The first time the aroma of herby sriracha butter filled my kitchen, it felt like a culinary revelation. As I stood over the frying pan, the sound of bread sizzling to a golden crisp mixed with the unmistakable tang of pickles ignited my passion for comfort food in a whole new way. This isn’t just any grilled cheese—this is a Pickle Grilled Cheese Sandwich that marries the nostalgic warmth of melty cheese with a delightful crunch, all wrapped in the tangy embrace of dill pickles.
In just 20 minutes, you can whip up this tantalizing twist on a classic, ideal for those evenings when fast food just won’t cut it. With its rich flavors and satisfying textures, this sandwich promises to elevate your lunch or dinner into a memorable meal. So, grab your sourdough and let’s transform a simple recipe into something spectacular!
Why is Pickle Grilled Cheese a Must-Try?
Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 20 minutes, making it the perfect choice for busy weeknights.
Unique Flavor Combo: The tangy pickles mixed with melted cheese create a delightful twist on the classic grilled cheese.
Crispy Perfection: Enjoy a crispy, golden crust that contrasts beautifully with gooey, melty cheese—it’s a textural dream!
Versatile Dipping: Paired with ranch for dipping, this sandwich invites endless customization for the ultimate comfort food experience.
Crowd-Pleasing Meal: Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting friends, this Pickle Grilled Cheese is sure to impress and satisfy everyone at the table!
Pickle Grilled Cheese Ingredients
• Get ready to whip up this tangy delight!
For the Herby Sriracha Butter
- Butter – Provides richness and helps achieve a golden crust; substitute with margarine or a dairy-free spread if needed.
- Chives – Fresh herb that adds a mild onion flavor; dried chives can be used if fresh are unavailable, but reduce the amount.
- Dill – Fresh herb that contributes a bright, tangy flavor; dried dill is an option; again, use less than the fresh amount.
- Sriracha – Adds heat and a spicy kick; adjust quantity based on heat preference or substitute with hot sauce.
- Kosher Salt and Black Pepper – Essential for seasoning; adjust to taste.
For the Sandwich
- Sourdough Bread – Provides a sturdy base with a bit of tang; any thin bread like whole wheat or white can be substituted.
- Fontina Cheese – Melts well and has a rich flavor; can be replaced with gouda or mozzarella for a milder taste.
- Cheddar Cheese – Offers sharpness; substitute with any good melting cheese like gruyere for a different flavor.
- Dill Pickles – Essential for the unique flavor; no substitute will provide the same tanginess.
For Serving
- Ranch Dressing – Perfect for dipping; can use any preferred dipping sauce to enhance your pickle grilled cheese experience.
How to Make Pickle Grilled Cheese
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Prepare the herby sriracha butter: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, chives, dill, sriracha, salt, and pepper. Stir until creamy and well-blended, infusing your butter with flavor.
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Assemble the sandwiches: Take two slices of sourdough bread and spread half of the herby butter on one side of each. Layer with half the fontina and cheddar cheese, pile on those tangy dill pickles, and finish with the remaining cheese. Top with another slice of bread, buttered side facing out.
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Cook the sandwiches: Heat the remaining butter in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, place the assembled sandwiches in the skillet and cook for 3-5 minutes on each side until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is beautifully melty.
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Serve and enjoy: Remove the sandwiches from the skillet and serve them hot. For a lovely finishing touch, optionally sprinkle some extra dill on top and accompany with ranch dressing for dipping.
Optional: For added flair, consider adding a slice of crispy bacon inside the sandwich!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Pickle Grilled Cheese
Fridge: Store leftover sandwiches in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days. Ensure they are completely cool before sealing to maintain texture.
Freezer: Wrap individual sandwiches tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to a month. Reheat from frozen for the best results.
Reheating: For crispy results, reheat in a toaster oven or skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes per side, until the cheese is melty and the bread is golden.
Room Temperature: While best enjoyed fresh, you can keep sandwiches at room temperature for up to 2 hours if needed.
Expert Tips for Pickle Grilled Cheese
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Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh chives and dill will enhance the flavor significantly. If using dried, decrease the quantity to avoid overpowering the sandwich.
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Perfect Skillet Heat: Ensure your skillet is at medium heat to prevent burning the bread before the cheese has melted to gooey perfection.
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Crispy Bacon Addition: For an extra savory kick, add crispy bacon inside the sandwich for a delightful crunch that complements the pickle flavor.
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Quality Pickles Matter: Choose good-quality dill pickles for the best tangy flavor. The right balance is essential for your Pickle Grilled Cheese experience.
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Custom Dipping Sauce: Don’t shy away from experimenting! While ranch is classic, other dips like spicy mayo or a tangy mustard can elevate your sandwich further.
What to Serve with Pickle Grilled Cheese?
Pair your delicious Pickle Grilled Cheese with a few irresistible sides for a satisfying meal experience.
- Crispy French Fries: The crunch of golden fries contrasts perfectly with the gooey cheese, creating a classic diner vibe at home.
