Easy Fried Pickle & Ranch Dip
Bring the life to any party with our addictive Easy Fried Pickle & Ranch Dip – it’s a crunchy, tangy delight that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!
Hosting a get-together or looking for the perfect snack to bring to a party? Look no further than our Easy Fried Pickle and Creamy Ranch Dip! This easy-to-make dip combines the tangy flavor of dill pickles with a creamy, savory ranch base for a snack that’s truly addictive.
What to Serve with this?
- Assorted Crackers: Wheat, Rice, or Multigrain
- Fresh Vegetable Sticks: Carrots, Celery, Cucumber, Bell Peppers
- Pretzels or Pretzel Sticks
- Tortilla Chips
- Pita Chips
- Baguette Slices
- Mini Sandwiches or Sliders
- Cheese Cubes or Cheese Sticks
- Potato Chips or Kettle Chips
Ingredients for this Easy Fried Pickle & Ranch Dip
- Japanese Panko Breadcrumbs: These breadcrumbs are lighter and crispier than traditional breadcrumbs, giving your dip a delightful crunch.
- Whipped Cream Cheese: This is softer and easier to mix than block cream cheese. However, if you only have block cream cheese, make sure to soften it at room temperature before use.
- Dill Pickles: Choose a high-quality brand for the best flavor. If you like your dip extra tangy, consider using extra sour pickles.
- Ranch Seasoning: You can find this in the spice aisle of most grocery stores, but if unavailable, a blend of dried dill, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried parsley can substitute.
- Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic will give a stronger, more aromatic flavor than garlic powder.
- Fresh Dill and Chives: Using fresh herbs will significantly enhance the flavor of your dip. However, if unavailable, dried dill and chives can be used (use 1/3 the amount as dried herbs are more potent).
- Onion Powder, Kosher Salt, and Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Adjust these to taste. If your ranch seasoning is very salty, you may want to reduce the additional salt.
- Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice is ideal for its bright, tart flavor. If you only have bottled lemon juice, that will work too.
Variations for this Recipe
- Spicy Variation: Add a kick to your dip by including some finely chopped jalapenos or a few dashes of hot sauce.
- Cheesy Variation: Mix in some shredded sharp cheddar or pepper jack cheese to the dip for a cheesy twist.
- Vegetarian “Bacon” Variation: Add some chopped vegetarian bacon bits for a smoky flavor.
- Pickling Variation: Use different types of pickles, like bread and butter pickles or sweet gherkins, for a different flavor profile.
- Herb Variation: Try different herbs such as fresh parsley or cilantro in addition to or in place of the dill and chives.
- Greek Yogurt Variation: Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a healthier alternative with a similar tangy flavor.
- Gluten-Free Variation: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of panko to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten intolerance.
Tips for this Easy Fried Pickle & Ranch Dip
- Finely Chop Your Pickles: The smaller your pickle pieces, the more evenly they’ll be distributed throughout the dip, ensuring every bite is full of flavor.
- Fresh Herbs Are Best: Fresh dill and chives will give your dip a vibrant color and fresh, bright flavor. However, if fresh herbs aren’t available, you can use dried – just remember to use about 1/3 of the amount, as dried herbs are more potent.
- Adjust to Taste: The amount of salt and pepper you need will depend on how salty your pickles and ranch seasoning are. Always taste your dip before serving and adjust the seasonings as needed.
- Let It Chill: This dip gets better as it sits, making it a great make-ahead option for parties. Let it chill in the fridge for at least an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serving Suggestions: This dip pairs well with a variety of dippers. Try it with everything from potato chips and pretzels to fresh vegetables like carrots, celery, and bell peppers.
- Make It Creamier: If you prefer a smoother texture, you can blend a portion of the pickles into the cream cheese and sour cream, then stir in the rest for a bit of crunch.
- Store Properly: Leftovers can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Stir well before serving again.
- Double the Batch: This dip is always a hit, so consider doubling the recipe if you’re serving a crowd. It’s easy to scale up and the leftovers are delicious.
Want More Dip Recipes?
Spicy Ranch Spinach Dip
Love Dip
Easy Cheddar Bacon Ranch Dip
Easy Fried Pickle & Ranch Dip
Ingredients
- 1 cup Japanese style breadcrumbs (panko)
- 1 cup dill pickles chopped
- 1 cup whipped cream cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 tbsp ranch dressing seasoning
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp fresh dill
- 1 tbsp fresh chives
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the whipped cream cheese, sour cream, ranch seasoning, minced garlic, onion powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and lemon juice. Stir until well combined.
- Fold in the finely chopped dill pickles, fresh dill, and chives until evenly distributed.
- In a separate shallow dish, spread out the panko breadcrumbs. Form the cream cheese mixture into small balls or patties, then coat each one in the breadcrumbs.
- In a frying pan over medium heat, lightly fry the breadcrumbs until golden brown.
- When ready to serve sprinkle bread crumbs over dip
Notes
- Finely Chop Your Pickles: The smaller your pickle pieces, the more evenly they’ll be distributed throughout the dip, ensuring every bite is full of flavor.
- Fresh Herbs Are Best: Fresh dill and chives will give your dip a vibrant color and fresh, bright flavor. However, if fresh herbs aren’t available, you can use dried – just remember to use about 1/3 of the amount, as dried herbs are more potent.
- Adjust to Taste: The amount of salt and pepper you need will depend on how salty your pickles and ranch seasoning are. Always taste your dip before serving and adjust the seasonings as needed.
- Let It Chill: This dip gets better as it sits, making it a great make-ahead option for parties. Let it chill in the fridge for at least an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serving Suggestions: This dip pairs well with a variety of dippers. Try it with everything from potato chips and pretzels to fresh vegetables like carrots, celery, and bell peppers.
- Make It Creamier: If you prefer a smoother texture, you can blend a portion of the pickles into the cream cheese and sour cream, then stir in the rest for a bit of crunch.
- Store Properly: Leftovers can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Stir well before serving again.
- Double the Batch: This dip is always a hit, so consider doubling the recipe if you’re serving a crowd. It’s easy to scale up and the leftovers are delicious.