Creamy Dill Pickle Soup

Featured in: Warm Cozy Dinners

This rich and comforting creamy dill pickle soup combines tender potatoes, aromatic vegetables, and plenty of tangy dill pickles to create a unique, hearty dish. Sautéed onions, carrots, and celery develop a flavorful base enhanced by a light roux, while the pickle juice adds a bright tangy note that lifts the creamy texture. Finished with fresh dill and a swirl of sour cream, this warming soup is perfect for chilly days and pairs wonderfully with rustic breads.

Updated on Mon, 24 Nov 2025 10:24:00 GMT
Creamy dill pickle soup presented in a bowl, showing the warm broth and visible pickle pieces. Save
Creamy dill pickle soup presented in a bowl, showing the warm broth and visible pickle pieces. | sagekettle.com

A tangy, comforting soup with creamy potatoes, aromatic vegetables, and plenty of dill pickles—an unexpected winter warmer that brings pickles to center stage.

This recipe reminds me of cozy winter nights when the warmth of the soup fills the house and everyone gathers around the table with satisfied smiles.

Ingredients

  • Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped
  • Carrots: 2 medium, peeled and diced
  • Potatoes: 2 medium, peeled and cubed
  • Celery stalks: 2, diced
  • Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
  • Dill pickles: 1 cup, coarsely grated or finely chopped
  • Dill pickle juice: 1/2 cup
  • Unsalted butter: 3 tablespoons
  • Sour cream: 1/2 cup
  • Heavy cream: 1/2 cup
  • Vegetable broth: 4 cups
  • Dried dill (or fresh dill): 1 teaspoon dried or 2 teaspoons fresh, chopped
  • Bay leaf: 1
  • Ground black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
  • Salt: to taste
  • All-purpose flour: 2 tablespoons

Instructions

Step 1:
In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
Step 2:
Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute, making a light roux.
Step 3:
Gradually pour in the vegetable broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
Step 4:
Add the potatoes and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes until potatoes are tender.
Step 5:
Stir in the grated pickles and pickle juice. Simmer for 5 more minutes.
Step 6:
In a small bowl, whisk together the sour cream and heavy cream. Temper the mixture by slowly adding a ladleful of hot soup while whisking, then stir the mixture back into the pot.
Step 7:
Add dill and black pepper. Simmer gently for 23 minutes. Adjust seasoning with salt and more pickle juice if desired.
Step 8:
Remove bay leaf. Serve hot, garnished with extra dill and a swirl of sour cream if desired.
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This soup has become a family favorite especially during cold months when everyone looks forward to that tangy dill flavor.

Allergen Information

Contains dairy (butter, sour cream, heavy cream), contains gluten (all-purpose flour). For gluten-free, substitute with gluten-free flour. Always check pickle and broth labels for hidden allergens.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 265, Total Fat: 16 g, Carbohydrates: 24 g, Protein: 5 g per serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with rye bread or crusty rolls for a complete meal and enjoy the unique blend of creamy and tangy flavors.

A close-up of a bowl of creamy dill pickle soup, garnished with fresh dill and sour cream. Save
A close-up of a bowl of creamy dill pickle soup, garnished with fresh dill and sour cream. | sagekettle.com

This creamy dill pickle soup is perfect for warming up chilly days and impressing guests with a unique twist on traditional soups.

Recipe Q&A

What gives this soup its tangy flavor?

The tanginess comes from the combination of grated dill pickles and dill pickle juice, which infuse the soup with bright, piquant notes.

Can I substitute the dairy ingredients?

Yes, for a lighter texture you can use half-and-half or plain yogurt instead of sour cream and heavy cream.

Which potatoes work best to achieve a creamy texture?

White potatoes or Yukon Golds are ideal for creating a smooth, creamy texture without falling apart.

Is it possible to add protein to this dish?

Adding diced cooked chicken or ham can boost protein and complement the flavors nicely.

How can I make this soup gluten-free?

Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to keep the soup thickened and safe for gluten-free diets.

What type of bread pairs well with this soup?

Rye bread or crusty rolls are excellent accompaniments that complement the soup's tangy and creamy profile.

Creamy Dill Pickle Soup

Tangy cream base with potatoes, vegetables, and dill pickles delivers a unique, hearty winter warmer.

Setup Time
15 min
Time to Cook
30 min
Total Duration
45 min
Created by Elena Brooks

Classification Warm Cozy Dinners

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Eastern European

Batch Size 4 Portions

Dietary Details Meat-free

Components

Vegetables

01 1 medium onion, finely chopped
02 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
03 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
04 2 celery stalks, diced
05 2 cloves garlic, minced

Pickles & Pickle Juice

01 1 cup dill pickles, coarsely grated or finely chopped
02 1/2 cup dill pickle juice

Dairy

01 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
02 1/2 cup sour cream
03 1/2 cup heavy cream

Broth & Seasonings

01 4 cups vegetable broth
02 1 teaspoon dried dill or 2 teaspoons fresh dill, chopped
03 1 bay leaf
04 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
05 Salt to taste

Thickener

01 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Directions

Step 01

Sauté Aromatics: Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté for 5 minutes until vegetables soften.

Step 02

Create Roux: Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a light roux.

Step 03

Add Broth: Gradually pour in vegetable broth while stirring constantly to prevent lumps.

Step 04

Cook Potatoes: Add cubed potatoes and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until potatoes are tender.

Step 05

Incorporate Pickles: Stir in grated pickles and pickle juice. Continue simmering for 5 more minutes.

Step 06

Add Cream Mixture: Whisk sour cream and heavy cream together in a small bowl. Temper by slowly adding a ladle of hot soup into the cream mixture while whisking. Then stir tempered cream back into the pot.

Step 07

Season and Finish: Add dill and black pepper. Simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes. Adjust seasoning with salt and additional pickle juice if desired.

Step 08

Serve: Remove bay leaf. Serve warm, optionally garnished with extra dill and a swirl of sour cream.

Tools Needed

  • Large soup pot
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board
  • Grater
  • Ladle
  • Whisk

Allergy Alerts

Review every ingredient to spot possible allergens. Consult your doctor if unsure.
  • Contains dairy (butter, sour cream, heavy cream)
  • Contains gluten (all-purpose flour); substitute gluten-free flour if needed

Nutrition Info (per portion)

Nutritional details are for reference and don't substitute medical advice.
  • Energy (Calories): 265
  • Lipids: 16 g
  • Carbohydrates: 24 g
  • Proteins: 5 g