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If you love the popular Fried Pickle and Ranch Dip, you’re going to flip for this delicious, ultra-creamy dip recipe! Rich and overflowing with chopped dill pickles, zesty ranch seasoning, fresh herbs, and crunchy bread crumbs, this easy-to-make fried pickle dip requires just a few simple ingredients and 15 minutes, or less.

Featured comment: My Wife LOVES this. She had me going to [the store] once a week for their small container, but now WOW!!’ – Bruce

Read on to learn how to customize this irresistible dip, plus tips for making it in advance.  And, don’t miss the comprehensive step-by step photographs showing you exactly how easy it is to make the best copycat pickle dip at home!

Overhead photo of fried pickle dip in a white bowl with pretzel chips next to the bowl.

Update: This post was originally published in August 2021. I made updates to the article below to include more information about making fried pickle dip at home.

Hi, friends! Pickle lovers rejoice, because today I have the most utterly delicious dip recipe for you!! And, if you happen to be a pickle loather, I totally urge you to try this dip, because it just might make a pickles loving convert out of you!

About this fried pickle and ranch dip

If you are a fan of the Fried Pickles Ranch Dip sold at Sam’s Club, you are going to fall head over heels in love with this creamy, pickle-y dip! Honestly, after a side-by-side taste taste, everyone preferred this simple homemade version over the popular store-bought dip! While the Sam’s Club dip is totally delicious, it’s also a little too sweet in taste. It also lacks fresh flavor and the texture leaves something to be desired.

On the other hand, this copycat dill pickle dip recipe is thick, rich, ultra-smooth and overflowing with generous chunks of juicy pickles, zesty ranch seasoning, fresh herbs, and toasty breadcrumbs! Plus, it’s insanely flavorful – savory, briny, slightly tangy, zesty and totally moreish! Basically, this recipe is creamy dip meets pickle nirvana – so consider yourself warned!

And, just in case you are thinking “but, it’s oh-so easy and convenient to grab that already prepared tub of dip at the store”. Well, you are correct – buying a container of fried pickles and ranch dip at the store will always be easier. However, homemade pickles dip (with the right recipe) will always be better! Besides, this pickle dip is super easy to prepare – only requiring eight easy-to-find ingredients (plus a few pantry staples) and 15 minutes of your time! Plus, it’s totally customizable and stores great in the refrigerator for days!

If you love easy and delicious dips, you simply must give this amazing pickle dip recipe a try! Whether you serve it at your next party (I’m looking at you picnics, potlucks, game days and backyard barbecues) or hoard it all to yourself and eat it with a shovel, one thing is for sure – this southern fried pickle dip is perfect for any and every occasion!

Why you’ll love this dip recipe with pickles

  • Eight ingredients! You only need eight simple ingredients, plus a few pantry staples to create the best dill pickle dip at home!
  • Quick and easy to prepare! This dill pickle dip can be ready and on the table in as little as 15 minutes!
  • Bursting with flavor! Featuring plenty of briny dill pickles, savory Ranch dressing mix and fresh herbs, there is no shortage of irresistible flavor in every bite!
  • Impossibly creamy! This dip is thick, rich and ultra-creamy with the perfect ratio of crispy, crunchy mix-ins!
  • Customizable! You can easily customize this recipe to your specific taste! Get creative in the kitchen and toss in your favorite ingredients!
  • Make ahead! You can easily make this pickle ranch dip ahead of time! In fact, preparing it in advance gives all the flavors a chance to marry and meld, so I actually recommend preparing it ahead! When you are ready to serve, all that’s left to do is garnish the dip and enjoy – making snack time or entertaining a breeze!
  • Crowd-pleaser! Pickle dip is a crowd favorite at every party, and I guarantee everyone will be asking you for the recipe!

Overhead photo of all the ingredients in pickle dip recipe.

What is pickle dip?

