Ditch the ordinary condiments—this Dill Pickle Hot Sauce is your next favorite kitchen staple. Packed with tangy dill pickles and a bold hit of heat, this easy homemade sauce adds excitement to burgers, fries, sandwiches, wings, and even grilled vegetables. It’s a flavor-packed creation with the perfect balance of spicy, savory, and sour. And the best part? You can tweak it to your taste and make it as mild or fiery as you like.
Whether you’re a hot sauce connoisseur or a dill pickle fanatic, this condiment is a must-try. It’s simple to make, easy to store, and utterly addicting.
Why You’ll Love This Dill Pickle Hot Sauce
This isn’t your average hot sauce. The combination of tangy brine, crunchy pickles, and bold heat brings something entirely new to the table. Here’s what makes it stand out:
- Unique Flavor Fusion: The vinegar-rich flavor of pickles merges with the spice of hot sauce, creating an unexpectedly delicious twist.
- Versatile Use: Perfect as a dip, marinade, sandwich spread, or topping for grilled meats and vegetables.
- Customizable Heat: Whether you like it fiery or mild, you can easily control the spice level.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples—no fancy equipment or hard-to-find components.
- Quick and Easy: Just mix, rest, and serve. It’s done in under 10 minutes, plus resting time.
Ingredients
For the Sauce
- 1 cup finely chopped dill pickle slices (fresh or jarred)
- ½ cup hot sauce (Sriracha, Tabasco, or your favorite)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar for sharper tang)
- 1 tablespoon pickle juice (from the pickle jar)
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to mellow the acidity)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (or 1 fresh garlic clove, minced)
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder (optional, for extra depth)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Add-Ins
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (for smoky flavor)
- A few dashes of Worcestershire sauce (for umami richness)
- Chopped fresh dill (for added herbaceousness)
Instructions
Prepare the Pickles
Start by finely chopping your dill pickle slices. You can do this by hand or pulse them in a food processor. The goal is to achieve a coarse, relish-like texture. Avoid blending them too finely—you want to retain some crunch.
Combine the Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, add the chopped pickles, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, pickle juice, sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, and any of the optional flavor add-ins.
Mix well until everything is thoroughly combined. Taste your mixture. Need more kick? Add extra hot sauce. Want more tang? Add a splash more vinegar or pickle juice. You’re in control.
Let the Sauce Rest
Letting your sauce rest is crucial. Cover the bowl and allow it to sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes so the flavors can develop. For best results, refrigerate it overnight.
Store and Serve
Transfer the sauce to an airtight jar or bottle and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to 2 weeks. Before each use, shake or stir the sauce to remix any settled ingredients.
Use it generously on everything from grilled meats and sandwiches to roasted veggies and snacks. It’s especially fantastic drizzled over crispy fries or stirred into potato salad.
Tips for Success
Choose the Right Pickles
Fresh dill pickles give a brighter flavor and crunch, while jarred pickles add a saltier, brinier depth. Choose based on your texture and taste preference.
Adjust the Heat Level
Not a fan of too much heat? Start with less hot sauce and add more gradually. You can also blend the sauce with Greek yogurt or sour cream to mellow it out.
Smoky or Sweet?
Add a teaspoon of chipotle powder for smokiness or a drizzle of honey for a sweet balance.
Make It Smooth
For a pourable consistency, blend the final sauce in a blender until smooth. You can even strain it for an ultra-slick finish.
Refrigerate for Better Flavor
The longer this sauce sits, the better it tastes. Overnight chilling helps the flavors meld and intensify.
Nutritional Information (Per 2 Tbsp Serving)
- Calories: 25
- Total Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 350mg
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 0g
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and depend on the brand of ingredients used.
Variations
Smoky Dill Pickle Hot Sauce
Add chipotle powder, smoked paprika, or adobo sauce for a bold, smoky version that pairs wonderfully with grilled meats and BBQ dishes.
Sweet & Spicy Blend
Balance the acidity with extra sugar or a drizzle of maple syrup or honey. This version is perfect for glazing chicken wings or brushing on kebabs.
Creamy Pickle Sauce
For a rich, mellow version, stir in a spoonful of sour cream, cream cheese, or Greek yogurt. This works especially well as a burger spread or veggie dip.
Herby Dill Explosion
Add freshly chopped dill to enhance the pickle flavor and add a vibrant, garden-fresh note.
Creative Ways to Use Dill Pickle Hot Sauce
- Burger Boost: Spread it on burger buns instead of ketchup or mayo.
- Fries Dipping Sauce: Skip the ranch and try this spicy-tangy alternative.
- Tacos & Wraps: A few drizzles can completely transform a taco.
- Marinade Base: Use it as a base for marinating chicken, pork, or shrimp.
- Deviled Eggs: Mix a spoonful into your egg yolk filling for a zippy surprise.
- Pasta or Potato Salad: Stir into your creamy salad dressing for added punch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this sauce less spicy?
Absolutely. Use less hot sauce or choose a milder variety. You can also mix it with yogurt or sour cream to tame the heat.
How long does Dill Pickle Hot Sauce last in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, it lasts up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator. Always give it a good stir or shake before using.
Can I use bread and butter pickles instead of dill?
You can, but it will result in a sweeter sauce. If you like sweet-heat combos, go for it!
Is this sauce good for canning?
No, this recipe isn’t designed for canning. It’s meant to be made fresh and stored in the fridge.
What type of hot sauce works best?
This depends on your taste. Sriracha brings a garlicky sweetness, Tabasco adds vinegar-forward heat, and smoky sauces like chipotle varieties add depth.
Can I freeze this sauce?
Freezing isn’t recommended, as it may alter the texture of the pickles. It’s best made fresh and stored in the fridge.
Final Thoughts
With its bold combination of spicy heat and zesty pickle flavor, this Dill Pickle Hot Sauce is the perfect way to shake up your condiment collection. Whether you use it for dipping, drizzling, or marinating, one thing’s for sure—it won’t last long in your fridge.