Dill Pickle Hot Sauce Recipe
If you’re a fan of that crave-worthy pickle tang and a punchy kick of heat, this Dill Pickle Hot Sauce is about to become your new obsession. Imagine all the zesty, garlicky goodness of your favorite dill pickles, blended into a smooth, pourable, fiery sauce that livens up everything from burgers to eggs to fried chicken. It’s ridiculously easy to make, full of fresh flavor, and ready in under 20 minutes—plus, it keeps beautifully in the fridge, so you’ll always have a homemade spicy secret weapon on hand!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The best part of this recipe is how simple the ingredient list is—each element brings its own pop of flavor, texture, or color to the mix. These basics come together for a balanced, tangy, and spicy Dill Pickle Hot Sauce you’ll want to put on everything!
- Dill pickle juice: This is the tangy backbone of the sauce and infuses every drop with briny flavor.
- White vinegar: Adds brightness and helps preserve the sauce for longer shelf life.
- Chopped dill pickles: For that unmistakable crunch and concentrated pickle punch.
- Fresh jalapeños: Bring the heat! Seed them for milder sauce, or leave seeds in for extra fire.
- Garlic cloves: Two cloves give a bold, savory edge that makes the sauce irresistible.
- Fresh or dried dill: This herb doubles down on the pickle flavor and adds a green flecked finish.
- Salt: Just a touch to round out and enhance all the flavors.
- Sugar: Balances the acidity and heat without making the sauce sweet.
- Olive oil (optional): Blend in for a silkier, more luxurious texture that clings beautifully to food.
How to Make Dill Pickle Hot Sauce
Step 1: Gather and Prep Your Ingredients
Start by getting all your ingredients measured, prepped, and ready to go. Stem and seed your jalapeños (unless you’re a real heat lover), chop the pickles, and peel the garlic. This little bit of advance prep makes everything else a breeze.
Step 2: Blend Until Smooth
Add the dill pickle juice, white vinegar, chopped pickles, jalapeños, garlic, dill, salt, and sugar to your blender or food processor. Blitz everything together until it’s as smooth as you like—some people love a little texture, while others prefer it silky. If you want a creamier, glossier finish, drizzle in the olive oil and blend again.
Step 3: Taste and Tweak
Before you move on, give your Dill Pickle Hot Sauce a quick taste test. Adjust the salt, add a bit more sugar if it’s too tart, or toss in another jalapeño for more heat. This is your moment to make it truly yours!
Step 4: Simmer to Meld Flavors
Pour the blended sauce into a saucepan and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Let it bubble away for 5 to 7 minutes—this step really allows the flavors to come together and thickens the sauce just a touch. The kitchen will smell amazing, and you’ll know it’s ready when the color deepens slightly.
Step 5: Cool and Bottle
Remove the pan from heat and let your sauce cool completely. Once it’s at room temperature, transfer it carefully into a clean glass bottle or jar. Pop it in the fridge, and don’t forget to give it a good shake before each use—homemade sauces like this are meant to be vibrant and fresh!
How to Serve Dill Pickle Hot Sauce
Garnishes
This sauce looks gorgeous with a sprinkle of freshly chopped dill on top, or even a few thin slices of pickled jalapeño for extra flair. A drizzle of olive oil just before serving can also add a lovely sheen and mellow the heat.
Side Dishes
Dill Pickle Hot Sauce is the secret weapon your favorite sides have been waiting for. Drizzle it over crispy fries, spoon it onto potato salad, or use it to wake up roasted veggies. It’s especially magic on classic picnic fare—think deviled eggs, coleslaw, or grilled corn.
Creative Ways to Present
Try pouring the sauce into a squeeze bottle for easy, artsy zigzags over burgers or tacos. For parties, set out a tasting flight of hot sauces with this one front and center—label it boldly and watch it disappear. Or, swirl a spoonful into mayo or sour cream for a quick, zesty dip.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your homemade Dill Pickle Hot Sauce will keep its punchy flavor for up to a month in the refrigerator if stored in a clean, airtight glass jar or bottle. Always use a clean spoon when serving to keep it fresh and vibrant.
Freezing
While this sauce is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it in small airtight containers or ice cube trays for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and give it a good stir to reincorporate any separated liquid.
Reheating
There’s no need to reheat, but if you prefer your Dill Pickle Hot Sauce warm (for drizzling on hot foods), gently heat it in a saucepan over low until just warmed through, stirring often. Avoid boiling to preserve the fresh pickle flavor.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pickles instead of dill?
Absolutely! While dill pickles are classic, you could try bread and butter pickles for a sweeter sauce or spicy pickles for extra zing. Just note the flavor will change, but that’s half the fun of homemade sauces.
Is Dill Pickle Hot Sauce very spicy?
It’s as spicy as you make it! Removing jalapeño seeds tames the heat, while leaving them in or swapping in hotter peppers (like serranos) will turn up the fire. Taste as you go to find your perfect level.
How long does homemade hot sauce last in the fridge?
Stored properly in a clean, airtight container, Dill Pickle Hot Sauce will keep for up to a month. Always check for any off smells or changes in appearance before using after long storage.
Can I make this sauce without a blender?
If you don’t have a blender, a food processor works just as well. In a pinch, you could finely mince everything and mix by hand, but the sauce will have a chunkier texture.
What foods pair best with Dill Pickle Hot Sauce?
This sauce shines on burgers, fried chicken, eggs, tacos, and even as a zippy dip for fries or chips. Its tangy heat brings life to just about anything you’d top with hot sauce or pickles!
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Dill Pickle Hot Sauce, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. There’s nothing quite like the combination of briny, herby tang and jalapeño heat to wake up your favorite meals. Give it a go, and don’t be surprised if you start putting it on everything!
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Dill Pickle Hot Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 1 ½ cups 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A tangy and spicy Dill Pickle Hot Sauce made with fresh jalapeños, dill pickle juice, and aromatic herbs. Perfect for adding a zesty kick to burgers, eggs, fried chicken, and more. This homemade condiment is vegan, gluten-free, and easy to prepare with blending and simmering techniques.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup dill pickle juice
- ½ cup white vinegar
- ½ cup chopped dill pickles
- 6–8 fresh jalapeños (stems removed, seeded for less heat)
- 2 cloves garlic (peeled)
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for smoother texture)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Add the pickle juice, white vinegar, chopped dill pickles, jalapeños, garlic, dill, salt, and sugar into a blender or food processor.
- Blend Until Smooth: Blend all the ingredients until smooth, ensuring an even consistency throughout the sauce.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt, sugar, or jalapeños for desired flavor and heat.
- Add Olive Oil (Optional): For a creamier consistency, blend in 1 tablespoon of olive oil until fully incorporated.
- Simmer to Meld Flavors: Pour the blended mixture into a saucepan and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Let it simmer for 5–7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to slightly thicken.
- Cool the Sauce: Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the hot sauce to cool to room temperature.
- Store Properly: Transfer the cooled sauce into a clean glass bottle or jar, seal tightly, and refrigerate.
- Shake and Use: Shake the bottle well before each use to evenly distribute the ingredients and enjoy your homemade dill pickle hot sauce.
Notes
- This hot sauce will keep in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.
- For more heat, include the jalapeño seeds or swap in hotter peppers like serranos.
- Excellent on burgers, eggs, fried chicken, or anywhere you’d typically use hot sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Blending, Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 5
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 0.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
