If you’re looking for an appetizer that delivers bold flavor in just one bite, Dill Pickle Bacon Shots are exactly what you need. Crispy, smoky bacon wrapped into perfect little cups and filled with a rich, creamy cheese mixture bursting with tangy dill pickle flavor—this recipe is pure crowd-pleasing magic. Whether you’re hosting a party, planning a game-day spread, or preparing snacks for a barbecue, these bacon shots are guaranteed to disappear fast.
What makes this recipe truly special is the contrast of textures and flavors. The bacon becomes beautifully crisp in the oven, while the filling stays smooth, cheesy, and slightly tangy thanks to the dill pickles and pickle juice. Fresh dill adds a bright, herby note that balances the richness perfectly. Best of all, these are easy to prepare and look impressive on any appetizer table.
🧀 Ingredients
For the Filling:
8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, fully softened to room temperature
1/4 cup sour cream
1 cup finely diced dill pickles (about 3–4 medium pickles)
2 tablespoons pickle juice
1 1/2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese
(or a mild cheddar and Monterey Jack blend)
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh dill
(or 1 tablespoon dried dill)
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper (optional)
For the Bacon Cups:
16–20 slices bacon (thick-cut works best)
Toothpicks, as needed
👩‍🍳 Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a standard muffin tin and set it aside.
Prepare the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sour cream until smooth.
Add the diced dill pickles, pickle juice, shredded cheese, fresh dill, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix well until fully combined and creamy.
Form the Bacon Cups
Cut each bacon slice in half. Wrap one half of a bacon strip around the inside of each muffin cup, shaping it into a small “cup.” Secure with a toothpick if needed.
Fill the Cups
Spoon or pipe the prepared filling evenly into each bacon cup, filling just below the top.
Bake
Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the filling is hot and lightly golden on top.
Rest and Serve
Remove from the oven and let the bacon shots rest for about 5 minutes. Carefully remove toothpicks before serving.
⭐ Serving Tips & Variations
For extra heat, add finely chopped jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the filling
These can also be made in an air fryer at 360°F (182°C) for 15–18 minutes
Garnish with extra fresh dill or crispy bacon bits for added texture and presentation
Dill Pickle Bacon Shots are the perfect combination of crispy, creamy, smoky, and tangy. One bite is all it takes to understand why this appetizer quickly becomes a favorite at any gathering. Serve them warm and watch them vanish! 😋🥓