Dill Pickle Hot Sauce Recipe

Dill pickle hot sauce is a tangy, spicy, and herbaceous condiment that combines the zesty punch of pickles with the fiery heat of hot peppers. This unique sauce is perfect for adding bold flavor to sandwiches, tacos, grilled meats, or even drizzling over fries. The balance of acidity, heat, and dill-forward freshness makes it a must-try for pickle lovers and spice enthusiasts alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bold & Unique Flavor – The tartness of pickles meets the heat of peppers for a one-of-a-kind taste experience.
• Versatile Usage – Works as a marinade, dipping sauce, or even a salad dressing base.
• Easy to Make – Requires just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep.
• Customizable Heat Level – Adjust the spice by choosing different peppers or altering the quantity.

Ingredients

• 1 cup pickled jalapeños (or a mix of hot peppers of your choice)
• ½ cup dill pickle brine
• ½ cup white vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
• 1 teaspoon yellow mustard seeds
• ½ teaspoon sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Directions

1. Prepare the Ingredients

• Roughly chop the pickled jalapeños.
• Mince the garlic and chop the fresh dill.

2. Blend the Sauce

• In a blender or food processor, combine the pickled jalapeños, dill pickle brine, white vinegar, garlic, fresh dill, mustard seeds, sugar, salt, and black pepper.
• Blend until smooth. If you prefer a chunkier texture, pulse the mixture rather than blending continuously.

3. Cook the Sauce

• Transfer the blended mixture to a saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
• Let it cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This helps meld the flavors and slightly thickens the sauce.

4. Cool and Store

• Remove from heat and let the sauce cool to room temperature.
• Pour into a sterilized glass bottle or jar and store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Variations

• Milder Version – Use banana peppers or mild green chilies instead of jalapeños.
• Extra Spicy – Add habaneros or serrano peppers for more heat.
• Garlic Lovers – Double the garlic for a bolder kick.
• Smoky Twist – Use smoked paprika or chipotle peppers for a deeper flavor profile.

Servings & Timing

• Servings: Makes about 1 ½ cups of hot sauce
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes

Storage & Reheating

• Store in an airtight glass jar in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
• Shake before each use, as natural separation may occur.
• If desired, warm slightly before using, but it’s typically served cold.

FAQs

How spicy is this dill pickle hot sauce?

The spice level depends on the peppers used. Jalapeños provide moderate heat, but you can adjust by using milder or hotter peppers.

Can I use fresh peppers instead of pickled ones?

Yes, but you may need to increase the vinegar and salt to maintain the tangy balance.

What can I use this sauce on?

It’s great on burgers, tacos, grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or even mixed into dressings and dips.

How long does it last?

Stored in the fridge, it lasts up to two weeks. For longer shelf life, consider fermenting or canning.

Can I make this without vinegar?

Vinegar is essential for acidity and preservation, but you can reduce the amount and rely more on pickle brine.

Is this hot sauce suitable for canning?

If properly processed with sterilized jars and adequate acidity, it can be canned for long-term storage.

What kind of dill pickles work best?

Use classic dill pickles with a clean, crisp flavor. Avoid sweet or bread-and-butter pickles, as they will alter the taste.

Can I make this sauce thicker?

Yes! Simmer longer to reduce the liquid, or add a small amount of cornstarch slurry.

Can I use dried dill instead of fresh?

Yes, but fresh dill gives a more vibrant flavor. If using dried, reduce the quantity to about 1 teaspoon.

How can I make it less sour?

Reduce the vinegar slightly or add a pinch more sugar to balance the acidity.

Conclusion

Dill pickle hot sauce is a fun and flavorful twist on traditional hot sauce, offering the perfect combination of tanginess and heat. Whether you drizzle it over grilled foods, use it as a marinade, or mix it into dressings, this sauce will elevate your dishes with its bold and zesty character. Give it a try and customize it to your taste!

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