Atlanta Bread Company Dill Sauce Recipe: Herbed Creaminess for Sandwiches and Dips

This Atlanta Bread Company dill sauce recipe transforms simple ingredients into a tangy, herby masterpiece that elevates sandwiches, dips, and more. The secret lies in balancing fresh dill with sour cream and a touch of acid—just like the iconic bread company’s signature flavors.

I’ve perfected this version to stay creamy without being heavy, with a bright finish that cuts through rich foods effortlessly.

What sets this sauce apart is its versatility—it works as a sandwich spread, seafood dip, or burger topping, all while keeping prep simple. The key steps involve finely chopping fresh dill (no pulsing in a food processor, which releases bitter juices) and letting the mixture rest for 30 minutes.

This allows the flavors to meld, creating a sauce that’s both vibrant and cohesive. For a lighter option, Greek yogurt replaces sour cream without sacrificing texture.

The result is a sauce that’s tangy, herby, and impossibly creamy, with a clean finish that doesn’t overpower. It’s the kind of condiment that turns ordinary meals into standout dishes—think crispy fried chicken, fresh oysters, or a classic Reuben sandwich.

The best part? It keeps well in the fridge for up to a week, so you can make a batch and use it all week long.

Pair it with your favorite sandwiches, seafood platters, or even as a dip for veggies. This isn’t just a dill sauce—it’s a game-changer for any meal. Let’s get started on making it!

Ingredients for atlanta bread company dill sauce

Nine simple ingredients create this iconic tangy, herby sauce that elevates everything from sandwiches to seafood.

The dill is non-negotiable here—farmers market bunches have the best flavor, but grocery store dill works too if the stems are fresh and green. For the sour cream and mayo, full-fat versions give the richest texture, but Greek yogurt swaps in perfectly for a lighter option. I always grab Dijon mustard from Maille—it’s worth the splurge for that authentic tang. The garlic should be fresh; no powdered shortcuts here. If you’re making this for a crowd, double the batch—it disappears fast.

No fresh dill? Dried dill at one-third the amount works in a pinch, but it won’t have that same vibrant punch. Swap sour cream for Greek yogurt if you’re watching calories, but trust me on the full-fat version for that classic ABC texture. Short on mayo? Extra virgin olive oil thinned with a splash of lemon juice can mimic the creaminess. The white vinegar might seem minor, but it’s what keeps this sauce from tasting flat—don’t skip it. For a smoky twist, add a pinch of smoked paprika, but keep it subtle.

This sauce keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to a week, sealed in an airtight container. If it thickens, stir in a splash of milk or water to loosen it. For parties, make it a day ahead—the flavors meld even more overnight. Store leftovers in small jars so you can grab just what you need for sandwiches or dips. Freezes for up to 3 months if you want to prep ahead for holiday gatherings.

Step-by-step instructions for Atlanta Bread Company dill sauce

This creamy, herby sauce comes together in minutes but delivers restaurant-quality flavor every time.

Start by washing the 0.75 cup fresh dill thoroughly, then pat it completely dry with paper towels. I like to remove the thick stems by pinching them between my fingers as I work—this gives you a cleaner, more delicate texture. Using a sharp chef's knife, finely chop the leaves into tiny pieces, about 1/8-inch in size. You should have about 0.75 cup chopped dill when you're done.

This is where the flavor really shines, so don't skip the chopping—pre-packaged dill won't give you that same bright, fresh taste. If you're worried about bitterness, taste a tiny pinch before proceeding. The dill should be vibrant and aromatic, not at all bitter.

In a medium bowl, add the 0.5 cup sour cream and 0.5 cup mayonnaise. Using a whisk or silicone spatula, gently fold these two ingredients together until completely smooth and well combined. This creates the creamy foundation of your sauce. I like to use a rubber spatula here because it helps scrape up any stubborn bits from the bottom of the bowl.

Next, add the 1 clove minced garlic, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, and 0.5 tsp salt. Mix these in thoroughly, making sure the garlic is evenly distributed. The Dijon mustard adds just the right amount of tang to balance the richness of the sour cream and mayo, while the salt enhances all the flavors. Don't worry if the mixture looks slightly curdled at this point—it'll come together as we add more ingredients.

Now add the 2 tbsp lemon juice and 1 tsp white vinegar to the bowl. These acidic ingredients are crucial—they cut through the richness and really make the dill flavor pop. Stir well to combine, then add the 0.75 cup finely chopped fresh dill. I like to press the dill into the sauce with the back of my spoon to release all those beautiful essential oils and flavors.

Finally, add the 0.25 tsp freshly cracked black pepper and give everything one last thorough mix. The pepper adds a subtle heat that complements the dill perfectly. Taste the sauce now—it should be creamy, tangy, and bursting with fresh dill flavor. If it needs more brightness, add another ½ teaspoon lemon juice. If it needs more salt, add it ¼ teaspoon at a time until it's perfectly balanced.

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. This chilling time is crucial—it allows all the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly, giving it that perfect creamy consistency. I know it's tempting to use it right away, but trust me, the wait is worth it for that restaurant-quality texture.

When you're ready to serve, give the sauce one last stir. It should be smooth, thick, and vibrant green from the fresh dill. This sauce keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, making it perfect for meal prep. It's ideal for sandwiches, dipping for veggies or fries, or as a topping for baked potatoes or grilled fish. The flavors only get better as it sits!

Perfect pairings for these flavors

Sandwich Spread

This dill sauce is a game-changer for sandwiches, especially when paired with fried chicken or pastrami. Spread a generous layer on your bread before adding the meat, or mix it into the filling for a creamy, herby twist.

I love it on Atlanta Bread Company's signature sandwich rolls—the soft, buttery texture soaks up the sauce perfectly. For extra flair, add a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds before closing the sandwich. 🥪

Seafood Dip

Serve this sauce chilled as a dip for shrimp cocktails, oysters, or crab cakes. The tangy brightness cuts through the richness of fried seafood beautifully. I like to serve it in a small bowl with lemon wedges on the side so guests can add extra acidity if they prefer.

For a presentation upgrade, garnish with a few chopped chives or a pinch of smoked paprika for color contrast. 🦞

Burger Topping

Drizzle this sauce over burgers right after grilling, or mix it into the patty mixture before cooking for a herby surprise inside. It pairs especially well with blue cheese crumbles or caramelized onions.

For a Southern-style twist, add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce before serving. The creamy texture balances the juiciness of the burger perfectly. 🍔

Vegetable Dip

Use this sauce as a dip for fresh veggies like cucumbers, bell peppers, or carrot sticks. The herby flavor complements the crunch beautifully. For a lighter option, thin it slightly with a splash of milk or water if it's too thick.

I also love serving it with pita chips or pretzel bites for a crowd-pleasing appetizer. 🥕

Grilled Fish Sauce

Brush this dill sauce on grilled or baked fish like salmon or cod in the last 5 minutes of cooking. The acidity in the sauce helps prevent the fish from drying out, while the dill adds a fresh, bright finish.

I recommend using it on blackened mahi-mahi or garlic butter shrimp for a restaurant-worthy dish. 🐟

Dip for Fries

This sauce is surprisingly delicious with crispy fries, especially when served alongside burgers or sandwiches. The creamy texture and tangy flavor balance the saltiness of the fries perfectly.

For extra indulgence, serve it with truffle fries or loaded potato skins. The dill adds a fresh contrast to the richness of the potatoes. 🍟

Frequently asked questions