Nothing gets a party started like a big bowl of Zesty Fried Pickle Dip! This dip is everything you love about crispy fried pickles in a creamy, scoopable form. With crunchy toasted panko, zippy dill pickles, and a blend of herbs and seasonings, this dip is perfect for game nights, parties, or even as a sandwich spread.
Whether you’re hosting family or friends, it’s the kind of fun dish that brings everyone together, talking and creating memories with every bite.
Why You’ll Want to Make Fried Pickle Dip
This fried pickle dip is the perfect choice for serving friends and family because it’s easy to make and packed with unique, irresistible flavors. The tang of the pickles combined with cream cheese will have everyone wanting more.
- Tangy crunch: This dip has the perfect balance of tangy pickles and creamy goodness. The panko breadcrumbs add a satisfying crunch that will make your taste buds dance.
- Super easy: If you’re looking for an easy recipe, this dip is beginner-friendly and doesn’t require any advanced cooking skills.
- 20-minutes: You can whip this dip up in just 20 minutes! It’s a quick and easy recipe that will let you focus on other parts of your meal while still impressing your guests.
- Budget-friendly: With affordable ingredients (like panko breadcrumbs, dill pickles, and garlic cloves), this dip is cost-effective and perfect for feeding a crowd without hurting your budget.
- Customizable ingredients: Using dill pickles really brings out the classic fried pickle flavor, but if you prefer sweet bread-and-butter pickles, they work wonderfully, too.
If you love pickles, you can try my other recipes like Chocolate Covered Pickles and Party Pickle Roll Ups. You can also try my other tangy dips, like Cold Crab Dip and Creamy Sour Cream Dip.
Ingredients You Will Need For Fried Pickle Dip
Here’s a quick overview of the key ingredients for this recipe. For the full list of ingredients and exact measurements, be sure to check the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Dill pickles: Look for firm, crisp dill pickles in the refrigerated section for the best texture. Make sure to drain the pickles before chopping them to avoid excess moisture.
- Panko breadcrumbs: Choose seasoned panko breadcrumbs. Check the texture. They should be light and airy to give your dip a nice crunch when toasted.
- Cream cheese: You’ll want full-fat cream cheese to give your dip the creamiest, most luxurious texture. Be sure to soften on the counter for about 30 minutes.
- Sour cream: Go for regular sour cream for a richer flavor. If you’re looking to reduce calories, opt for light sour cream.
- Ranch seasoning: Choose a classic ranch seasoning blend without extra flavors and preservatives.
- Garlic cloves: Look for firm, plump bulbs with tight, dry skin. To prepare, peel and grate finely to ensure it blends smoothly. If you don’t have fresh, you can use pre-minced garlic from a jar.
- Dill: Fresh dill will add the best aroma and flavor, but dried dill can work in a pinch if fresh isn’t available. If using fresh dill, wash it well, remove the stems, and chop finely.
- Onion powder: Go for a high-quality onion powder to avoid any artificial flavor.
- Lemon juice: Fresh lemons are ideal for freshly squeezed juice, but bottled lemon juice can be used for convenience.
Before You Get Started
Make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature. This will help it blend smoothly with the other ingredients and create a creamy texture.
It’s helpful to measure out the ingredients ahead of time. Also, mince your garlic and chop your fresh dill beforehand.
You’ll only need a dry skillet to toast the panko, a large mixing bowl to combine the ingredients, and a spoon or spatula to mix everything together. I use a vegetable dicer to get consistently small pieces of pickle.
Hosting Tip: To make your gathering even smoother, prepare your dip the night before and let it chill in the fridge overnight. I suggest not topping the dip with the extra panko crumbs until it’s time to serve.
How To Make Fried Pickle Dip
Once you have everything needed for this recipe, let’s start whipping up that flavorful dip that will create fun conversations around the dip bowl.
Step 1: Toast Panko And Chop Pickles
Heat a dry skillet over medium-low heat and add your panko breadcrumbs. Stir occasionally for about 5-6 minutes until they turn a lovely golden brown, then remove from heat. Set aside to cool.
