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Watch Me Make It!
If you’re not making pickle burnt ends yet, you’re missing out on one of the best backyard BBQ snacks I’ve ever thrown together. They’ve got that crispy bacon crunch, smoky heat, and sweet BBQ glaze all wrapped around a juicy little pickle chip. It’s the kind of bite that hits every craving at once—and trust me, they disappear fast.
These are the perfect appetizer or side dish, and if I may say so, even though it’s easy, it’s a genius-level recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You only need basic ingredients, and the prep is ridiculously easy. It’s a killer combo of smoke flavor, crispy bacon, and dill pickles in one bite. And the best part? These pickle burnt ends are the perfect snack for game day, tailgates, or late-night munchies.
Ingredients / Tools You’ll Need for Pickle Burnt Ends
- 36 pickle slices or pickle chips
- 1 lb thick-cut bacon (cut into thirds)
- 2 tbsp butter
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- Favorite BBQ Rub
- Your favorite Sweet BBQ sauce
- whole dill pickles (if using full pickles to slice)
- Paper towels
- Wire rack
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Pellet grill or smoker
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Instructions
Preparation:
Preheat your pellet grill or smoker to 350°F to get that deep smoky flavor. Take your thick-cut bacon and slice each strip of bacon into thirds. Lay the pickle slices on paper towels and press gently to remove excess moisture.
To make the pickle burnt ends wrap each pickle chip with a slice of bacon, making sure the seam is on the bottom so it stays put while cooking. Place each one on a wire rack that’s been set over a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Dust the tops with your favorite BBQ seasoning and let them rest for 10 minutes so the bacon soaks in that flavor.
Cooking:
Slide the whole baking sheet or wire rack onto your smoker and let those bacon-wrapped pickles cook for about 20–25 minutes. You’re aiming for crispy bacon, but not charred—keep an eye on them at the 20-minute mark. Once they’re golden and crispy, pull them off the grill. We’re getting closer and closer to pickle burnt ends to eat!
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Toss them into a disposable aluminum pan with butter, brown sugar, and a drizzle of your favorite BBQ sauce. Cover the pan tightly with foil and return it to the smoker for another 30 to 45 minutes.
The longer they cook, the more they soak up that sweet, smoky glaze—but don’t go over an hour.
Once they’re ready, hit them with a little more BBQ sauce if you want, and serve ’em up hot. These pickle burnt ends are an explosion of flavors, every single time. Perfect little finger foods, and they’re always a hit with the crew.
Serving Suggestions
I usually serve these with homemade ranch or a scoop of sour cream for dipping. They go great next to wings, sliders, or anything else you’ve got on the grill. If you’re throwing a party, set them out with pickle shots and jalapeño poppers—people will lose their minds.
Put them on a plate, and stick a toothpick in them for easy party food straight off the serving dish.
Recipe Notes & Pro Tips
Don’t skip the paper towels—moisture is the enemy of crispy bacon. Always use thick-cut bacon for the best bite and wrap tightly so they stay together. The baking sheet with a wire rack makes the bacon cook evenly and keeps your smoker cleaner.
Use a slice of bacon that’s just long enough to wrap, not too much overlap. These are one of my favorite low carb options when I’m skipping the chips but still want something bold. Make a double batch—you’ll regret it if you don’t.
Variations
Try swapping the BBQ sauce for a spicier version if you want a little heat. Add a dab of cream cheese under the pickle slice for a creamy twist—kind of like a smoky jalapeño popper vibe. Use full whole dill pickles and slice them into thick medallions for a chunkier texture.
If you’re into sweet heat, sprinkle a little brown sugar on the bacon before smoking. They also reheat great in the air fryer—just pop them in for a few minutes to bring back that crispy bacon crunch. Whether it’s a random Tuesday or a big game day, pickle burnt ends are my new go-to great snack.
Other Recipes You’ll Love:
- Bacon Wrapped Hot Dog with Pickle Hot Dog Bun
- Bacon Wrapped Pineapple with Fireball Glaze Recipe
- Bacon Wrapped Pizza Rolls – The Snack Recipe You Need
- Bacon Wrapped Pickles Recipe: Bacon Cheeseburger Pickle Shots
- Spicy Bacon Wrapped Pickles – The best easy recipe
Ingredients
- 36 Pickle Slices or Chips
- 1 lb Bacon cut into thirds
- 2 TBSP Butter
- 1/4 C Brown Sugar
- BBQ Sauce
- BBQ Seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat smoker to 350F (or oven, if you don't have a smoker)
- Cut 1 lb of bacon into thirds as shown, wrap each pickle chip in one of the cut slices of bacon, making sure the bacon ends are on the bottom, and place on wire rack
- Season well with BBQ Seasoning, and let sit for 10 minutes for the bacon to absorb the BBQ Seasoning. Place on smoker to cook for 20-25 minutes until bacon is crispy. Cooking times could vary, start checking on it at 20 mintues. Remove when bacon is crispy.
- Place bacon wrapped pickles into aluminum pan with butter, brown sugar, and BBQ sauce and cover tightly with aluminum foil.
- Place back in smoker for 30 – 45 minutes. The longer they cook, the more flavor they absorb. Don't let cook more than an hour.
- Remove and add more bbq sauce if desired, serve hot.
