If you’re someone who can’t get enough of that tangy, zesty flavor of dill pickles and loves a good kick of heat, then you’re in for a treat with this Dill Pickle Hot Sauce! It’s the best of both worlds—perfectly tangy, vinegary, and just the right amount of spicy. This hot sauce is a game-changer, adding a burst of flavor to all your favorite dishes. Drizzle it over fried chicken, slather it on a burger, dip your fries in it, or even mix it into your potato salad. Trust me, you’re going to want to keep this bottle on hand at all times. It’s the tangy, spicy kick your meals didn’t know they were missing!
Why You’ll Love Dill Pickle Hot Sauce
Bold and Flavorful:
This sauce has a flavor profile that’s anything but bland. With a punch of dill, a burst of vinegar, and a nice kick of heat, it’s a flavor-packed condiment that can elevate almost anything you put it on.
Tangy and Spicy:
If you love pickles and heat, then you’re going to fall head over heels for this hot sauce. The dill pickle flavor gives it a tangy, savory depth, while the heat brings a satisfying spice that makes every bite pop.
Easy to Make:
Making your own hot sauce at home is way easier than you might think. This recipe doesn’t require any special equipment, and in just a few simple steps, you’ll have your own batch ready to go. It’s a quick, no-fuss recipe with maximum flavor payoff!
Versatile:
Use it on practically everything! Drizzle it over eggs, add it to sandwiches, tacos, or hot dogs, or dip your veggies or chips in it. The possibilities are endless, and it’s sure to be a hit at your next BBQ or party.
Customizable:
If you’re a fan of heat, feel free to adjust the number of peppers to suit your spice tolerance. You can even experiment with different types of vinegar for a slightly different flavor.

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Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make your own Dill Pickle Hot Sauce:
Dill Pickles: These are the base flavor of the sauce. You’ll want to use dill pickles with a good brine—just make sure to choose ones that are packed with flavor!
Pickle Juice: For that tangy, vinegary kick, you’ll need pickle juice. You can use the juice from your dill pickle jar, or even use fresh pickle juice if you’re making your own pickles.
Hot Peppers: A combination of jalapeños and banana peppers gives this sauce a balanced heat. If you like it hotter, you can add more peppers or switch up the type of pepper you use.
Garlic: A few cloves of garlic help round out the flavor, adding a savory depth to the sauce.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds acidity and tang. You can swap this out with regular white vinegar if you prefer, but apple cider vinegar gives a more complex flavor.
Sugar: Just a touch of sugar to balance out the acidity and heat. It helps round out the flavors so it’s not too sharp.
Salt: A little bit of salt helps enhance all the other flavors in the sauce.
(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Blend the Ingredients:
In a blender or food processor, combine the dill pickles, pickle juice, hot peppers, garlic, apple cider vinegar, sugar, and salt. Blend until smooth. If you prefer a chunkier texture, pulse it a few times for a more rustic feel.
Adjust the Spice:
Taste the sauce and adjust the heat level if needed. If you like it spicier, feel free to add in more hot peppers or a dash of hot sauce. Blend again to incorporate.
Simmer:
Transfer the blended mixture to a small saucepan and bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Let it cook for about 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Cool and Store:
Once your sauce has simmered and thickened, remove it from heat and let it cool to room temperature. Once cooled, pour it into a glass bottle or jar and store it in the fridge.
Serve and Enjoy:
Now your Dill Pickle Hot Sauce is ready to go! Drizzle it over your favorite dishes, or use it as a dipping sauce for all your snacks. Enjoy the perfect combo of tangy, spicy, and savory!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 15
Total Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 250mg
Total Carbohydrates: 3g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 2g
Protein: 0g
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
How to Serve Dill Pickle Hot Sauce
Fries and Chips:
This hot sauce is perfect for dipping your fries, chips, or even crispy tater tots. It adds an extra zing that will take your snack to the next level.
Chicken Wings:
Drizzle it over crispy chicken wings for a tangy, spicy twist. The heat and tang of the pickle sauce are perfect for balancing the richness of the chicken.
Burgers:
Add a little extra kick to your burger by spreading this hot sauce on the bun or drizzling it over the patty. It’s an easy way to elevate a classic meal.
Tacos:
Top your tacos with this zesty sauce for a deliciously unexpected flavor combo. It pairs especially well with tacos filled with grilled chicken, fish, or beef.
Eggs:
Give your scrambled eggs, omelets, or fried eggs a spicy, tangy kick by topping them with this hot sauce. It’s a fun, flavorful way to start the day.
Sandwiches and Wraps:
Spread some of this hot sauce on sandwiches or wraps for an extra burst of flavor. It’s especially good on deli meats, grilled chicken, or veggie wraps.
Additional Tips
Adjust the Heat:
If you’re sensitive to spice, start with fewer hot peppers or opt for milder ones like banana peppers. You can always add more to taste.
