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The Ultimate Dill Pickle Dip: Your New Favorite Easy Appetizer

For every pickle enthusiast out there, prepare to meet your new obsession: an incredibly simple yet supremely flavorful Dill Pickle Dip. This isn’t just any dip; it’s a creamy, tangy, and utterly addictive concoction, boasting an irresistible double dose of dill and a delightfully crunchy topping of crushed Cheez-Its. Perfect for casual gatherings, game nights, backyard barbecues, or even an elevated burger night, this dip promises to be the undisputed star of your appetizer spread.

When planning a menu for any social event, whether it’s a lively game day celebration or an elegant cocktail party, a dip is always a go-to choice. Dips, in their many forms, hot or cold, consistently prove to be crowd-pleasers, offering something approachable and delicious for everyone. But amidst the sea of spinach artichoke, buffalo chicken, and cheesy queso, there’s a unique flavor profile that often gets overlooked, yet holds a special place in the hearts of many: the humble pickle.

It was a recipe for Dill Pickle Dip in bon appétit magazine that first caught my eye, and I knew instantly I had to try it. And honestly, it’s all the more for me since certain picky eaters in my life wouldn’t touch a pickle with a ten-foot pole. Their loss, I say! They’re missing out on this extraordinary blend of tang, savory depth, and refreshing dill that makes this dip an absolute sensation. So, let’s dive into creating a dish that will have everyone reaching for just one more scoop.

Why This Dill Pickle Dip Will Be Your Go-To Appetizer

Beyond its unique and delicious flavor, there are countless reasons why this Dill Pickle Dip deserves a permanent spot on your recipe rotation:

Unforgettable Flavor Profile: If you’re a fan of the bright, briny, and tangy taste of dill pickles, this dip is quite literally made for you. It captures that quintessential pickle essence and transforms it into a creamy, warm, and comforting experience. The “double dill” factor – using both dill pickle relish and fresh dill – ensures that refreshing, herbaceous note shines through in every bite.
Effortlessly Easy & Quick: This recipe is a lifesaver for those moments when you need a show-stopping appetizer without spending hours in the kitchen. With less than 15 minutes of active prep time and a mere 10-15 minutes in the oven, you can whip up this dip in under half an hour. It’s the perfect solution for last-minute guests or when you simply want something delicious and satisfying without the fuss.
Crowd-Pleasing Potential: Dips are inherently communal and universally loved. This Dill Pickle Dip, with its intriguing flavor and comforting warmth, offers a delightful surprise that deviates from standard party fare, often sparking conversations and requests for the recipe. It’s a guaranteed hit at any social gathering.
Versatile Serving Options: While it pairs beautifully with classic dippers like crackers and cucumber spears, its rich flavor profile makes it compatible with a wide array of accompaniments, from pretzels to crusty bread.
Simple Ingredients: You won’t need to hunt for obscure components. The ingredients are readily available at any grocery store, making this an accessible recipe for home cooks of all skill levels.

Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Dill Pickle Dip

Crafting this irresistible dip requires a simple lineup of ingredients, each playing a crucial role in achieving its unique balance of creamy, tangy, savory, and spicy notes. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need:

Vegetable Oil (3 Tbsp): Provides the base for infusing flavor with garlic and red pepper flakes. You can also use canola oil or a light olive oil.
Garlic Cloves (2, finely minced): Essential for a pungent, aromatic foundation. Freshly minced garlic yields the best flavor.
Red Pepper Flakes (1 tsp, adjustable): Adds a subtle warmth and kick. The original recipe calls for 1 teaspoon, but I recommend starting with ½ teaspoon if you prefer less spice, or even omitting it for a completely mild dip. You can always add more when serving.
Cream Cheese (4 oz, room temperature): The backbone of the dip’s creamy texture. Ensuring it’s at room temperature is key for a smooth, lump-free mixture that blends effortlessly with other ingredients.
Sour Cream (4 oz): Contributes a delightful tang and helps to lighten the richness of the cream cheese, creating a perfectly balanced consistency.
Dill Pickle Relish (¾ cup): This is where a significant part of the dill and pickle flavor comes from. Using relish ensures finely chopped pickles are evenly distributed throughout the dip, delivering a burst of briny goodness in every bite.
Grated Parmesan Cheese (1 Tbsp): Offers a savory, umami depth that complements the tanginess of the pickles and creaminess of the base.
Fresh Dill (2 Tbsp, chopped): The “double dill” secret! Fresh dill brightens the entire dip with its distinct, aromatic, and slightly sweet herbal notes. Do not skip this for the best flavor.
Finely Grated Lemon Zest (1 Tbsp): Adds a wonderful aromatic citrus lift, enhancing the overall freshness of the dip.
Fresh Lemon Juice (1 Tbsp): A touch of acidity from lemon juice balances the richness and amplifies the flavors of the dill and pickles.
Freshly Ground Black Pepper (1 tsp) & Kosher Salt (½ tsp): Essential seasonings to enhance all the other flavors. Adjust to taste.
Cheez-It Crackers (1 cup, plus more for serving): The star topping! These cheesy crackers provide a fantastic salty crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy dip. Any flavor works, but Extra Toasty or White Cheddar are particularly good choices.
Crudités and Crackers (for serving): Think cucumber spears, carrot sticks, celery, bell pepper strips, pretzels, or even slices of toasted baguette.

