Calling all dill pickle lovers, this dill pickle cream cheese spread is for you! Made with chopped dill pickles, fresh dill, ranch seasoning, and smooth cream cheese, it’s a quick and easy dip that comes together in minutes. Spread it on crackers, bagels, baguette slices, or fresh vegetables, there are so many ways to enjoy it. If you love bold spreads like this, try my Cowboy Cream Cheese next; it’s tangy, herby, garlicky, and has a spicy kick from cayenne!
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Cream Cheese: Let the cream cheese come to room temperature before making this dill pickle cream cheese. It blends more easily and gives the dip a smooth, creamy texture.
How To Soften Cream Cheese Quickly
If you forgot to take out the cream cheese for this recipe, here are a couple of options to get it to room temperature quickly:
Warm Water Method: Place the wrapped block of cream cheese in a bowl of warm water for about 10-15 minutes. Flip it over every few minutes or so.
Microwave Method: Remove the cream cheese from its packaging and place it on a microwave-safe plate. Microwave it on low power in 15-20-second intervals until it reaches the desired softness. Be careful not to overheat it, as cream cheese can quickly become too runny or even melt.
- Dill Pickles: Finely chop dill pickles to add to the dip. Then, have some more on hand for garnish. The more dill pickle flavor, the better!
- Dry Ranch Seasoning: For the most flavor, use homemade dry ranch seasoning mix. It adds a bold, herby flavor to the dip. And then, if you make your own, you will have it on hand for the best homemade ranch dressing, too!
- Fresh Dill: I like to use fresh dill in this cream cheese dip for the most vibrant flavor compared to dried. Plus, I sprinkle a little extra on top for garnish.
Can I Use Dried Dill Instead Of Fresh In Cream Cheese Dip?
Yes, you can use dried dill instead of fresh in cream cheese dip. Use about one-third the amount of dried dill (so, about a teaspoon in this recipe) for a milder flavor. Fresh dill gives a brighter taste, but dried works well in a pinch.
What To Serve With Dill Pickle Cream Cheese
Dill pickle cream cheese adds bold, tangy flavor to many foods! Here are some of my favorite ways to enjoy this tasty spread:
- Crackers
- Toasted Baguette (Crostini)
- Bagels (Try it on plain bagels, everything bagels, or your favorite bagel!)
- Fresh vegetables like carrots, celery, or cucumbers–a delicious dip to add to your Vegetable Tray
- Pretzels (Try my homemade pretzel bites!)
- Homemade potato chips or pita chips
- Sandwiches like turkey sliders or a classic cheeseburger
Can I Make Dill Pickle Cream Cheese Ahead Of Time?
Absolutely! In fact, I like (and recommend) to let the dill pickle spread chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This gives the flavors time to develop even more!
How To Store Dill Pickle Cream Cheese
Keep the cream cheese spread in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for up to 5 days. Before serving, give it a good stir and let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes for the best texture.
Can I Freeze Dill Pickle Cream Cheese?
Yes, you can freeze dill pickle cream cheese for up to 2 months. However, freezing it will change the texture of the cream cheese spread, so keep that in mind. When ready to use, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Dill Pickle Cream Cheese
Ingredients
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (71 g) dill pickles, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon dry ranch seasoning
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped (plus more for garnish)
- dill pickles, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- To a medium bowl, add softened cream cheese, chopped pickles, dry ranch seasoning, and fresh dill. Use a spatula or hand mixer to blend until smooth and well combined.
- For best flavor, refrigerate for 30 minutes to let the flavors develop.
- Garnish with extra chopped pickles and a sprinkle of dill.
- Serve with crackers, sliced baguette, bagels, or fresh vegetables.
Did you make this recipe?
You can tag me at @iamhomesteader.
What the Test Kitchen had to say about this recipe:
Autumn
This is delicious! It's nice and tangy, and you are all about dill pickles, you will love this spread! It would taste great on a bagel with a thin slice of turkey. Yum!
Elizabeth
I am into flavored cream cheese spreads, and this is so good! It has enough dill flavor, which I love.
Annabelle
This is easy to make and amps up just regular cream cheese to something special!
Bella
This is addictive with the perfect balance of creamy and dill pickle flavor.
Stephanie
I wasn't sure about the pickles in the cream cheese, but this is delicious! I loved it.