Dill pickles dip is a savory American dip or spread usually made from cream cheese, sour cream, dill pickles and fresh herbs, along with other flavoring ingredients, such as garlic and onion powder. Pickle dip is rich and creamy in texture with a briny, slightly tangy, zesty taste. Dill pickle dip can be served as a traditional dip with chips and fresh vegetables (crudité), or it can be used as a condiment or spread for crackers, toast and sandwiches!

What’s in fried pickle dip?

This ranch pickles dip recipe only uses 8 easy-to-find ingredients (plus a a few pantry staples, like salt).

Ingredients in this pickle dip recipe

  • Sour Cream: 16 ounces of sour cream helps lighten up the dips texture while adding a touch of tangy flavor!
  • Cream Cheese: An 8-ounce tub of room temperature cream cheese provides a rich creaminess that just can’t be beat! I recommend whipped cream cheese for an ultra-light and airy texture!
  • Ranch Mix: One packet of Ranch dressing mix provides a distinctive tangy, sweet and savory flavor that makes this dip oh-so addictive!
  • Seasonings: A combination of garlic powder, onion powder and celery salt all provide flavor!
  • Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice adds a touch of acidity which helps balance, brighten and enhance the flavors in this dip!
  • Pickles: Dill pickles give the dip it’s signature briny, dilly, slightly salty flavor! Make sure you pat the pickles dry after chopping to help prevent your dip from becoming watery! (Please see below for the best varieties of pickles to use in dip!)
  • Fresh Herbs: Fresh dill adds a citrus-like flavor and subtle sweetness, while fresh chives add a delicate touch of onion flavor.
  • Panko Crumbs: Toasted panko breadcrumbs are one of the secret ingredients that take this dill pickle dip recipe to the next level of yum! They add a wonderful touch of airy, delicate crispy crunch that truly make this dip special!
  • Celery: A ¼ cup of celery provides the perfect amount of crunch and a mild, earthy flavor.

Substitutions and variations

This pickles and ranch dip is flexible and totally customizable! Feel free to omit, substitute or add ingredients based upon your preferences or simply what you have on hand in the kitchen.

Substitutions

  • Sour Cream: If you are looking for a slightly healthier alternative to sour cream, plain Greek yogurt is an excellent option
  • Cream Cheese: Instead of using plain whipped cream cheese, try using your favorite flavor of cream cheese, such as Spicy Jalapeño or Chive and Onion! Or, if you are looking to lighten up this dip, you can replace the regular cream cheese with Greek cream cheese (which has 4 times more protein and half the fat). If you are using a block of cream cheese versus whipped cream cheese, I recommend whipping the cream cheese with a handheld mixer before proceeding with the recipe!
  • Lemon Juice: I highly recommend using fresh lemon juice if you can – it adds a layer of complexity to the dip and ensures the acidity isn’t just one note. However, you can substitute an equal amount of pickle juice if you are in a pinch!
  • Fresh Herbs: While I personally love the combination of fresh dill and chives in this pickle dip, parsley and scallions also work well!

Variations

  • Jalapeños: If you like a bit of mild heat, try adding in a ¼ to ½ cup of finely chopped pickled or raw jalapeños!
  • Meat: You can easily turn this pickle ranch dip into a meat lover’s dream by adding a cup of chopped bacon, ham, corned beef or chipped beef!
  • Seasoning: Amp up the flavor by adding a bit of “Everything but the bagel” spice blend to your dip!
  • Heat: Do you prefer your dip to have a spicy kick? Try throwing in a few shakes of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper!
  • Cheese: If you prefer a dip with a bit of sharp, slightly cheesy flavor, try adding a ½ cup of freshly grated parmesan, Pecorino Romano or asiago cheese!

Overhead photo of the ingredients for fried pickle ranch dip in a large mixing bowl.

FAQs: fried pickles and ranch dip

What variety of pickle is best when making dip?

You can use your favorite variety of pickles to make this dip! While I typically use Petite Dill Pickles, please feel free to customize this recipe to suit your specific tastes!

