When it comes to game day snacks, there’s nothing quite like a creamy dip that delivers on both taste and texture. Fried Pickle Dip is a fan-favorite that brings together the tangy goodness of dill pickles with the creamy richness of sour cream, mayo, and cream cheese.
This easy recipe is sure to become a staple at your gatherings, offering tons of flavor in every bite.
Let’s dive into how you can create this mouthwatering dip using some simple dip ingredients that pack a punch.
Ingredients you will need
To make the ultimate Fried Pickle Dip, you’ll need a few key ingredients that work harmoniously to create a dip bursting with flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup creamy sour cream: The creamy base of the dip, adding a slight tang that complements the dill pickles.
- 1 cup mayo: Adds a rich, smooth texture that blends seamlessly with the other dip ingredients. You can also substitute plain greek yogurt for this ingredient.
- 1 block of cream cheese (room temperature): This provides the dip with its signature creaminess.
- 4 tbsp butter: Essential for creating the golden brown panko bread crumbs that give the dip a crunchy topping.
- ¾ cup panko bread crumbs: These crumbs will be toasted to add a delightful crunch to the dip.
- 1 ranch seasoning packet: Infuses the dip with a savory, herbaceous flavor that pairs perfectly with dill pickles.
- 1 cup finely diced dill pickles: The star of the show, these chopped pickles bring a burst of tanginess to every bite.
- 1 tbsp fresh dill (cut up): Fresh dill enhances the dill pickle flavor, adding a fresh, aromatic note to the dip.
- 3 tbsp pickle juice: This adds a zingy, tangy flavor that ties everything together.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Fried Pickle Dip
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s walk through the steps to create this delicious dip.
1. Toasting the Panko Bread Crumbs
Melt butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Once the butter is fully melted, add the panko bread crumbs to the pan. Stir the crumbs continuously to ensure they toast evenly.
The goal is to achieve a golden brown color, which indicates that the crumbs are perfectly toasted and ready to add a crunch.
2. Preparing the Creamy Base
In a large bowl, combine the sour cream, mayo, softened cream cheese, pickle juice, and ranch seasoning packet.
Using an electric hand mixer, thoroughly mix these ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and well-blended. This creamy base is where the magic happens—providing a rich and tangy backdrop for the dill pickles.
3. Chopping and Prepping the Pickles
Finely dice the dill pickles, ensuring they’re small enough to be evenly distributed throughout the dip.
After chopping, place the pickles on a paper towel to absorb any excess moisture. This step is crucial because it prevents the dip from becoming too watery, ensuring the perfect consistency.
4. Combining the Ingredients
Add ¾ cup of the diced pickles and ½ cup of the toasted panko bread crumbs to the bowl with the creamy mixture.
Using a spatula or spoon, gently hand mix the ingredients until they’re well incorporated. This step ensures that every bite of the dip has a balanced combination of creamy and crunchy textures, with the tangy flavor of the dill pickles shining through.
5. Adding the Finishing Touches
Once the dip is thoroughly mixed, it’s time to add the finishing touches.
Top the dip with the remaining diced pickles, toasted breadcrumbs, and fresh dill. These toppings not only add extra flavor but also give the dip an appealing presentation.
6. Serving Suggestions
Fried Pickle Dip is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving options.
For game day, pair it with large wavy potato chips, flattened pretzels, or a variety of fresh vegetables like carrot sticks, celery, and bell pepper slices. The crunchy chips and fresh veggies provide the perfect contrast to the creamy, tangy dip.
Tips for Making the Best Fried Pickle Dip
To ensure your Fried Pickle Dip is the star of the snack table, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing. This makes it easier to blend with the other dip ingredients, resulting in a smooth, creamy texture.
- Don’t Skip the Paper Towels: After chopping the dill pickles, let them sit on a paper towel to drain any excess moisture. This step is key to avoiding a watery dip.
- Toast the Panko Crumbs Just Right: Keep an eye on the regular breadcrumbs as they toast. You want them golden brown, not burnt. Stirring continuously will help achieve even toasting.
- Adjust the Pickle Juice to Taste: If you prefer a tangier dip, you can add an extra splash of pickle juice. Start with 3 tablespoons and taste the mixture before adding more.
Storing Your Fried Pickle Dip
If you have any leftovers (which is unlikely!), you can store the Fried Pickle Dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors will continue to meld together, making it even more delicious the next day. However, the panko bread crumbs may lose some of their crunch over time. You may want to add a fresh sprinkle of toasted crumbs before serving again.
