Paired with Waterloo Brewing’s Send It Hazy IPA
Waterloo Brewing proudly opened their doors in 1984, becoming Ontario’s first craft brewery. Stop by the taphouse any day of the week to experience their in-house kitchen and beer. While you’re there, make sure to say hi to Kara DeRose who manages the space. She’s always happy to chat with you about what’s on tap. Producing their beers, from classics to unique small batch “get ‘em before they’re gone,” is a 3-hec system along with two brewers.
Supporting local Kitchener, Waterloo, and Cambridge vendors is top of mind for Waterloo Brewing. They use local ingredients not only when brewing, but also in their kitchen, from the coffee they offer to the chips used in their nachos (Big Mac Nachos anyone?).
Waterloo Brewing often teams up with organizations for beer collaborations. This year, they’ll be partnering with SPECTRUM, an organization that serves, affirms, and supports the well-being of 2SLGBTQIA+ people in the Waterloo Region. They’ll also be collaborating with the Waterloo Food Bank, the Humane Society, and the Beer Babes Family. For International Women’s Day, Waterloo Brewing partnered with the Pink Boots Society, where together they brewed a Lemon Meringue Pie sour.
If you’re like me, you’ve noticed that pickles are having a major culinary moment, making it the food of 2024. Dill Pickle Dip Pizza is a popular menu item for Waterloo Brewing and The Growler has the recipe for you. I recommend making a large quantity of Dill Pickle Dip, because trust me—you’re going to want to eat it with everything. Why not try it with veggie sticks, crackers, sandwiches, wings, baked potatoes or sweet potato fries? The options are endless. This summer, bring the dip to your next backyard party with friends or to the cottage for the long weekend? The dip and pizza pair perfectly with one of Waterloo Brewing’s small batch DIPAs, IPAs or easy-drinking Boats Lager, so grab a 6-pack on your way to the adventure. These beers will cut some of the saltiness of the pickles and chips, without overpowering any of the delicious flavours. —Sabryna Ekstein
INGREDIENTS
Dill pickle dip
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1 cup sour cream
• ¾ cup buttermilk
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped green onion
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped dill
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley
• 1/3 cup lemon juice
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1 2/3 cup softened cream cheese
• 1 cup sliced pickles
• ¼ cup pickle juice
Dill Pickle Dip Pizza
• Homemade or store-bought pizza dough
• Dill pickle dip
• Mozzarella cheese
• Sliced pickles
• Crushed potato chips—any flavour, though plain or dill pickle would work well
• Shredded parmesan cheese
DIRECTIONS
Dill pickle dip
1. In a large bowl mix together the mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, green onion, dill, garlic, onion powder, parsley and lemon juice. Mix until combined. Add salt and pepper to taste.
2. Next, add the cream cheese, sliced pickles and pickle juice. Stir until combined. Keeps for about 1 week when refrigerated in an airtight container.
Dill pickle dip pizza
1. Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Follow the pizza dough instructions, the temperature might need to be adjusted.
2. Scoop a few dollops of Dill Pickle Dip onto the pizza dough and spread to create a base.
3. Sprinkle on a few handfuls of mozzarella cheese. Top with sliced pickles and crushed potato chips.
4. Place on baking sheet and bake in the oven for 14 to 18 minutes. Sprinkle a generous amount of parmesan on top before serving.
