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Dill Pickle Soup (Dillgurkensuppe)- A Hearty Weeknight Recipe
by: Lydia Fulson / Writer, Artist, Traveler, Granddaughter & Ever-Learning German Cook
Updated: September 18, 2026
From one pickle lover to another, I have the recipe for you! Packed with pickle flavor, ham, and tender potatoes, this dill pickle soup is irresistible.
Pickle-packed goodness!Dillgurkensuppe! Perfect for satisfying every craving. Sweet, sour, savory, hearty. This soup has it all.
It's so simple to throw together during your busy week. Make it one day, and have it last a few. There's nothing better than coming home from work to a ready-made meal. The best part about soups is that they taste even better as leftovers.
Oma's Recipe Rundown
- Ease of Making: Beginner-friendly!
- Taste: Tangy and hearty. A dill lover's dream.
- Time: Approximately 55 minutes.
- Best Served With: Breads for dipping and meats such as sausages.
- What You Need: Large soup pot, cutting boards, pairing knives, soup ladle, measuring spoons, and cups.
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My lovely sister Alana made this soup for me when we visited her chilly home in Thunder Bay, Northern Ontario. I gave her the biggest hug when she told me what we were having for dinner. "Pickle soup!?" *insert look of shock and amazement* She knows me too well. Granted, it was freezing cold that day, so nothing hit the spot quite like this soup.
I decided to make it for my parents as soon as I got back home. I used her recipe, but tweaked a few things here and there. That's one of my favorite things about soups. The versatility. It's one of those don't have this, use some of that, kind of recipes.
Now that's a good lookin' spoonful!Add a German Twist
Don't have ham? Here's where that handy versatility comes into play. Check your freezer for some German bratwurst or knackwurst. This tastes just as good, even better, and adds an extra touch of German cuisine to this recipe.
I used thick ham slices, as shown in the picture below. These work as a fantastic ham hack. Especially if you don't want the hassle or expense of buying a whole ham or ham steak.
These saved me so much time!To Thicken or Not to Thicken?
For me? The answer is always to thicken. But my family and I all prefer thicker, stew-like soups. So this thickening hack is always a go-to in our home.
Unless you add a thickening agent to this soup, then it is fairly liquidy. But it's all up to the chef's preference.
Our hack from home, is using instant potato flakes such as these to thicken soups.Our hack from home is using instant potato flakes such as these to thicken up soups.
What to serve with Pickle Soup:
Bread-Inspired Sides: The best homemade soup dippers around!
Meat Sides: For a traditional German pairing.
Invite your pickle-loving family and friends over tonight for a tasty treat everyone will love. Dig in! Guten Appetit!
Dill Pickle Soup: Dillgurkensuppe - A Hearty Weeknight Recipe
Love pickles? This easy dill pickle soup recipe, or Dillgurkensuppe, is quick and packed with pickle flavor, ham, and tender potatoes. It's sure to be your new go-to!
Prep Time:
15 minutes
Cook Time:
40 minutes
Total Time:
55 minutes
Servings:
Makes 6-8 servings
Ingredients:
- ½ white onion, diced
- 2 celery ribs, chopped
- 2 small carrots, chopped
- 2 medium (or 6 small) potatoes, chopped
- 8 dill pickles, chopped
- 1 cup (150 grams) ham, diced (thick ham slices, or ham steak)
- 1 cup (250 milliliters) pickle juice
- chicken broth, as needed
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
- 1 tablespoon (7 grams) Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon (7 grams) paprika
- 3-4 tablespoons (12-14 grams) dill weed
- salt and pepper, to taste
- approximately 2 cups instant potato flakes (optional)
Instructions:
- In a large pot, add olive oil and chopped onions. Sauté onions until golden brown on low heat.
- Add chopped celery, carrots, potatoes, and ham.
- Add pickles and seasonings, stir well.
- Pour in chicken broth, covering the veggies.
- Add pickle juice, and stir.
- Simmer for 40 minutes.
- Add potato flakes, starting with ½ cup, stirring until incorporated. Keep adding flakes and mixing until desired thickness. (optional)
- Serve topped with extra dill, and enjoy!
Notes/Hints:
- Use dried or fresh dill.
- For an even heartier touch, add shredded cheddar.
* * * * *
Unless otherwise noted recipe, images and content © Just like Oma | justlikeoma.com
Updated: September 18, 2026
Pickle Soup FAQ
How long can I freeze soup for?
How long can I freeze soup for?
Soup can be frozen for 2–3 months for the best flavor and texture. Or up to 6 months. Be sure to store in airtight containers. or freezer bags. Freezer bags are best for avoiding freezer burn. Cream based soups may separate if frozen for longer periods of time.
What else can be used to thicken soup?
What else can be used to thicken soup?
Aside from potato flakes, there are many ways to thicken soup. Rice is commonly used, as well as cornstarch slurries. These are made by mixing cornstarch with cold water, then adding it to the soup. It thickens well and won't change the flavor.
Comments? Questions?
You can leave a comment about this recipe or ask a question...
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Hi, I'm Oma Gerhild! As a food writer and cookbook author, I'm always looking to find ways to pass on my German heritage using local ingredients. Quick and easy. That's my goal. Wunderbar food. That's the result.
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