Description
This Fried Pickle Ranch Dip is a creamy, tangy, and flavorful dip that combines whipped cream cheese, sour cream, dill pickles, and ranch seasoning with a crunchy toasted panko breadcrumb topping. Perfectly chilled to develop rich flavors, it’s ideal for serving with chips, pretzel thins, veggies, or as a sandwich spread.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 12 ounces whipped cream cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup dill pickle, finely chopped, plus more for garnish
- 3 tablespoons ranch seasoning
- 3 cloves garlic, grated (fairly large)
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped, plus some for garnish
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely snipped, plus some for garnish
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Kosher salt, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 1/2 lemon)
Panko Topping
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Toast Panko: Add the panko breadcrumbs to a dry skillet and heat over medium-low heat. Stir frequently until the breadcrumbs turn golden brown and fragrant. Remove from heat and allow to cool. Reserve 1 tablespoon of toasted panko for garnish.
- Combine Dip Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the whipped cream cheese, sour cream, finely chopped dill pickles, ranch seasoning, grated garlic, chopped fresh dill, chopped chives, onion powder, kosher salt to taste, freshly ground black pepper, and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Incorporate Toasted Panko and Chill: Gently fold in the cooled toasted panko breadcrumbs into the dip mixture, reserving some for garnish. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld and intensify.
- Garnish and Serve: Before serving, sprinkle the dip with additional finely chopped dill pickles, the reserved toasted panko, and fresh herbs such as dill and chives. Serve chilled with your choice of chips, pretzel thins, fresh vegetables, or use as a spread for sandwiches and wraps.
Notes
- To achieve best flavor, chill the dip for at least 2 hours or preferably overnight.
- Use fresh garlic and herbs for a brighter, fresher taste.
- To toast panko evenly, stir constantly and use medium-low heat to avoid burning.
- Keep the dip covered while chilling to prevent it from absorbing other refrigerator odors.
- Feel free to customize the ranch seasoning to your liking or substitute with your favorite blend.
