This fried pickle dip with ranch is easy, herby and full of flavor, and the perfect quick appetizer for serving with some chips! Ready in just 20 minutes, it doesn't require the oven and has tons of flavor. If you need a new cold dip to add to your rotation this is the one!
This crowd-pleasing dip is perfect for when you're low on time but still looking to make something that will be a stunning addition to any appetizer spread! It's also going to absolutely be a hit for anyone who is pickle-obsessed like we are. If you've never had a dill pickle dip before, it's basically a simple and creamy dip made extra delicious thanks to chopped up dill pickles! Some fresh dill and chives also add some extra flavor that pairs so well with the pickles.
The "fried" part of this fried pickle dip is inspired by the Fried Pickle and Ranch Dip sold at Walmart, Sam's Club, and I believe a few other stores! It has bread crumbs in it, which make for a slightly crunchy dip for the best fried pickle vibe. In this version we incorporated some sautéed shallots with the panko crumbs which add a nice bite that pairs so well with the dill flavors of this dip! If you're in the market for a new game day recipe we think this one is perfect for your next party!
If you're looking for another game day recipe, we think you'll love our Parmesan Soft Pretzels, or if you're looking for another simple dip be sure to give our Whipped Ricotta Dip a try.
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Why You'll Love this Fried Pickle Dip
- It is the best recipe for the pickle lovers in your life! While pickles are always a great plain snack or addition to a sandwich or burger, if you're looking for a recipe where the pickles really shine then you need to give this savory dip a try.
- It's super easy and fast. For things like Super Bowl parties sometimes it's so nice to include some simple recipes which are ready quickly, and this recipe is both of those things.
- It's so delicious, tangy, salty, and satisfying! I served this dip with Cape Cod potato chips and let me tell you, I could not stop eating it! It has the perfect combination of flavors between the fresh herbs, chopped pickles, and the creamy dairy products.
Ingredients for this Dip
This cold dip has a relatively simple list of ingredients that should be easy to find in stores!
- Butter - Some butter is used to sauté the shallots and toast the panko until it's golden brown.
- Shallot - The onion flavor pairs so well with the dill pickles and fresh herbs!
- Panko breadcrumbs - Panko crumbs are the perfect topping for adding some crunch to this delicious dip!
- Cream cheese - The perfect creamy base for this recipe. Just make sure that it's softened otherwise it will be too difficult to whip until smooth.
- Sour cream - Adds the perfect tang and some additional creaminess! I think you could also substitute this with plain greek yogurt if you prefer.
- Ranch dressing - You could also use ranch seasoning, but I think the consistency of the dressing is perfect and there might be a higher chance that you already have it on hand!
- Garlic powder - Enough to add some garlic flavor without being overpowering. I also recommend using garlic powder instead of fresh garlic so that it's not too strong.
- Onion powder - Just a little of this as well! It also pairs well with the shallots.
- Pickle juice - Just a tablespoon which adds some additional dill flavor while also ensuring the dip isn't too thin.
- Dill pickles - Of course! Be sure to chop them very finely and to blot them well with paper towels. If there's too much excess liquid the dip may end up too thin.
- Dill - Some fresh dill adds some additional flavor to the dip base.
- Chives - Fresh chives add extra flavor and look great as a garnish on the dish! I recommend very finely chopping them.
- Potato chips - For serving! I love a good, crunchy potato chip for dipping, but the options are endless! Some type of cracker, kettle chips, or pita chips would also be amazing.
See recipe card below for quantities.
Step by Step Instructions
This easy dip is ready in just 10 minutes and doesn't require an oven!
Step 1: Make the shallot and panko bread crumbs. Melt butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped shallot and sauté until translucent and softened, about 4-5 minutes. Add panko and continue stirring until evenly golden. Season with salt and set aside.
Step 2: Whisk together the dip base. In a large bowl, use an electric hand mixer or whisk to whip together the cream cheese, sour cream, ranch, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and pickle juice. Continue beating/whisking the ingredients until they're very smooth.
Step 3: Finish the dip. Fold in the chopped pickles, dill, and chives with a spatula until they're evenly distributed.
Step 4: Plate the dip. Spread the dip into a shallow bowl or dish and top with the shallot and panko crumbs, then additional chopped pickles, dill, and chives. Serve with potato chips or another dipper.
Tips for Making this Pickle Dip
- Make sure to thoroughly blot the chopped pickles with a paper towel. Even though the dip includes a tablespoon of pickle juice, you want to make sure to control the amount of liquid added to the dip by not adding too much excess with the chopped pickles.
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened before combining it with the other dip ingredients. If it's still fairly hard I definitely recommend using an electric hand mixer instead of a whisk as you want to try and make the dip as smooth as possible without any lumps!
- I definitely recommend not skipping out on the fresh herbs or the shallot and panko topping. The base of the dip is pretty mild so the herbs really add so much and pair well with the pickles!
FAQs
I think regular breadcrumbs are a bit too fine to add a perfectly crunchy topping, but if you can't find panko I would recommend finely crushing up some Ritz crackers instead! For the dill pickles themselves, I recommend buying dill pickle slices and chopping them yourself as I think relish is often too sweet for this dip, and you really want the pickle flavor to come through!
It's best served cold but can be left out for a maximum of 2 hours at room temperature.
This creamy pickle dip would go so well with other game day recipes! Burger sliders, buffalo chicken dip, or homemade soft pretzels would all make for great recipes to accompany this dip.
Storing and Freezing
If making this dip ahead of time, I recommend not adding on the shallot and panko crumbs until you're ready to serve it. Once prepared this dip must be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for a maximum of 3-5 days.
I don't recommend freezing this recipe.
If you make this recipe we would absolutely love if you left a star review and/or comment! Also, make sure to tag us on Instagram @doublethespoonfuls so we can see what you create.
📖 Recipe
Fried Pickle Dip with Ranch
Ingredients
- 1 ½ tablespoons butter
- 1 shallot finely diced
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- ¼ cup ranch dressing
- kosher salt
- black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon pickle juice
- 1 ¼ cups dill pickles finely chopped, blotted well with paper towels, plus additional for topping
- 1 tablespoon dill fresh, chopped, plus additional for garnish
- 1 tablespoon chives fresh, chopped, plus additional for garnish
- potato chips (or another dipper) for serving
Instructions
- Melt butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped shallot and sauté until translucent and softened, about 4-5 minutes. Add panko and continue stirring until evenly golden. Season with salt and set aside.1 ½ tablespoons butter, 1 shallot, ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- In a large bowl, use an electric hand mixer or whisk to whip together the cream cheese, sour cream, ranch, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and pickle juice. Continue beating/whisking the ingredients until they're very smooth.8 ounces cream cheese, 1 cup sour cream, ¼ cup ranch dressing, kosher salt, black pepper, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon onion powder, 1 tablespoon pickle juice
- Fold in the chopped pickles, dill, and chives with a spatula until they're evenly distributed.1 ¼ cups dill pickles, 1 tablespoon dill, 1 tablespoon chives
- Spread the dip into a shallow bowl or dish and top with the shallot and panko crumbs, then additional chopped pickles, dill, and chives. Serve with potato chips or another dipper.potato chips (or another dipper)
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