Creamy Dill Pickle Soup might sound a bit out of left field, but hear me out—it’s the cozy, tangy bowl of comfort you didn’t know you needed. Imagine the zesty punch of dill pickles mellowed by a velvety, creamy broth. It’s like your favorite comfort soup took a daring leap and came back more flavorful than ever.
Whether you’re a dill pickle fanatic or just craving something new on a chilly evening, this soup hits all the right notes: creamy, savory, and perfectly tangy. And the best part? It comes together in just 35 minutes, which means you can whip it up even on those weeknights when you’re running on fumes. Pair it with some crusty bread or, if you’re feeling fancy, top it with crispy bacon for that extra layer of goodness.
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What is Creamy Dill Pickle Soup?
Creamy Dill Pickle Soup is a heartwarming dish with Eastern European roots, often found in Polish kitchens where it’s known as zupa ogórkowa. This American-style version keeps that nostalgic tang but adds a luscious creamy twist, making it pure comfort food with a playful kick. The magic comes from balancing briny dill pickles with smooth sour cream and tender potatoes, creating a flavor that’s both bright and soothing.
Each spoonful feels like a hug with a wink—it’s cozy, yet refreshingly different. While it might sound quirky, this soup’s blend of creamy and tangy notes makes it irresistibly addictive. Even those skeptical of pickles find themselves asking for seconds. It’s ideal for cold evenings, potlucks, or just when you want something a little offbeat but undeniably satisfying.
Reasons to Try Creamy Dill Pickle Soup
If you’re on the fence about trying Creamy Dill Pickle Soup, let’s settle this: you need to make it. For one, it’s incredibly easy. No fancy gadgets or complicated techniques—just a pot, a spoon, and about half an hour of your time. Second, it’s a flavor adventure. The tangy bite of dill pickles paired with creamy potatoes and a hint of fresh dill is the perfect combo of comfort and excitement.
Third, it’s budget-friendly and pantry-approved—most ingredients are probably already in your kitchen. And if you love trying cozy soups like my Easy Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup or Curried Sweet Potato Soup, this one’s another keeper to add to your rotation. It’s unexpected in the best way—like finding your new favorite sweater at the back of your closet.
Ingredients Needed to Make Creamy Dill Pickle Soup
- 2 tablespoons butter (or oil)
- 1 yellow onion, finely diced
- 1 carrot, finely diced
- 1 celery rib, finely diced
- 4 dill pickles (about 200g), finely diced
- ½ cup pickle juice (120ml)
- 3 yellow potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 5 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1½ tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ½ cup fresh dill, finely chopped

Instructions to Make Creamy Dill Pickle Soup
Let’s walk through this step by step so your Creamy Dill Pickle Soup turns out smooth, flavorful, and comforting every single time. Think of this as your cozy kitchen companion—because if you can chop veggies and stir a pot, you’ve got this.
Step 1: Sauté the Flavor Base
Start step by step by melting 2 tablespoons of butter (or oil) in a large pot over medium heat. Once it’s nice and bubbly, add the finely diced onion, carrot, and celery. These are your aromatic trio—the base that builds flavor from the ground up. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the veggies become soft and fragrant, and your kitchen starts smelling like pure comfort. This is the moment when neighbors might “just happen” to drop by. Stir occasionally so nothing sticks or browns too fast. If you love a deep, rich base, you can check out my Hearty Meatball Stew for more inspiration on sautéing techniques that pack in flavor.
Step 2: Add the Pickles, Potatoes, and Broth
Now, for the fun part of this step by step process—bringing in the stars of the show! Toss in your finely diced dill pickles, pour in that glorious pickle juice, and add the cubed potatoes. Then, carefully pour in 5 cups of vegetable broth. Give everything a good stir and a light pinch of salt (don’t go heavy here—the pickles will add plenty of briny flavor). Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20–25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the potatoes are fork-tender and practically melting into the broth.
This simmering step helps all the flavors mingle, creating that tangy, creamy base you’ll love. For a heartier variation, you can even stir in cooked chicken near the end—similar to my Creamy Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Mixture
While your soup simmers, let’s move on to the creamy magic. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup of sour cream and 1½ tablespoons of all-purpose flour until you get a smooth paste. This step by step method thickens the soup naturally, no heavy cream needed.
But here’s the secret move—temper the mixture. That means slowly whisking a ladle of hot broth from the pot into the sour cream mix before adding it back to the soup. This prevents curdling and keeps your soup silky instead of lumpy. (Nobody wants lumpy soup.) Once it’s warm and smooth, set it aside—you’ll add it in the next step. For more creamy soup ideas and substitutions, check out Easy Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup for inspiration on balancing textures.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Take the pot off the heat before adding your tempered sour cream mixture. This is a key step by step tip—adding dairy to boiling soup can cause separation. Slowly whisk in the creamy mix, stirring gently until everything blends beautifully into a thick, rich texture. Now it’s time to add the chopped fresh dill, which gives your Creamy Dill Pickle Soup its signature burst of flavor. Taste the soup and adjust with salt or pepper if needed. You can even squeeze in a little lemon juice if you want an extra zing.
