Crispy Pickle Cheese Bites Recipe
Introduction
Crispy Pickle Cheese Bites are a delightful snack that combines the sharpness of cheddar, the creaminess of mozzarella, and the tangy crunch of dill pickles. These bite-sized treats are quick to make and perfect for parties or a tasty appetizer at home.
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 shredded cheddar cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, finely chopped dill pickles, garlic powder, and breadcrumbs if using. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Step 3: Form small balls or bite-sized portions from the mixture and place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
- Step 4: Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese bites turn golden and crispy.
- Step 5: Remove from the oven and allow the bites to cool slightly before serving to enjoy their full flavor and texture.
Tips & Variations
- For an extra kick, add a pinch of paprika or cayenne pepper to the cheese mixture before baking.
- Use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular ones for a crunchier texture.
- Try substituting dill pickles with sweet pickles if you prefer a sweeter flavor contrast.
- Serve with a dipping sauce like ranch or spicy mayo for added flavor.
Storage
Store any 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 restore their crispiness.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make these cheese bites gluten-free?
Yes, you can replace the regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or omit them altogether. The bites will be slightly less crispy but still delicious.
Can I prepare the mixture ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can mix the ingredients and shape the bites in advance. Keep them covered in the fridge and bake when ready, just add an extra minute or two to the cooking time if they’re chilled.
PrintCrispy Pickle Cheese Bites Recipe
These Crispy Pickle Cheese Bites are a delightful snack combining the sharpness of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses with the tangy crunch of dill pickles. Baked to golden perfection, they offer a perfect balance of cheesy richness and pickle zest in every bite, ideal for parties, game days, or casual snacking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 cheese bites 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Cheese Mixture
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Other Ingredients
- ¼ cup finely chopped dill pickles
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon breadcrumbs (optional, for extra crisp)
- Nonstick spray or parchment paper (for baking)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or spray it with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
- Mix ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded cheddar cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, finely chopped dill pickles, garlic powder, and breadcrumbs if using. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Form bites: Shape the mixture into small balls or bite-sized portions, placing them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet to allow for crisping.
- Bake the bites: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes or until the cheese bites turn golden brown and crispy on the edges.
- Cool and serve: Remove the cheese bites from the oven and let them cool slightly on the baking sheet before serving to allow them to firm up and enhance their crisp texture.
Notes
- For an extra kick of flavor, add a pinch of paprika or cayenne pepper to the cheese and pickle mixture before baking.
- Using breadcrumbs is optional but helps to create a crispier texture.
- Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.
- These bites can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated in the oven to restore crispiness.
Keywords: crispy pickle cheese bites, cheese bites, pickle snack, cheesy snacks, baked cheese balls
