Pickles & Peanuts
Cream cheese mixed with crunchy salted peanuts and sweet gherkins creates a savory-sweet spread with a delightful texture. Seasoned with salt and parsley, it's perfect for quick appetizers or parties. Easy to prepare ahead and served with crackers, it's a fun, flavorful treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Whip together the cream cheese, seasoned salt, and minced parsley until smooth.
- Fold in the chopped salted peanuts and chopped sweet gherkins.
- Put the mixture into a container and refrigerate for at least 3 hours before serving.
- Serve with crackers.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, let the cream cheese soften at room temperature before whipping. You can substitute the salted peanuts with chopped walnuts or pecans for a different flavor profile. If you prefer a sweeter touch, consider adding a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup. This dip pairs beautifully with the rich flavors found in Blue Cheese And Cream Cheese Dip.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this delightful dip alongside an assortment of crackers, vegetable sticks, or toasted baguette slices. It also makes a great addition to a charcuterie board. For a heartier meal, pair with a fresh salad or serve as a spread on sandwiches. This dish can complement other appetizers, like Microwave Scalloped Corn, for a varied tasting experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To maintain the best texture, avoid freezing the dip as cream cheese can become grainy when thawed. When ready to serve, you can enjoy it cold directly from the fridge or let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes for easier spreading.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pickles & Peanuts contains roughly 126 calories, with 7g protein, 7g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (47% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (25% of the Daily Value), and potassium (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and protein. It also contributes 5g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dip ahead of time?
Yes, this dip can be made a day in advance. In fact, refrigerating it for at least 3 hours allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container before refrigerating.
What can I use instead of sweet gherkins?
If you don't have sweet gherkins, you can substitute them with dill pickles for a tangier flavor or chopped candied jalapeños for a spicy kick. Just keep in mind that this will alter the overall taste of the dip.
How can I adjust the seasoning in this recipe?
You can taste the mixture before serving and adjust the seasoned salt according to your preference. If you prefer less salt, you might add more minced parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavor without increasing the sodium.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).