Description
Crispy, golden fried pickles stuffed with a flavorful blend of cream cheese, cheddar, and mozzarella, seasoned with garlic, onion, paprika, and black pepper. These cheesy stuffed fried pickles make a perfect appetizer or snack, served hot with your choice of dipping sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
Pickles
- 12 large dill pickles, whole or sliced lengthwise
Cheese Filling
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Breading
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
For Frying
- Vegetable oil, about 1 inch for frying
Optional
- Ranch dressing or dipping sauce
Instructions
- Prepare Pickles: If using whole pickles, slice them lengthwise into halves or quarters according to your preference so they can be stuffed easily.
- Make Cheese Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, shredded mozzarella, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Mix until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Stuff Pickles: Use a spoon to carefully fill each pickle half or quarter with the cheese mixture. Press the filling firmly inside so it stays packed during frying.
- Set Up Breading Station: Arrange three shallow dishes—one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs—for coating the stuffed pickles.
- Bread Pickles: Coat each stuffed pickle first in flour, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally press into the panko breadcrumbs to coat evenly.
- Heat Oil: Pour about 1 inch of vegetable oil into a large skillet and heat over medium-high heat until the oil reaches approximately 350°F (175°C), hot but not smoking.
- Fry Pickles: Carefully place the breaded pickles into the hot oil. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side or until the pickles are golden brown and crispy.
- Drain: Remove fried pickles from the oil using a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Serve: Serve the cheesy stuffed fried pickles immediately with ranch dressing or your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- Ensure oil temperature remains steady around 350°F to avoid soggy or uneven frying.
- Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunchiness in the coating.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the best crispy texture.
- You can customize the cheese blend with your favorites or add spices to suit your taste.
- Be cautious while frying to prevent oil splatters and burns.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
