Introduction

This Pickle Grilled Cheese Sandwich offers a delightful twist on a classic comfort food. The tangy dill pickles combined with creamy ranch-spiced cream cheese and melted cheese create a flavorful, crispy treat perfect for any time of day.

A stack of four grilled cheese sandwich halves, each sandwich showing two layers of golden toasted bread with a crispy texture on top and bottom. Between the bread layers, there is melted white cheese and bright orange cheddar cheese, along with green pickles visible on both top and bottom sandwiches. The sandwiches are placed on a white plate with a speckled pattern, sitting on a white marbled surface with a white cloth that has yellow stripes. In the foreground, there is a small clear glass jar filled with green pickle slices, slightly blurred to keep focus on the sandwich stack. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

12-16 sliced dill pickles
4 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
2 tablespoons ranch dressing
1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
4 large slices square loaf sourdough bread
4 ounces cheese (your choice, see notes)
3 tablespoons unsalted butter

Instructions

Step 1: Pat dry the sliced pickles using a paper towel and set them aside to prevent sogginess.
Step 2: In a small bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with the ranch dressing until smooth. Set this cream cheese mixture aside.
Step 3: In another small bowl, combine the dried parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, and kosher salt to create the spice blend.
Step 4: Heat a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-low heat to prepare for grilling the sandwiches.
Step 5: Lay out all four slices of sourdough bread. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly on two slices. On top of the cream cheese, layer the sliced dill pickles, then add the cheese.
Step 6: Place the remaining two bread slices over the layered sides to form sandwiches. Butter the outside of each sandwich generously, then sprinkle the spice blend evenly over the buttered surfaces.
Step 7: Place the sandwiches in the preheated skillet. Cook for 3-5 minutes on one side until the bread is golden brown, then carefully flip and cook another 3-5 minutes until the cheese is melted and the other side is golden.
Step 8: Remove the sandwiches from the heat and serve warm for the best texture and flavor.

Tips & Variations

Use sharp cheddar, Swiss, or a melty cheese like mozzarella for different flavor profiles.
For extra crunch, add thinly sliced red onions or crispy bacon inside the sandwich.
Try using rye bread or a different artisan loaf for a unique twist.
To make it vegetarian, ensure the ranch dressing and cheese are free from animal rennet or use plant-based alternatives.

Storage

Store any leftover sandwiches tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat or in a toaster oven to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving to prevent soggy bread.

How to Serve

A stack of three toasted sandwich halves is shown on a simple white plate. Each sandwich has three layers: the top and bottom are golden brown toasted bread with a crispy texture. Inside, there is a creamy white layer of melted cheese, followed by thin slices of bright green pickles that add contrast. The sandwiches are stacked unevenly, showing the gooey, melted cheese stretching slightly between the layers. The background is a white marbled surface with a soft texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pickles in this sandwich?

Yes, you can substitute dill pickles with bread and butter pickles or sweet pickles, but keep in mind that the flavor will be sweeter and less tangy.

What cheese works best for melting in this recipe?

Cheeses like cheddar, Swiss, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack melt well and complement the tangy flavors without overpowering them.

Pickle Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 129 reviews

The Pickle Grilled Cheese Sandwich is a tangy and creamy twist on the classic grilled cheese. Featuring crisp dill pickles layered with a flavorful ranch cream cheese spread and melted cheese inside buttery, toasted sourdough bread, this sandwich offers a delightful balance of savory, creamy, and slightly acidic flavors, cooked perfectly on the stovetop for a golden, crispy finish.

Author: Dana
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 2 sandwiches 1x
Category: Sandwich
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Pickle Filling

12–16 sliced dill pickles

Spread

4 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
2 tablespoons ranch dressing

Seasoning Mix

1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

Sandwich

4 large slices square loaf sourdough bread
4 ounces cheese (such as cheddar, American, or your choice)
3 tablespoons unsalted butter

Instructions

Prepare Pickles: Pat dry the sliced dill pickles thoroughly using paper towels to remove excess moisture, then set them aside to prevent sogginess in the sandwich.
Make Cream Cheese Spread: In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with the ranch dressing. Mix well until smooth and evenly blended, then set aside.
Mix Seasonings: In another small bowl, stir together dried parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, and kosher salt to create a flavorful spice blend for the sandwich exterior.
Preheat Skillet: Place a large skillet, preferably cast iron, over medium-low heat to warm while assembling the sandwiches. This ensures even cooking and melting later.
Assemble Sandwiches: Lay out all slices of sourdough bread. Spread the cream cheese and ranch mixture evenly on two slices. Layer each with the sliced dill pickles, then top with cheese slices. Cover each with one of the remaining plain sourdough slices to form sandwiches. Butter the outside of each sandwich generously, then sprinkle the prepared seasoning mix evenly over the buttered surfaces.
Cook Sandwiches: Transfer the assembled sandwiches to the hot skillet. Cook for 3-5 minutes on one side until the bread turns golden brown and crispy. Carefully flip and cook the other side for another 3-5 minutes until the cheese melts completely and the bread is evenly golden and toasted.
Serve: Remove the sandwiches from the skillet and serve warm, allowing the flavors to shine through a perfect balance of melty cheese, tangy pickles, and crispy bread.

Notes

Use your favorite cheese such as sharp cheddar, American, or Monterey Jack for different flavor profiles.
Patting pickles dry is crucial to avoid soggy grilled cheese.
Cast iron skillet is preferred for even heat distribution, but a non-stick pan works well too.
Adjust seasoning to taste or add a pinch of black pepper if desired.
This sandwich is best enjoyed fresh off the skillet for optimal melty texture and crispy crust.

Keywords: grilled cheese, pickle grilled cheese, sourdough sandwich, creamy grilled cheese, dill pickle sandwich, comfort food