Name: Hot and Cheesy Fried Pickle Dip
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1 cup chopped dill pickles (Use crunchy refrigerator pickles for best texture.); 8 ounces cream cheese (Softened.); 1/2 cup sour cream (Can be substituted with plain Greek yogurt.); 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (Sharp cheddar preferred.); 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon dill weed; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (Reduce for a milder dip.); 1 tablespoon pickle juice (Optional, adds extra tang.); to taste Salt and pepper; as needed Chopped fresh dill (For garnish.)

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I remember making this hot and cheesy fried pickle dip for a game day and watching it disappear before the first quarter ended. It’s a warm, tangy, and slightly spicy crowd-pleaser that takes ordinary dill pickles and turns them into something indulgently spoon-worthy. Perfect for potlucks, movie nights, or when you want a salty, gooey appetizer that pairs with crunchy chips or crusty bread.

Why you’ll love this dish

This dip hits a few craveable notes at once: creamy, sharp, tangy, and just enough heat. It’s quick to pull together, uses pantry staples, and scales easily for a crowd. Make it when you want an appetizer that feels decadent without the fuss of frying — the “fried” flavor comes from the pickles and the sharp cheddar, not extra oil. It’s also a great make-ahead option for parties where you want one less thing to worry about right before guests arrive.

“Tangy pickles, molten cheddar, and just the right kick — the kind of appetizer that gets asked for again and again.”

If you like bold pickle flavors alongside other tangy snacks, try pairing this dip with something a little different like these hot honey pickled carrots for a sweet-and-spicy contrast.

How this recipe comes together

Short overview so you know what to expect:

Softened cream cheese and sour cream form a rich, smooth base.
Chopped dill pickles and shredded cheddar add texture and sharp flavor.
Worcestershire, garlic, and onion powders deepen the savory profile.
Cayenne gives a gentle heat; pickle juice is optional for extra tang.
The mixture bakes until hot and bubbly, then finishes with fresh dill.

You’ll need about 5–10 minutes to prep and 20–25 minutes to bake. The result is a warm, scoopable dip that’s best served right out of the oven.

Gather these items

Key ingredients

1 cup chopped dill pickles (use crunchy refrigerator pickles for best texture)
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sour cream
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar preferred)
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon dill weed
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon pickle juice (optional, adds tang)
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped fresh dill for garnish

Notes/substitutions:

Swap sour cream for plain Greek yogurt to add protein and tang.
Use pepper jack or smoked gouda for a different flavor profile.
Prefer a milder dip? Omit the cayenne or reduce to 1/8 teaspoon.
Serve with slices of warm homemade bread — try this easy 5-ingredient homemade bread for dipping.

Step-by-step instructions

Follow these simple steps for a smooth, bake-ready dip.

Preheat and prep. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an oven-safe baking dish.
Soften the base. In a large mixing bowl, beat the room-temperature cream cheese and sour cream until smooth and creamy.
Add flavor and texture. Stir in the chopped dill pickles, shredded cheddar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, dill weed, and cayenne pepper. If you want extra pickle tang, add the tablespoon of pickle juice.
Season. Taste and add salt and pepper as needed. Mix until everything is evenly combined.
Transfer to dish. Spread the mixture evenly in your prepared baking dish.
Bake. Place in the preheated oven and bake 20–25 minutes. It’s ready when the cheese is melted and the surface is bubbling.
Cool and garnish. Let the dip cool for 5 minutes. Sprinkle chopped fresh dill on top.
Serve warm. Scoop with chips, bread, or veggies and enjoy.

Short, clear actions make this easy to follow even when you’re prepping other dishes at the same time.

Best ways to enjoy it

Serving suggestions

Classic pairings: sturdy potato chips, tortilla chips, or pretzel thins.
Bread options: slices of baguette, toasted rounds, or the 5-ingredient homemade bread mentioned earlier.
Veggie dippers: thick cucumber slices, bell pepper strips, carrot sticks, or celery.
For a fried pickle theme: serve alongside crispy air-fryer pickles for extra textural contrast — try an air-fryer version like this air fryer fried pickles.
Party tip: present the dip in a shallow cast-iron skillet to keep it hotter longer on the table.

Storage and reheating tips

Keeping leftovers fresh

Refrigerator: Cool the dip to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate within 2 hours. Use within 3–4 days.
Freezing: Dairy dips don’t always freeze and reheat with perfect texture. You can freeze for up to 2 months, but the texture may separate slightly. Thaw overnight in the fridge and stir well before reheating.
Reheating: Oven method — preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered until warm and bubbly (about 10–15 minutes). Microwave method — heat in 30-second bursts, stirring between each, until heated through. Stir to recombine before serving.
Food safety: Always discard leftovers left out over 2 hours (1 hour if above 90°F ambient temp).

Pro chef tips

Tricks for success

Soften the cream cheese completely. Cold cream cheese makes the mixture lumpy. Leave it on the counter 30–60 minutes or microwave briefly in 10-second bursts to soften.
Drain the pickles if you don’t want extra moisture. Reserve a tablespoon of pickle juice to add back if you want more tang.
Use freshly shredded cheese from a block for better melt and texture than pre-shredded bags that contain anti-caking agents.
For a golden top: in the last 2–3 minutes, switch oven to broil and watch closely until the cheese browns slightly.
Make it ahead: assemble the dip in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add a few extra minutes to the bake time if chilled.

Creative twists

Recipe variations

Bacon & dill: Fold in 4–6 slices of cooked, crumbled bacon and top with extra dill.
Spicy jalapeño: Mix in one finely chopped jalapeño or swap cayenne for 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes.
Smoky cheddar: Use smoked cheddar or add a dash of smoked paprika for a campfire note.
Vegan option: Use vegan cream cheese, dairy-free sour cream, and dairy-free cheddar shreds.
Crunch topping: Sprinkle panko mixed with butter over the top and bake for a crunchy crust.

Common questions

Q: Can I make this dip ahead of time?
A: Yes. Assemble in the baking dish, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Add about 5 extra minutes to bake time if it’s chilled.

Q: Will the dip separate if I freeze it?
A: Freezing can change the texture because of the dairy. It’s safe to freeze for up to 2 months, but expect some separation. Thaw slowly in the fridge and stir well before reheating.

Q: What kind of pickles should I use?
A: Classic dill pickles work best for tang and crunch. Refrigerator-style dill pickles give the best texture. Avoid sweet bread-and-butter pickles unless you want a sweeter dip.

Q: How can I make it milder for kids?
A: Omit the cayenne and reduce Worcestershire sauce slightly. Use mild cheddar and add extra pickles for flavor without heat.

Q: Is it safe to leave out on a party table?
A: Dairy-based dips should not sit out longer than 2 hours (or 1 hour if the room is hotter than 90°F). Keep small batches hot in a warming dish or replenish from the oven.

Conclusion

This hot and cheesy fried pickle dip is a fast, flavor-forward appetizer that’s ideal for gatherings or a cozy snack night. If you want a similar crowd-pleasing riff with white cheddar, check out the Easy Fried Pickle Dip with White Cheddar on Grilled Cheese Social (Easy Fried Pickle Dip Recipe with White Cheddar – Grilled Cheese Social). For another take on a baked pickle dip that inspired this version, see the Hot and Cheesy Fried Pickle Dip on Modern Farmhouse Eats (Hot and Cheesy Fried Pickle Dip – Modern Farmhouse Eats).

Enjoy serving this one warm — and don’t be surprised when guests ask for the recipe.