Description
Fried Pickle and Ranch Dip is a flavorful and crunchy appetizer featuring toasted panko breadcrumbs, creamy ranch-seasoned dip, and tangy chopped dill pickles. Perfectly served chilled with chips, crostini, or fresh vegetables, this dip combines savory, creamy, and tangy flavors for a crowd-pleasing snack.
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 Panko Breadcrumbs: In a skillet, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Add the panko breadcrumbs and stir continuously for 2 to 3 minutes until they turn golden brown and are nicely toasted. 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 for about 1 minute until smooth and fluffy. Add the sour cream and continue mixing until fully combined.
- Add Flavorings and Pickles: Stir in the Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning packet, minced garlic, pickle juice, chopped fresh dill, and chopped chives until well incorporated. Chop the dill pickles finely, pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture, then gently fold the pickles into the creamy dip mixture.
- Chill the Dip: Transfer the completed dip into a serving bowl and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours or preferably overnight. This resting time allows the flavors to meld and deepen for the best taste.
- Finish and Serve: Just before serving, mix ¼ cup of the toasted breadcrumbs into the dip to add crunch. Sprinkle the remaining toasted breadcrumbs on top for garnish. Add extra chopped dill pickles and fresh dill as additional garnish. Serve the dip chilled with potato chips, toasted crostini, fresh vegetables, or pretzels for dipping.
Notes
- Softening the cream cheese before mixing helps achieve a smooth dip.
- Patting the pickles dry is important to avoid a watery dip.
- Toasted panko breadcrumbs add a delightful crunch without getting soggy in the dip.
- Refrigerating the dip overnight enhances the flavor development.
- You can adjust the garlic and dill quantities to taste for a stronger or milder flavor.