Cut pickles the pickles using a food chopper. If you don’t have one, a knife will also work. Pro Pro Tip: If you want to speed up the process, you can use a vegetable dicer to chop your pickles. Simply place the slices in the unit and press down firmly in one go.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
Grab a large mixing bowl and add your softened cream cheese and sour cream. These two ingredients will give your dip that rich and creamy base. Next, stir in the chopped pickles, ranch seasoning, garlic, dill, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Reserve some dill and pickles for garnish later.
Take your time mixing everything until it’s smooth and creamy. Now, squeeze in the fresh lemon juice, and gently stir in the toasted panko (remember to save that 1 tablespoon for the topping!).
Step 3: Chill And Serve
Once everything is mixed together, cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. If you have the time, let it chill overnight. This gives the flavors a chance to meld and deepen, making each bite even more delicious.
When you’re ready to serve, transfer to a serving dish and top with reserved pickles, toasted panko, a pinch of fresh dill, and a drizzle of lemon juice.
Tips And Variations
- To make this dip gluten-free, simply use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs.
- For a vegetarian or dairy-free diet, swap the cream cheese for dairy-free cream cheese. Use plant-based sour cream alternatives like coconut-based or almond-based sour cream.
- Add some hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little extra kick.
- If you prefer a smoother dip, add a bit more sour cream or a splash of heavy cream for extra creaminess.
- For a light and airy dip, use a hand mixer to beat the cream cheese and sour cream together before mixing in the other ingredients.
- Don’t worry if you have any leftovers. Store the dip in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
This dip tastes great with a sturdy chip like ridges, tortilla chips, or even frito scoops. You can also pair it with pretzel thins or fresh veggies like celery and carrots.
Zesty Fried Pickle Dip is a homemade dip featuring toasted panko breadcrumbs, cream cheese, sour cream, dill pickles, ranch seasoning, garlic, and lemon juice, giving it a crunchy texture and tangy, herby flavor. In contrast, Plucky Pickle Dip is a store-bought dip made with cream cheese, white beans, mayo, sour cream, pickle brine, mustard, and spices, creating a smooth, briny, and slightly creamy taste.
Serving Ideas & Pairings
- Pairing Suggestions: This dip is great served with Easy 3-Ingredient Crockpot BBQ Chicken Wings, Chinese Salt and Pepper Chicken Wings and Dry Rubbed Oven Wings.
- Hosting Tip: To make your presentation extra special, serve the dip in a rustic bowl with a few sprigs of fresh dill on top and chopped pickles.
- Share: Want to bless a neighbor or a friend? Prepare an extra batch of this recipe and deliver it in a dish with a bag of scoops for a simple and thoughtful gesture of hospitality.
Biblical Hospitality Reflection
Food has a way of bringing people together, and this fun, flavorful dip is sure to spark conversation with its unique ingredients. In Romans 12:13, Paul encourages us, “Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.” Whether serving this dip at a gathering or simply opening your home, hospitality is a chance to bless and connect. When has someone’s hospitality impacted you? How can you extend that same warmth to others this week?
Do you have a question about the recipe? Feel free to ask in the comments below. I’m here to help!
Zesty Fried Pickle Dip
Note: Be sure to read through the recipe’s post for tips and details about this recipe.
Ingredients
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 4 oz cream cheese, soften to room temperature
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup finely chopped dill pickles, plus extra for garnish
- 3 tablespoons ranch seasoning
- 3 cloves large garlic, grated
- 1 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice, about ½ a lemon
Instructions
Toast the Panko
- Heat a dry skillet over medium-low heat. Add panko and stir occasionally until golden brown (about 5-6 minutes). Remove from heat and let cool. Set aside 1 tbsp for garnish.½ cup panko breadcrumbs
Mix the Dip
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, chopped pickles, ranch seasoning, garlic, dill, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until creamy.4 oz cream cheese, 1 cup sour cream, 1 cup finely chopped dill pickles, 3 tablespoons ranch seasoning, 3 cloves large garlic, 1 tablespoons fresh dill, ½ teaspoon onion powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Add Lemon & Panko
- Squeeze in lemon juice and mix well. Stir in toasted panko (reserving 1 tbsp for garnish).2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
Chill and Serve
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight) to let the flavors develop.
- Transfer to a serving bowl and top with reserved pickles, toasted panko, a pinch of fresh dill, and a drizzle of lemon juice.
Notes
Pair with wavy chips, pretzel thins, or fresh veggies.
