Dill Dip Recipe

Active Time:

15 mins

Total Time:

15 mins

Servings:

6

Your church cookbook probably has a dill dip recipe or two in it, but have you ever tasted this classic Southern dip made with fresh dill instead of dried? While there's nothing wrong with that dried dill you keep in your pantry, soft, delicate fronds of fresh dill take this appetizer to a whole new level.

For an added flavor boost, we sauteed thinly-sliced garlic cloves until crispy, then spooned them over the dip. Garnished with extra dill, and surrounded by your favorite dippers, this dish makes a fun appetizer for your next get together.

What Is Dill Dip?

Dill dip is a versatile dip made with sour cream or mayonnaise as a base, with (typically dried) dill, and other herbs and spices for a flavorful result. It's a favorite for entertaining, and gained popularity in the mid-20th century in the United States as a staple party food.

This beloved appetizer can be served with crudité, chips, crackers, or other items for dipping. It can also be served as a condiment with seafood, baked potatoes, grilled meats, and more.

Ingredients for Dill Dip

Just eight ingredients are needed to whip up this satisfying dip, with crunchy vegetables and potato chips served alongside for scooping up every bite. To make dill dip, you'll need:

Garlic cloves: Fried to create a crispy texture and to add a savory depth to the dip.
Olive oil: Infused with garlic before being mixed into the dip to add richness and flavor.
Mayonnaise: The creamy base of the dip.
Crème fraîche or sour cream: Adds a tangy creaminess to the dip.
Fresh dill: For a fresh, herbaceous touch and classic flavor.
Lemon zest and juice: Adds brightness and acidity to the dip.
Kosher salt and black pepper: Enhances the overall flavor.
Crudités and potato chips: For dipping.

Southern Living Dill Dip ingredients — Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

How To Make Dill Dip

While frying the garlic might seem like an extra step, it's an easy way to take this dip to the next level. Full instructions are below, but here's a brief recap before you get started:

Step 1. Crisp up garlic: Thinly slice 3 garlic cloves. Heat oil in a small saucepan. Add garlic and cook until just starting to brown. Pour mixture into a small bowl.
Step 2. Combine dip ingredients: Grate remaining garlic cloves into a bowl. Stir in mayonnaise, crème fraîche, dill, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
Step 3. Garnish: Stir in garlic oil, and top with garlic slices and dill. Serve with crudités and potato chips.

Dill Dip Variations

To change up this dill dip, consider these simple additions or substitutions:

Roasted garlic: Instead of fried garlic slices, add roasted garlic for a more mild, sweet flavor.
Herbs: Pump up the herbs with fresh parsley, chives, or cilantro.
Lighten it up: Substitute all or part of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or mashed avocado.
Spices: For added complexity, add a pinch of paprika, Cajun seasoning, or Old Bay seasoning.
Heat: Add hot sauce, red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or Sriracha for a spicy kick.
Veggies: For color and crunch, add finely chopped cucumber, bell peppers, celery, or chopped pickles.
Bacon: Top with crumbled bacon for a salty, meaty bite.

Can I Make Dill Dip Ahead?

Get ahead of your party preparations by making this dip in advance. Mix the dip ingredients to combine, waiting to cook the garlic until the day of serving. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The flavors will meld and deepen as the dip chills.

Before serving, cook the garlic, stir the garlic oil into the dip, and top with garlic slices and dill as directed.

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to four days. Re-season to taste, if needed, before serving.

What To Serve With Dill Dip

Pair dill dip with all of your favorite dippers, including tortilla chips, pita chips, pretzels, crackers, crostini, and more. Serve with other quick appetizers, including hot and cold options, for a variety of starters to kick your party off right.

More Classic Dip Recipes You'll Love

A good dip recipe is invaluable, and these crowd-pleasing recipes are all guaranteed to be the hit of the party:

Editorial contributions by Katie Rosenhouse.

Dill Dip with vegetables - Southern Living — Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Ingredients

6 large garlic cloves, divided
2 Tbsp. olive oil
1 cup mayonnaise
1 cup crème fraîche or sour cream
1/3 cup chopped fresh dill, plus more for garnish
1 tsp. grated lemon zest plus 1 Tbsp. fresh juice (from 1 lemon)
1/2 tsp. kosher salt
1/2 tsp. black pepper
Crudités and potato chips

Directions

Crisp up some garlic slices:

Thinly slice 3 of the garlic cloves. Heat oil in a small saucepan over medium-low.

Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Add garlic slices; cook, stirring often, until just beginning to turn golden brown, about 3 minutes. Transfer garlic and oil to a small bowl, and set aside.

Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Combine dip ingredients:

Grate remaining 3 garlic cloves over a medium bowl. Add mayonnaise, crème fraîche, dill, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Stir until combined.

Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox
Garnish dip with garlic and dill:

Transfer mixture to a bowl. Stir in reserved garlic oil, and top with reserved fried garlic slices; garnish with additional fresh dill. Serve with crudités and potato chips.

Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you use Greek yogurt to make dill dip?

You can swap a portion or all of the mayonnaise or sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
Can you freeze dill dip?

Freezing dip isn't recommended, as the texture may change after thawing.
Why does my dill dip taste bland?

Make sure to taste and season your dill dip to suit your tastes, adding more seasoning along the way if desired.
How can I adjust the consistency of dill dip?

You can thicken the dip by adding additional mayonnaise or crème fraîche, or chill to help it firm up. You can thin the texture, if desired, by stirring in a splash of milk or cream.