Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup firm dill pickles, sliced into 1-inch chunks
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, cut into small cubes
Breading Ingredients
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (or almond flour for gluten-free)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Cooking
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil) or cooking spray for baking
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Slice the dill pickles into bite-sized 1-inch chunks and cut the cheddar cheese into small cubes that closely match the size of the pickle pieces for a balanced bite.
- Set Up the Breading Station: In three separate bowls, place the seasoned flour (flour mixed with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika), beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs respectively. This setup helps the coating stick evenly and results in a crispy crust.
- Assemble the Bites: Press a cube of cheese firmly against a pickle piece so they adhere. For an extra-thick crust, dip each assembled bite first in egg, then coat with flour, dip again in egg, and finally cover with breadcrumbs.
- Cook to Perfection: If frying, heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry the bites in small batches for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. For baking, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C), arrange bites on a greased baking sheet, and bake for 15–20 minutes, turning halfway through to ensure even crispiness.
- Drain and Serve Warm: Remove crispy bites with a slotted spoon or spatula and place on paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve immediately while the cheese inside is melty and the outside is still crisp.
Notes
- Use firm, crunchy pickles to avoid soggy bites.
- Chill assembled bites in the refrigerator for 15 minutes before cooking to help the coating adhere better.
- Do not overcrowd the pan during frying to ensure even cooking and maximum crispiness.
- Use fresh oil to enhance flavor and maintain crunch.
- Serve bites hot for the best texture and taste experience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 bites
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
Keywords: pickle bites, crispy snacks, cheese bites, appetizer, party food, gluten-free snack, baked pickle bites