering at casual sports‑watching events and potlucks.
What makes bacon wrapped pickle special or unique in American barbecue cuisine?
The combination of smoky, crispy bacon with the briny snap of a pickle creates a contrast of textures and flavors that is both indulgent and refreshing. Adding a honey‑chipotle glaze and optional Red Bandit sauce adds layers of sweet, spicy, and smoky notes that set it apart from plain bacon‑wrapped foods.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making bacon wrapped pickles on the YouTube channel Smokey Pete's Barbeque?
Common errors include wrapping the bacon too loosely, which causes it to slip off during smoking, and not drying the pickle halves, leading to soggy bacon. Also, applying the glaze too early can cause it to burn; wait until the pickles are on the smoker before adding more glaze.
Why does this bacon wrapped pickle recipe use a 275°F smoking temperature instead of a higher heat?
Smoking at 275°F allows the bacon to render slowly, becoming crisp without burning, while gently heating the pickle interior. A higher temperature would crisp the bacon faster but could cause the glaze to caramelize too quickly and the pickle to become overly soft.
Can I make bacon wrapped pickles ahead of time and how should I store them before smoking?
Yes, you can wrap the pickles in bacon, brush with glaze, and refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 24 hours. Keep them chilled until you are ready to preheat the smoker, then proceed with smoking as directed.
What does the YouTube channel Smokey Pete's Barbeque specialize in?
The YouTube channel Smokey Pete's Barbeque specializes in outdoor cooking, especially smoking and grilling techniques for game‑day foods, backyard barbecues, and creative snack ideas using smokers like the Traeger series.
How does the YouTube channel Smokey Pete's Barbeque's approach to American barbecue differ from other barbecue channels?
Smokey Pete's Barbeque focuses on quick, crowd‑pleasing snacks and game‑day fare, often incorporating unconventional flavor combos like honey‑chipotle glaze and specialty sauces. The channel emphasizes practical, step‑by‑step guidance for home smokers rather than long‑form meat roasts.
Last updated: September 2, 2026
