If you like fried pickles or are a dill pickle fan in general, then you're going to love this creamy fried dill pickle dip with potato chips. Creamy, crunchy, tangy, and salty: it's everything you love about a fried dill pickle with ranch for dunking, but in dip form. In fact, it's the perfect appetizer for game day. So bring this to a tailgate or the next party you're invited to and watch it disappear!
Delicious dips are always a crowd-pleaser and this easy appetizer is perfect for any occasion, no matter the time of year. Like the French onion dip we all love, this creamy dill pickle dip has a cream cheese base. Fair warning: it's highly addictive!
Looking for more great party food recipes? You'll love my Oven Baked Onion Rings, Carolina Caviar, and Bread Bowl Baked Brie with Fig Preserves recipes. I've also got some other delicious appetizer recipes over at Yummly including Buffalo Chicken Dip, Loaded Tater Tot Cup Appetizers, and Extra Crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Wings.
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Ingredients
Before we get started, let’s gather the ingredients we need for this recipe.
- dill pickles
- pickle juice
- cream cheese
- sour cream
- ranch dressing mix
- fresh dill weed
- fresh chives
- crispy fried onions
- panko breadcrumbs
- butter
- sturdy potato chips
(See recipe card for quantities.)
Instructions
Now that we’ve got our ingredients, it’s time to get cooking!
First, beat the cream cheese until creamy, and add the sour cream.
Next, add the pickle juice, ranch dressing mix, and fresh herbs. Fold in the chopped pickles.
Then, toast the panko in melted butter and stir in the crispy fried onions.
Finally, fold ¾ of the panko mixture into the dip and transfer to a serving bowl. Garnish and serve with potato chips.
Hint: If you want to make this dip ahead of time, I recommend waiting until just before serving to stir in the panko mixture. That way it'll stay crispy.
Substitutions
Need to make some adjustments to this recipe? Here are a few suggestions:
- Dairy-free - use dairy-free cream cheese and sour cream and olive oil instead of butter to make this pickle dip dairy-free.
- Gluten-free - use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Green onions - can't find chives? Chopped green onions are a great substitute.
Variations
Here are some more ideas to change up this recipe:
- Spicy - stir in some chipotle chili powder or crushed red pepper flakes to give this dip a spicy kick.
- Deluxe - stir in some chopped cooked bacon for a deluxe version!
- Sandwich spread - this dip can also double as a sandwich spread. If you need to thin it out, add a little more sour cream or milk. Spread it on a flour tortilla or slices of bread and top with your favorite deli meat and fresh vegetables like lettuce, red onion, and tomatoes. Voila! A great sandwich spread in place of mayo.
Equipment
Here's what you'll need to make this recipe:
- dry measuring cups
- measuring spoons
- mixing bowl set
- hand mixer
- small skillet
Storage
Transfer any leftover dip to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you plan on making this recipe ahead of time, wait to fold in the panko mixture and top with the garnishes.
This recipe does not freeze well.
Tasty tip
Keep an eye on the panko as you toast it. I recommend transferring the toasted breadcrumbs to a bowl once they're nice and golden. A hot skillet will continue to cook them, so there's a risk of them burning if you keep them in the pan.
Frequently asked questions
While the name may imply that fried pickles are chopped and stirred into ranch dip, that's not what this dip is. It's actually all the flavors of fried pickles that we love, stirred together to form a dip. I have to warn you though--it's very addictive!
There is! You'll want to buy a pouch of ranch dressing mix instead of ranch dip mix for this recipe.
You can, but I don't recommend it. The concentrated flavor of the ranch mix is crucial to adding flavor to the cream cheese mixture. If you only have ranch dressing, you'll need several tablespoons to get the same flavor.
This recipe gives onion dip vibes, so I love to serve it with sturdy chips. Pretzel chips and fresh veggies like carrots and celery are also great options.
Leftovers stored in an airtight container will last for up to 3 days in the fridge.
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🍽Get the recipe
Creamy Fried Dill Pickle Dip with Potato Chips
Equipment
- dry measuring cups
- measuring spoons
- mixing bowl set
- hand mixer
- small skillet
Ingredients
- 1 (8-ounce) block cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sour cream (or use plain greek yogurt)
- 2 tablespoon pickle juice (from the jar)
- 1 tablespoon ranch dressing mix
- 2 tablespoon chopped fresh dill, plus more for garnish
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives, plus more for garnish
- ½ cup chopped dill pickles, plus more for garnish (from sliced whole pickles, dill pickle spears, baby dill pickles, or dill pickle chips)
- 1 tablespoon salted butter
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup crushed crispy fried onions
- Sturdy potato chips, for serving
Instructions
- Beat the cream cheese in a medium bowl at medium speed with an electric hand mixer until creamy. Add the sour cream and beat until combined.
- Add the pickle juice, ranch dressing mix, dill, and chives. Fold in the chopped pickles.
- Melt the butter in a small skillet over medium-low heat. Add the panko and cook, stirring frequently, until toasted. Remove from the heat and stir in the crispy fried onions.
- Fold ¾ of the panko mixture into the dip and transfer to a serving bowl. Sprinkle the top with the remaining panko and garnish with extra chopped pickles, dill, and chives. Serve with potato chips.
Recipe guidelines and test kitchen tips
When developing and testing recipes, here are some key things that I do for more success in the kitchen:
- Be sure to use dry measuring cups for things like flour, sugar, and mayonnaise and a liquid measuring cup for things like water, milk, and broth.
- When measuring dry ingredients like flour and powdered sugar that can pack down, spoon the ingredient into a dry measuring cup and level with a knife as opposed to scooping the measuring cup into the ingredient.
- I test and develop recipes using a standard electric oven and standard gas stovetop. Be aware that if you use an electric stovetop or convection oven, your bake times will be different.
- When recipes call for kosher salt, I use Diamond Crystal kosher salt.
Food safety
Finally, don't forget to keep these food safety tips in mind when making this recipe.
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
Erik says
This was such a hit when we had some friends over! Even a few pickle-haters couldn't resist how good it was.
AshleyFreeman says
Oh wow--I've never met a pickle hater. Glad they liked it!
Sharon says
My favorite chip and dip combo, yes!! Thank you for sharing your recipe, so delicious!!
AshleyFreeman says
It's a great one!
suja md says
I made this dip and it is awesome, Thank You for this.
AshleyFreeman says
Yay! I'm so glad you liked it!
DK says
I love the fresh dill essence in this dip! It's so savory and fragrant - it was a hit at our last dinner party!
AshleyFreeman says
Yes--the dill gives it a little something extra 🙂
kushi says
Love the flavor of this dill pickle dip. Thanks for sharing.
AshleyFreeman says
Thanks so much!
Paula says
This dill pickle dip really hit the spot! So tasty with chips at our outdoor BBQ!
AshleyFreeman says
Hooray! So glad it was a hit!
TAYLER ROSS says
I made this dip over the weekend and OMG was it delicious! Perfect for any pickle lover!
AshleyFreeman says
I couldn't agree more!
Ann says
This is so addictive. I love the crunch from the fried onions. Thanks!
AshleyFreeman says
Yes! It's a great contrast in texture to the creaminess.
Melissa says
I absolutely love pickles and this dip was so delicious. It was easy to make and the directions were so easy to follow. I can't wait to make it again!
AshleyFreeman says
Yay! I'm so glad to hear that Melissa! I love it too