Dill Pickle Dip & Sauvignon Blanc
DAY 15: 20 Days of Game Day Dips - A pickle dip to rival all pickle dips with the world's best pickle pairing.
No need to fumble in the kitchen with this one — this dip is ready in minutes and will make your pickle-loving friend cry tears of joy when they try it! Especially when you pour them a perfectly chilled glass of Sauvy B to go along with it. You're welcome in advance.
Wine Pairing
Pair this one with a Sauvignon Blanc from Marlborough, New Zealand! a dry, bright, aromatic white wine style known for its zesty acidity, vibrant tropical fruit flavours, and distinctive herbaceousness. As soon as you open a bottle of this stuff, you’ll be met with a nose-full of intense aromas, like lime, grapefruit, gooseberry, passionfruit, pineapple, elderflower, and fresh cut grass!
Why does it work?
The tangy and herbaceous dill pickle dip matches the wine's tart citrus and herbal flavours, and the creamy texture of the dip is perfectly balanced by the wine's refreshing acidity! Such a dream of a pairing that you need to try.
My Recommendation
I highly recommend the stunning Earthling Sauvignon Blanc if you can find it! It’s a super crisp and refreshing white that’s all about vibrant citrus, juicy tropical fruit, and that classic New Zealand herbaceousness. If you’re into some of the more common classics (like Kim Crawford or Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc), you will absolutely LOVE this one!
If you can’t find this one, here are a few others I would recommend:
White Haven Sauvignon Blanc (affordable and widely available!)
Weingut Sattlerhof Sudsteiermark Sauvignon Blanc 2023 (this one is Austrian and SO GOOD)
Alternative Pairings
For other wine styles that are similar to Sauvignon Blanc, go for a Dry Riesling, Grüner Veltliner, Vermentino, or Pecorino.
For different wine styles that would also pair well, try a crisp sparkling wine (like Prosecco) or a Provence Rosé.
If wine isn’t your thing, pair this one with a tropical Hazy IPA or Pale Ale, a Gin & Tonic with lime, or an iced green tea with lemon for a booze-free option!
Recipe: Dill Pickle Dip
Servings: 6-8
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 5 minutes
Ingredients
Dip
1 cup sour cream
8oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup dill pickles, chopped (reserve at least one pickle to slice for the topping)
2-3 tbsp pickle brine
1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (set some aside for topping)
2 tsp dijon mustard
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp garlic powder
Panko Topping
1-2 tbsp butter
1/4 cup Panko breadcrumbs
2 tsp dill pickle seasoning
Optional Toppings
Panko Topping
Pickle slices
Fresh dill sprigs
Directions
Set aside a pickle or two and a couple sprigs of fresh dill for the topping, then combine the remaining dip ingredients in a medium-sized mixing bowl.
If time allows, cover and refrigerate the dip for at least 1 hour, or overnight if possible.
To make the panko topping, melt butter in a small pan over medium heat, then add Panko breadcrumbs and dill pickle seasoning. Stir to combine, and continue to stir until panko starts to brown. Remove from heat (and the hot pan to stop them from toasting) when they turn a light golden brown.
Transfer dip to your serving dish of choice, and top with Panko topping, pickle slices and a couple sprigs of fresh dill.
Serve with Spicy Dill Pickle Chips (highly recommend) and enjoy!
Notes & Stuff
Substitutions
Sour cream: Replace with full fat plain Greek yogurt (11% is best)
Cream cheese: Can replace with Mascarpone, or with 1/4 cup more sour cream plus 1/4 cup of mayonnaise. Note that if you go with the sour cream and mayo option it will be a bit thinner (but still delish!).
Pickles: Add more (or less) pickles if you want! You can also decise to chop them very small or leave bigger chunks.
Panko breadcrumbs: If you're strapped for time, just crush up some Spicy Dill Pickle Chips to sprinkle overtop instead of the breadcrumbs!
Storage Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavour will continue to meld and improve as the dip sits in the fridge.
If you plan on making this dip in advance, you can store it in the fridge for up to 3 days prior to serving! Just make sure you add the Panko topping, pickle slices, and fresh dill right before serving so that they don't get soggy.