Our Favorite Pickle Dip

If you also grew up loving classic ham and pickle roll ups, this recipe is going to be your new favorite party dip. Creamy, tangy, and a little salty, this pickle dip is the ultimate crowd pleaser. For those who have had ham and pickle roll ups, it feels like home. For those who have not, their minds are about to be blown – aka, an instant party favorite! It takes all the flavors of those near and dear to my heart roll ups – dill pickles, deli ham, and cream cheese – and turns them into a scoopable appetizer that pairs perfectly with crackers, chips, or even fresh veggies.

Plus, it takes way less time to make since there’s no rolling, cutting, etc. To be honest, this dip is a guilty pleasure of mine when I really want ham and pickle roll ups but don’t want to put in the work and would rather just rot on the couch. PLUS they give me an excellent excuse to also rot on the couch with a bag of bagel chips – just an all around win.

Why You’ll Love This Pickle Dip

• Quick & Easy: Just a handful of ingredients and about 10 minutes of prep.
• Party Friendly: A nostalgic flavor combination that guests will recognize and love, or that you’ll be a hero for introducing them to.
• Versatile: Serve with sturdy crackers, pita chips, tortilla chips, or celery sticks.

Ingredients

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup diced deli ham (chopped small)
• 1 cup finely chopped dill pickles
• 2–3 tablespoons pickle juice (adjust to taste and texture)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
• ½ teaspoon onion powder (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Soften the cream cheese: Allow the cream cheese to sit at room temperature for about 20–30 minutes so it’s easy to mix.
2. Mix base: In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese with 2 tablespoons of pickle juice. Stir until smooth and spreadable.
3. Add mix-ins: Fold in chopped ham, pickles, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir until evenly combined.
4. Taste & adjust: Add more pickle juice for tanginess and a creamier texture. Season with salt and pepper if needed.
5. Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld together.
6. Serve: Scoop into a serving dish and pair with crackers, pretzel chips, or sturdy potato chips.

Adjusting the Consistency

The texture of your pickle dip can vary depending on your cream cheese and how much pickle juice you add. Here’s how to fine tune it to your preferences:

• For a thicker, spreadable dip: Use full fat brick style cream cheese (only Philly in our house!) and limit the pickle juice to 1–2 tablespoons. This works great if you want it to hold its shape for spreading on crackers or maybe even something like sandwiches.
• For a creamier, dippable consistency: Add a little extra pickle juice (up to 3 tablespoons) and stir well until it loosens up. You can also use a soft cream cheese from a tub or a mix of regular and soft for an extra smooth texture.
• To fix a dip that’s too thick: Add small splashes of pickle juice or a tablespoon of sour cream until it reaches your desired creaminess.
• If it’s too thin: Chill the dip for 30–60 minutes, as the cream cheese will firm up slightly when cold.

This step makes a big difference in how the dip scoops and spreads—so taste and tweak until it’s just right for your crackers or chips!

Tips & Variations

• Make it chunkier: Keep your pickle and ham pieces a little larger for extra texture.
• Spice it up: Add a dash of hot sauce or chopped pickled jalapeños for some heat.
• Herby twist: Stir in fresh dill or parsley for a pop of freshness.
• Lighter option: Swap half the cream cheese for Greek yogurt or light cream cheese.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Stir before serving, as the dip may thicken slightly when chilled.

This pickle dip is perfectly and completely addictive—perfect for holidays, game day, or any casual get together. If ham and pickle roll ups are a nostalgic snack for you, this dip is the easiest way to give you that flavor in half the time. Enjoy!

Print Recipe

Pickle Dip (Inspired by Ham & Pickle Roll Ups)

This creamy pickle dip has all the flavors of classic ham and pickle roll ups in a rich, tangy dip. Made with cream cheese, chopped ham, and dill pickles, it’s the perfect make-ahead appetizer for parties, holidays, or game day.

Prep Time10 minutes mins

Chilling Time1 hour hr

Course: Appetizer, Snack

Keyword: ham and pickle roll ups, pickle dip

Servings: 8 people

Ingredients

• 8 ounces cream cheese softened
• 1 cup diced deli ham chopped small
• 1 cup dill pickles finely chopped
• 2 – 3 tablespoons pickle juice adjust to taste and texture
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder optional
• ½ teaspoon onion powder optional
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

• Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for about 20–30 minutes until easy to mix.
• In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese with 2 tablespoons of pickle juice. Stir until smooth and spreadable.
• Fold in chopped ham, pickles, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix until evenly combined.
• Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld. Serve with sturdy crackers, pretzel chips or bagel chips.

Notes

Make ahead: Best made a few hours ahead or the night before for maximum flavor.

Serving ideas: Great with celery sticks, bagel chips, or on a snack board.

Storage: Keep refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Stir before serving.

Variations: Add a sprinkle of fresh dill or chopped pickled jalapeños for an extra kick.