Bacon Pickle Boats Stuffed With Cream Cheese

What goes good on pickles? Bacon!

This pickle appetizer is the perfect addition to your party table or to enjoy as a low-carb snack!

Each pickle half is turned into a hollow boat that is then stuffed with a mixture of cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and spices then wrapped in bacon and served with homemade ranch.

Every time I’ve served it, I’m asked to share the recipe!

Each pickle boat contains just 1.6 grams of net carbs so, if you’re looking for a low-carb appetizer recipe, try this one!

💛 Why you’ll love this recipe

• Very easy to prepare!
• Includes straightforward ingredients you may already have on-hand.
• Low in carbs, perfect for a keto diet, and gluten-free.
• Stuffed with cream cheese AND wrapped in bacon!
• Different and fun recipe for serving at parties.
• Can be made in less than 1 hour.

➡️ Ingredients

• Dill pickles
• Cream cheese
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Dried dill
• Dried parsley
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Bacon
• Mayo
• Sour cream
• Heavy whipping cream
• Apple cider vinegar
• Pepper
• Salt

⏲ How to make bacon pickle boats stuffed with cream cheese

This is an overview of the recipe’s instructions. The full oven instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

• Slice the pickles in half lengthwise then scoop out the seeds from the center of the pickles.
• Mix together the cream cheese, shredded cheddar, and spices then spoon that into the pickle halves, wrap with bacon, and place on a baking sheet before baking until the bacon is just crispy. Then, flip each pickle over after 15 minutes to ensure the bacon crisps up on all sides.
• While the pickles bake, mix together all of the ranch ingredients.
• With the pan of pickles still in the oven, turn the oven broiler on and broil until the bacon is crispy.
• Remove the pan from the oven and allow the pickles to cool slightly before serving with your homemade ranch.

🍴 Net carbs

Each serving contains 1.6 grams of net carbs. 1 pickle boat + ~1 Tablespoon ranch is equivalent to 1 serving and the recipe yields 12 servings.

Net carbs are calculated by taking total carbs, subtracting fiber, and subtracting sugar alcohols.

You can find the full nutrition information, including calories, total carbs, protein, and fat content, in the nutrition label below the recipe instructions within the recipe card.

👉 Ingredient substitution suggestions

• Dill Pickles: Jalapeños can be used here at a 1:1 ratio. You will need to de-seed them based on your spice preference. Note that baking time will likely be different than what is written in the original recipe, so be sure to watch them carefully to avoid burning. You could also even use zucchini instead of pickles!
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Shredded mozzarella, Colby-Jack, or Monterey Jack are good options.
• Mayonnaise: Greek Yogurt works great here at a 1:1 ratio. Or, sour cream can be used in place of mayonnaise. Note that since the recipe already calls for sour cream, you will need to use the originally written amount of sour cream (¼ cup) plus an additional ½ cup to substitute for the mayonnaise.
• Sour Cream: Mayonnaise can be used in place of sour cream. Since the recipe already calls for mayonnaise though, you will need to use the originally written amount of mayonnaise (½ cup) plus an additional ¼ cup to substitute for the sour cream.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: White wine vinegar or lemon juice can be substituted here at a 1:1 ratio.

Keep in mind that any changes you make to this recipe may modify the carb content.

✨ Variations of pickle boats

• Mix finely chopped pickled or fresh jalapenos into the cream cheese mixture.
• Mix some air fryer roasted garlic into the cream cheese mixture.
• Stir in some honey or syrup (I like Lakanto’s Maple-Flavored Syrup) into the cream cheese mixture.
• Sprinkle Golden Monk Fruit Sweetener or brown sugar atop the bacon before baking.
• Use a basting brush to spread some syrup atop the bacon before baking.

💬 FAQs for bacon pickle boats

📚 More savory appetizers

• Cheesy Chicken Fritters
• Golden Jicama Fries
• Oven Roasted Radishes
• Keto Stuffed Mushroom
• Baked Feta Recipe