Best pickle varieties

  • Dill pickles: Dill pickles are (arguably) the most popular variety of pickle. Dill pickles are simply brined cucumbers infused with plenty of dill; however, they can also include various flavoring ingredients, such as garlic and pickling spice! If you are looking for a classic pickle dip, dill pickles are your best bet!
  • Sweet pickles: Sweet pickles are pickled cucumbers made with a brine flavored with sugar. While sweet pickles are sweet, they’re also typically made with vinegar, so their flavor isn’t overly or sickly sweet! You can use sweet pickles to make this pickle and ranch dip. However, I recommend supplementing the sweet pickles with dill pickles and using a combination of both sweet and dill pickles.
  • Pickle Relish: Dill pickle relish is a condiment (similar to a salsa) made of finely chopped pickled cucumbers seasoned with sugar, vinegar salt and spices. You can typically find sweet or dill pickle relishes – either make a delicious addition to this sauce!
  • Bread and butter pickles: Bread and butter pickles are a type of sweet pickle which uses sugar in the brine. Bread and butter pickles are a delicious mix of sweet and sour which makes a delicious dip!
  • Sour pickles: Sour pickles are fermented in a vinegar-less brine made of pickling salt and spices. They’re quite sour and don’t make the best dip unless you are really into sour flavors!
  • Hot and spicy pickles: Hot pickles are typically pickled with a brine featuring a blend of vinegar, garlic, red pepper flakes and mustard. As the name suggests, they’re very spicy in flavor. If you are a spicy food lover, hot and spicy pickles will make a delicious dip with plenty of heat!
  • Gherkin pickles: A gherkin, also known as a cornichon, petite or baby dill, is simply a small variety of cucumbers, typically under 2-inches long. I typically use gherkin dill pickles to make this pickle dip recipe, because I love their fantastic crisp texture and flavor!

How to make the best pickle dip?

This easy pickle dip recipe is totally fool proof to prepare and totally customizable! This dip comes together in just a few minutes, making it perfect for everything from after school snacking to stress-free entertaining!

How to make dip with pickles step-by-step photos

(Don’t forget to scroll down to the bottom of the page for the detailed measurements and the complete printable recipe card!)

Step by step photo collage showing how to make pickle dip at home.

Serving dill pickle dip

Are you looking for exciting and delicious ways to serve your ranch pickle dip? Below are a few scrumptious ways to enjoy this creamy dip!

How to serve fried pickles ranch dip?

This pickle dressing is best when enjoyed slightly chilled or at room temperature. This dip gets quite firm upon refrigeration, which is perfect if you are using it as a spread. However, for a creamy, perfectly scoop-able pickle dip, I recommend letting the dip sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before enjoying!

You can serve dill pickle dip as a dip with chips, crackers and crudité, or as a spread for toast, bagels and sandwiches! Alternatively, you can easily transform this dip into a dilly cheese ball or use it to make jalapeño poppers, hummus and more! Below are some of my favorite ways to use and eat this delicious dip!

10 delicious ways to use dip

  • Bread bowl dip: A bread bowl is always a fun way to serve dips! This dilly sauce overflowing with pickles is outrageously good in a salty pretzel bread bowl!
  • Cheese ball: Easily transform this dip into a cheese ball or log by wrapping the dip in plastic and gently shaping it into a ball or log. Make sure you chill it completely, so it holds it shape before serving it with crackers or pretzel chips.
  • Jalapeño Poppers: Use pickles dip as a filling for jalapeño poppers.
  • Hummus: Add a bit of tangy flavor to your next bowl of hummus by adding a scoop or two of dip to the mix!
  • Deli Roll-Ups: Swap the cream cheese spread and use fried pickle dip in your next roll up. My vote goes to pastrami or turkey.
  • Grilled Cheese: Give your warm sammie a gourmet upgrade by slathering on a bit of pickle ranch dip on the bread before adding the cheese.
  • Cuban Sandwich: Give your Cuban sandwich a twist and replace the pickles with this pickle with ranch dip.
  • Hot Dog: Skip the relish, ketchup and other condiments on your hot dog! Try a bit of pickled ranch dip for a ballpark experience you’ll never forget!
  • Egg Salad: Punch up your next salad by mixing in a bit of creamy dill dip!
  • Potato Salad: Swap some of the mayo out for fried pickles ranch dip. You’ll never go back.
  • Fried Chicken: You’ve heard of pickle-brine chicken before, right!? Try dunking your fried chicken in pickle dip for an epic culinary experience you won’t want to quit!

