Cheesy Stuffed Fried Pickles are a game-changer in my kitchen. I remember serving these crispy, cheesy bites for the first time, and watching my kids go from skeptical to obsessed in one bite. Since then, this cheesy stuffed fried pickles recipe has become a go-to in our family especially on game nights or when we’re craving something snacky and satisfying.
They’re warm, crunchy on the outside, gooey on the inside, and packed with flavor. If you’re a fan of cheese (who isn’t?) and love a good salty snack, this one’s going to win your heart. And don’t worry, you don’t need fancy tools or tons of time. Just a few simple ingredients and a little kitchen joy.
Cheesy Stuffed Fried Pickles
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Small Spoon
- 3 Shallow Dishes
- Skillet or Deep Fryer
- Tongs
- Paper Towels
Ingredients
Filling
- 4 oz Cream Cheese softened
- 0.5 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
- 0.25 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
- 0.5 tsp Garlic Powder
- 0.25 tsp Onion Powder
- 0.25 tsp Smoked Paprika
- 0.25 tsp Black Pepper
Pickles & Breading
- 12 Large Dill Pickles whole or sliced lengthwise
- 0.5 cup All-Purpose Flour
- 2 large Eggs beaten
- 1 cup Panko Breadcrumbs
- 2 cups Vegetable Oil for frying, approximate
- Ranch Dressing or Dipping Sauce optional, for serving
Instructions
- Slice the pickles in half or quarters lengthwise, then pat dry thoroughly with paper towels.
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese, cheddar, mozzarella, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and black pepper until smooth.
- Using a spoon, fill each pickle slice with the cheese mixture. Press gently to secure filling inside.
- Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes: flour in one, beaten eggs in another, and panko breadcrumbs in the third.
- Dredge each stuffed pickle in flour, dip into egg, then coat with panko breadcrumbs. Press gently to ensure coating sticks.
- Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the breaded pickles in batches for 2–3 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
Why These Cheesy Stuffed Fried Pickles Will Be Your New Favorite Appetizer
If you’ve never tried Cheesy Stuffed Fried Pickles before, this is the perfect recipe to start with. They’re easy, crowd-pleasing, and full of that irresistible cheesy goodness. What I love most is that this fried pickles recipe turns an ordinary jar of pickles into the ultimate cheesy appetizer crispy, melty, and full of flavor.
Whether you’re hosting a party, feeding a hungry family, or just need something snacky for movie night, this recipe delivers every single time.
Cheesy Ingredients You’ll Need (Plus Anna’s Tips)
No long shopping list here just a few everyday ingredients with a cheesy twist.
- 12 large dill pickles – Choose whole ones and slice them yourself for the best stuffing space.
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened – Trust me, softened cream cheese spreads smoother and blends better.
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese – Go for sharp cheddar if you want that real cheesy punch.
- ¼ cup shredded mozzarella cheese – This adds meltiness without overpowering the cheddar.
- ½ tsp garlic powder – A staple in my kitchen. Adds warmth.
- ¼ tsp onion powder – You’d miss it if it wasn’t there.
- ¼ tsp smoked paprika – Optional, but gives it a little edge.
- ¼ tsp black pepper – Always freshly ground.
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs – These make it extra crispy.
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Optional: ranch dressing or your favorite dipping sauce (my daughter likes spicy mayo!)
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This cheesy stuffed fried pickles recipe calls for simple ingredients that deliver big flavor. If you’re a cheese lover (and I know you are!), you’ll love the blend of cheddar, cream cheese, and mozzarella that makes every bite of these cheesy stuffed fried pickles totally unforgettable.
How to Make Cheesy Stuffed Fried Pickles (Step by Step)
Step 1: Slice the Pickles
If you’re starting with whole pickles, slice them lengthwise into halves (or quarters if they’re big). Lay them on paper towels and pat them dry this step matters! Wet pickles = soggy coating.
Step 2: Make the Cheesy Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, cheddar, mozzarella, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy. I always do this by hand it feels more homemade that way.
Step 3: Stuff the Pickles
Using a small spoon or clean fingers, stuff the cheesy mixture into the center of each pickle half. Press gently so the filling stays inside. Don’t overstuff or it may leak during frying. This filling is the heart of your cheesy stuffed fried pickles rich, creamy, and full of flavor.
Step 4: Set Up Your Breading Station
Line up three bowls:
- One with flour
- One with beaten eggs
- One with panko breadcrumbs
Coat each pickle in flour first (this helps the egg stick), then dip in the egg, and finally roll it in panko. Press the breadcrumbs in gently so they cling well.
Step 5: Fry Until Golden
Heat about an inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. You want the oil to reach around 350°F hot enough to sizzle, but not smoke.
More recipes I love: Don’t-Fry Onion Rings That Steal the Show Every Time
Fry the pickles in batches, about 2-3 minutes per side, until golden and crispy. Flip gently with tongs and don’t crowd the pan.
Step 6: Drain and Serve
Remove the pickles with tongs and place on a paper towel-lined plate to soak up excess oil. Serve immediately with ranch dressing, spicy ketchup, or any dip you love.
Anna’s Cheesy Tips for Fried Pickle Perfection
- Pat your pickles dry – I say it again because it’s that important. It makes the difference between soggy and crispy.
- Love spice? Add chopped jalapeños or cayenne pepper to the cheese filling.
- No panko? You can use regular breadcrumbs, but the crunch won’t be the same.
- Short on time? Prep the stuffed pickles in the morning and bread/fry them later.
My Favorite Ways to Serve Cheesy Pickles
These cheesy stuffed fried pickles are a hit in so many situations:
- As an appetizer for parties gone in minutes!
- With burgers for the ultimate comfort food dinner
- During movie night instead of chips (way better!)
- At game day gatherings dip ‘em, cheer, repeat
Want a lighter twist? Try baking or air frying them (instructions below).
FAQ
Q1 Can I make these in the oven?
Yes! Bake at 400°F for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway. They won’t be quite as crispy as fried, but still delicious.
Q2: Can I use different pickles for this cheesy recipe?
Absolutely! As long as you’re following the method for cheesy stuffed fried pickles, feel free to experiment with bread-and-butter or spicy pickles.
Q3: Can I prep them ahead of time?
Yep! Stuff and bread the pickles, then refrigerate (covered) for up to 24 hours. Fry when ready.
Q4: What if I don’t want cheese?
You can skip it and use a seasoned breadcrumb mix, but you’ll lose that gooey center.
Q5: How do I store leftover cheesy stuffed fried pickles?
Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat in the oven to bring back the crispy texture this way, the cheesy stuffed fried pickles stay delicious even the next day.
Q6: Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Just fry in batches to keep them crispy.
Q7: My cheese leaked out. What happened?
Two things: your pickles were too wet or you overstuffed them. Next time, pat them dry and use just enough cheese to fill without bursting.
Let’s Make Cheesy Pickles a Family Thing
I hope these Cheesy Stuffed Fried Pickles become a tradition in your kitchen like they did in mine. Every crispy bite reminds me why I love home cooking so much it’s comfort, it’s flavor, it’s joy in a snack-sized package. Don’t forget to tag me when you make your own batch of cheesy stuffed fried pickles I truly love seeing your creations!
