“They’re too darned spicy”, Aunt Martha said. Well, today is Aunt Martha’s lucky today because now she can chow down on some super-tasty pickle poppers without worrying about the heat.
Meanwhile, slice the pickles in half horizontally. Using a melon baller carefully scoop out the centers of the pickles. Set aside. NOTE: I found it much easier to just use my finger nail (with a food-safe glove on) to do this.
Line a baking sheet with foil. Add bacon slices and bake for 20 minutes to partially cook the bacon. Remove to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Cut each pieces in half lengthwise. NOTE: The easiest way to do this is to roll each piece up and then make a single cut down the middle.
Combine the cream cheese, cheddar, and garlic, Working in batches, form about a tablespoon of the cheese mixture into a shape like a fat cigarette that will fit into the cavity of the pickles.
Working in batches, add shaped cheese to the pickle centers. Secure one end of a piece of bacon to the end of the pickle slice by inserting a toothpick horizontally. Wrap the bacon around the rest of the pickle, also securing the other end with a toothpick.
Fire up your Big Easy.
Lightly dust pickle poppers with your favorite seasoning and transfer to a Big Easy basket.
Cook in the Big Easy for 20 minutes or until the bacon starts to char and the cheese has melted.
Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
You'll need a Bunk Bed basketfor your Big Easy to cook more than 4 or so pickle halves at a time. Poppers can be assembled in advance to finish cooking on the Big Easy.