If you're from the Chicagoland area, you know exactly what giardiniera is. If you're not, welcome to the good life! This easy giardiniera dip will soon be a go-to appetizer recipe.
You'll love this giardiniera dip
It's easy to make. This is a 4-ingredient dip that is so flavorful and so easy to make. You'll want to make this for any party!
It's such a crowd-pleaser. If you are from the Chicagoland area, wherever you go, people will be absolutely obsessed with this dip. If you aren't, you have to try it!
Ingredients
Giardiniera. Giardiniera is a Chicago staple. It's essentially spicy, pickled vegetables. I would argue it's nearly as common of a condiment as mustard or ketchup.
Cream Cheese. Cream cheese is the base of this dip, the creaminess really balances the tangy spice of the giardiniera.
Mayonnaise. For added consistency, I like to add just a bit of mayo into this dip.
Garlic and Onion Powder. Now, giardiniera is very flavorful on it's own. However, since we are adding cream cheese and mayo, I like to boost up the flavor a bit by adding a dash of garlic powder and onion powder.
What is Chicago-Style Giardiniera?
First and foremost, say it with me "jar-din-nair-uh" so you know how to read this entire post. But, giardiniera, in general, is pickled vegetables. There's a slight difference between Italian-style giardiniera and Chicago-style. Chicago-style is typically smaller cut vegetables, like celery and carrots, and made with oil instead of vinegar.
If you want to get real crazy you can try making your own homemade Chicago-style giardiniera. I have yet to make my own, I have my favorite store-bought brand, so I haven't had any motivation to stray from that!
What are the best giardiniera brands for this easy appetizer?
In my opinion, there's no store-bought giardiniera like Marconi. For this recipe, I used their Mild Giardiniera, but if you want to avoid having to dice, you can opt for their giardiniera relish. If you live somewhere that you might not be able to find giardiniera, I'm sure you have a Potbelly's. Their hot peppers? That's Chicago-style giardiniera available nationwide!
How to make the best giardinera dip recipe.
- Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature. I use the "cube method" which means I take the block of cream cheese, slice it into smaller cubes, and then let it sit out for 15-20 minutes. You can always microwave for about 10 seconds, too, if you don't have 15-20 minutes.
- While your cream cheese is reaching room temperature, drain your giardiniera. Like I said before, this comes in oil, so DO NOT drain into your sink! I like to drain it over a bowl, then pour the oil back into the jar and throw that away in the garbage.
- Make sure your giardiniera is well-drained, then transfer to a cutting board. Chop your giardiniera so it is in smaller pieces.
- In a large bowl, mix together your cream cheese, mayo, giardiniera, spices and chives.
- Serve the giardiniera dip immediately, or store in an airtight container in the fridge until ready to be served.
Substitutions and variations
Giardiniera. If you can't find giardiniera or spicy pickled vegetables, you can always go to your local Potbelly. Their hot peppers are essentially giardiniera.
Storing giardiniera dip
Store your leftover or prepared giardiniera dip in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Want more easy appetizer recipes?
Giardiniera Dip
If you're from the Chicagoland area, you know exactly what giardiniera is. If you're not, welcome to the good life! This easy giardiniera dip will soon be a go-to appetizer recipe.
Ingredients
- 8 oz. block of cream cheese
- 3 tablespoon mayo
- 1 jar giardiniera drained and diced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 4 tablespoon fresh chives
Instructions
- Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature. I use the "cube method" which means I take the block of cream cheese, slice it into smaller cubes, and then let it sit out for 15-20 minutes. You can always microwave for about 10 seconds, too, if you don't have 15-20 minutes.
- While your cream cheese is reaching room temperature, drain your giardiniera. Like I said before, this comes in oil, so DO NOT drain into your sink! I like to drain it over a bowl, then pour the oil back into the jar and throw that away in the garbage.
- Make sure your giardiniera is well-drained, then transfer to a cutting board. Chop your giardiniera so it is in smaller pieces.
- In a large bowl, mix together your cream cheese, mayo, giardiniera, spices and chives.
- Serve the giardiniera dip immediately, or store in an airtight container in the fridge until ready to be served.
Notes
What is Chicago-Style Giardiniera?
First and foremost, say it with me "jar-din-nair-uh" so you know how to read this entire post. But, giardiniera, in general, is pickled vegetables. There's a slight difference between Italian-style giardiniera and Chicago-style. Chicago-style is typically smaller cut vegetables, like celery and carrots, and made with oil instead of vinegar.
If you want to get real crazy you can try making your own homemade Chicago-style giardiniera. I have yet to make my own, I have my favorite store-bought brand, so I haven't had any motivation to stray from that!
Storing giardiniera dip
Store your leftover or prepared giardiniera dip in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
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Olivia says
How much giardiniera?? There are multiple size jars sold in stores…
Katie Kelly says
I used one 8oz jar!
Kitty H. says
What size jar of giardiniera?
Katie Kelly says
An 8oz. jar!
Suzy says
Can I use the kind of giardiniera that is in vinegar instead? Or does it have to be the one in oil?
Katie Kelly says
I recommend using the kind in oil! I have the kind I used in the recipe card, you can get it from Amazon!