Creamy Dill Pickle Soup Recipe: Tangy Comfort in a Bowl

Creamy, tangy, and wildly comforting, this dill pickle soup surprises taste buds with unexpected flavor combinations.

Pickles might seem like an unusual soup ingredient, but they deliver an incredible depth of richness and zest.

The hearty recipe blends traditional potato soup elements with the sharp punch of dill pickles, creating a unique culinary experience.

Crisp chunks of pickle add a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the smooth, velvety base.

Each spoonful delivers a balance of creamy texture and bright, briny notes that dance across your palate.

Midwestern comfort food enthusiasts will adore this innovative twist on classic soup.

You’ll want to serve this crowd-pleasing dish that transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinarily delicious.

Tips for Balancing Dill and Cream in Soup

• Use thick-cut bacon for maximum flavor and crunch, ensuring it's evenly cooked without burning.
• Select high-quality dill pickles with robust tangy flavor to enhance the soup's overall taste profile.
• Cut potatoes into uniform small cubes for even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
• Add shredded cheese off the heat to prevent separation and maintain smooth, creamy consistency.
• Chop fresh dill just before garnishing to preserve its bright, aromatic flavor and vibrant green color.

Fun Variations for Pickle Soup Bowls

• Vegetarian Pickle Soup: Replace bacon with smoked tofu or tempeh, sautéed until crispy. Use vegetable broth instead of traditional broth for a plant-based version.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap milk with unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk. Use dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast for a creamy texture without dairy products.
• Low-Sodium Option: Select reduced-sodium broth and pickles. Use less cheese and limit added salt to decrease overall sodium content while maintaining robust flavor.
• Keto-Friendly Adaptation: Substitute potatoes with cauliflower chunks. Use heavy cream instead of milk and increase bacon content for higher fat percentage. Choose full-fat cheese and ensure pickles have zero carbohydrates.

How to Serve Dill Pickle Soup at Meals

• Cozy Comfort Bowl: Serve the soup in deep ceramic mugs or rustic bowls to enhance its homey, warm feel.
• Pickle Lover's Platter: Garnish with extra crispy bacon bits, chopped fresh dill, and a side of cold pickles for pickle enthusiasts.
• Bread Pairing Paradise: Accompany the soup with crusty sourdough bread, garlic toast, or buttered rye bread to soak up every delicious spoonful.
• Creamy Cheese Topper: Sprinkle additional shredded cheddar cheese on top and let it melt slightly for an extra rich and indulgent experience.

Pickle Soup Storage Tips

• Store leftover soup in airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Pour soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freeze up to 2-3 months. Avoid freezing dairy-based soups for best quality.
• Transfer desired portion to microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Add splash of broth if soup seems thick.
• Pour soup into saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally and add extra broth if needed to restore original consistency. Warm gently to prevent separating cheese and cream.

FAQs

• What makes dill pickle soup unique?

The combination of tangy pickle juice, creamy cheese, and crispy bacon creates a bold, unexpected flavor profile that surprises and delights taste buds.

• Is this soup healthy?

While delicious, the soup is rich and indulgent. It contains protein from bacon and cheese, and potatoes provide some nutrients, but it’s best enjoyed in moderation.

• Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, substitute bacon with vegetable oil for sautéing, use vegetable broth, and replace bacon with smoked salt or vegetarian bacon bits for a similar smoky flavor.

• How do I prevent my soup from getting lumpy?

Whisk flour, milk, and pickle juice thoroughly before adding to the soup, and stir constantly while incorporating to ensure a smooth, creamy consistency.

Dill Pickle Soup Why It’s a Tangy Treat

• Dive into a tangy twist on classic potato soup with the unexpected burst of dill pickle goodness that will surprise and delight your taste buds.
• Whip up this hearty soup in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy families craving a comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Packed with crispy bacon, creamy cheese, and zesty pickles, this soup offers something for everyone, transforming a simple recipe into a crowd-favorite dish that brings people together.
• Easily customize the soup by adjusting pickle juice or cheese to suit your taste preferences, making it a versatile recipe that adapts to your culinary creativity.

Dill Pickle Soup Ingredient Rundown

• Bacon: Adds a smoky and crispy element to the soup for extra flavor.
• Cheddar Cheese: Provides a rich and creamy texture with a sharp tangy taste.

