Y’all, I made the viral Grillo's Pickles Dip, and I love this dip
Y’all, I made the viral Grillo's Pickles Dip, and I love this dip! 😍🥒 is a easy American recipe that serves 8. 150 calories per serving. Recipe by Michelle Goolsby Creel on YouTube.
Prep: 10 min | Cook: PT0M | Total: 15 min
Cost: $15.53 total, $1.94 per serving
Ingredients
- 10 spears Gorilla Pickles Spears (chopped into small pieces)
- 5 stalks Green Onions (chopped)
- 1 whole Jalapeño Pepper (tamed (from jar), finely chopped)
- 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese (shredded, mild or sharp per preference)
- 1 pack Bacon (cooked, crumbled (about 6 slices))
- 8 oz Cream Cheese (softened, cut into cubes)
- 8 oz Sour Cream (Daisy brand or any plain sour cream)
- 8 oz Greek Yogurt (plain, unsweetened)
- 1 packet Ranch Dressing (store‑bought packet (about 2 Tbsp))
- 1 Tbsp Hot Sauce (adjust to heat preference)
- 2 Tbsp Pickle Juice (reserved from the Gorilla pickle jar)
- 1 clove Garlic (minced (from the pickle brine if present))
- 1 tsp Fresh Dill (chopped (from the pickle jar))
Instructions
Prepare the Pickles and Veggies
Chop all Gorilla pickle spears into small pieces, finely chop the green onions, and dice the jarred jalapeño pepper. Set aside in a large mixing bowl.
Time: PT3M
Cook the Bacon (if not pre‑cooked)
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crisp. Transfer to a paper towel to drain, then crumble into small pieces.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: Medium heat
Soften the Cream Cheese
Place the 8 oz cream cheese in a microwave‑safe bowl and microwave on high for 20‑30 seconds, or until softened enough to stir.
Time: PT1M
Temperature: High heat (microwave)
Combine the Base Ingredients
To the mixing bowl with the chopped pickles and veggies, add the softened cream cheese, 8 oz sour cream, 8 oz Greek yogurt, the ranch dressing packet, and hot sauce. Stir until a smooth, uniform mixture forms.
Time: PT3M
Add Cheese, Bacon, and Herbs
Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, minced garlic, and chopped fresh dill. Mix just until evenly distributed; avoid over‑mixing to keep the dip airy.
Time: PT2M
Adjust Flavor with Pickle Juice
Add 2 Tbsp of reserved pickle juice gradually, tasting after each addition, until the dip reaches your desired tanginess.
Time: PT1M
Transfer to Serving Vessel
Spoon the finished dip back into the original Gorilla pickle jar or a serving bowl. Garnish with a few extra pickle spears or a sprinkle of dill if desired.
Time: PT1M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 150
- Protein
- 5 g
- Carbohydrates
- 4 g
- Fat
- 12 g
- Fiber
- 0.5 g
Dietary info: Contains dairy, Contains pork, High protein, Low carb
Allergens: Dairy, Pork
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Gorilla Pickles Spears: dill pickle spears, cornichons
- Instead of Green Onions: scallions
- Instead of Jalapeño Pepper: serrano pepper, green chili
- Instead of Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Monterey Jack, Colby
- Instead of Bacon: turkey bacon, cooked pancetta
- Instead of Cream Cheese: neufchâtel cheese
- Instead of Sour Cream: full‑fat Greek yogurt
- Instead of Greek Yogurt: regular yogurt
- Instead of Ranch Dressing: homemade ranch
- Instead of Hot Sauce: sriracha, tabasco
- Instead of Pickle Juice: apple cider vinegar (1 Tbsp)
- Instead of Garlic: garlic powder (¼ tsp)
- Instead of Fresh Dill: dried dill (½ tsp)
Equipment Needed
- Cutting Board
- Chef Knife
- Mixing Bowl
- Measuring Cup
- Spatula or Spoon
- Small Bowl (for cream cheese)
- Microwave (optional) (optional)
- Serving Dish or Jar
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Chopping the pickles and jalapeño into small pieces ensures even texture
- Softening the cream cheese prevents lumps
- Incorporating pickle juice gradually avoids an overly sour dip
Chef Tips from the Video
- For extra crunch, reserve a few whole pickle spears for garnish.
