Description
This Fried Pickle and Ranch Dip is the ultimate appetizer combining crispy toasted panko breadcrumbs and a creamy, flavorful dip loaded with dill pickles, garlic, and fresh herbs. Perfect for serving with chips, crostini, vegetables, or pretzels, it offers a delightful crunchy and tangy experience that’s easy to prepare and guaranteed to please a crowd.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Toasted Breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ¾ cup Panko breadcrumbs (toasted, divided)
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Dip
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 packet Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning
- 1 cup dill pickles (chopped small, plus more for garnish)
- 3 cloves fresh garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill (chopped, plus more for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives (finely chopped)
- 1 tablespoon pickle juice
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For Serving
- Potato chips, toasted crostini, fresh vegetables, or pretzels
Instructions
- Toast the Breadcrumbs: In a skillet, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Add the panko breadcrumbs and stir continuously until they become toasted and golden brown, which takes about 2–3 minutes. Season with ½ teaspoon salt, then remove from heat and set aside to cool.
- Prepare the Dip Base: Using a handheld or stand mixer, beat the softened cream cheese on medium speed for 1 minute until smooth and creamy. Add the sour cream and mix until the mixture is fully combined.
- Mix in Flavorings: Stir in the Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning packet, minced garlic, pickle juice, chopped fresh dill, and finely chopped chives until well incorporated.
- Add the Pickles: Chop the dill pickles into small pieces and pat dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Fold the chopped pickles gently into the dip mixture for even distribution.
- Chill the Dip: Transfer the dip into a serving bowl, cover it, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight. This resting period allows the flavors to meld and deepen.
- Finish and Serve: Before serving, stir ¼ cup of the toasted breadcrumbs into the chilled dip for added texture. Sprinkle the remaining toasted breadcrumbs on top and garnish with extra chopped pickles and fresh dill. Serve alongside potato chips, toasted crostini, fresh vegetables, or pretzels for dipping.
Notes
- Be sure to pat the pickles dry before adding to prevent the dip from becoming watery.
- To soften cream cheese quickly, leave it at room temperature for 30 minutes or microwave it for 15 seconds.
- For a spicier twist, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the dip mixture.
- This dip can be made up to one day ahead to allow flavors to develop even further.
- Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream to make a tangier, protein-packed version.
