Get ready to meet your new obsession: the Dill Pickle Grilled Cheese Recipe! This sandwich combines the melty, gooey deliciousness of classic grilled cheese with the tangy crunch of dill pickles for a playful twist that’s hard to resist. Perfect for lunch, a casual dinner, or the ultimate snack, each bite brings a harmonious blend of sharp cheddar, creamy mozzarella, fresh dill, and that unmistakable pickle flavor, all tucked between crispy slices of golden sourdough. It’s easy, comforting, and guaranteed to win over pickle lovers as well as grilled cheese purists!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Dill Pickle Grilled Cheese Recipe keeps it simple, using everyday ingredients that each play a standout role. You’ll find that every component adds something unique, whether it’s vibrant flavor, irresistible texture, or a little extra zing that pulls the whole sandwich together.
- Sourdough bread: Its sturdy texture and subtle tang perfectly support all the cheesy, pickle-packed goodness.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Makes the bread crisp up beautifully while providing a golden, buttery finish.
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Brings bold, rich flavor and that essential gooey melt.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Adds irresistible creaminess and stretchy cheese pulls for fun factor.
- Dill pickles (thinly sliced): The star ingredient—choose crisp pickles for that all-important tang and crunch.
- Dill pickle juice: Lends briny brightness that takes your cheese mixture up a notch.
- Dried dill or fresh dill (chopped): Offers a pop of color and fresh, herbal flavor that pairs perfectly with pickles.
- Garlic powder: Adds a subtle hint of savory depth to the cheese blend.
- Black pepper: A pinch brings mild heat and rounds out the flavors.
How to Make Dill Pickle Grilled Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Bread
Start by spreading softened butter generously on one side of each slice of sourdough bread. This not only helps the bread crisp up perfectly but also infuses every bite with a rich, buttery flavor. If you like a super crunchy edge, make sure you reach all the way to the corners!
Step 2: Mix the Cheeses and Seasonings
In a small bowl, combine your shredded sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Toss these with the dill, dill pickle juice, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mixing the cheese with briny pickle juice and fresh herbs coats every strand with extra flavor, so the entire sandwich tastes bright and savory.
Step 3: Assemble the Sandwiches
Place half of your bread slices, buttered side down, on a preheated skillet over medium heat. Sprinkle on half of your cheese mixture, making sure to spread it evenly from edge to edge. Next, layer thinly sliced dill pickles over the cheese, covering the surface for that perfect tang in every bite. Top with the remaining cheese, then cap with the other bread slices, buttered side up.
Step 4: Grill to Golden Perfection
Cook the sandwiches for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, or until the bread is deeply golden and the cheese has fully melted. Adjust the heat as needed so the bread doesn’t brown too fast before the cheese gets melty. A gentle press with a spatula helps meld everything together, making for perfect, unified bites.
Step 5: Slice and Serve Hot
Once both sides are crisp and the cheese is bubbling, remove the sandwiches from the skillet. Let them rest for a moment, then slice in half for the ultimate cheese pull moment. Now your Dill Pickle Grilled Cheese Recipe is ready to devour!
How to Serve Dill Pickle Grilled Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
A final flourish makes all the difference! Try sprinkling extra chopped fresh dill over the top, or add a few pickle chips as a bright, crunchy garnish. A light dusting of flaky sea salt also highlights the flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair your Dill Pickle Grilled Cheese Recipe with a steaming bowl of tomato soup for classic comfort. Crisp kettle chips add satisfying crunch, or whip up a simple green salad with vinaigrette to refresh your palate between cheesy bites.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve mini squares on a platter for parties or slice into strips for dunking into dips. Another fun idea is to use cookie cutters for kid-friendly grilled cheese shapes, making lunchtime extra special. No matter how you serve it, this sandwich always stands out!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you end up with leftover sandwiches (though it rarely happens!), let them cool completely before wrapping tightly in foil or storing in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh and flavorful for up to two days.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze your cooked Dill Pickle Grilled Cheese Recipe. Wrap each sandwich tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best texture.
Reheating
To restore the crispy exterior, reheat sandwiches in a skillet over medium-low heat until heated through and the bread is crisp again. An oven or toaster oven at 350°F for 8 to 10 minutes is another great option. The microwave works in a pinch, but the bread may soften rather than crisp.
FAQs
What kind of pickles work best in this recipe?
Crisp, briny dill pickles are ideal for the Dill Pickle Grilled Cheese Recipe. You can use hamburger chips, whole pickles sliced thinly, or even spicy pickles if you like extra zing. Just be sure they’re not too wet to avoid soggy bread.
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While sourdough adds extra flavor and sturdiness, you can swap in rye, whole wheat, or a hearty white bread for a personal touch. Just be sure the bread is thick enough to hold up to all the melted cheese and pickles without falling apart.
What’s the secret to getting the cheese perfectly melted?
Grill your sandwiches over medium heat so the cheese melts at the same pace as the bread crisps. Covering the skillet briefly can help trap heat to melt the cheese thoroughly, ensuring your Dill Pickle Grilled Cheese Recipe is ooey-gooey every time.
How do I make this recipe even more flavorful?
Add a swipe of grainy mustard to the inside of the bread before grilling, or toss in a few slices of spicy peppers with the pickles. A sprinkle of smoked paprika in the cheese mix can also bring a delightful smoky depth!
Is this Dill Pickle Grilled Cheese Recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is completely vegetarian as written. If you want to boost the protein, feel free to add a slice of deli ham or turkey, but it’s just as satisfying and hearty on its own.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something cheesy, crispy, and a little unexpected, this Dill Pickle Grilled Cheese Recipe delivers every time. It brings together the best of comfort food with a playful twist you’ll adore. Give it a try and surprise yourself (and your friends) with just how incredible pickles and grilled cheese can be together!
Print
Dill Pickle Grilled Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Dill Pickle Grilled Cheese Recipe. A delightful twist on the classic sandwich, featuring tangy dill pickles and gooey melted cheese sandwiched between crispy sourdough slices.
Ingredients
Bread:
- 4 slices sourdough bread
Butter:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
Cheese Mixture:
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon dill pickle juice
- 1 teaspoon dried dill or 1 tablespoon fresh dill (chopped)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- pinch of black pepper
Pickles:
- ½ cup dill pickles (thinly sliced)
Instructions
- Prepare Bread: Spread butter on one side of each slice of bread.
- Make Cheese Mixture: Toss shredded cheeses with dill, garlic powder, black pepper, and pickle juice until combined.
- Assemble Sandwich: Layer cheese mixture and pickles on bread slices. Cook in a skillet until golden and cheese melts.
- Serve: Slice and enjoy hot.
Notes
- You can use rye or whole wheat bread instead of sourdough.
- Patting the pickles dry before adding can enhance crunchiness.
- For added protein, consider adding deli ham or turkey slices.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
