Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened (full-fat, brick-style)
- 1 cup full-fat sour cream
- 1 cup dill pickles, finely chopped (about 4–5 medium pickles)
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, finely chopped (about 1 bunch)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt, or more to taste
- 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or more to taste
Instructions
- Soften: For the smoothest dip, let the cream cheese sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before starting.
- Prep: While the cream cheese softens, finely chop the dill pickles and fresh dill.
- Combine: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and sour cream. Using a whisk or a hand mixer, blend until completely smooth and no lumps remain.
- Mix: Add the chopped pickles, fresh dill, garlic powder, and onion powder to the cream cheese mixture. Stir well to combine.
- Season: Season the dip with salt and pepper. Start with the amounts listed and add more to taste.
- Chill: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and intensify.
Notes
- Cream Cheese Consistency: Be sure to use brick-style cream cheese, not the kind that comes in a tub. It needs to be softened to room temperature for easy mixing and a smooth texture. If you’re short on time, you can soften it quickly by microwaving it in short bursts on low power, but be careful not to melt it.
- Pickle Power: The type of dill pickles you use will affect the final flavor. If you like a strong dill flavor, use classic dill pickles. For a milder flavor, try using “baby dills.” You can also experiment with different brands to find your favorite.
- Fresh Dill: Fresh dill really makes a difference in this recipe. If you don’t have any, you can substitute with 1 tablespoon of dried dill weed, but the flavor won’t be as bright.
- Seasoning: Taste the dip before chilling and adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. You can also add a pinch of sugar or a squeeze of lemon juice to balance the flavors.
- Make Ahead: This dip can be made a day ahead of time, which is great for parties and gatherings. Just store it in the refrigerator and give it a good stir before serving.
- Serving Temperature: Dill Pickle Dip is best served chilled. Take it out of the refrigerator about 15 minutes before serving to allow it to soften slightly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Chill time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Dip, Snack
- Method: No-cook, Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: dill pickle dip, dip recipe