Description
Delicious and crispy bacon-wrapped pickle spears baked to perfection, served with a creamy ranch dressing for dipping. This appetizer combines the tangy crunch of pickles with the smoky savoriness of bacon, enhanced by a fresh dill garnish.
Ingredients
Pickle Spears
- 12 pickle spears
Bacon
- 12 slices bacon
Accompaniments
- Ranch dressing (for dipping) – about 1/2 cup
- Fresh dill, chopped (optional, for garnish) – 1-2 tablespoons
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220 degrees Celsius). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Dry the Pickles: Use paper towels to thoroughly pat dry each of the 12 pickle spears, removing excess pickle juice to help the bacon crisp up during baking.
- Wrap with Bacon: Take one slice of bacon and wrap it tightly around each pickle spear, ensuring the bacon covers most of the pickle and holds securely.
- Arrange for Baking: Place each bacon-wrapped pickle spear spaced evenly on the prepared baking sheet to allow hot air circulation for even cooking.
- Bake Until Crispy: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until the bacon turns crisp and golden brown, turning once halfway through if desired for even crispness.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, optionally sprinkle with freshly chopped dill for a burst of herbaceous flavor. Serve immediately with ranch dressing on the side for dipping.
Notes
- Make sure to dry the pickle spears well to ensure the bacon crisps properly.
- You can use thick or regular cut bacon depending on your preference; thick cut may need slightly longer to crisp.
- For a spicier twist, sprinkle cayenne or smoked paprika on the bacon before baking.
- Serve these hot right out of the oven to enjoy the bacon at its crispiest.
- These can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving for convenience.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
