Pickle Ranch Dip with Fried Onions

So it’s party time, and you need a quick and easy appetizer dip that everyone will love? Look no further. This Pickle Ranch Dip is *the* answer, and those crispy fried onions on top take it to the next level.

Just like with our fresh dill dip for veggies, you can make this dip ahead of time. The flavors meld together, and you have one less thing to worry about. That’s what I call a win-win situation.

I’ve been sitting on this recipe for over a year now, and it’s finally time it made it into your kitchen. It takes less than 10 minutes to whip up, and pickle-lovers now have another pickle-tastic recipe to enjoy in addition to homemade dill popcorn.

Key Ingredient Notes

There are a few ingredients that are worth calling out for this recipe. Please see the full recipe card below for amounts and instructions.

• Dry Ranch Seasoning is the base of our ranch flavoring in the dip. I’ll always recommend homemade ranch seasoning if you have it on hand, or you can whip it up in 5 minutes. Otherwise, use a storebought packet; the amounts listed are the same.
• Pickles are of course the star of the show here. I use kosher dill pickle spears for this recipe. I find the ones in the grocery store refrigerator section are best. We’ll also be using some of the brine.
• Fresh dill truly enhances the pickle flavor here, friends! Please don’t skimp on it.
• Fried Onions …you know, those ones that you serve on top of green bean casserole? Yep, those little crispy bits are topped on the dip to mimic our *fried pickle* experience…without additional work. The added crunch and onion flavor is the best on this dip!

How to Make Chilled Pickle Ranch Dip

This recipe is mostly a matter of mixing together the ingredients, but as I’ve found through many iterations of recipe testing, a few important steps result in the best texture.

Whip the Cream Cheese

Start with room temperature or softened cream cheese to make this go as smoothly as possible (ok, pun intended :)). Use a hand mixer to whip the cream cheese until it’s light and fluffy. This step helps the cream cheese incorporate with the other ingredients and provides a silky texture for the dip’s base.

Incorporate Sour Cream and Seasoning

Sour cream is added for a tangy, creamy component to the dip. It also helps thin out the cream cheese, making it extra dippable. Mixing ranch seasoning in at this point also ensures it’s fully combined, so each and every bite gets a hint of ranch flavor.

Similarly, add minced garlic at this point, along with pickle brine, too.

Fold in Pickles and Fresh Dill

To ensure these two ingredients keep their shape – and in the case of the dill, don’t get obliterated – I like to use a spatula to fold in the finely chopped pickles and fresh dill.

When chopping the pickles, I have found that the best size (and the one my taste testers have loved) is when the pickles are big enough that it’s clear you’re getting a bite of pickle, but small enough that they’re still easily picked up by a chip.

Once they’re incorporated, be sure to taste test!

Sprinkle the Fried Onions on Top

The final step to add the ‘wow’ factor is to sprinkle/coat/drench the top of the dip with crispy fried onions.

I recommend transferring the dip to your serving bowl first, before adding them. The fried onions should be the very last step, just before serving. So yep, you guessed it, if you’re prepping the dip ahead of time, be sure to wait to top with the onions until you’re ready to enjoy. Otherwise, they’ll become soggy. Not ideal.

If you don’t want to use fried onions, try toasted breadcrumbs for a similar crunchy, fried topping!

Serving Suggestions

I absolutely love this dip served with potato chips. Thick ruffles are my favorite because they’re sturdy enough to hold up to the pickles.

You can also serve it alongside fresh-cut veggies, which would be an excellent option for serving to a variety of guests at a party. Warm pita bread or crackers are also good options.

Did you make this recipe? Please leave a star rating and review in the form below. I appreciate your feedback, and it helps others, too!