Description

This Fried Pickle Ranch Dip is a creamy, tangy, and flavorful appetizer perfect for parties or casual snacking. It combines whipped cream cheese and sour cream with finely chopped dill pickles, ranch seasoning, fresh herbs, and garlic, then incorporates crunchy toasted panko breadcrumbs for texture. Chilling the dip allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Serve with chips, pretzel thins, veggies, or use it as a spread for sandwiches and wraps.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Dip

12 ounces whipped cream cheese
1 cup sour cream
1 cup dill pickle, finely chopped (plus extra for garnish)
3 tablespoons ranch seasoning
3 large cloves garlic, grated
1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely snipped (plus extra for garnish)
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Kosher salt, to taste
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 1/2 a lemon)

For the Panko

1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs

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Instructions

Toast the Panko: Heat a dry skillet over medium-low heat and add the panko breadcrumbs. Stir frequently until they turn a golden brown color and develop a nutty aroma. Be careful not to burn them. Remove from heat and set aside to cool, reserving 1 tablespoon for garnish.
Mix the Dip Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the whipped cream cheese, sour cream, finely chopped dill pickles, ranch seasoning, grated garlic, chopped fresh dill, snipped chives, onion powder, kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Stir well until all ingredients are fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
Incorporate the Toasted Panko and Chill: Add the cooled toasted panko breadcrumbs into the dip mixture, reserving some for garnish. Mix thoroughly to evenly distribute the crunch. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the dip for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to deepen and meld together.
Garnish and Serve: Before serving, sprinkle the top of the dip with the reserved chopped dill pickles, 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 the best flavor, allow the dip to chill for at least 2 hours; overnight chilling enhances the taste further.
Adjust the amount of kosher salt according to your preference, especially if your pickles or ranch seasoning are already salty.
Use fresh garlic and herbs for a brighter, fresher flavor profile.
This dip pairs excellently with pretzel chips, fresh-cut veggies, or as a sandwich spread.
For a crispier texture, replace half of the panko with crushed tortilla chips or crackers if desired.