What to eat with fried pickle ranch dip?

This dip is actually quite versatile! It pairs deliciously with a wide variety of chips, fresh vegetables, sandwiches and more! Below are a few of my family’s favorite dishes to eat with pickle dip!

10 tasty foods to serve with dip

  • Crudité: Fresh vegetables are the perfect healthy dipping option! Used an assortment of your favorite seasonal vegetables to create a beautiful veggie and dip platter – I love cucumber slices, celery, sweet mini peppers and cauliflower florets with this dip!
  • Pretzels: Everything from buttery soft pretzels, pretzel chips and pretzel sticks pair beautifully with this creamy dip!
  • Chips: Chips and dip are a classic pairing for a good reason! This dip pairs deliciously with plain classic potato chips, tortilla chips and a wide variety of flavored chips, such as dill pickle, ranch, jalapeno, salt and vinegar and sour cream and onion!
  • Crackers: An assortment of your favorite crackers are always a crowd-pleasing pairing option for this pickle spread!
  • Artisan bread: Crusty artisan bread is a classic vessel for dunking into a creamy dip! Baguettes, crostini, breadsticks and sourdough all work beautifully!
  • Bagels: Toasted bagels and crispy bagel chips are so good with this dill and cream cheese-based dip!
  • Avocado: A unique, but delicious pairing option is avocado! Cut an avocado in half, remove the pit and stuff the halves with creamy dip!
  • French Fries: If you love dunking your fries in ranch, try switching things up and using ranch pickle dip instead! (I recommend thick cut wedges for the best dipping experience!)
  • Meat: Create a beautiful charcuterie board featuring your favorite cheeses and meats, such as Salami and Soppressata, along with pickle dip and rustic crackers!
  • Sandwiches: Your favorite sandwich with a side of chips and dip in always a winner!

Close-up photo of the creamy texture and pickle topping on bowl of fried pickles ranch dip.

Tips for storing homemade dips

Food safety is of the utmost importance when it comes to storing homemade dips and spreads! Make sure you follow the simple tips below to ensure you are properly storing this pickle ranch dip recipe.

Can I make dip with pickles in advance?

You can absolutely prepare dill pickle dip with ranch in advance! In fact, I recommend making the dip ahead of time! Preparing it in advance allows all the flavors to develop, marry and meld!

For the best flavor, I recommend making this dip at least 8 hours, or up to overnight in advance. However, you can make this pickles and ranch dip up to 3 days in advance, without sacrificing flavor or texture!

How long can pickles dip sit out?

This dip is made with dairy products, such as sour cream and cream cheese. Therefore, you should not keep it at room temperature for more than 2 hours, maximum.

If you are bringing this dip to an outdoor event or picnic, I recommend keeping it in a cooler until serving time. Upon serving, I recommend placing the dip in a shady or covered area to avoid harsh, direct heat!

How long will fried pickle and ranch dip keep?

Store homemade pickle dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When properly stored, this dip will keep well for up to four days.

Can I freeze this dip?

While you can technically freeze this dip, I do not recommend it! This dip is made with dairy products, namely cream cheese and sour cream, which tend to separate upon thawing. It is best to use this dip within the time frame above.

Photo of a bowl of fried pickle and ranch dip.

Add this irresistible fried pickle dip to your snacking and entertaining arsenal! Just be prepared for everyone gobble it up and request the recipe!

Until next week, friends, cheers!

Cheyanne

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More easy, creamy dip recipes!

Are you looking for a few more delicious quick and easy dips with cream cheese? Try these fan favorites next:

The best Copycat Pickle Dip with Ranch recipe👇

Overhead photo of pickle dip in a white bowl topped with crunchy bread crumbs.

Dill Pickle Dip Recipe

5 from 6 votes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 15 servings
If you love the popular Fried Pickle and Ranch Dip, you are going to go absolutely crazy for this unbelievably delicious recipe!! This easy-to-make Ranch Dill Pickle Dip is rich, ultra-creamy dip and overflowing with chopped pickles, fresh herbs, zesty ranch seasoning and crunchy breadcrumbs! This irresistible crowd-favorite is made with simple ingredients, ready in 15 minutes or less, totally customizable and it can be prepared in advance! It's the perfect dip for every occasion - from after school snacking to stress-free entertaining!
Recipe can be scaled up or down by using the slider if you hover your mouse over the number of Servings.

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl or Food Processor

Ingredients 

  • 16 ounces Sour Cream
  • 8 ounces Whipped Cream Cheese – room temperature
  • 1 packet Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing Mix (1 ounce)
  • ¼ tsp EACH: Garlic Powder & Onion Powder
  • 1/8 tsp Celery Salt
  • 2 tsp freshly squeezed Lemon Juice (SEE NOTES)
  • 1 ¾ cup Finely Chopped Dill Pickles – (8 ounces total) DIVIDED - reserve 3 TBS for garnish (SEE NOTES)
  • 1 heaping TBS EACH: Fresh Dill & Fresh Chives – finely chopped, plus more for garnish
  • ½ Cup Panko Breadcrumbs – toasted & DIVIDED - reserve 1 TBS for garnish (SEE NOTES)
  • ¼ cup Celery – finely chopped (about 1 small rib)
  • Optional for serving: Pretzels, Chips, Fresh Vegetables, Bread Bowl or use it as a spread for sandwiches!

Instructions

  • Mix pickle dip base ingredients: In the bowl of a food processor or a mixing bowl with a hand-held mixer, combine the sour cream, cream cheese, ranch mix, garlic, onion, celery salt and lemon juice. Process or beat until creamy and smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed.
  • Fold in remaining ingredients: Add the pickles, dill, chives, breadcrumbs and celery. Gently stir/fold to combine.
  • Chill (for best taste): Cover the dip and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to overnight. (Note: I recommend refrigerating at least 8 hours for the most flavor!)
  • Serve: Taste and adjust the dip for seasoning with kosher salt and ground black pepper. Garnish with remaining pickles and breadcrumbs. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

  1. Pickles: After chopping the pickles, gently pat them dry to remove all excess moisture – this will prevent your dip from becoming watery. You can substitute dill pickles for any variety of pickles you love! Try using bread and butter, sweet pickles or a combination of pickles for added flavor! You can also substitute some of the pickles for pickle relish if you like! Please see the post for a comprehensive list of the different types of pickles you can use in this dip.
  2. Lemon Juice: You can substitute the lemon juice with an equal amount of pickle juice from the pickle jar!
  3. Breadcrumbs: For the best flavor you must toast your breadcrumbs!
    • To toast breadcrumbs: Heat 1 tablespoon of neutral oil in a large, straight-sided skillet over medium to medium-high heat. Add the breadcrumbs and stir to coat in the oil. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook, stirring often, until the breadcrumbs are golden brown and toasted. Remove to a paper-towel lined plate to cool. (NOTE: You can toast the breadcrumbs up to 3 days in advance. Allow the breadcrumbs to cool completely and store them in an airtight container at room temperature.)
Recipe Yield: Roughly 5 Cups
Serving Size: Approximately 1/3 Cup
Nutritional information is an approximation based upon 15 (1/3 cup) servings. Exact information will depend upon the brands of ingredients and precise measurements used.

Nutrition

Calories: 88kcal    Carbohydrates: 6g    Protein: 3g    Fat: 6g    Saturated Fat: 3g    Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g    Monounsaturated Fat: 2g    Cholesterol: 19mg    Sodium: 414mg    Potassium: 126mg    Fiber: 1g    Sugar: 1g    Vitamin A: 226IU    Vitamin C: 1mg    Calcium: 77mg    Iron: 1mg

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