• Onion, Garlic: Create a flavorful base with depth and aromatic foundation for the soup.
• Potatoes: Offer a hearty and starchy component that helps thicken the soup.
• Dill Pickles: Bring a signature tangy and briny flavor to the soup.
• Fresh Dill: Adds a bright, herbal garnish that complements the pickle flavor.

• Chicken Broth: Serves as the primary liquid base for the soup.
• Milk: Helps create a creamy and smooth consistency.
• Pickle Juice: Enhances the pickle flavor and helps thicken the soup.
• All-Purpose Flour: Acts as a thickening agent to create a more substantial soup texture.
• Salt, Pepper: Provide essential seasoning to balance and enhance the overall flavor profile.

Tools for Perfect Pickle Soup Results

• Large Stock Pot: Essential for cooking bacon and building soup base, with enough space to mix ingredients.
• Cutting Board: Needed for dicing bacon and chopping vegetables.
• Sharp Knife: Perfect for precise cutting of bacon and pickles.
• Wooden Spoon: Great for stirring and sautéing ingredients.
• Whisk: Critical for mixing flour, milk, and pickle juice smoothly.
• Measuring Cups: Helps accurately measure broth, milk, and pickle juice.
• Measuring Spoons: Ensures precise seasoning with salt and pepper.

Directions for Creamy, Tangy Pickle Soup

Step 1: Crisp Up the Bacon

Grab your diced bacon and sizzle it in a large stock pot until it turns golden brown and crispy.

Once perfectly cooked, scoop out the bacon pieces, leaving behind about a tablespoon of the delicious bacon fat in the pot.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Toss chopped onions into the bacon fat and cook them until they become soft and see-through.

Add minced garlic and let it dance in the pot for about 30 seconds, releasing its incredible aroma.

Step 3: Build the Soup Foundation

• Diced potatoes
• Chicken broth

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer.

Let the potatoes cook until they’re tender enough to easily pierce with a fork, which usually takes around 15 minutes.

Step 4: Create a Creamy Texture

• All-purpose flour
• Whole milk
• Tangy pickle juice

Ensure the mixture is completely smooth and lump-free.

Pour this into the soup and let it simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the soup to thicken beautifully.

Step 5: Final Flavor Explosion

Pull the pot off the heat.

• Chopped pickles
• Shredded cheese

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Sprinkle fresh dill on top for a bright, herbal finish.

Serve hot and enjoy your creamy, tangy adventure!

Dill Pickle Soup Recipe

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4.8 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty dill pickle soup from Poland combines tangy pickles with creamy potato base for a comforting meal. Rich flavors and simple ingredients make this dish a delightful culinary experience you’ll savor with each spoonful.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 5 russet potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1/2 pound (226 grams) bacon, diced
• 4 cups (960 milliliters) low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 1/2 cups (170 grams) cheddar cheese, shredded

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 small white onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3/4 cup (120 grams) dill pickles, diced
• Fresh dill for serving

Liquid and Thickening Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) whole milk
• 3/4 cup (180 milliliters) dill pickle juice
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• Salt and black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Render bacon in a large stockpot over medium heat until golden and crisp. Transfer crispy pieces to a paper towel, reserving one tablespoon of rendered fat.
2. Sauté diced onions in reserved bacon fat until translucent and softened. Add minced garlic and cook briefly until aromatic.
3. Pour chicken broth into the pot and add cubed potatoes. Bring liquid to a rolling boil, then reduce heat and simmer for approximately 12-15 minutes until potatoes become tender when pierced with a fork.
4. Create a smooth slurry by whisking flour, milk, and pickle juice until completely integrated and free of lumps. Gradually pour mixture into simmering soup, stirring constantly to prevent scorching.
5. Allow soup to gently simmer for 4-5 minutes, which will activate the thickening agents and develop a rich, creamy consistency.
6. Remove pot from heat and fold in chopped dill pickles and shredded cheese until evenly distributed.
7. Season with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Garnish with crispy bacon bits and fresh dill sprigs before serving.

Notes

• Bacon Boost Swap bacon for turkey bacon or smoked tempeh to lower fat and create vegetarian-friendly options while maintaining deep, smoky flavor profile.
• Pickle Perfection Use homemade or artisan pickles for more complex, tangy notes that elevate the soup’s overall taste experience.
• Dairy-Free Hack Replace milk and cheese with unsweetened cashew milk and nutritional yeast for creamy texture without dairy, making the recipe friendly for lactose-intolerant individuals.
• Texture Tip Dice potatoes uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent bite throughout the soup, preventing some pieces from becoming mushy while others remain undercooked.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg