Viral Smoked Pickle Dip Recipe You Need to Try Now

Name: Viral Smoked Pickle Dip Recipe You Need to Try Now
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Ingredients: 8 ounces cream cheese; 1/2 cup sour cream; 2 cups chopped dill pickles (about 8-10 ounces); 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, freshly shredded if possible; 7 -8 strips bacon, cooked crispy and crumbled or finely chopped; 1 packet ranch dressing seasoning; 2 tablespoons dill pickle juice; Your favorite BBQ rub or seasoning

Watch Me Make It

Why This Recipe Works

The beauty of this smoked pickle dip lies in its simplicity. On the surface, it seems like a classic combination of ingredients - cream cheese, pickles, bacon - but the smoking process takes it to another level. Smoking the cream cheese infuses it with a deep, rich flavor that blends perfectly with the tangy pickles and the savory bacon. Plus, the ranch seasoning adds a nice kick that rounds everything out. It’s a party in a bowl, and everyone will want the recipe.

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Ingredients

Let’s get into what you’ll need to make this delicious dip:

8 ounces cream cheese
½ cup sour cream
2 cups chopped dill pickles (about 8-10 ounces)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, freshly shredded if possible
7-8 strips bacon, cooked crispy and crumbled or finely chopped
1 packet ranch dressing seasoning
2 tablespoons dill pickle juice
Your favorite BBQ rub or seasoning

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These ingredients are straightforward, and you might even have some of them hanging out in your fridge or pantry already.

How to Make It

Alright, let’s get to the good stuff - making the dip. First things first, preheat your smoker to 225 degrees F. You want it nice and steady. While that’s heating up, take your block of cream cheese and score the top in a crosshatch pattern. This is important because it allows the smoky flavor to penetrate better. Get your favorite BBQ rub or seasoning and sprinkle it generously over the cream cheese.

Once your smoker is ready, pop the cream cheese right in there. You’re going to smoke it for about 30 minutes. Keep an eye on it; you want it to soften but not completely melt. The goal is to achieve that perfect, creamy texture that will mix beautifully with the other ingredients.

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While the cream cheese is soaking up that smoky goodness, chop your dill pickles, cook your bacon until it’s crispy, and shred the cheddar. I like to use freshly shredded cheese because it melts better, but if you’ve got pre-shredded on hand, that’ll work too.

After the cream cheese has had its time in the smoker, grab a large mixing bowl and transfer it in there. Add the sour cream, chopped pickles, cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, ranch seasoning, and pickle juice. Now, this is where the magic happens. Mix it all up until everything is combined.

Don’t forget to taste as you go. You might find you want a pinch more seasoning or a splash more pickle juice. Once you’re happy with the flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate it for at least an hour. For the best taste, let it sit overnight. This allows all those flavors to marry together and creates a dip that’s even better the next day.

Tips and Variations

Now, if you want to switch things up a bit, there are a few ways to customize this dip. For a bit of heat, toss in some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can swap out the cheddar for pepper jack cheese for an extra kick. Also, don’t shy away from adding fresh herbs like dill or chives; they bring a fresh note that complements the pickles beautifully.

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If you don’t have a smoker, no worries at all. You can still make this dip by simply mixing all the ingredients without smoking the cream cheese. It won’t have that unique smoky flavor, but it will still be delicious.

Serving Ideas

When it comes to serving, I like to put this dip out with a variety of dippables. Crackers, tortilla chips, or even fresh veggies work great. It’s also fantastic spread on a sandwich or as a topping for burgers. Seriously, once you make this dip, you’ll find a million ways to use it.

A container of Grillo’s Pickles Classic Dill Chips sits on a wooden surface, filled with a creamy dip. Two round crackers with a golden color are placed next to the container.

Closing

So there you have it, my take on the viral smoked pickle dip. It’s a fun recipe that brings a smoky twist to a classic flavor combination. Whether you’re hosting a BBQ, a game day gathering, or just a casual hangout, this dip is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Give it a try, and I promise you’ll be the star of the party!

Frequently Asked Questions

How should I store leftover Viral Smoked Pickle Dip?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Can I make Viral Smoked Pickle Dip ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dip a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator and give it a good stir before serving.

What can I substitute for cream cheese in this recipe?

You can use Greek yogurt or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative for a lighter or dairy-free option.

How can I reheat Viral Smoked Pickle Dip?

If you prefer it warm, you can reheat it gently in the microwave or in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally to avoid burning.

Will the texture change if I use pre-shredded cheese instead of freshly shredded cheese?

Using pre-shredded cheese may result in a slightly different texture due to the anti-caking agents used. Freshly shredded cheese melts better and gives a creamier texture.

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