- Tangy Coleslaw: Light and refreshing, coleslaw balances the richness of the sandwich and adds a crisp, crunchy texture. It’s a timeless combination!
- Crunchy Pickled Vegetables: Enhance the pickle flavor with a side of pickled veggies—perfect for those who crave that tangy bite and extra crunch.
- Roasted Tomato Soup: A comforting companion! Dipping your sandwich into warm tomato soup elevates the experience, making each bite infinitely cozy.
- Fresh Garden Salad: Toss together leafy greens with a zesty vinaigrette for a refreshing counterpoint that complements the rich flavors of the sandwich.
- Sparkling Lemonade: Quench your thirst with a bubbly lemonade; its tartness pairs beautifully with the creamy, savory aspects of the grilled cheese.
- Brownie Bites: For dessert, indulge in fudgy brownie bites. Their sweetness rounds out the meal and leaves everyone feeling satisfied!
Pickle Grilled Cheese Variations
Get ready to unleash your creativity and spin this sandwich into something uniquely yours!
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Bread Swap: Try ciabatta or whole grain bread for a different texture and flavor profile; each bread brings its own charm.
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Cheese Mix: Use pepper jack for a spicy kick or emmental for a nutty twist; cheese lovers will adore this flavorful variety!
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Herb Infusion: Add a teaspoon of fresh basil or parsley to the herby sriracha butter for an aromatic lift; it brightens each bite beautifully.
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Veggie Boost: Sautéed mushrooms or spinach make a delicious addition; they offer extra flavor and a wonderful creamy richness to your grilled cheese.
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Extra Crunch: Layer in crispy bacon or sliced turkey for a heartier meal; this twist transforms your sandwich into a satisfying main dish!
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Sweet Twist: Consider adding thinly sliced apples or pears for a sweet contrast against the tanginess of the pickles; this unexpected twist is a delightful surprise.
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Spicy Zing: Substitute jalapeños for a fiery kick; they add a wonderful heat that pairs perfectly with melty cheese.
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Gourmet Dipping: Switch ranch for a homemade garlic aioli or tangy chipotle mayo; these dips will elevate your Pickle Grilled Cheese experience to gourmet levels!
Make Ahead Options
These Pickle Grilled Cheese Sandwiches are perfect for busy weeks where time is tight! You can prepare the herby sriracha butter up to 3 days in advance; simply mix all the ingredients and refrigerate in an airtight container. Additionally, you can assemble the sandwiches (without cooking) and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, storing them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. To maintain quality, be sure to tightly seal your sandwiches to prevent the bread from becoming soggy. When you’re ready to cook, just heat the skillet and grill for about 3-5 minutes on each side until golden and melty. This way, you’ll enjoy delicious homemade comfort food with minimal evening prep!
Pickle Grilled Cheese Recipe FAQs
What type of pickles should I use for this sandwich?
I highly recommend using dill pickles for their tangy flavor, which is essential for this recipe. Bread-and-butter pickles are sweeter and may alter the taste significantly. For an extra kick, you might also try spicy dill pickles!
How should I store leftover Pickle Grilled Cheese?
Store any leftover sandwiches in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Make sure they are completely cooled down before sealing them to avoid sogginess. When reheating, a toaster oven works best to restore the crispy texture.
Can I freeze Pickle Grilled Cheese?
Absolutely! To freeze, wrap each sandwich individually in plastic wrap, then cover it in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. They can be stored for up to a month. When you’re ready to enjoy, you can reheat from frozen in a skillet or toaster oven—just keep in mind that’ll take a little longer, about 8-10 minutes over medium heat.
What can I do if my grilled cheese isn’t melting properly?
If you find that your cheese isn’t melting well, it’s often due to cooking at too low a heat. Make sure your skillet is properly preheated on medium! If that’s not working, you might try covering the skillet with a lid momentarily; this creates steam to help the cheese melt quicker.
Can I use gluten-free bread for this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap out sourdough for any gluten-free bread of your choice. Just keep in mind that different types of gluten-free bread can vary significantly in texture, so choose one that holds up well to grilling.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, the Pickle Grilled Cheese is vegetarian-friendly! However, if you’re serving it to someone with specific dietary restrictions, be mindful of the ranch dressing, as some brands may contain non-vegetarian ingredients. Always check the label!
Ultimate Pickle Grilled Cheese: A Tangy Comfort Food Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a mixing bowl, combine softened butter, chives, dill, sriracha, salt, and pepper. Stir until creamy and well-blended.
- Spread half of the herby butter on one side of each of the two slices of sourdough bread.
- Layer half the fontina and cheddar cheese, add dill pickles, and finish with the remaining cheese. Top with another bread slice, buttered side out.
- Heat remaining butter in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, place the assembled sandwiches in the skillet.
- Cook for 3-5 minutes on each side until bread is golden brown and cheese is melty.
- Remove from skillet and serve hot, optionally sprinkle extra dill and accompany with ranch dressing.