Why Fried Pickle Dip is a Game Day Must-Have
Fried Pickle Dip isn’t just any ordinary dip—it’s a crowd-pleaser that combines the best of both worlds: the tangy flavor of dill pickles and the rich creaminess of a well-made dip. It’s perfect for game day because it’s easy to prepare, packed with tons of flavor, and pairs well with a variety of snacks. Plus, the added crunch from the toasted panko bread crumbs makes it stand out from other dips.
Whether you’re hosting a big game day party or just looking for a tasty snack to enjoy with friends, this Fried Pickle Dip is sure to be a hit. It’s an easy recipe that delivers big on flavor. With its creamy, tangy, and crunchy components, it’s a dip that will have everyone coming back for more.
So, the next time you’re planning your game day menu, make sure Fried Pickle Dip is on the list. With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of prep, you’ll have a dip that’s sure to score big with your guests. Enjoy!
What to serve with the Fried Dill Pickle Dip
Chips are the ultimate go-to for Fried Pickle Dip. Their salty, crunchy texture perfectly complements the dip’s creamy, tangy flavor. Whether you choose classic potato chips, wavy chips for extra sturdiness, or even flavored options, chips provide a satisfying bite that enhances every scoop of this delicious dip.
Pretzels bring a hearty, savory crunch to Fried Pickle Dip. Their sturdy texture and slightly salty flavor make them ideal for scooping up the rich, tangy dip. Whether you opt for traditional twists or flattened pretzel crisps, they offer a robust pairing that stands up to the dip’s bold flavors.
Fresh vegetables like carrot sticks, celery, and bell pepper slices are a crisp, refreshing option for enjoying Fried Pickle Dip. Their natural sweetness and crunch contrast beautifully with the dip’s creamy, tangy profile, offering a lighter, healthier alternative to chips while still delivering on flavor.
Toasted baguette slices add a gourmet touch to Fried Pickle Dip. The warm, crispy exterior and soft interior of the baguette create a deliciously rich base that pairs perfectly with the dip’s creamy texture. This option elevates the dip, making it suitable for more upscale gatherings or as a satisfying appetizer.
Pita chips are a delightful option for pairing with Fried Pickle Dip. Their thick, crunchy texture provides a sturdy base that holds up well to the dip’s creamy consistency. With a subtle, slightly nutty flavor, pita chips adding a satisfying Mediterranean crunch to every bite.
Other delicious dips you can serve!
Smoked Pepperoni Pizza Dip is a smoky, cheesy dip that combines the savory flavors of pepperoni, mozzarella, and tangy marinara sauce. Perfect for game day, it’s like a pizza in dip form. Offering a rich, melty texture and the irresistible taste of a classic pepperoni pizza, all in one bite.
Street Corn Queso is a fusion of creamy queso and the vibrant flavors of Mexican street corn. Loaded with roasted corn, fresh cilantro, lime juice, and a hint of chili powder, this dip is a fiesta in every scoop, offering a perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and spicy notes.
Buffalo Chicken Dip brings the bold flavors of Buffalo wings into a creamy, spicy dip. Made with shredded chicken, tangy Buffalo sauce, and melted cheese, it’s the ultimate game day snack that’s packed with heat and flavor. Serve it with celery sticks, crackers, or chips for a crowd-pleasing treat.
Bacon Cheeseburger Queso is a hearty, indulgent dip that combines the savory flavors of a classic bacon cheeseburger with creamy, melted queso. Loaded with ground beef, crispy bacon, and cheddar cheese, this dip is a meaty, cheesy delight that’s perfect for satisfying those burger cravings in dip form.
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Fried Pickle Dip
Fried pickle dip is super easy to make and it’s packed with a ton of flavor! This creamy, crunchy dip is a crowd favorite!
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 12–18 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup mayo
- 1 block room temp cream cheese
- 4 tbsp butter
- ¾ cup panko bread crumbs
- 1 ranch seasoning packet
- 1 cup finely diced dill pickles
- 1 tbsp fresh dill (cut up)
- 3 tbsp pickle juice
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a pan over medium heat, then add the panko bread crumbs and toast until golden brown.
- In a large bowl, combine sour cream, mayo softened cream cheese, pickle juice and a ranch seasoning packet. Thoroughly mix everything together with a hand mixer until smooth.
- Finely dice the dill pickles then place them on a paper towel to absorb any excess moisture.
- Add ¾ cup of the diced pickles and ½ cup toasted panko breadcrumbs to the bowl then hand mix.
- Top with the remaining diced pickles, toasted panko bread crumbs and fresh dill.
- Serve with the large wavy potato chips, flattened pretzels or vegetables
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
