Fried Pickle Dip is a fun, creamy treat that combines tangy pickles with smooth cream cheese and spices. It’s perfect for snacking with chips or veggies!
If you’re like me, you’ll want to eat it all in one sitting. It’s hard to resist that zesty flavor! Just mix, chill, and enjoy—it’s super easy and so good!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cream Cheese: This is the base of the dip, providing creaminess. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use Greek yogurt instead. I prefer the richness of cream cheese, but yogurt adds a nice tang!
Dill Pickles: The star ingredient! Use your favorite brand of dill pickles or even bread-and-butter pickles for a sweeter twist. If you’re not a fan of pickles, try using jalapeños for a different flavor profile!
Shredded Cheese: Cheddar adds a nice flavor, but feel free to use any cheese you love, like Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a spicy kick. Cheese is all about personal taste—so go with what you enjoy!
Dill: Fresh dill is delightful, but if you only have dried dill, it works just fine! Just remember that dried is stronger, so use less. I personally think fresh dill makes it taste fresher and brighter.
Fried Pickle Chips: If you don’t have time to fry your own, store-bought breaded pickles work well too! These add an extra crunch that I just can’t resist in the dip.
How Do I Make Sure My Fried Pickle Chips Are Crispy?
Getting the fried pickle chips crispy adds amazing texture to the dip. Here’s how to do it right:
- Make sure your oil is hot enough. It should sizzle when you drop in the pickles. If the oil is not hot, the pickles will soak up the oil and become soggy.
- Do not overcrowd the pan. Fry in small batches to keep the temperature consistent and achieve a perfect golden-brown color.
- Let the fried pickles sit on a paper towel after frying. This helps absorb any excess oil, keeping them crispy.
Taking these steps ensures every bite of your dip will be crunchy and satisfying!
Fried Pickle Dip
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Dip:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup dill pickles, finely chopped (plus extra slices for garnish)
- 1/2 cup fried pickle chips (breaded and fried pickle slices)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
- 2 tablespoons green onions, finely sliced (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt, to taste
For Frying:
- Oil for frying the pickle chips (vegetable or canola oil)
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes for a slight kick
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Fried Pickle Dip will take about 20 minutes to prepare and another 10 minutes to fry the pickles. Overall, you’ll spend about 30 minutes making it before it’s ready to serve—easy peasy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Fried Pickle Chips:
Start by slicing your dill pickles into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Next, set up a dredging station: in three shallow bowls, place flour in one, beaten egg in another, and panko breadcrumbs in the last. For each pickle slice, first dip it in flour, then into the egg wash, and finally coat it well with panko breadcrumbs. This will give them a lovely crispy texture!
2. Fry the Pickles:
Heat oil in a deep skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot (you can test by dropping in a small piece of bread; it should sizzle), start frying the coated pickle slices in batches. Fry them for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they’re golden brown and crispy. Once fried, carefully transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
3. Make the Dip:
In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise. Mix them together until smooth and creamy. Then, fold in the chopped dill pickles, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped dill, sliced green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Don’t forget to gently fold in half of the fried pickle chips for that added crunch throughout the dip!
4. Assemble and Garnish:
Transfer your tasty dip to a serving bowl. Now, top it with the remaining fried pickle chips, some extra pickle slices for decoration, and a sprinkle of chopped green onions. If you’re feeling adventurous, add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some extra heat!
5. Serve:
This dip is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature. Pair it with sturdy dippers like potato chips, crackers, fresh veggies, or even more fried pickle chips for a delightful snack or party appetizer!
Enjoy this creamy, tangy dip with its crunchy fried pickle bites—it’s sure to be a hit at any gathering!
Can I Use Low-Fat Ingredients?
Absolutely! You can substitute low-fat cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise for a lighter version of this dip. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture might be a bit different, but it will still taste great!
How Do I Store Leftover Fried Pickle Dip?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, you can serve it cold or let it sit at room temperature for a bit before serving!
Can I Make This Dip Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the dip a day in advance, just hold off on adding the fried pickle chips until you’re ready to serve. This ensures they stay crunchy and do not get soggy in the dip.
What Can I Use Instead of Dill Pickles?
If you’re not a fan of dill pickles, feel free to use sweet pickles or even pickled jalapeños for a spicy twist. Each option will give a unique flavor to the dip!
