Description

This mouthwatering Dill Pickle Cream Cheese spread is a tangy, creamy delight perfect for appetizers, snacks, and sandwiches. Made by combining full-fat cream cheese with diced dill pickles, fresh dill, and pickle juice, it delivers an addictive flavor punch that pickle lovers adore. It requires no cooking and comes together in just 10-15 minutes, making it an ideal quick and easy recipe for parties, game days, or simple everyday enjoyment.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

1 package (8 oz) full-fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature
2/3 cup dill pickles, diced into small, even pieces (about 6 spears)
1 1/2 tablespoons pickle juice (from dill pickles)
1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped
Salt, to taste
Red pepper flakes, to taste (optional for heat)

Instructions

Combine Cream Cheese and Pickle Ingredients: Place the softened cream cheese in a medium bowl. Add the diced dill pickles, pickle juice, and finely chopped fresh dill on top of the cream cheese. These will form the flavorful base of the spread.
Mix Everything Together: Using a flat spatula or spoon, fold the cream cheese over the pickle mixture and gently pat it down. Continue mixing and folding until all ingredients are evenly incorporated and the mixture is uniform, ensuring pickles are well distributed for bursts of flavor in every bite.
Season and Serve: Taste the spread and adjust seasoning by adding salt and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately on bagels, crackers, or as a dip. For a mild kick, red pepper flakes are optional.

Notes

Use full-fat cream cheese for richer texture and better consistency; avoid whipped or reduced-fat varieties.
Allow cream cheese to come to room temperature (about 1 hour) or cut into chunks to soften faster to avoid lumps.
Drain diced pickles well on paper towels to prevent watery spread.
Add pickle brine gradually to control consistency and avoid making the spread too loose.
For stronger flavor and firmer texture, chill the spread in the fridge at least 30 minutes before serving.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
This dip improves in flavor when made ahead and can be prepared 1-2 days in advance.
Serve at room temperature for easier spreading; stir in a little more pickle juice if too thick after chilling.
Substitutions: Greek yogurt (strained), sour cream, or neufchatel cheese can replace cream cheese; dried dill (1 tsp) or chives can substitute fresh dill; a dash of white vinegar can replace pickle brine if needed.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American

Keywords: dill pickle cream cheese, creamy pickle spread, dill pickle dip, appetizer, no-cook spread, quick appetizer, tangy cream cheese spread