Fried pickles are an all-American side dish often served as the ultimate snack during big sports events. And there’s one thing that must be served with them – a dip! But what is the best dipping sauce for fried pickles?
There are many dipping sauces you can serve with fried pickles, including ranch, blue cheese, BBQ and honey mustard. Ultimately, the best one is the dip you like the taste of the most.
The Best Dipping Sauce for Fried Pickles?
The best dipping sauce for fried pickles is a matter of personal preference. Some people prefer traditional dipping sauces like ranch or blue cheese, while others opt for something a bit more unique.
No matter what your preference is, there is sure to be a dipping sauce that you love. So, let’s look at the two directions you can take when choosing a dipping sauce:
Traditional Dipping Sauces
Below are some of the most classic fried pickle combos you can serve up. If you want to keep things unpredictable, then these are the dips to use:
Ranch Dressing
Ranch dressing is one of the most popular dipping sauces to serve alongside fried pickles. It is creamy, slightly sour and packed with flavour. Ranch dressing helps to balance out both the saltiness and fattiness of fried pickles.
Blue Cheese Dip
Another classic dipping sauce for fried pickles is blue cheese dip.
Blue cheese is a creamy and noticeably tangy cheese that pairs perfectly with salty pickles. The intense flavour of the blue cheese is an excellent contrast to the crunchy and oily fried pickles.
Ketchup
Ketchup is also a top dip choice for fried pickles. It is sweet and helps to cut through the saltiness of the fried pickles. Ketchup is an excellent option for those who don’t want a creamy dip.
The other huge benefit is that most people have got a bottle of the stuff sitting in their cupboards too!
Unique Dipping Sauces
If you want to mix things up and surprise your guests when serving up your pickles, then these options are worth considering:
Honey Mustard
Honey mustard is an excellent option for those who want to switch up traditional dipping sauces. The honey provides sweetness, while the mustard adds a subtle heat.
Sriracha Mayo
Sriracha mayo is another unique dipping sauce that works well. As the name suggests, it is a combination of mayonnaise and sriracha sauce. The mayo provides a creamy base, while the sriracha adds a kick of heat.
BBQ Sauce
For those who prefer a smokier dipping sauce, BBQ sauce is the best option. Like ketchup, it is also a great choice if you don’t want to have a creamy sauce.
Ultimately, when it comes to picking a dip for fried pickles, you’re looking for contrast.
Homemade Dipping Sauces
Homemade dipping sauces are the perfect way to customise your fried pickles. You can mix and match different ingredients to create the perfect dipping sauce for your palate.
Here are some tips for creating the best homemade dipping sauce:
- Start with a base of mayonnaise or sour cream (or a combination of the two). You’ll want something creamy and dairy-rich to cut through the oiliness of the pickles.
- Pick your favourite seasonings and spices, then stir these through the main base. You can include salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, dried herbs and other spices here.
- A splash of vinegar or lemon juice will help to balance out the flavours. As with most dips, acid is essential.
- A touch of honey or agave can help to add a bit of sweetness which will further help cut through the richness of the fried pickles.
- If you like it spicy, then a drop of hot sauce, a pinch of dried chilli flakes or a grind of black pepper would all work well.
Recipes for Homemade Dipping Sauces
Although you can easily buy your own dips, making your own means you can perfectly customise the flavour for your personal tastes. So, give these base sauces a try:
- Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce – Combine 60g of mayonnaise, 30g of Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon of honey, and 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar.
- Sriracha Mayo Dipping Sauce – Combine 60g of mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon of sriracha sauce, 1 teaspoon of honey, and 1 teaspoon of lime juice.
- BBQ Dipping Sauce – Combine 60g of mayonnaise, 30g of BBQ sauce, 1 teaspoon of honey, and 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar.
- Chipotle Aioli – In a blender, whizz up a chipotle in adobo, 120g mayonnaise, the juice of half a lemon, a drizzle of olive oil and a garlic clove until smooth.
The Best Dipping Sauce for Fried Pickles
Course: SidesCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy10
servings5
minutes0
minutes5
minutesThe problem with most store-bought ranch dips is they’re loaded with preservatives. Instead, make your own with a few simple ingredients:
Ingredients
230g Mayonnaise
120g Sour Cream
1tsp Chives, Finely Sliced
1tsp Dill, Finely Chopped
¼tsp Garlic Powder
Salt
Black Pepper
1 Lemon
Directions
- Whisk together all of the ingredients except the salt and black pepper until it is well combined and has thickened up.
- Give it a quick taste for seasoning, and add salt and black pepper as required. If it is a little sour or creamy then add a squeeze of lemon juice to balance this out.
- Cover in a bowl and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes or until you need to serve it up with your fried pickles.
Fried Pickle Dipping Sauces FAQs
If you still have questions about picking the perfect fried pickle dip, then check out these FAQs:
It’s easy! Start with a base of mayonnaise or sour cream, and then add in your favourite seasonings and herbs alongside a squeeze of lemon juice and honey.
Leftover dipping sauce should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge. It should be used within a few days for best results, primarily if you have used a mayo or dairy base.
Lewis is the founder and editor of Let’s Foodie alongside other food-related platforms including FreezeIt and SubstituteIt. He launched Let’s Foodie to provide aspiring cooks with one place to get the answers to some of the most commonly asked cooking questions.
