Appetizers

Dill Pickle Dip

Cool, tangy and dangerously scoopable — cream cheese, sour cream, chopped dill pickles and a splash of brine.

November 2, 2026 By Chef Clara 4.91 (143 votes)
Dill Pickle Dip
The Quick Takeaway

In a nutshell: This authentic american dill pickle dip comes together in just 40 mins using simple whole ingredients. The chef's secret: small pieces distribute through every scoop, while a mince turns the dip watery. Perfect for home cooks seeking a dependable, restaurant-quality finish with minimal effort.

Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 0 mins
Total Time 40 mins
Cuisine American
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Dill pickle dip: creamy, tangy dip loaded with chopped dill pickles and fresh dill. A 10-minute party dip for chips and crudités.

Key Equipment

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  • Mixing bowl
  • Electric mixer or spatula
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board

Chef's Pro-Tips

  • Chop the pickles fine, not minced: small pieces distribute through every scoop, while a mince turns the dip watery.
  • Drain the chopped pickles well before folding in: extra liquid thins the dip, and you can always add brine back for tang.
  • Make it a day ahead: the flavour is even better on day two, once the dill and brine have fully seasoned the cream cheese.

Ingredients
8 servings

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 ½ cups dill pickles, finely chopped, plus 2 tbsp brine
  • 2 tbsp pickle brine, from the jar
  • 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped, plus more for topping
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ¼ tsp black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1 tbsp ranch seasoning, optional
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Step-by-Step Instructions

1

Beat the Base

Beat the softened cream cheese until smooth, then beat in the sour cream, pickle brine, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper and ranch seasoning, if using, until creamy.

2

Fold in the Pickles

Fold in the chopped pickles and fresh dill. Taste and add more brine a teaspoon at a time until the tang is bright but not watery.

3

Chill to Meld

Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes so the flavours meld and the dip firms up to scoopable thickness.

4

Serve

Spoon into a serving bowl, top with extra chopped pickles and dill, and serve with ridged potato chips, pretzels and crudités.

Chef Clara's Kitchen Picks

Kitchen Essentials

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Frequently Asked Questions

Crunchy refrigerated dill pickles give the best texture and tang. Shelf-stable dill pickles work too — avoid sweet pickles, which change the flavour entirely.

Ridged potato chips are the classic, plus pretzels, crackers, celery, carrots and cucumber slices for a lighter option.

Yes — it is optional. Without it, add an extra pinch of garlic powder, onion powder and dill to keep the seasoning bold.

Covered in the fridge for up to 5 days. Stir before serving, as a little liquid may separate — that is normal.