Save A creamy, gooey cheese dip with the tangy kick of dill pickles, perfect for parties or game day snacking.
I first whipped up this dill pickle queso fundido for a family movie night and everyone was hooked instantly. The pickles add a flavor surprise that even classic queso lovers couldn’t stop scooping.
Ingredients
- Monterey Jack cheese: 2 cups, shredded
- Sharp Cheddar cheese: 1 cup, shredded
- Cream cheese: 1 tablespoon, softened
- Whole milk: 1/2 cup
- Dill pickles: 2/3 cup, finely chopped
- Jalapeño: 1 small, finely diced (optional)
- Pickle juice: 2 tablespoons
- Shallot: 1 small, finely chopped
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Smoked paprika: 1/4 teaspoon
- Ground black pepper: 1/4 teaspoon
- Fresh dill: 1 tablespoon, chopped (plus more for garnish)
- Unsalted butter: 1 tablespoon
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Sauté Aromatics:
- Melt butter in medium ovenproof skillet over medium heat. Add shallot and jalapeño. Sauté for 2 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
- Add Pickles & Spice:
- Stir in chopped pickles and smoked paprika. Cook for 1 minute.
- Melt Cheeses:
- Lower heat and add cream cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
- Mix, Melt & Bake:
- Gradually whisk in milk, then add shredded cheeses, stirring until melted and creamy. Stir in pickle juice, black pepper, and chopped dill. Taste and adjust seasoning if desired.
- Bake & Serve:
- Transfer skillet to oven and bake for 5 to 7 minutes until bubbling and lightly golden on top. Remove. Garnish with extra dill and chopped pickles. Serve hot with tortilla chips, pretzel bites, or bread.
Save Our family loves dipping into a steaming skillet of this queso right as the game starts. Kids and grown-ups alike race for the pickle-loaded bites!
Required Tools
Medium ovenproof skillet, mixing spoon or spatula, cheese grater, chopping board, and knife are all you need for prep.
Allergen Information
Contains milk. Can contain gluten depending on bread or chips served. Double-check cheese and pickle ingredients for sensitivities.
Nutritional Information
Each serving provides about 230 calories, 17 g total fat, 6 g carbohydrates, and 12 g protein, making it a rich but satisfying starter.
Save This dip will be the star of your snack table. Serve immediately for maximum gooeyness and tang.
Recipe Guide
- → What cheeses work best for this dip?
Monterey Jack and sharp Cheddar melt smoothly and deliver bold flavors. Mozzarella offers a milder taste option.
- → Can I use other pickles besides dill?
Dill pickles are preferred for their tang, but bread and butter pickles will create a sweeter profile.
- → Is the dip spicy?
Jalapeño adds gentle heat; omit or adjust to suit your preference. Cayenne boosts the kick if desired.
- → Can this be made vegan?
Yes, substitute dairy-based cheese and milk with plant-based alternatives for a vegan-friendly option.
- → What can I serve with this dip?
Tortilla chips, pretzel bites, or slices of bread pair perfectly with the savory, creamy mixture.
- → How do I achieve the best texture?
Use full-fat cheeses and milk, stir gently, and bake until bubbling for a smooth, creamy finish.