The Best Fried Pickle Dip You'll Ever Try
The BEST Fried Pickle Dip You'll Ever Try! is a easy American recipe that serves 6. 120 calories per serving. Recipe by Dan-O’s Seasoning on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 12 min | Total: 37 min
Cost: $23.87 total, $3.98 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 pound Bacon (cut into small pieces)
- 2 tablespoons Dano's Outlaw Spicy Barbecue Seasoning (sprinkled twice during cooking)
- 1 cup Panko Breadcrumbs (toasted with bacon)
- 1 jar (16 oz) Grillo Dill Pickles (use whole jar, refrigerated pickles)
- 2 ounces Pickle Juice (saved from the jar)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Baby Dill (chopped finely)
- 2 blocks (8 oz each) Cream Cheese (softened at room temperature)
- 2 containers (8 oz each) Sour Cream (full-fat preferred)
- 1 bag Wavy Potato Chips (for serving)
Instructions
Cook Bacon
Heat the skillet over medium‑high heat and add the cut bacon pieces. Cook, stirring occasionally, until about halfway done and beginning to render fat.
Time: PT8M
Temperature: medium‑high
Season Bacon
Sprinkle a generous amount of Dano's Outlaw Spicy Barbecue seasoning over the bacon and toss to coat.
Time: PT1M
Temperature: medium‑high
Drain Excess Grease
Carefully pour off about three‑quarters of the rendered bacon grease into a heat‑safe container; keep the remaining grease in the pan.
Time: PT1M
Toast Panko
Add the panko breadcrumbs to the pan with the remaining bacon grease. Stir constantly for about one minute until golden, then sprinkle another round of the spicy barbecue seasoning.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: medium
Set Bacon‑Panko Aside
Transfer the toasted bacon‑panko mixture to a small bowl and set aside to cool slightly.
Time: PT1M
Dice Pickles
Open the jar of Grillo dill pickles. Reserve a few whole spears for garnish, then dice the remaining pickles into chunky pieces.
Time: PT3M
Chop Dill
Finely chop the fresh baby dill.
Time: PT1M
Dice Cooked Bacon
Take the partially cooked bacon pieces and dice them into smaller bits.
Time: PT2M
Combine Dip Ingredients
In a mixing bowl combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, 2 oz of reserved pickle juice, diced pickles, chopped dill, the bacon‑panko mixture, and a final sprinkle of Dano's Outlaw seasoning. Mash or whisk until smooth and well‑incorporated.
Time: PT5M
Serve
Transfer the dip to a serving dish, garnish with the reserved whole pickle spears, and serve with wavy chips.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 120
- Protein
- 3 g
- Carbohydrates
- 6 g
- Fat
- 9 g
- Fiber
- 0.5 g
Dietary info: Contains dairy, Contains gluten, Contains pork, Not vegetarian, Not vegan
Allergens: Dairy, Gluten, Pork
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Bacon: turkey bacon, pancetta
- Instead of Dano's Outlaw Spicy Barbecue Seasoning: any spicy BBQ rub
- Instead of Panko Breadcrumbs: regular breadcrumbs, crushed crackers
- Instead of Grillo Dill Pickles: other brand dill pickles
- Instead of Pickle Juice: store-bought pickle brine
- Instead of Fresh Baby Dill: dried dill (½ tsp)
- Instead of Cream Cheese: Neufchatel cheese
- Instead of Sour Cream: Greek yogurt
- Instead of Wavy Potato Chips: tortilla chips
Equipment Needed
- Large Skillet
- Cutting Board
- Chef's Knife
- Mixing Bowl
- Spatula
- Measuring Cups
- Tablespoon
- Serving Dish
- Fork or Potato Masher
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Cooking bacon to the correct doneness before seasoning
- Draining excess grease safely
- Toasting panko until golden without burning
- Mashing the dip to a smooth yet textured consistency
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use chilled pickles for extra crunch; frozen pickles lose texture.
