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Crispy Pickle Cheese Bites

Category: Finger Foods and Party Snacks

Crispy Pickle Cheese Bites combine the zing of pickles with gooey melted cheese for the perfect snack. Start by patting dry pickle slices and cutting matching-sized cheese cubes. Set up a breading station with seasoned flour, whisked eggs, and breadcrumb mix. Sandwich the cheese between pickles or layer them, then coat in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs. For extra crispness, double coat. Cook by frying, baking, or air frying until golden and crispy. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce for an irresistible treat!

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Fatiha
By Fatiha Fatiha
Last updated Sun, 28 Dec 2025 14:55:17 GMT
A plate of crispy pickle cheese bites. Pin
A plate of crispy pickle cheese bites. | zestplate.com

These crispy pickle cheese bites are the perfect combination of tangy, cheesy, and crispy goodness. Whether you are hosting a party, looking for a fun appetizer, or simply craving something indulgent, this recipe delivers every time.

I first made this for a game night, and they were gone within minutes. Now, my family asks for them every time we plan a gathering.

  • All-purpose flour: Creates the first base for the coating and ensures everything sticks.
  • Large eggs: Helps the breadcrumbs adhere, providing the necessary binding.
  • Breadcrumbs or panko breadcrumbs: For the crispy, golden finish. Panko offers an extra crunch if available.
  • Garlic powder: Adds a subtle depth of flavor.
  • Paprika: Brings in gentle smokiness and a hint of warmth.
  • Black pepper: Elevates the overall seasoning.
  • Salt to taste: Essential for balanced flavor throughout.
  • Pickle slices: Thick-cut and well-drained for the best texture and tang.
  • Cheese cubes or slices: Mozzarella for stretchiness, cheddar for richness, or pepper jack for spice.
  • Vegetable oil or cooking spray: For deep-frying or lighter baking and air-frying options.

How to Make Crispy Pickle Cheese Bites

Prepare the Pickles:
Thoroughly drain the pickle slices. Pat them dry using paper towels to eliminate all moisture. Dry pickles ensure the coating adheres properly and avoids splattering during frying.
Prepare the Cheese:
Cut cheese into small cubes or strips roughly matching the size of your pickles. Mozzarella melts beautifully for a stretchy texture while cheddar and pepper jack offer bold flavors.
Set Up the Breading Station:
Arrange three shallow bowls. Add seasoned flour in the first, beaten eggs in the second, and breadcrumbs combined with garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper in the third.
Assemble the Bites:
Place a cheese piece over each pickle slice and press gently. For added flavor, you could sandwich the cheese with another pickle slice if you prefer.
Bread the Bites:
Take each cheese and pickle combination and dip it in the flour, then egg, and finally the breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to ensure even coating. For optimal crispiness, repeat the egg and breadcrumb step.
Cook the Bites:
You can choose from the following methods to cook:
  • Frying: Heat oil to 350°F and fry for 2 to 3 minutes until golden.
  • Baking: Bake at 400°F for 15 to 18 minutes, flipping halfway for even cooking.
  • Air Frying: Air fry at 375°F for 8 to 10 minutes until crispy and delicious.
Drain and Serve:
After cooking, place the bites on paper towels to absorb excess oil. Serve immediately for the best gooey cheesy experience.
A bowl of crispy pickle cheese bites.
A bowl of crispy pickle cheese bites. | zestplate.com

I personally love using pepper jack cheese because it provides a spicy twist that balances the tangy pickles beautifully. My nieces always get excited when I serve these at family game nights.

Storage Tips

Once cooled completely, store leftover bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 days. To reheat, use an oven or air fryer to maintain their crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make the breading soggy.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have panko, regular breadcrumbs work just fine but may offer less crunch. Use dill pickles for classic tang or bread-and-butter pickles for a sweeter flavor. For a gluten-free option, substitute the flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these bites alongside your favorite dipping sauces like marinara, ranch dressing, or even spicy cheese dip. For a party platter, pair them with veggie sticks and chips for a crowd-pleasing spread.

A plate of crispy pickle cheese bites.
A plate of crispy pickle cheese bites. | zestplate.com

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of cheese works best?

Mozzarella offers a classic stretchy melt, cheddar provides a sharper flavor, and pepper jack adds a spicy kick.

→ How can I ensure the bites are crispy?

Double coat the bites in egg and breadcrumbs before cooking. Pat pickles dry to ensure the coating sticks well.

→ Can I bake instead of fry?

Yes, bake the bites at 400°F (200°C) for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispiness.

→ Do I need special equipment for air frying?

No, an air fryer works perfectly. Cook the bites at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes until crispy.

→ What dipping sauces pair well?

Ranch, honey mustard, spicy aioli, or even marinara sauce complement the flavors beautifully.

Crispy Pickle Cheese Bites

Tangy pickles and gooey cheese coated in seasoned breadcrumbs for a crispy indulgence.

Preparation Time
15 min
Cooking Time
10 min
Total Duration
25 min
By Fatiha: Fatiha


Skill Level: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Output: 4 Servings

Dietary Preferences: Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ For the Bites

01 ½ cup all-purpose flour
02 2 large eggs
03 1 cup breadcrumbs or panko breadcrumbs
04 1 teaspoon garlic powder
05 ½ teaspoon paprika
06 ½ teaspoon black pepper
07 Salt to taste
08 Thick-cut pickle slices, well-drained
09 Cheese cubes or slices (mozzarella, cheddar, or pepper jack)

→ For Frying or Baking

10 Vegetable oil for frying
11 Cooking spray or olive oil spray for baking or air frying

Directions

Step 01

Drain the pickle slices thoroughly and pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This ensures the coating adheres well and minimizes splattering while frying.

Step 02

Cut the cheese into small cubes or strips matching the size of the pickle slices. Mozzarella melts into a stretchy texture, cheddar adds sharpness, and pepper jack provides a spicy flavor.

Step 03

Create three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, combine flour with salt and pepper. In the second bowl, beat the eggs until smooth. In the third bowl, mix breadcrumbs with garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper.

Step 04

Place a piece of cheese on top of each pickle slice and press gently to adhere. Optionally, sandwich the cheese between two pickle slices for more flavor and structure.

Step 05

Coat each prepared pickle-cheese bite by dipping it into the flour, then the egg, and finally the breadcrumb mixture. For extra crispiness, repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps.

Step 06

Cook the bites using one of the following methods: Frying – Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry for 2–3 minutes until golden brown. Baking – Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway. Air Frying – Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes until crispy.

Step 07

Place cooked bites on paper towels to remove excess oil. Serve immediately while hot and gooey.

Notes

  1. Ensure the pickle slices are thoroughly dried to achieve proper adhesion of the breading and avoid excess splattering during frying.

Required Equipment

  • Three shallow bowls
  • Paper towels
  • Air fryer or oven (optional)
  • Frying pan or pot with deep sides

Allergen Information

Review each component for possible allergens and consult a health professional when concerned.
  • Gluten (from all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs)
  • Dairy (from cheese)
  • Eggs

Nutritional Information (per serving)

These figures serve as estimates and are not a substitute for medical advice.
  • Calories: 220
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Protein: 8 g