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Dill Pickle Hot Sauce Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4 from 32 reviews
  • Author: Maria
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: About 1 1/4 cups (1 jar)
  • Category: Condiment
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

This Dill Pickle Hot Sauce is a tangy, spicy condiment that combines the zesty crunch of dill pickles with fresh jalapeños and aromatic dill, creating a flavorful sauce perfect for adding a kick to your meals. Made by sautéing peppers and garlic, simmering with pickles and spices, then blending to a smooth texture, this hot sauce is versatile and easy to prepare.


Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients

  • 1 cup chopped dill pickles (with some pickle juice)
  • 3–4 fresh jalapeños or serrano peppers, chopped (seeds in for more heat)
  • 1/4 cup white vinegar or pickle brine
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon sugar or honey (optional, to balance acidity)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or neutral oil


Instructions

  1. Heat Oil and Sauté Aromatics: In a small saucepan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add garlic and chopped peppers and sauté for 2–3 minutes until slightly softened and fragrant.
  2. Add Pickles and Simmer: Add the chopped pickles, vinegar or brine, dill, onion powder, salt, and sugar (if using). Bring to a simmer and cook for 5–7 minutes to meld the flavors.
  3. Cool Mixture Slightly: Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly for easier blending.
  4. Blend to Smoothness: Transfer the mixture to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. Add more pickle juice or water to adjust to your preferred consistency if desired.
  5. Adjust Seasoning and Heat: Taste the hot sauce and adjust seasoning as needed. For more heat, blend in an additional raw chili or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
  6. Store Properly: Pour the hot sauce into a clean glass jar or hot sauce bottle. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.

Notes

  • Use serrano peppers for a hotter sauce or jalapeños for milder heat.
  • The sugar or honey is optional and helps balance the acidity of the vinegar and pickles.
  • Adjust salt and heat levels to suit your taste preferences.
  • If the sauce is too thick, thin it with additional pickle juice or water.
  • This hot sauce pairs wonderfully with sandwiches, burgers, grilled meats, and as a spicy dipping sauce.
  • Keep refrigerated and shake well before each use as ingredients may settle.