Name: Fried Pickle Dip
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt); 1/2 cup dill pickles, finely chopped; 1–2 tbsp pickle juice (to taste); 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp fresh dill or 1/2 tsp dried dill; 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce (optional); Salt and pepper to taste; For the Topping (optional):; 1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs; 1 tbsp butter; Extra chopped pickles or dill for garnish

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Fried Pickle Dip is a creamy, tangy, and totally addictive appetizer inspired by the classic bar snack—fried pickles. It blends chopped dill pickles with a rich cream cheese and sour cream base, seasoned with herbs and a touch of garlic. I love serving it cold with chips, crackers, or veggies for dipping—it tastes just like a crunchy fried pickle in dip form, without the mess of frying.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love how this dip delivers that salty, pickle-forward flavor in a creamy, scoopable form. It’s quick to make, uses simple ingredients, and disappears fast every time I bring it to a party. The crunchy topping gives it that fried effect without actually frying anything. It’s all the flavor of fried pickles, made easier and better for sharing. Fried Pickle Dip

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Cream cheese, softened
Sour cream
Dill pickles, finely chopped
Pickle juice (from the jar)
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Fresh dill or dried dill
Worcestershire sauce (optional for depth)
Salt and pepper to taste

For the topping (optional but recommended):

Panko breadcrumbs
Butter
Additional chopped pickles or dill for garnish

Directions

I mix the softened cream cheese and sour cream in a bowl until smooth and creamy.
I stir in the chopped pickles, pickle juice, garlic powder, onion powder, dill, Worcestershire sauce (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper.
I chill the dip in the fridge for at least 30 minutes so the flavors can blend.
For the topping, I toast panko breadcrumbs in melted butter in a skillet until golden and crispy.
Just before serving, I sprinkle the toasted breadcrumbs over the dip and garnish with extra chopped pickles or herbs for color.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 6–8 as an appetizer.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Chill time: 30 minutes
Cook time (for topping): 5 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes

Variations

Spicy version: I add chopped pickled jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the dip for extra heat.
Greek yogurt option: I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter dip with added protein.
Make it chunkier: I leave the pickles in larger pieces for more crunch.
Fry the topping: I bake or pan-fry the topping with crushed crackers for a more authentic “fried” texture.

Storage/Reheating

I store the dip (without the topping) in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I toast and add the breadcrumb topping just before serving so it stays crisp. This dip is served cold, so there’s no need to reheat it.

FAQs

Can I make this dip ahead of time?

Yes, I often make it a day in advance. It tastes even better after the flavors have had time to develop in the fridge.

What kind of pickles work best?

I like using classic dill pickles—either spears or sandwich slices—but I’ve also used spicy pickles for a kick. I avoid sweet pickles for this recipe.

Can I use relish instead of chopped pickles?

I’ve tried relish, but it tends to be wetter and sweeter. For the best texture and flavor, I stick with finely chopped whole pickles.

What do I serve with fried pickle dip?

I serve it with potato chips, pretzels, crackers, or fresh veggies like celery and carrots. Toasted baguette slices also work great.

Can I make this dip warm?

This dip is meant to be served cold, but I’ve experimented by baking it with cheese on top—it turns into a creamy, melty version that’s also delicious.

Conclusion

Fried Pickle Dip is the perfect mix of creamy, tangy, and crunchy. It’s everything I love about fried pickles in a simple, crowd-pleasing dip. Whether I’m bringing it to a party or just making a snack at home, this dip always hits the spot. It’s quick, fun, and bursting with flavor in every bite.