First, gather all your ingredients on a clean workspace. If you are using frozen fried pickles, make sure they are cooked according to the package directions and have cooled slightly before you start. This ensures they stay crispy in the dip.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ranch dressing and sour cream. Whisk them together until the mixture is completely smooth and well-combined. This creamy, flavorful base is what brings the whole dip together.
Next, gently fold the cooked and cooled fried pickles into your ranch and sour cream mixture. Be careful not to stir too aggressively, as you want to keep the pickle pieces intact for that essential crunchy texture in every bite.
Now, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until it is evenly distributed throughout the dip. The cheese adds another layer of savory flavor and contributes to the dip's rich, satisfying consistency.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator to chill for at least one hour. This step is crucial, as it allows all the distinct flavors to meld together, creating a more cohesive and delicious final product.