- A food processor can create an ultra‑smooth dip, but a fork preserves bite‑size texture.
- Taste and adjust seasoning after mixing; the salty bacon may reduce the need for extra salt.
Troubleshooting
Dip is too thick
Stir in an extra tablespoon of pickle juice or a splash of sour cream until desired consistency is reached.
Dip is too runny
Add more softened cream cheese or a handful of toasted panko to thicken.
Bacon isn’t crispy enough
Return the bacon‑panko mixture to the skillet and cook a minute longer over medium heat.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Not recommended; texture changes when frozen.
Room temperature: Do not leave out more than 2 hours; keep chilled.
Make-Ahead Tips
- The dip can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance; keep refrigerated and bring to room temperature before serving.
- Toast the panko and cook the bacon a day ahead; store them separately and combine when mixing the dip.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of a deep fried pickle dip in American party cuisine?
While not a traditional regional dish, the deep fried pickle dip reflects the American love for indulgent, flavor‑packed appetizers that combine salty, tangy, and spicy elements—perfect for game‑day gatherings and backyard barbecues.
What are the traditional regional variations of pickle‑based dips in the United States?
In the Midwest, dill pickle dip often includes ranch seasoning; in the South, pickles are sometimes blended with cream cheese and hot sauce. This version adds bacon and spicy barbecue seasoning for a richer, smoky twist.
How is a deep fried pickle dip traditionally served in American casual gatherings?
It is typically presented in a shallow bowl or platter, garnished with whole pickle spears, and accompanied by sturdy chips such as wavy potato chips or sturdy crackers for scooping.
What occasions or celebrations is deep fried pickle dip traditionally associated with in American culture?
It’s a popular snack for Super Bowl parties, tailgate events, and casual get‑togethers where finger foods and bold flavors are celebrated.
What authentic ingredients are essential for Dan-O’s Seasoning’s deep fried pickle dip versus acceptable substitutes?
The authentic recipe calls for real bacon, panko breadcrumbs, Grillo dill pickles, and Dano's Outlaw Spicy Barbecue seasoning. Substitutes like turkey bacon, regular breadcrumbs, or a different spicy BBQ rub can be used, but they will alter the flavor profile.
What other American appetizers pair well with deep fried pickle dip?
It pairs nicely with loaded nachos, buffalo wings, jalapeño poppers, or a classic cheese and charcuterie board for a varied snack spread.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making deep fried pickle dip?
Common errors include over‑cooking the panko so it burns, not draining enough bacon grease (which makes the dip greasy), and under‑seasoning the dip after mixing. Follow the critical steps and taste before serving.
Why does this deep fried pickle dip recipe use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs?
Panko provides a lighter, crispier texture that stays crunchy when mixed into the dip, whereas regular breadcrumbs can become soggy and dense.
Can I make Dan-O’s Seasoning deep fried pickle dip ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can prepare the dip up to 24 hours in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and bring it to room temperature before serving. Keep the toasted bacon‑panko mixture separate if you prefer extra crunch.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the deep fried pickle dip is done?
The dip should be smooth and creamy with visible chunks of pickles and bacon‑panko throughout. It should have a glossy sheen from the cream cheese and a speckled appearance from the seasoning.
What does the YouTube channel Dan-O’s Seasoning specialize in?
The YouTube channel Dan-O’s Seasoning specializes in bold, flavor‑forward recipes that showcase the channel’s signature spice blends, especially spicy barbecue and hot sauces, often featuring easy‑to‑make comfort foods.
How does the YouTube channel Dan-O’s Seasoning’s approach to American comfort food differ from other cooking channels?
Dan-O’s Seasoning focuses on layering intense, proprietary spice blends into familiar dishes, emphasizing high‑impact flavor while keeping the cooking process simple and accessible, unlike many channels that stick to traditional seasoning profiles.
Last updated: August 30, 2026
