Description
This Fried Pickle and Ranch Dip is the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer, combining tangy dill pickles with creamy ranch-flavored dip and crunchy toasted panko breadcrumbs. Perfect for serving with chips, crostini, fresh vegetables, or pretzels, this recipe is easy to prepare and sure to be a hit at any gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ¾ cup Panko breadcrumbs (toasted, divided)
- ½ teaspoon salt
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
To Serve
- 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 frequently until they are toasted and golden brown, about 2–3 minutes. Season with ½ teaspoon salt and set aside to cool.
- Prepare the Pickle Dip: Using a handheld or stand mixer, beat the softened cream cheese for 1 minute until smooth. Add the sour cream and mix until fully combined. Stir in the packet of Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning, minced garlic, pickle juice, chopped fresh dill, and chopped chives, mixing until evenly incorporated. Chop the dill pickles finely and pat them dry with a paper towel, then fold them gently into the mixture to avoid excess moisture.
- Chill the Dip: Transfer the dip to a serving bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight if possible, to allow the flavors to meld and intensify.
- Serve: Before serving, stir ¼ cup of the toasted breadcrumbs into the chilled dip to add crunch throughout. Spoon the dip into a serving bowl, then top with the remaining toasted breadcrumbs and garnish with extra chopped pickles and fresh dill. Serve immediately with your choice of potato chips, toasted crostini, fresh vegetables, or pretzels for dipping.
Notes
- Toasting the panko breadcrumbs adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the dip topping.
- Dry the chopped pickles thoroughly to prevent the dip from becoming watery.
- The dip benefits from chilling overnight for deeper flavor, but 2 hours minimum is fine.
- Use fresh herbs like dill and chives for the best aromatic flavor.
- This dip can be prepared a day in advance and kept refrigerated.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dip mixture.
