Prepare for a flavor explosion that will revolutionize your appetizer game! These Nashville Hot Bacon Wrapped Pickles are the ultimate crowd-pleasing snack that combines the tangy crunch of dill pickles, the smoky richness of crispy bacon, and a fiery Nashville-style heat that will leave your guests begging for more. Perfect for game days, parties, or when you're craving a spicy twist on a classic appetizer, this recipe transforms humble ingredients into a culinary masterpiece that's sure to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 12 dill pickle spears
- 12 slices bacon
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1 tbsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 cup hot sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
- Pat the dill pickle spears completely dry using paper towels. Moisture will prevent the bacon from crisping properly.
- In a shallow mixing bowl, combine flour, cayenne pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Mix thoroughly to create the Nashville hot seasoning blend.
- Wrap each pickle spear tightly with a slice of bacon, ensuring the bacon overlaps slightly to secure it in place.
- Roll each bacon-wrapped pickle in the seasoned flour mixture, coating evenly on all sides to create a spicy exterior.
- Arrange the bacon-wrapped pickles on the prepared baking sheet, placing them seam-side down to prevent unraveling during cooking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, turning once halfway through to ensure even cooking and crispy bacon.
- While baking, prepare the hot sauce glaze by whisking the hot sauce until smooth and slightly reduced.
- Remove pickles from the oven when bacon is crisp and golden brown. Immediately brush with hot sauce glaze for extra heat and flavor.
- Let the bacon-wrapped pickles rest for 2-3 minutes before serving to allow the glaze to set and prevent burning.
- Serve hot as an appetizer or party snack, optionally with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
Tips
- Moisture is the Enemy: Thoroughly pat your pickle spears dry with paper towels to ensure the bacon gets perfectly crisp and the coating sticks well.
- Bacon Wrapping Technique: Wrap the bacon slightly overlapping to prevent it from unraveling during cooking. Start at one end of the pickle and spiral the bacon down.
- Seasoning Secret: Don't be shy with the spice blend! The cayenne and paprika are what give these pickles their signature Nashville hot kick.
- Baking Placement Matters: Place the wrapped pickles seam-side down on the baking sheet to keep them intact while cooking.
- Glaze Timing is Crucial: Brush the hot sauce glaze immediately after removing from the oven for maximum flavor penetration.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve with a cool ranch or blue cheese dressing to balance the intense heat and provide a creamy contrast.
- Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare these up to the point of baking and refrigerate for a few hours before cooking, making them perfect for party prep.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 40mg
