Description
This Fried Pickle and Ranch Dip is an irresistible appetizer combining toasted panko breadcrumbs, creamy ranch-flavored dip, and tangy dill pickles. Perfect for parties or casual snacking, it pairs wonderfully with chips, crostini, fresh vegetables, or pretzels.
Ingredients
Scale
For Toasted Breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ¾ cup Panko breadcrumbs (toasted, divided)
- ½ teaspoon salt
For Ranch 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 Breadcrumbs: In a skillet, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Add the panko breadcrumbs and stir continuously until they become toasted and golden brown, about 2 to 3 minutes. Season with ½ teaspoon salt and set aside to cool.
- Prepare the Ranch 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 Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning, minced garlic, pickle juice, chopped fresh dill, and finely chopped chives until evenly incorporated. Chop the dill pickles finely and pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture, then gently fold them into the dip mixture.
- Chill the Dip: Transfer the prepared dip to a serving bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or preferably overnight to allow the flavors to meld together thoroughly.
- Finish and Serve: Before serving, stir ¼ cup of the toasted breadcrumbs into the chilled dip for added texture. Top the dip with the remaining toasted breadcrumbs and garnish with extra chopped pickles and fresh dill. Serve alongside potato chips, toasted crostini, fresh vegetables, or pretzels for dipping.
Notes
- If preferred, use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten free.
- For extra crunch, toast the breadcrumbs carefully to avoid burning.
- The dip tastes best after chilling overnight, but you can serve it after 2 hours if short on time.
- Fresh herbs enhance the flavor, so do not skip the dill and chives.
- Adjust the salt quantity according to taste, especially if your pickles are salty.
