Key Takeaways:
- A creamy, tangy dip that combines chopped dill pickles, deli ham, and cream cheese
- Make-ahead friendly – stays fresh for up to 3 days
- Great for parties, game days, or casual snacking
- Takes just 15 minutes to prepare
Why You’ll Love This Dip
Ever wanted to turn your favorite pickle and ham sandwich into a party-worthy dip? This dill pickle dip with ham does exactly that. It’s creamy, salty, and packed with chunks of deli ham and crisp pickles in every bite.
Quick Facts
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Serves: 4-6 people
Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Food processor (optional)
Ingredients
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup deli ham, finely chopped
- 1 cup dill pickles, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, minced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
For Serving:
- Crackers
- Sliced vegetables
- Pretzels
- Bread rounds
Step-by-Step Instructions
Phase 1: Ingredient Preparation (15 minutes)
1. Soften the Cream Cheese
- Take cream cheese out of refrigerator 30 minutes before starting
- Remove from foil wrapper and place in mixing bowl
- Check softness by pressing with finger – it should leave an indent easily
- Beginner Tip: Cold cream cheese will create lumps in your dip
2. Prepare the Ham (5 minutes)
- Remove ham from package and pat dry with paper towels
- Place on cutting board
- Cut into thin strips (about 1/4 inch wide)
- Turn strips and cut crosswise into tiny cubes
- Beginner Tip: Aim for pieces no larger than 1/4 inch – about the size of a pencil eraser
3. Prepare the Pickles (5 minutes)
- Remove pickles from jar
- Pat very dry with paper towels (this is important!)
- Place on cutting board (separate from ham)
- Cut lengthwise into thin strips
- Cut strips into small cubes (same size as ham)
- Pat dry again with paper towels
- Beginner Tip: Extra moisture from pickles can make your dip watery
4. Prepare the Fresh Dill (2 minutes)
- Rinse dill under cold water
- Pat completely dry with paper towels
- Remove tough stems
- Finely chop leaves with sharp knife
- Beginner Tip: If you’re not sure about amount, start with less – you can always add more
Phase 2: Mixing the Dip (10 minutes)
5. Create the Base (3-4 minutes)
- Place softened cream cheese in bowl
- Add sour cream
- Mix with electric mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes
- If using hand mixer: start on low, then increase to medium
- If mixing by hand: use a wooden spoon and mix vigorously
- Stop and scrape sides of bowl with rubber spatula
- Mix another 1 minute until completely smooth
- Beginner Tip: No electric mixer? Let cream cheese get extra soft and use muscle power!
6. Add Dry Seasonings (1 minute)
- Add garlic powder
- Add black pepper
- Mix on low speed for 30 seconds
- Beginner Tip: Use measuring spoons, not regular spoons from your drawer
7. Incorporate Main Ingredients (3-4 minutes)
- Add chopped ham
- Add chopped pickles
- Add chopped fresh dill
- Fold in gently with rubber spatula using bottom-to-top motion
- Continue folding until evenly distributed
- Beginner Tip: Don’t overmix – stop when ingredients are just combined
8. Final Seasoning (2 minutes)
- Take a small taste
- Add salt if needed (start with 1/4 teaspoon)
- Mix gently
- Taste again and adjust if needed
- Beginner Tip: Remember, pickles and ham are already salty!
Phase 3: Resting and Serving
9. Rest and Chill (1 hour minimum)
- Scrape dip into serving bowl
- Smooth top with spatula
- Cover with plastic wrap
- Press wrap directly onto surface of dip
- Refrigerate at least 1 hour
- Beginner Tip: Overnight is even better for flavor development
10. Serving Instructions
- Remove from refrigerator
- Peel off plastic wrap
- Stir gently with clean spoon
- Smooth top
- Garnish with extra dill if desired
- Beginner Tip: Let sit 5-10 minutes before serving for easier scooping
Success Check
Your dip should be:
- Thick enough to hold its shape on a cracker
- Creamy with visible bits of ham and pickle
- Light cream color with green specks
- Not watery or separated
Troubleshooting Tips
- Too Thick? Add a splash of pickle juice
- Too Runny? Add more cream cheese
- Too Salty? Balance with extra sour cream
Variations
- Lighter Version: Use light cream cheese and Greek yogurt
- Spicy Twist: Add diced jalapeños
- Extra Savory: Mix in shredded cheddar cheese
Storage Guidelines
- Keep refrigerated in an airtight container
- Stays fresh for 3-4 days
- Do not freeze
Safety Notes
- Keep chilled when serving
- Don’t leave out at room temperature for more than 2 hours
- Use fresh, unopened cream cheese
Pro Tips
- Pat pickles dry to prevent watery dip
- Chop ingredients uniformly for best texture
- Let sit overnight for best flavor
- Serve cold for optimal consistency
This dip pairs perfectly with crisp vegetables, sturdy crackers, or toasted bread rounds. Make it your go-to party appetizer or weekend snack!
