Crispy Pickle Cheese Bites Recipe
Introduction
Crispy Pickle Cheese Bites are a delightful snack that combines gooey melted cheese with the tangy crunch of dill pickles. Perfect for parties or a quick appetizer, these bites are easy to make and sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup finely chopped dill pickles
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon breadcrumbs (optional, for extra crisp)
- Nonstick spray or parchment paper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or spray it with nonstick spray.
- Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine the cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, chopped pickles, garlic powder, and breadcrumbs if using. Mix well to combine evenly.
- Step 3: Form small balls or bite-sized portions from the mixture and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.
- Step 4: Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese bites turn golden brown and crispy.
- Step 5: Remove from the oven and allow the bites to cool slightly before serving to avoid burning your mouth.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the cheese mixture.
- If you prefer a gluten-free option, omit the breadcrumbs or use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Try swapping the cheddar with pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick.
- Serve with a dipping sauce like ranch or spicy mayo for added taste.
Storage
Store leftover cheese bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–7 minutes to retain crispiness.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare these cheese bites ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cheese mixture and form the bites in advance. Keep them refrigerated until ready to bake, but bake them fresh for the best texture.
What can I use instead of dill pickles?
If you don’t have dill pickles, bread and butter pickles or finely chopped jalapeños make great alternatives that offer different flavor profiles.
PrintCrispy Pickle Cheese Bites Recipe
Crispy Pickle Cheese Bites are a deliciously savory snack combining the melty goodness of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses with the tangy crunch of dill pickles. Baked to golden perfection with a hint of garlic and optional breadcrumbs for extra crispiness, these bite-sized treats are perfect for parties, appetizers, or a quick indulgent snack.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12–15 bites 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Cheese Mixture
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup finely chopped dill pickles
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon breadcrumbs (optional, for extra crisp)
For Baking
- Nonstick spray or parchment paper
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or spray it lightly with nonstick spray to prevent sticking during baking.
- Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, add shredded cheddar, shredded mozzarella, finely chopped dill pickles, garlic powder, and breadcrumbs if using. Mix everything thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Form Bites: Using your hands or a small cookie scoop, form small balls or bite-sized portions of the cheese and pickle mixture. Arrange them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet to allow even baking.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the cheese bites for about 10 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and achieve a crispy texture on the outside.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the bites from the oven carefully and let them cool slightly on the baking sheet before serving. This allows them to firm up and become easier to handle.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, omit the breadcrumbs or substitute with gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Adjust the amount of garlic powder to taste for a stronger or milder garlic flavor.
- These bites are best served warm for optimal melty, crispy texture.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.
- If you want extra crispiness, lightly spray the formed bites with cooking spray before baking.
Keywords: cheese bites, crispy snack, pickle appetizer, cheddar mozzarella bites, party snacks, baked cheese bites, easy appetizers
