Cast Iron Bacon Wrapped Pickles
Cast Iron Bacon Wrapped Pickles is a easy American recipe that serves 4. 150 calories per serving. Recipe by Dutch Oven Daddy on YouTube.
Prep: 10 min | Cook: 30 min | Total: 50 min
Cost: $9.48 total, $2.37 per serving
Ingredients
- 12 pieces Dill Pickle Spears (Choose thick spears, about 4‑5 inches long)
- 12 slices Thick‑Cut Bacon (Prefer center‑cut or thick‑cut for better crisping)
- 12 pieces Toothpicks (Wooden, 2‑inch length)
- 1/2 cup Buttermilk Ranch Dressing (Store‑bought or homemade for dipping)
Instructions
Preheat Oven
Set the oven to 425°F (220°C) and let it fully preheat.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 425°F
Wrap Pickles with Bacon
Lay a slice of bacon flat, place a pickle spear at one end, and roll the bacon around the pickle. Secure the bacon with a toothpick through the center.
Time: PT5M
Arrange in Skillet
Place the bacon‑wrapped pickles seam‑side down in a single layer in the cast‑iron skillet.
Time: PT2M
Bake
Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the bacon is beginning to brown.
Time: PT25M
Temperature: 425°F
Broil for Crispness
Switch the oven to broil and cook for an additional 5 minutes, watching closely until the bacon is fully crisp and caramelized.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: Broil
Serve
Remove the skillet (use oven mitts), let the pickles rest 2 minutes, then transfer to a serving plate. Serve with a small bowl of buttermilk ranch for dipping.
Time: PT3M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 150
- Protein
- 8 g
- Carbohydrates
- 5 g
- Fat
- 12 g
- Fiber
- 1 g
Dietary info: Gluten‑Free (if ranch dressing is gluten‑free), Low‑Carb
Allergens: Dairy (ranch dressing), Pork
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Dill Pickle Spears: Cornichons, Bread‑and‑butter pickles (if you prefer a sweeter bite)
- Instead of Thick‑Cut Bacon: Turkey bacon (will be less fatty and less crisp), Pancetta (trimmed to bacon‑like strips)
- Instead of Toothpicks: Small metal skewers
- Instead of Buttermilk Ranch Dressing: Blue cheese dip, Spicy sriracha mayo
Equipment Needed
- Oven
- Cast‑Iron Skillet
- Tongs
- Small Bowl
- Plate or Serving Platter
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Securing the bacon with toothpicks so it doesn’t unravel during baking.
- Baking at the correct temperature (425°F) to render the bacon fat without over‑cooking the pickle.
- Broiling at the end to achieve a crisp, caramelized bacon exterior.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use thick‑cut, center‑cut bacon for the best flavor‑to‑fat ratio.
- For extra flavor, brush the bacon with a thin layer of maple syrup or brown sugar before baking.
- Serve with a side of sliced jalapeños for those who like a spicy kick.
Troubleshooting
Bacon is not crisp after broiling.
Increase broil time by 1‑2 minutes, or finish the pickles in a hot skillet for a few seconds to render more fat.
Pickles release too much moisture and the bacon becomes soggy.
Pat the pickles dry thoroughly before wrapping and consider sprinkling a light layer of cornmeal on the skillet to absorb excess liquid.
Toothpicks break or slip out.
Use sturdy wooden toothpicks and insert them at a slight angle through the center of the bacon roll.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Re‑heat in a hot skillet or under the broiler.
Freezer: Not recommended; texture of the pickle will become soggy after thawing.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 1 hour due to the bacon.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Wrap the pickles and secure with toothpicks up to 24 hours ahead; keep covered in the refrigerator.
- Ranch dip can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the fridge.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of bacon wrapped pickles in American cuisine?
Bacon‑wrapped pickles are a classic Southern bar snack that emerged in the mid‑20th century as a salty, indulgent finger food. They combine the tang of dill pickles with the smoky richness of bacon, reflecting the American love of bold, handheld appetizers served with beer or cocktails.
What regional variations of bacon wrapped pickles exist within the United States?
In the Midwest, the snack is often called “pickle‑wrapped bacon” and may be served with a honey‑mustard glaze. In the South, it’s common to add a dash of hot sauce or serve with a creamy ranch dip, as demonstrated by Dutch Oven Daddy. Some West Coast versions use turkey bacon for a lighter version.
How is bacon wrapped pickles traditionally served in Southern gatherings?
They are typically presented on a platter at casual gatherings, game‑day parties, or barbecues, often alongside other fried finger foods like onion rings and chicken wings. The pickles are served hot, with a side of ranch or blue‑cheese dressing for dipping.
During which occasions are bacon wrapped pickles most popular in American culture?
Bacon wrapped pickles are a staple at tailgate parties, Super Bowl gatherings, and backyard barbecues. Their bite‑size nature makes them perfect for snacking while socializing and drinking.
What makes bacon wrapped pickles a unique snack in American cuisine?
The combination of crunchy, acidic pickle with salty, fatty bacon creates a contrast of textures and flavors that is uniquely satisfying. The quick bake‑and‑broil method gives a caramelized exterior while keeping the pickle juicy inside.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making skillet bacon wrapped pickles?
Common errors include using thin bacon that burns before the pickle heats through, not securing the bacon with toothpicks so it unravels, and skipping the broil step, which leaves the bacon soggy instead of crisp.
Why does this recipe call for broiling the bacon wrapped pickles at the end instead of baking the whole time?
Broiling adds intense direct heat that quickly crisps the bacon without overcooking the pickle inside. Baking first renders the bacon fat and heats the pickle, while the final broil creates the desired crunch.
Can I make the bacon wrapped pickles ahead of time and how should I store them before cooking?
Yes, you can wrap the pickles and secure them with toothpicks up to 24 hours in advance. Keep them covered in the refrigerator; bake them directly from the fridge, adding a couple of minutes to the bake time if the skillet is cold.
What does the YouTube channel Dutch Oven Daddy specialize in?
The YouTube channel Dutch Oven Daddy focuses on simple, hearty recipes that are cooked in a Dutch oven or cast‑iron skillet, emphasizing comfort food, one‑pot meals, and easy techniques for home cooks.
How does the YouTube channel Dutch Oven Daddy's approach to American comfort food differ from other cooking channels?
Dutch Oven Daddy prioritizes minimal equipment—often just a skillet or Dutch oven—and showcases step‑by‑step visuals that highlight the natural flavors of classic American dishes, whereas many other channels rely on extensive gadgets or elaborate plating.
Last updated: September 1, 2026