- Use a flavored ranch dressing (e.g., dill ranch) for an added depth of flavor.
Troubleshooting
Dip is too thick
Add a tablespoon of pickle juice or a splash of milk to loosen.
Dip is too sour
Add a bit more shredded cheese or a teaspoon of honey to balance acidity.
Bacon is soggy
Pat the cooked bacon dry with paper towels before crumbling.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Not recommended; texture may separate.
Room temperature: Keep chilled; do not leave out more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- The dip can be prepared up to 24 hours ahead; keep covered and refrigerated.
- Stir gently before serving if separation occurs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Gorilla Pickle Dip in American party cuisine?
Gorilla Pickle Dip became a viral sensation on social media, especially among football‑watching crowds in the United States. It reflects the American love for indulgent, cheese‑laden dips that combine tangy pickles with familiar snack flavors like bacon and ranch.
What are the traditional regional variations of pickle dips in the United States?
In the Midwest, dill pickle dip often includes cream cheese and ranch, while Southern versions may add hot sauce and shredded cheddar. Some regions swap sour cream for buttermilk for a lighter texture.
How is Gorilla Pickle Dip traditionally served at gatherings in American culture?
It is typically served chilled in a small jar or bowl, accompanied by sturdy dippers such as pretzel sticks, potato chips, or sliced baguette. It’s a staple at tailgate parties and casual game‑day gatherings.
What occasions or celebrations is Gorilla Pickle Dip traditionally associated with in American culture?
The dip is most popular during football season, Super Bowl parties, and other sports‑watching events, but it also appears at casual get‑togethers, picnics, and barbecues where finger foods are served.
What makes Gorilla Pickle Dip special or unique in American dip cuisine?
Its combination of crunchy dill pickles, creamy dairy base, smoky bacon, and a hint of jalapeño heat creates a bold sweet‑sour‑savory profile that stands out from standard cheese or ranch dips.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Gorilla Pickle Dip?
Common errors include over‑mixing the dip (which can make it dense), adding too much pickle juice (making it overly sour), and using unsoftened cream cheese which creates lumps. Also, be sure the bacon is crisp to avoid sogginess.
Why does this Gorilla Pickle Dip recipe use both sour cream and Greek yogurt instead of just one dairy product?
The sour cream provides richness and a slight tang, while Greek yogurt adds protein and a lighter, slightly thicker texture. Together they create a balanced creaminess without being overly heavy.
Can I make Gorilla 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; give it a quick stir before serving to recombine any settled liquids.
What texture and appearance should I look for when making Gorilla Pickle Dip?
The dip should be smooth and creamy with visible specks of chopped pickles, jalapeño, and bacon. It should be thick enough to hold its shape on a chip but still spreadable with a spoon.
How do I know when Gorilla Pickle Dip is done cooking?
Since the dip is not cooked, it is done when all ingredients are fully incorporated, the cream cheese is smooth, and the flavor is balanced after tasting and adjusting with pickle juice or hot sauce.
What does the YouTube channel Michelle Goolsby Creel specialize in?
The YouTube channel Michelle Goolsby Creel focuses on simple, home‑cooked comfort foods, quick snack recipes, and approachable meals that often incorporate pantry staples and Southern‑inspired flavors.
How does the YouTube channel Michelle Goolsby Creel's approach to American comfort food differ from other cooking channels?
Michelle Goolsby Creel emphasizes down‑to‑earth, no‑fuss cooking with a personal storytelling style, often sharing family memories and humor, whereas many other channels prioritize high‑production techniques or gourmet presentations.
Last updated: September 6, 2026
