Tangy Dill Pickle Cream Cheese Spread – The 10-Minute Appetizer Everyone Will Beg Me For

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I Love This Spread Because It’s Quick To Make, Always A Crowd-Pleaser, And Bursting With Flavor. The combination of cream cheese and diced dill pickles creates the perfect blend of creamy and crunchy. A splash of pickle juice and fresh dill kicks up the tang, and if I’m in the mood, I’ll add red pepper flakes for a subtle heat. It’s perfect with crackers, pretzels, bagels, or even as a sandwich spread.

Ingredients

(Here’s A Tip: Check Out The Full List Of Ingredients And Measurements In The Recipe Card Below.)

• 1 Package (8 Oz) Cream Cheese, Softened

• ⅔ Cup Diced Dill Pickles (About 6 Spears)

• 1½ Tablespoons Pickle Juice

• 1 Tablespoon Finely Chopped Fresh Dill

• Salt, To Taste

• Red Pepper Flakes, To Taste (Optional)

Directions

1. I Start By Softening The Cream Cheese At Room Temperature For About 20–30 Minutes So It’s Easy To Mix.

2. Once Soft, I Place The Cream Cheese In A Mixing Bowl And Stir Until It’s Smooth And Creamy.

3. I Fold In The Diced Dill Pickles, Pickle Juice, And Chopped Fresh Dill Until Everything Is Well Combined.

4. I Taste The Mixture And Add Salt If Needed. If I Want A Little Kick, I Sprinkle In Some Red Pepper Flakes.

5. I Transfer The Spread To A Serving Bowl And Chill It For 10–15 Minutes If I Have Time, Or Serve It Immediately With Crackers, Chips, Or Veggies.

Servings And Timing

This Recipe Makes About 1½ Cups Of Spread, Which Serves 6–8 As An Appetizer. It Takes Just 10 Minutes From Start To Finish, Making It Perfect For Last-Minute Guests Or A Quick Snack Fix.

Variations

Sometimes I Add A Bit Of Garlic Powder Or Chopped Green Onions For An Extra Layer Of Flavor. I’ve Also Swapped Out The Fresh Dill For Dried Dill In A Pinch—just 1 Teaspoon Works Well. If I’m Serving It As A Dip, I Thin It Slightly With Sour Cream Or Greek Yogurt. And When I Want More texture, I mix in a tablespoon of chopped pickled jalapeños.

Storage/Reheating

I Store Any Leftovers In An Airtight Container In The Fridge For Up To 4 Days. This Spread Isn’t Meant To Be Heated, So I Always Serve It Chilled Or At Room Temperature. If It Firms Up In The Fridge, I Let It Sit Out For 10 Minutes Before Serving.

FAQs

Can I Make This Ahead Of Time?

Yes, I Often Make It A Day In Advance. The Flavors Blend Even Better As It Sits, So It’s Actually More Delicious The Next Day.

What Can I Serve This With?

Crackers, Pretzels, Bagel Chips, Sliced Veggies, Toasted Bread, Or Even As A Bagel Spread. It Also Works Great In Sandwiches!

Can I Use Low-Fat Cream Cheese?

Yes, I’ve Used Low-Fat Or Neufchâtel Cheese And It Still Tastes Great. The Texture Might Be Slightly Softer, But It’s Still Delicious.

Can I Use Sweet Pickles Instead Of Dill?

I Prefer Dill For That Tangy Kick, But If I Like A Sweet-Savory Combo, I Sometimes Use Sweet Pickles Or Bread-And-Butter Pickles.

Is This Spread Freezer-Friendly?

I Don’t Recommend Freezing It—cream cheese tends to become grainy when thawed. It’s best made fresh or stored in the fridge for a few days.

Conclusion

This Tangy Dill Pickle Cream Cheese Spread Is My Go-To When I Want Something Bold, Easy, And Absolutely Addictive. With Just A Few Ingredients And 10 Minutes, I Can Whip Up A Spread That Always Gets Rave Reviews. Whether I’m Serving It At A Party Or Just Snacking At Home, It’s A Winner Every Time.