Step-by-Step Preparation: Crafting Your Perfect Dill Pickle Dip

Making this dip is incredibly straightforward, broken down into a few simple steps. Follow these instructions for a perfectly warm, creamy, and flavorful dip every time:

Step 1: Prepare the Cheesy Crumb Topping

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take 1 cup of Cheez-It crackers and place them into a sturdy Ziploc bag. Using a rolling pin or the bottom of a heavy frying pan, gently but firmly crush the crackers into coarse crumbs. You want a texture that offers a satisfying crunch, not a fine powder. Set these crushed Cheez-Its aside; they will be the glorious topping.

Step 2: Infuse the Oil with Aromatics

In a small skillet, heat the vegetable oil over low heat until it just begins to shimmer. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (adjusting the amount of flakes to your preferred spice level). Cook this mixture, stirring constantly, for about two minutes. The goal is to allow the garlic to become fragrant and the pepper flakes to infuse into the oil without burning the garlic. Once fragrant, remove the skillet from the heat and set it aside to cool slightly.

Step 3: Combine the Dip Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, dill pickle relish, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh dill, finely grated lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, freshly ground black pepper, and kosher salt. Pour in the prepared garlic-chile oil from Step 2. Using a rubber spatula or a sturdy spoon, mix all the ingredients thoroughly until they are well combined and smooth. Ensure there are no lumps of cream cheese for a consistently creamy texture.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Transfer the dill pickle dip mixture into a 1-quart baking dish. Use the back of your spatula to smooth out the top evenly. Generously sprinkle the crushed Cheez-It crumbs over the entire surface of the dip. Place the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the dip is heated through, bubbly around the edges, and the Cheez-Its are golden and crisp.

Step 5: Serve Warm and Enjoy

Once baked to perfection, carefully remove the dip from the oven. Serve it warm, straight from the dish. I love to offer extra Cheez-Its and assorted crackers on the side, along with refreshing sliced cucumber spears. The cool, crisp cucumber provides a wonderful contrast to the warm, creamy dip.

Expert Tips for Success and Delicious Variations

While this Dill Pickle Dip recipe is fantastic as is, here are some tips and ideas to make it even better or customize it to your taste:

Cheez-It Choice: The original recipe suggests any flavor of Cheez-Its works, and that’s true! I particularly enjoy using Extra Toasty Cheez-Its for an even deeper, savory crunch. White Cheddar or even a spicy Cheez-It variety could also add an interesting twist. Don’t be shy about adding a generous amount for that perfect textural contrast.
Spice Level: The recipe from bon appétit magazine recommends 1 teaspoon of red chili flakes for the garlic oil. This provides a noticeable kick. If you prefer a milder dip, I suggest scaling back to ½ teaspoon, or even ¼ teaspoon. If you love heat, feel free to add a bit more! You can also offer extra flakes on the side for guests to sprinkle on their own servings.
Dill-ightful Adjustments: I’ve slightly tweaked the amounts of dill pickle relish and fresh dill from the original inspiration to ensure an even more prominent and vibrant dill flavor. Feel free to adjust these quantities to your personal preference – if you’re a serious dill-lover, a little extra fresh dill never hurts!
Make-Ahead Magic: You can prepare the dip mixture (everything except the Cheez-It topping) up to 24 hours in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before sprinkling with Cheez-Its and baking as directed. You might need to add an extra few minutes to the baking time if it’s still quite cold.
Add-Ins & Swaps:
- Extra Cheese: Stir in a tablespoon or two of shredded sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese into the dip mixture for an even cheesier experience.
- Bacon Bits: For a smoky, savory twist, fold in some crispy crumbled bacon bits into the dip, or sprinkle them over the top along with the Cheez-Its.
- Onion Powder: A pinch of onion powder (¼ teaspoon) can enhance the savory depth without adding actual onion pieces.
- Creamier Texture: For an even looser, creamier dip, you can add a tablespoon or two of pickle juice from your jar of relish or pickles.
Storage: Leftover dip can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through. Note that the Cheez-It topping may lose some of its crispness upon reheating.

