If you love pickles, fried snacks, and indulgent appetizers that disappear the second they hit the table, these Crispy Stuffed Fried Pickles are about to become your new favorite recipe. They’re everything you want in a comfort-food bite: crunchy on the outside, creamy and savory on the inside, with that unmistakable tangy dill pickle punch in every mouthful.
Unlike classic fried pickle chips, this version takes things up a notch by stuffing juicy dill pickle spears with a rich cream cheese filling before breading and frying them to golden perfection. The contrast between the crispy coating, warm creamy center, and briny pickle is absolutely irresistible. They’re perfect for game day, parties, holidays, or anytime you want to impress guests with something fun and bold.
Best of all, they’re easier to make than they look—and once you try them, you’ll wonder why stuffed fried pickles aren’t on every appetizer menu.
🥒 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ultra-crispy, golden coating
Creamy, flavorful cheese filling
Bold pickle flavor in every bite
Perfect party or game-day appetizer
Customizable fillings and seasonings
Great with dips like ranch or spicy mayo
These fried pickles are crunchy, creamy, salty, tangy, and deeply satisfying.
🧀 Ingredients
For the Pickles & Filling:
12 large dill pickle spears
4 oz cream cheese, softened
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional but highly recommended)
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh dill (optional)
For the Breading:
½ cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon milk or water
1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs or panko breadcrumbs
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
For Frying:
Vegetable oil or canola oil, for frying
For Serving (Optional):
Ranch dressing
Spicy mayo
Honey mustard
Extra dill pickles
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Prepare the Pickles
Start by draining the pickle spears very well. This step is crucial—too much moisture will cause the breading to fall off or splatter during frying. Pat the pickles completely dry with paper towels.
Using a small spoon or knife, carefully scoop out the seeds from the center of each pickle spear to create a hollow space for the filling. Be gentle so the pickle doesn’t tear.
2. Make the Cream Cheese Filling
In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and fresh dill. Mix until smooth and well combined.
Transfer the filling to a piping bag or a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off. Pipe the filling generously into the hollowed pickle spears, filling them end to end.
Once filled, place the pickles on a tray and refrigerate for 15–20 minutes. This helps the filling firm up and makes breading easier.
3. Set Up the Breading Station
Prepare three shallow bowls:
Bowl 1: All-purpose flour
Bowl 2: Eggs whisked with milk or water
Bowl 3: Breadcrumbs mixed with paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne
Working one pickle at a time, dredge each stuffed pickle in flour, shaking off excess. Dip into the egg mixture, then coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
For extra crunch, repeat the egg and breadcrumb step for a double coating.
4. Fry the Pickles
Heat oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the breaded pickles in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.
Fry for 2–3 minutes per side, or until deeply golden brown and crispy. The filling should be hot and creamy, and the breading crisp.
Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Sprinkle lightly with salt while hot, if desired.
5. Serve Immediately
Serve the crispy stuffed fried pickles hot and fresh for the best texture. Pair with ranch dressing, spicy mayo, or honey mustard for dipping.
⭐ Tips for Perfect Stuffed Fried Pickles
Dry the pickles well: Moisture is the enemy of crispy breading
Chill before frying: Helps keep the filling inside
Use panko for extra crunch: Especially great for double breading
Maintain oil temperature: Too hot burns the coating, too cool makes them greasy
Work in batches: Prevents soggy pickles
🔄 Variations & Flavor Ideas
Spicy Version: Add jalapeños or hot sauce to the cream cheese filling
Bacon & Cheese: Mix cooked crumbled bacon into the filling
Ranch-Style: Add ranch seasoning to the cream cheese
Air Fryer Option: Air fry at 375°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway (spray with oil)
Different Pickles: Try spicy dill or garlic pickles for a twist
🥒 Serving Ideas
These crispy stuffed fried pickles are amazing as:
A game-day appetizer
A party snack
A bar-style starter
A fun addition to a fried food platter
A side for burgers or sandwiches
They’re best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be reheated in an air fryer or oven to restore crispiness.
❤️ Final Thoughts
Crispy Stuffed Fried Pickles are the ultimate pickle-lover’s dream—crunchy, creamy, tangy, and totally addictive. The combination of warm cream cheese filling and crispy golden coating wrapped around a juicy dill pickle is pure comfort food perfection.
Whether you’re making them for a party or just treating yourself, this recipe delivers big flavor and unforgettable texture in every bite. One batch is never enough.