Bacon-wrapped pickle shots filled with cream cheese 😍 Perfect party snack!

Bacon-wrapped pickle shots filled with cream cheese 😍 Perfect party snack! is a medium American recipe that serves 12. 150 calories per serving. Recipe by cookingintheyard on YouTube.

Prep: 22 min | Cook: 30 min | Total: 1 hr 2 min

Cost: $9.30 total, $0.77 per serving

Ingredients

  • 12 count Dill Pickles (large kosher dill pickles, ends trimmed so they can stand upright)
  • 8 oz Cream Cheese (softened at room temperature for easy piping)
  • 12 slices Bacon (regular smoked bacon; cut in half if thick)
  • 2 tbsp Barbecue Rub (any store‑bought BBQ seasoning you like)
  • 12 count Toothpicks (wooden, for securing bacon)

Instructions

  1. Trim and Halve the Pickles

    Cut off the ends of each dill pickle, then slice each pickle in half lengthwise so they can stand upright.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Core the Pickles

    Use a pickle corer (or the tip of a small spoon) to scoop out the seeds and flesh, creating a hollow "shot glass" shape.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Soften the Cream Cheese

    Leave the cream cheese at room temperature for about 30 minutes or microwave for 10 seconds to soften it.

    Time: PT5M

  4. Pipe Cream Cheese into Pickles

    Place the softened cream cheese in a Ziploc bag, snip a tiny corner, and pipe the cheese into each hollowed pickle, filling to the top.

    Time: PT5M

  5. Wrap with Bacon and Secure

    Lay a slice of bacon around each cream‑cheese‑filled pickle half, wrap tightly, and insert a toothpick through the bottom and top to hold the bacon in place.

    Time: PT5M

  6. Season with Barbecue Rub

    Sprinkle the preferred barbecue rub evenly over the bacon‑wrapped pickles.

    Time: PT2M

  7. Smoke the Pickle Shots

    Arrange the pickle shots on a baking sheet or directly on the smoker rack and smoke at 225°F until the bacon is crisp and the cream cheese is melted, about 30 minutes.

    Time: PT30M

    Temperature: 225°F

  8. Rest and Serve

    Remove the pickle shots from the smoker, let them rest for 2 minutes, then pull out the toothpicks and serve while still warm.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
150
Protein
5 g
Carbohydrates
2 g
Fat
13 g
Fiber
0.5 g

Dietary info: Gluten‑Free (if using gluten‑free BBQ rub), Keto‑Friendly

Allergens: Dairy, Pork

Last updated: April 18, 2026

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Bacon-wrapped pickle shots filled with cream cheese 😍 Perfect party snack!

Recipe by cookingintheyard

Crispy bacon‑wrapped dill pickle halves filled with creamy softened cream cheese, smoked to perfection. These bite‑size pickle shots are the ultimate party snack that combine tangy, salty, and smoky flavors in one irresistible bite.

MediumAmericanServes 12

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
59m
Prep
0m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 9m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$9.30
Total cost
$0.77
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Coring the pickle to create a clean cavity
  • Softening the cream cheese for easy piping
  • Securing the bacon with toothpicks to prevent curling
  • Smoking at the correct temperature until bacon is crisp

Safety Warnings

  • Handle raw bacon with clean hands and wash all surfaces after contact.
  • Smoking involves high heat; use heat‑proof gloves when handling the tray.
  • Toothpicks can be a choking hazard; remove before serving to children.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of bacon wrapped pickles in American cuisine?

A

Bacon‑wrapped pickles are a classic American bar snack that emerged in the Midwest during the 20th century, combining the tang of dill pickles with the smoky richness of bacon. They are often served at tailgate parties, sports bars, and Southern comfort‑food gatherings.

cultural
Q

What regional variations of bacon wrapped pickles exist within the United States?

A

In the South, the pickles are frequently seasoned with Cajun or Creole spices, while in the Midwest they are often simply dusted with a sweet brown‑sugar BBQ rub. Some variations add a slice of cheese or jalapeño for extra heat.

cultural
Q

How are bacon wrapped pickle shots traditionally served in American bar settings?

A

They are typically presented on a platter with toothpicks for easy grabbing, often accompanied by a side of ranch or blue‑cheese dressing for dipping. They are served warm, straight from the smoker or grill.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations are bacon wrapped pickle shots commonly associated with in American culture?

A

These bite‑size snacks are popular at game‑day parties, backyard barbecues, Super Bowl gatherings, and casual cocktail hours where finger foods are favored.

cultural
Q

What makes bacon wrapped pickle shots special or unique in American snack cuisine?

A

The combination of crunchy dill pickle, creamy cheese, and crisp smoked bacon creates a contrast of textures and flavors that is both salty and tangy, making it a crowd‑pleasing, indulgent snack that’s easy to eat in one bite.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for bacon wrapped pickle shots versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Authentic ingredients include dill pickles, regular smoked bacon, full‑fat cream cheese, and a simple BBQ rub. Acceptable substitutes are turkey bacon, Neufchatel or vegan cream cheese, and Cajun seasoning in place of BBQ rub.

cultural
Q

What other American dishes pair well with bacon wrapped pickle shots?

A

They pair nicely with classic bar foods such as buffalo wings, loaded nachos, deviled eggs, and a cold beer or a crisp hard cider.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making bacon wrapped pickle shots?

A

Common mistakes include not softening the cream cheese (making it hard to pipe), failing to secure the bacon with a toothpick (causing it to curl), and smoking at too low a temperature, which leaves the bacon soggy.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe use a smoker instead of a regular oven for cooking the bacon wrapped pickle shots?

A

Smoking adds a deep, wood‑infused flavor and gently renders the bacon fat, keeping the bacon crisp while melting the cheese without drying out the pickle. An oven can work, but it won’t provide the same smoky aroma.

technical
Q

Can I make bacon wrapped pickle shots ahead of time and how should I store them before serving?

A

Yes, you can core, fill, and wrap the pickles, then refrigerate them uncovered for up to 24 hours. Smoke them just before serving, or smoke in advance and reheat briefly in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel cookingintheyard specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel cookingintheyard specializes in simple, outdoor‑focused recipes that often use grills, smokers, and backyard cooking techniques, delivering step‑by‑step tutorials for casual home cooks.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel cookingintheyard's approach to American snack recipes differ from other cooking channels?

A

Cookingintheyard emphasizes outdoor cooking equipment like smokers and grills, prioritizing flavor from smoke and fire, whereas many other channels focus on indoor stovetop or oven methods. The channel also highlights quick, crowd‑pleasing finger foods perfect for backyard gatherings.

channel

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