Nashville Hot Bacon-wrapped Pickles Recipe to Savor

Why This Recipe Works

The beauty of these Nashville Hot Bacon-Wrapped Pickles is in the simple yet effective flavor combination. The pickles soak up that spicy marinade overnight, giving them a robust flavor that complements the smoky, crispy bacon perfectly. The whole process is straightforward, and the results are absolutely worth it.

The bacon gets nice and crispy while the pickles maintain their crunch, and that’s a balance I always aim for. Plus, smoking them at 350 degrees gives them an incredible depth of flavor that you just can’t achieve with standard frying.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these delicious bites:

• 1 jar dill pickle spears
• 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 2 tablespoons hot sauce
• 1 pound bacon

These ingredients are pretty common, but together they create a flavor explosion that’s anything but ordinary.

How to Make It

Let’s get into the fun part! First things first, you’ll want to prepare the pickles. Open up your jar and pour out a bit of the juice - just enough to make some space. We’re going to add that cayenne pepper, brown sugar, paprika, and hot sauce right into the jar. Close it up tightly and give it a good shake. You want to make sure everything is mixed well. After that, pop the jar in the fridge and let the spears marinate overnight. This is where the magic begins, as the pickles soak up all those spicy flavors.

The next day, take out your pickle spears and pat them dry. This step is crucial because you don’t want excess moisture getting in the way of that crispy bacon. Now comes the fun part: wrapping! Take each spear and wrap it tightly with a slice of bacon. I like to tuck the ends underneath to keep everything in place.

Now, preheat your smoker to 350 degrees F. Once it’s nice and hot, place the bacon-wrapped spears directly on the grates. The smell while they’re cooking is just incredible - trust me on this one. You’ll want to smoke them for about 30 to 35 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even cooking. Keep a close eye on them; you’re looking for that perfect deep golden color and a crispy exterior.

When they’re done, pull them off the smoker and get ready to serve. I like serving them warm, right off the grill, because that’s when they’re at their best.

Tips / Variations

If you’re feeling adventurous, there are plenty of ways to tweak this recipe. For instance, you could add a cheese filling to the pickles before wrapping them in bacon. Cream cheese or pepper jack would both be fantastic options to add an extra layer of flavor.

Also, if you prefer a milder heat, you can adjust the cayenne pepper to your liking or even swap it out for a less spicy seasoning. Experimenting a bit is part of the fun, so don’t hesitate to make these your own.

Serving Ideas

These Nashville Hot Bacon-Wrapped Pickles are perfect for any gathering, whether it’s a backyard BBQ, game day, or just because you feel like treating yourself. They’re great on their own, but if you want to elevate the experience, serve them with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. The creaminess complements the heat beautifully.

I often make a big batch and let everyone dig in. It’s always a hit when I have friends over, and the conversations just flow as we munch on these spicy snacks. They’re one of those dishes that sparks joy and brings people together.

Closing

So there you have it - my take on Nashville Hot Bacon-Wrapped Pickles. They’re simple, satisfying, and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned BBQ master or just looking for a fun snack to whip up, this recipe is sure to impress. Give it a try at your next gathering, and I promise you’ll be the star of the show. Happy cooking, and enjoy those crispy bites!

Nashville Hot Bacon-Wrapped Pickles Recipe to Savor

Print Pin Rate

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes minutes

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 1 jar dill pickle spears
• 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 2 tablespoons hot sauce
• 1 pound bacon

Instructions

• Open the jar of pickle spears and pour out a bit of the pickle juice to make room. Add the cayenne pepper, brown sugar, paprika, and hot sauce directly into the jar. Close the lid tightly and shake or turn the jar a few times to distribute everything evenly. Place the jar in the fridge and let the spears marinate overnight.
• The next day, remove the spears from the jar and pat off any excess liquid.
• Wrap each spear tightly in a piece of bacon, securing the ends underneath if needed.
• Preheat your smoker to 350 degrees F and place the wrapped spears directly on the grates.
• Smoke until the bacon is fully rendered and crispy, about 30 to 35 minutes, flipping halfway through for even color.
• Pull once the bacon has a deep golden, sticky-crisp exterior and serve warm, straight off the smoker.