Our Fried Pickle Dip might just be one of the most fun, fermented, flavorful appetizers we’ve created yet. This dill-icious recipe is filled with the tangy, briny taste pickles are known for in a rich and creamy base made from Lifeway Farmer Cheese, seasonings, and pickle juice. When paired with some savory crackers or pretzels of your choosing, this simple, unique recipe is sure to be a party favorite!
Pickles and Lifeway Farmer Cheese are two fermented foods made for one another. Fresh pickles that are fermented naturally contain live probiotics that support the microbiome, just like the live probiotics found in Lifeway Farmer Cheese. Choosing fresh pickles (versus the shelf-stable kind soaked in vinegar) will ensure you get the most gut-health benefits. You can find fresh pickles in the produce department of most supermarkets and superstores. Pickles are also low in calories and sugar, but they offer natural fiber that supports gut health, along with various vitamins and minerals.
Lifeway Farmer Cheese is a terrific pairing for pickles with its mild, tangy flavor. Plus, it’s an excellent source of protein to help keep you fuller longer, and it aids in digestion due to the live probiotics it contains. Our farmer cheese is also one of the best bases for dips you’ll find, and it’s easy to digest since it’s up to 99% lactose-free due to the fermentation process.
Here in this easy dip recipe, pickles and our farmer cheese are blended together with fresh dill, pickle juice, and ranch seasoning for a flavor-packed combination that everyone will love. A light topping of pan-fried breadcrumbs creates a “fried food” flavor while being made with better-for-you ingredients. Fresh pickles and fresh dill on top add just enough of a garnish to seal the pickle flavor in with each and every bite.
The Benefits of Cultured Dairy for Better Health:
Research continues to show the importance of eating healthy foods, including cultured dairy such as kefir, for optimal digestion and gut health, a strong immune system, and to support the microbiome. Fermented foods like kefir hold important value in this line of research due to the link between the gut-brain axis and overall health. Specifically, kefir has been shown to help diversify the microbiome, improve digestion, reduce inflammation, support healthier blood sugar levels, and improve satiety since the bioavailable protein it contains triggers the release of GLP-1.
Lifeway Kefir is packed with a variety of vital nutrients important for overall health, including bone and muscle health; these include vitamin D3, K, calcium, and vitamin B12. Along with our probiotic-rich kefir, Lifeway also offers artisan-made Farmer Cheese,a creamy, high-protein cheese made with live and active cultures to support healthy muscles and a healthy microbiome. Lifeway Farmer Cheese is easy to spread, free of gums and thickeners, and contains no added salt or sugar for optimal health benefits.
Prep Time: 10 mins Servings: 6Ingredients
For the Base:
- 1 tbsp. Lifeway Kefir Butter*
- 1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 cups Farmer Cheese
- 4 fresh dill pickle spears, chopped
- 1/4 cup freshly chopped dill
- 1 tbsp. ranch seasoning mix
- 2-4 tbsp. pickle juice from the jar of pickles
For the Topping:
- toasted breadcrumbs
- additional chopped fresh dill pickles
- fresh dill, chopped
Directions
- Melt kefir butter in a small non-stick skillet over medium heat.
- Add the panko breadcrumbs, and toast for 3-5 minutes or until fragrant and golden brown. Remove from the heat and set aside.
- Add Lifeway Farmer Cheese, the chopped dill pickles from 4 fresh pickles, 1/4 cup fresh dill, 1 tbsp. ranch seasoning, and the 2-4 tbsp. pickle juice to a food processor or blender. Process/blend for a minute or so until fully combined. Don't over-process, and be sure to leave a few chunks of pickle for more texture, if preferred. Stop after this process and access the texture to see if it's to your liking. If it's too thick, add 1-2 tbsp. additional pickle juice until you get the desired texture.
- Transfer the dip to a serving bowl, and top with the toasted breadcrumbs, additional chopped dill pickles, and fresh dill for a garnish. Serve with crackers, pretzels, fresh veggies, or whatever else you like. Enjoy!
- If storing leftovers, be sure to store it in the fridge and wait until you serve it to add the breadcrumbs so they don't get soggy.
- *Find Our Kefir Butter Recipe Here!