Use Different Peppers:
Experiment with different peppers to adjust the heat level. If you want a smokier flavor, add some chipotle peppers, or for more intense heat, use serrano peppers.
Make It Mild:
If you’re not a fan of a super spicy hot sauce, you can reduce the number of peppers and add a bit more pickle juice to keep the tangy flavor intact without overwhelming heat.
Use for Marinades:
This hot sauce works wonders as a marinade for meats. Whether you’re grilling chicken, pork, or even veggies, this sauce will infuse them with bold flavor.
Shelf Life:
Store the hot sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Shake before use, as the ingredients may settle over time.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use this hot sauce on anything besides fries and wings?
A1: Absolutely! It’s fantastic on burgers, tacos, sandwiches, eggs, and even grilled meats. Its versatility makes it a great all-around condiment.
Q2: Can I make this sauce milder?
A2: Yes! You can reduce the amount of hot peppers or use milder varieties like banana peppers or bell peppers for a less spicy version.
Q3: How long does this hot sauce last?
A3: This hot sauce can last up to 2 weeks in the fridge. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
Q4: Can I freeze this hot sauce?
A4: While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Just be sure to thaw it in the fridge before using it.
Q5: Can I make this sauce without pickle juice?
A5: The pickle juice is what gives this sauce its signature tangy flavor, but if you don’t have any, you can use white vinegar or apple cider vinegar as a substitute.
Q6: Is there a way to make this sauce sweeter?
A6: Yes! If you like a sweeter hot sauce, you can add more sugar to the recipe or even a little honey to balance the heat.
Q7: Can I use fresh dill instead of dill pickles?
A7: While you can use fresh dill, dill pickles give the sauce a more concentrated, tangy flavor. If you prefer fresh dill, you may need to add extra vinegar for that signature pickle taste.
Q8: How spicy is this hot sauce?
A8: This hot sauce has a moderate level of heat, but you can adjust it based on your spice tolerance. Add more peppers for extra heat or fewer for a milder version.
Q9: Can I use this hot sauce on grilled meats?
A9: Yes, it works wonderfully as a marinade for meats like chicken, pork, or beef. Just brush it on before or after grilling for an extra burst of flavor.
Q10: What’s the best way to store this hot sauce?
A10: Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Be sure to shake it before use, as the ingredients may settle over time.
Conclusion
Dill Pickle Hot Sauce is a must-have for anyone who loves tangy, spicy flavors! It’s the perfect balance of heat and acidity, and it can transform your everyday meals into something extraordinary. Whether you’re using it as a dip, a drizzle, or a marinade, this hot sauce will add a burst of flavor to just about anything. So, whip up a batch, store it in your fridge, and get ready to turn up the flavor on all your favorite dishes. Enjoy!
Print
Dill Pickle Hot Sauce
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Approximately 2 cups of hot sauce 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This tangy, spicy Dill Pickle Hot Sauce combines the heat of jalapeno and serrano peppers with the zesty flavor of dill pickles. Perfect for adding a burst of flavor to tacos, sandwiches, dips, or grilled meats, this homemade sauce offers the ideal balance of heat and pickle tang, enhanced by the fermentation process.
Ingredients
- 1 lb green hot peppers (jalapeno and serrano for balanced heat)
- ½ medium yellow onion, diced
- 6 garlic cloves, sliced
- ½ teaspoon mustard seed
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- 2 cups water (room temperature)
- 1 tablespoon sea salt
- 2 cups dill pickle brine (divided)
- 5–10 large dill pickles (adjust to taste)
- ¼ cup white vinegar
- ½ teaspoon xanthan gum (optional, for texture)
Instructions
- Prepare the Fermentation Vessel: Clean your vessel thoroughly with soap and hot water. Let it air dry to prevent contamination.
- Prepare the Vegetables: Dice the peppers and onion, then slice the garlic. Add them to the vessel along with mustard seed and dried dill.
- Make the Brine: Dissolve the sea salt in water and pour over the vegetables, ensuring they are submerged. Add more brine if needed.
- Start the Fermentation: Weigh down the vegetables with a fermentation weight or alternative to keep them submerged. Seal the vessel and ferment at room temperature (68-75°F) for 7-14 days, checking daily.
- Blend the Sauce: After fermentation, strain the vegetables and reserve the brine. Blend the vegetables with dill pickles, pickle brine, vinegar, and xanthan gum (if using) until smooth.
- Taste and Adjust: Adjust salt, vinegar, or pickle content for desired flavor. Optional: strain the sauce for a smoother texture.
- Store: Transfer to sterilized jars or bottles. Refrigerate for up to 12 months.
Notes
- For a milder version, reduce the number of hot peppers or remove the seeds before adding them to the fermentation vessel.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can omit the xanthan gum or adjust its amount to your desired consistency.
- Ensure that the vegetables remain submerged during fermentation to avoid any mold growth.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: None
- Category: Sauce/Condiment
- Method: Fermentation
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 15
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg