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## **Instructions**
### **Step 1: Prep the Pickles**
1. Slice the **dill pickles in half** lengthwise.
2. Use a small spoon or melon baller to **scoop out the center**, creating a little pocket for the filling.
### **Step 2: Make the Creamy Filling**
1. In a bowl, mix together the **cream cheese, shredded cheddar, ranch seasoning, smoked paprika, and black pepper** until smooth.
### **Step 3: Stuff & Wrap**
1. Spoon the creamy cheese mixture into each **hollowed-out pickle half**.
2. Wrap each filled pickle half **tightly with a strip of bacon**, securing it with **toothpicks** if needed.
### **Step 4: Bake or Grill**
๐ฅ **Oven Method:**
– Preheat your oven to **400ยฐF (200ยฐC)**.
– Place the bacon-wrapped pickles on a **baking rack over a lined baking sheet** (to allow grease to drain).
– Bake for **20-25 minutes**, or until the bacon is crispy.
๐ฅ **Grill Method:**
– Heat the grill to **medium-high heat**.
– Place pickles directly on the grill grates and cook for **5-7 minutes per side**, until the bacon is crispy.
### **Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!**
– Let the bacon shots cool for **a few minutes** before serving.
– Garnish with **fresh dill** for an extra pop of flavor!
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## **Variations & Additions**
๐ฅ **Spicy Kick** โ Add a pinch of **cayenne pepper** or chopped jalapeรฑos to the filling.
๐ฅ **Extra Cheese** โ Try adding **Parmesan or mozzarella** for a gooey, cheesy center.
๐ฅ **BBQ Lovers** โ Brush the bacon with **BBQ sauce** in the last 5 minutes of baking for a smoky-sweet glaze.
๐ฅ **Air Fryer Method** โ Cook at **375ยฐF for 12-15 minutes**, flipping halfway for even crispiness.
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## **Storage & Make-Ahead Tips**
โ๏ธ **Make Ahead:** Assemble the bacon-wrapped pickles **a day in advance**, then bake or grill when ready.
๐ฅ **Reheat:** Reheat in the oven at **375ยฐF for 10 minutes**, or in an **air fryer for 5 minutes** to keep them crispy.
๐ฅถ **Freeze:** Freeze uncooked bacon shots for up to **2 months**. Thaw in the fridge before baking.
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## **Why These Bacon Shots Are a Must-Try**
These **Dill Pickle Bacon Shots** are the ultimate **salty, tangy, creamy, and crunchy** snack thatโs **impossible to resist**. Theyโre perfect for any occasion, **easy to make**, and **guaranteed to disappear fast**.
Make a batch today, and watch them **steal the show at your next party!** ๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ฅโจ