Step 5: Serve and Savor
You’ve made it! The final step by step move is to ladle your Creamy Dill Pickle Soup into warm bowls and serve it right away. For extra flair, top it with crispy bacon bits, a drizzle of sour cream, or a few thinly sliced pickles. If you want to turn it into a full meal, pair it with crusty bread or a side like my Maple Dijon Roasted Carrots. Feeling inspired? Try alternating it with other cozy soups like Curried Sweet Potato Soup or Roasted Winter Vegetable Soup for your next chilly evening lineup.
Each step by step part of this process is designed to make your cooking smooth, your flavors balanced, and your confidence high. By the end, you’ll have a bowl of Creamy Dill Pickle Soup that’s equal parts tangy, rich, and deeply comforting—a dish that tastes like home with a little extra personality.
What to Serve with Creamy Dill Pickle Soup
This creamy tangy soup pairs beautifully with buttery garlic bread, a simple grilled cheese, or even a crisp green salad. For a heartier combo, try it alongside Chicken Pot Pie Pasta or Traditional Chunky Pepper Beef Pies. If you prefer something lighter, a side of roasted veggies or even Maple Dijon Roasted Carrots adds a nice balance of sweetness to the soup’s tang. And if you’re hosting friends, pair it with a glass of crisp white wine—it complements the dill flavors beautifully.
Key Tips for Making Creamy Dill Pickle Soup
- Use real dill pickles—avoid sweet ones unless you’re into flavor chaos.
- Always temper your sour cream mixture before adding it to the hot pot. It’s the difference between creamy bliss and lumpy disaster.
- Fresh dill makes a world of difference. Don’t skip it.
- Adjust the tang to your liking by adding more or less pickle juice.
- Want more texture? Add bacon bits or shredded chicken for a protein boost. For more comforting dinner ideas, check out my Creamy Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup.
Storage and Reheating Tips for Creamy Dill Pickle Soup
Leftovers? Lucky you. Store your Creamy Dill Pickle Soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm it slowly on the stove over medium heat, stirring often so the cream doesn’t separate. You can also reheat it in the microwave—just do it in 30-second bursts and stir in between. Avoid freezing this one; the dairy can split and turn grainy. If you plan to meal prep, make the soup up to the simmering stage, then cool and refrigerate. When ready to eat, reheat and whisk in the sour cream mixture fresh—it’ll taste just as good as the first time.
FAQs
Can I make this soup dairy-free? Absolutely! Swap the sour cream for coconut cream and use olive oil instead of butter.
What type of pickles work best? Dill pickles only—preferably refrigerated ones with a tangy bite.
Can I blend the soup? Yes, if you prefer a smoother texture, blend half and leave the rest chunky.
Is this soup freezer-friendly? Not really. The cream base doesn’t freeze well.
Final Thoughts
Creamy Dill Pickle Soup might just become your new cold-weather obsession. It’s quirky, comforting, and surprisingly addicting. Whether you’re feeding your family or impressing dinner guests, this soup delivers big flavor with minimal effort. And if you’re in the mood to keep the cozy vibes going, you’ll love my Garlic Potato Soup or Ultimate Potato and Sausage Chowder. Go ahead—grab your pot, pull out those pickles, and make something that’ll have everyone asking, “Wait, why is this so good?”
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Creamy Dill Pickle Soup Recipe – A Quick, Irresistibly Delicious Bowl
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Creamy Dill Pickle Soup is a unique and comforting dish that combines the tangy flavor of dill pickles with a rich, creamy texture. This delightful soup is perfect for chilly nights or casual gatherings, offering a warm embrace in every spoonful. With its vibrant taste and simple preparation, it’s bound to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter (or oil)
- 1 yellow onion, finely diced
- 1 carrot, finely diced
- 1 celery rib, finely diced
- 4 dill pickles (200g), finely diced
- 1/2 cup pickle juice (120ml)
- 3 yellow potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 5 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1.5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup fresh dill, finely chopped
Instructions
1. In a large pot over medium-high heat, melt butter and sauté the onions, carrots, and celery until translucent.
2. Stir in diced pickles, pickle juice, cubed potatoes, and vegetable broth. Adjust salt to taste.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil then reduce heat to low. Simmer for 20–25 minutes until potatoes are soft.
4. In a separate bowl, combine sour cream and flour to create a smooth mixture.
5. Gradually whisk some broth into the sour cream mixture before adding it back into the pot off heat.
6. Stir in fresh dill and serve hot.
Notes
Serve with crusty bread or top with crispy bacon for extra indulgence.
Use full-fat sour cream for best texture and richness.
Taste before adding salt—pickle juice and broth may already provide enough saltiness.
Soup thickens as it cools—add a splash of broth when reheating if needed.
For a vegetarian version, ensure broth and sour cream are plant-based.
