Buttery, crispy and golden brown on the outside with melted cheddar cheese and thinly sliced pickle inside, this pickle grilled cheese sandwich is for all those pickle lovers out there. One bite of this cheesy pickle sandwich and you’ll be hooked!
Hey friends!
If you’ve been following Girl Heart Food for a little while, you know my love for cheese runs deep.
Heck, as a kid, I even remember coming home from school, throwing cheddar on a plate, melting it in the microwave and digging in. The love is real.
So, any excuse to pile cheese onto something, I’m in!
Just recently, hubby and I visited our local farmer’s market.
Aside from veggies for sale, local vendors are selling all sorts of food, one of which is grilled cheese sandwiches.
Hubby and I ordered a couple and shared, one was a pickle grilled cheese sandwich.
We took it home and devoured. Both of us agreed that the dill pickle sandwich was our fave.
And since I’m no stranger to grilled cheese sandwiches, you know I had to make my own!
If you’re a pickle fan and a grilled cheese sandwich fan, then this bad boy is for you!
How To Assemble This Sandwich
Full details are in the recipe card below, but here are the basics:
Generously spread some butter on your favourite bread (in my case, I used a local sourdough). For each sandwich, top one of the slices with plenty of shredded cheddar cheese and dill (to really reinforce that dill flavour).
Add some (patted dry) kosher pickle. Drizzle on some hot sauce to taste, then pile on more yummy cheddar cheese.
Cover with the top bread slice. Then it’s just a matter of gently pan frying the sandwiches and enjoying!
Best Pickle To Use
For this pickle grilled cheese, Kosher pickles were used. I just love them so much. They’re big, slice easily and super tasty. I use my fave store-bought, but you can make your own.
If you aren’t into those (or have something else on hand), you can totally use that.
Just remember that whatever you use will impact the overall flavour of your sandwich. For instance, some pickles are more garlicky or crunchy than others.
Other delicious options are dill pickles or bread and butter pickles.
Tips and Variations
- Medium cheddar cheese was used here, but you can use another variety should you wish (like Gouda, mozzarella or provolone). Just use a good melting cheese.
- Pat those pickles dry of excess moisture so they don’t make your grilled sandwich soggy.
- Don’t have your heat level too high as to burn your sandwich. The goal here is to get a nice golden brown and crispy exterior while allowing the cheese to melt inside.
- Instead of hot sauce (or in addition to, if you really like things spicy), add some (patted dry) sliced pickled banana peppers.
What To Serve With This Sandwich
Any of these delicious sides would go great with this grilled cheese:
- Tomato soup
- Potato chips
- Homemade fries
- Crispy potato wedges
- Side salad
More Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
If you make this dill pickle grilled cheese sandwich, be sure to leave a comment below!
Pickle Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Ingredients
- 2 to 3 tablespoons butter or margarine, approximately
- 4 slices sandwich bread (like sourdough), or your favourite variety
- 4 ounces shredded cheddar cheese, divided (about 1 cup)
- 2 kosher pickles, thinly sliced and patted dry of excess moisture with a paper towel
- pinch dried dill (dill weed)
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce, optional (I like to use Sriracha on this sandwich)
Instructions
- Spread the butter among the 4 slices of bread (on both sides).Note: Depending on exactly how big your bread slices are (and how buttery you like things), you may use a little less (or more) butter on your bread.
- On top of two slices of bread, add half of the cheddar cheese (2 ounces or ½ cup).
- Sprinkle a pinch of dried dill over top.
- Place sliced pickle over top of cheese.
- Drizzle over hot sauce (if using).
- Top with remaining cheddar cheese (2 ounces or ½ cup).
- Place remaining slices of bread on top of ingredients to form the two sandwiches.
- Heat a 10-inch or 12-inch cast-iron skillet over medium low to medium heat. Place the sandwiches in the skillet and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes on one side.Note: Watch carefully that they don't burn. You're going for a nice golden brown and crispy outside and want the cheese to be melted inside.
- Carefully flip the sandwiches to the other side and continue to cook for another 3 to 4 minutes or until they're golden brown and crispy outside and the cheese is melted inside. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Medium cheddar cheese was used here, but you can use another variety should you wish (like Gouda, mozzarella or provolone), just use a good melting cheese.
- Pat those pickles dry of excess moisture so they don’t make your grilled sandwich soggy.
- Don’t have your heat level too high as to burn your sandwich. The goal here is to get a nice golden brown and crispy exterior while allowing the cheese to melt inside.
A note on times provided: appliances vary, any prep and/or cook times provided are estimates only.
Tried this recipe?
If you do make this recipe, thank you!! It would mean so much if you could leave a comment below. Love to know how you enjoyed it, and it helps other readers too!
Karen (Back Road Journal)
I’ve been a fan of grilled cheese with pickles since I was in high school. I’ll have to give your version a try with the addition of hot sauce. Spicy and delicious.
Dawn - Girl Heart Food
Such a great combo, right?? Thanks Karen! Enjoy!
Kathy @ Beyond the Chicken Coop
A grilled cheese sandwich is one of those amazing comfort foods that I never get tired of. I often have a dill pickle on the side of my sandwich, but now I need to try adding it to my grilled cheese! Such a great idea!
Dawn - Girl Heart Food
Same here! Thanks Kathy! Enjoy!
Kelsie | the itsy-bitsy kitchen
I can’t believe I’ve never had a pickle grilled cheese before. I LOVE pickles and obvs I looooove a good grilled cheese sandwich. I can’t wait to try this–I’m already in love!
Dawn - Girl Heart Food
Woo hoo! Thanks Kelsie!
laura
So funny, Dawn! Growing up, we always put pickles on our grilled cheese. We often used bread ‘n’ butter chips, but also gherkins. I had completely forgotten! Crazy! Now I can’t wait to make it again. Thanks for opening my memory!
Dawn - Girl Heart Food
That’s awesome, Laura! Such a yummy combo!
Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen
I’ve never thought of adding a pickle to my grilled cheese Dawn, but I’m so excited to give it a try! Great idea. And yes, perfect with a side of tomato soup. Pinned!
Dawn - Girl Heart Food
Yay! Thanks Mary Ann! It sure is!
Katherine | Love In My Oven
Can you believe I ran out of dill pickles yesterday!? The horror! I am going Saturday to stock up. We eat them SO OFTEN! I don’t know why I haven’t thought to throw it into a grilled cheese. Gotta try this one soon!
Dawn - Girl Heart Food
Oh no! Time to get more! 😉 Thanks Katherine! Enjoy!
Marissa
I’ve been thinking about these gooey crunchy sandwiches ever since I spotted them on your Instagram this morning, Dawn. I LOVE the addition of a pickled slice to a typical grilled cheese. Can not wait to try it!
Dawn - Girl Heart Food
So happy to hear that! Thank you Marissa! Enjoy!
Jennifer @ Seasons and Suppers
Oh yes! I have never tried this, but as soon as I saw it, I absolutely know it will be delicious 🙂 Can’t wait to try it!
Dawn - Girl Heart Food
Yay! Thanks Jennifer. Enjoy!
David @ Spiced
Holy cow. You just blew my mind with this idea, Dawn! I love a good grilled cheese sandwich, but then add a sliced pickle in there? Yes. This will be happening here. I can imagine mixing this up with all sorts of fun cheeses, too. Perhaps a bit of smoked cheddar along with some melty Pepperjack? Oh yeah. I’m already hungry for lunch and it’s only 8am here!
Dawn - Girl Heart Food
Woo hoo! Hope you enjoy, David! It’s a yummy one for sure.