Dill Pickle Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Crispy, buttery golden bread packed with gooey melted cheese, tangy dill pickles, fresh dill, and a little garlic. It’s the ultimate crunchy, cheesy, pickle-loaded comfort sandwich!

 Servings

2 sandwiches

 Prep Time

10 minutes

 Cook Time

8–10 minutes

 Total Time

20 minutes

 Ingredients

• 4 slices thick-cut sourdough or white bread
• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella
• ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar
• ½ cup dill pickles, thinly sliced
• 3 tbsp butter, softened
• 1 tbsp mayonnaise
• 1 tsp dried dill
• 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp finely chopped green onion, optional

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Prepare the pickle mixture

Place the sliced pickles on paper towels and gently pat them dry. This is important because excess pickle juice can make the sandwich soggy.

In a small bowl, combine:

• Mayonnaise
• Dried dill
• Garlic powder
• Black pepper
• Fresh dill

Mix well.

2. Prepare the bread

Spread the softened butter evenly over one side of each bread slice.

Spread the mayonnaise-dill mixture over the opposite side.

3. Build the sandwiches

On two slices of bread, layer:

1. Half of the mozzarella
2. Dill pickle slices
3. Cheddar
4. Remaining mozzarella
5. Fresh dill and green onion, if using

Top with the remaining bread slices, keeping the buttered sides facing outward.

4. Cook the grilled cheese

Heat a skillet over medium-low heat.

Place the sandwiches in the skillet.

Cook for approximately 3–5 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until the bread is deeply golden and crispy and the cheese is completely melted.

Keep the heat moderate. Cooking too quickly can brown the bread before the cheese melts.

5. Rest and slice

Transfer the sandwiches to a cutting board.

Let them rest for 1–2 minutes, then slice in half.

Serve immediately while the cheese is stretchy and the pickles are warm. 🥒🧀

🔥 Extra-Crispy Tip

For the crunchy texture shown in the picture, use thick sourdough, pat the pickles very dry, and cook slowly over medium-low heat. You can also add a tiny amount of grated Parmesan to the buttered outside of the bread for an extra-crispy crust.

🌶️ Variations

Spicy Pickle: Add sliced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Ranch Pickle: Add ½ tsp ranch seasoning to the cheese mixture.

Extra Cheesy: Add Monterey Jack or provolone.

Bacon Pickle: Add a few strips of cooked crispy bacon.

Garlic Dill: Mix 1 small minced garlic clove into the butter.

🌰 Nut & Allergen Information

• Nuts: None
• Peanuts: None
• Dairy: Yes
• Gluten: Yes, with regular bread
• Eggs: May be present in mayonnaise
• Soy: Check bread, mayonnaise, and cheese labels if needed

❓ Q&A

What cheese is best for dill pickle grilled cheese?
Mozzarella gives excellent stretch, while sharp cheddar adds flavor. A combination of both works especially well.

How do I stop the sandwich from becoming soggy?
Pat the pickles very dry before adding them and avoid using too much pickle juice.

Can I use pickle chips instead of sliced pickles?
Yes. Dill pickle chips work perfectly.

Can I make this in an air fryer?
Yes. Assemble the sandwich and air fry at 375°F (190°C) for about 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Can I add pickle juice to the butter?
A few drops can add extra pickle flavor, but don’t add too much because it can make the bread difficult to crisp.

Can I use only cheddar?
Absolutely. Sharp cheddar makes a deliciously flavorful version, though combining it with mozzarella gives you a stretchier filling.