Serving Suggestions for Your Dill Pickle Dip

This versatile dip pairs beautifully with a variety of dippers, offering something for every taste and texture preference:

Classic Crackers: Serve with an assortment of your favorite crackers – buttery, neutral crackers allow the dip’s flavor to shine.
Cucumber Spears: The cool, crisp freshness of cucumber spears is an excellent counterpoint to the warm, creamy, and tangy dip.
Pretzel Crisps or Sticks: The salty crunch of pretzels makes them a fantastic partner.
Fresh Vegetables: Think carrot sticks, celery sticks, bell pepper strips (red, yellow, or orange), or even blanched green beans.
Toasted Baguette Slices: Thinly slice a baguette, brush with olive oil, toast until golden, and serve alongside for a more substantial dipper.
Potato Chips: A sturdy, plain potato chip can hold up well to the dip and add an extra layer of salty crunch.
Alongside Burgers or Sandwiches: This dip isn’t just an appetizer; it can also be a unique and flavorful condiment to elevate your favorite burgers, hot dogs, or deli sandwiches.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Dill Pickle Dip

Q: Can I make this dill pickle dip ahead of time?

A: Absolutely! You can prepare the dip mixture (all ingredients except the Cheez-It topping) up to one day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, transfer to your baking dish, let it come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes, add the Cheez-Its, and bake as directed. This makes it a perfect stress-free party appetizer!

Q: Can I serve this dip cold instead of hot?

A: While this recipe is designed to be served warm, you can certainly try it cold. The texture will be firmer, more like a cheese ball spread. If serving cold, you might want to increase the amount of fresh dill for extra brightness. Keep the Cheez-It topping separate and sprinkle just before serving to maintain its crispness.

Q: What kind of dill pickles should I use for the relish?

A: Any good quality dill pickle relish will work beautifully. If you only have whole dill pickles, you can finely chop them yourself to create a homemade relish. Just be sure to drain them well to avoid excess moisture in your dip.

Q: What if I don’t have fresh dill?

A: Fresh dill offers the best flavor, but if it’s unavailable, you can substitute with dried dill. As dried herbs are more concentrated, use about one-third the amount of fresh dill (so, approximately 2 teaspoons of dried dill for 2 tablespoons fresh). However, I highly recommend finding fresh dill for this recipe if possible, as it truly makes a difference.

Q: How do I store leftovers?

A: Store any leftover dill pickle dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave in short bursts or in a low oven until warmed through. The Cheez-It topping may become less crispy after refrigeration, but the dip itself will still be delicious.

Q: Can I use different crackers for the topping?

A: Yes, while Cheez-Its provide a unique cheesy and salty crunch that complements the dip perfectly, you could experiment with other crackers. Ritz crackers, goldfish crackers, or even crushed saltine crackers could work, though the flavor profile would be slightly different. The key is a savory, crunchy element.

If you give this dill pickle dip a try, please let me know what you think! And if you have any questions or creative variations, feel free to drop a comment below. Enjoy this delightfully distinctive dip!

Adapted from Bon Appétit magazine.

More Delicious Appetizer Recipes to Enjoy

French Onion Soup Bites

Olive Balls

Cajun Shrimp Dip

Dill Pickle Dip

Author: MaryAnn Dwyer

Servings: 10 servings

Prep Time: 10 mins

Cook Time: 15 mins

Total Time: 25 mins

Attention all pickle fans! This Dill Pickle Dip is ridiculously easy to make and the perfect little appetizer for your next cocktail party, game night or burger night. It’s got double the dill flavor and it’s topped with Cheez Its!

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Ingredients

3 Tbsp. vegetable oil
2 garlic cloves, finely minced
1 tsp. red pepper flakes (use less if you prefer less spicy, I used 1/2 tsp.)
4 oz. cream cheese, room temperature
4 oz. sour cream
3/4 cup dill pickle relish
1 Tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese
2 Tbsp. fresh dill, chopped
1 Tbsp. finely grated lemon zest
1 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
1/2 tsp. Kosher salt
1 cup Cheez-It crackers, plus more for serving
Crudités and crackers, for serving

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Place your Cheez-Its in a Ziploc bag and smash with a rolling pin or heavy frying pan into coarse crumbs. Set aside.
In a small skillet, heat oil over low heat until it begins to shimmer. Add the garlic and the red pepper flakes and cook, stirring constantly for two minutes until fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.
Add cream cheese, sour cream, relish, Parmesan, chopped dill, lemon zest and juice, pepper and kosher salt, and garlic chile oil to a large bowl. Mix together with a rubber spatula until well combined.
Pour mixture into a 1-quart baking dish and smooth the top. Scatter the top with your Cheez-It crumbs.
Bake for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Serve warm with extra crackers and cucumber spears.

Notes

I used extra toasted Cheez-Its for this dip, but feel free to use your favorite flavor.
I found this recipe in Bon Appétit magazine and just tweaked the amount of dill pickle relish and fresh dill a smidge for more intense flavor.
You can add Bon Appétit’s recommended one teaspoon of red chili flakes to your oil and garlic for a spicy dip or scale back to 1/2 teaspoon for less spicy. Adjust to your preference.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories: 201 kcal
Carbohydrates: 23g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g
Monounsaturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 27mg
Sodium: 568mg
Potassium: 90mg
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 1g
Vitamin A: 644 IU
Vitamin C: 5mg
Calcium: 81mg
Iron: 1mg

Keyword: cocktail party, dip, game day, pickles

Cuisine: American

Course: Appetizer

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