Frico Pickle Rollups
Crispy melted cheese creates a golden, savory shell.Tangy dill pickles provide a juicy and refreshing center.A blend of Parmesan and cheddar adds rich cheesy flavor.The warm cheese is carefully wrapped around the pickle.The rollups become crisp as the cheese cools.Serve them as a quick appetizer, snack, or party bite.
Ingredients
For the Rollups
- 1½ cups freshly shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 12 small dill pickles or pickle spears
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley
Optional Dipping Sauce
- ½ cup ranch dressing
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh parsley
- Fresh dill
- Red pepper flakes
- Thinly sliced green onionsGrated Parmesan
Instructions
Prepare the Pickles
- Drain the pickles thoroughly.Place them on paper towels and gently pat them dry.Removing excess moisture is important because water can interfere with the cheese crisping properly.
Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Prepare the Cheese Mixture
- In a medium bowl, combine the shredded Parmesan, shredded cheddar, garlic powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and fresh parsley.Mix until evenly distributed.
Form the Cheese Circles
- Scoop approximately 2½ tablespoons of the cheese mixture onto the prepared baking sheet.Spread each portion into a thin circle approximately 4–5 inches wide.Leave several inches of space between each circle because the cheese will spread as it melts.
Bake the Cheese
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven.Bake for approximately 5–7 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and the edges are golden brown.Watch carefully during the final minute because cheese can quickly go from golden to overly dark.
Prepare to Roll
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven.Allow the cheese crisps to cool for approximately 30–60 seconds.They should still be flexible enough to roll but firm enough to handle.
Add the Pickle
- Place one dried pickle spear or small pickle near one edge of each warm cheese round.If using larger pickles, trim them to fit the width of the cheese crisp.
Roll the Cheese
- Using a small spatula, carefully lift one edge of the warm cheese.Wrap it around the pickle while the cheese is still flexible.Gently press the seam against the pickle.
Repeat
- Continue with the remaining cheese rounds and pickles.Work quickly because the cheese becomes crisp and less flexible as it cools.
Prepare the Dipping Sauce
- In a small bowl, combine ranch dressing, mayonnaise, hot sauce, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.Stir until smooth.Adjust the hot sauce according to your preferred spice level.
Garnish
- Arrange the Frico Pickle Rollups on a serving platter.Sprinkle lightly with fresh parsley, dill, red pepper flakes, or grated Parmesan.
Serve
- Serve immediately or shortly after cooling with the prepared dipping sauce.For the best texture, avoid covering the rollups while they are still warm because trapped steam can soften the crispy cheese.
Notes
- Cheese choice: Parmesan creates a crispier texture, while cheddar adds a richer flavor.
- Cheese blend: Combining Parmesan and cheddar provides a good balance of crispness and flavor.
- Pickles: Small dill pickles or narrow pickle spears are easiest to wrap.
- Drying: Pat the pickles very dry before placing them on the cheese.
- Baking: Watch the cheese carefully because it can brown quickly.
- Rolling: Work while the cheese is warm and flexible.
- Cooling: The cheese becomes crisp as it cools.
- Storage: These rollups are best fresh because moisture from the pickle can eventually soften the cheese.