Grilled cheese sandwiches are a timeless comfort food, loved by kids and adults alike. What if I told you there’s a way to elevate this classic to a whole new level? You’ve gotta check out this bacon grilled cheese with pickles. It's a unique and delicious twist perfect for your next cookout or big game day.
There's nothing like a good grilled cheese and this sandwich is bursting with flavors. You get the tangy crunch of dill pickles, the smoky savoriness of crispy bacon, and the gooey delight of freshly shredded cheddar cheese.
And the best part? It’s super easy and takes less than 10 minutes to make, with the option to cook multiple sandwiches at once.
This grilled cheese is perfect for any time of year, whether you’re making it for a summer cookout or a cozy winter lunch. It’s also a hit with both kids and adults, thanks to its fun twist on a classic comfort food favorite. Plus, since it’s so quick and easy to make, you can whip up multiple sandwiches at once to feed a crowd.
Craving more pickle recipes? Pickle lovers are in the right place! Try these viral Dill Pickles in a Blanket or this Bacon-Wrapped Hot Dog in a Dill Pickle Bun.
Why you’ve got to try this Pickle Grilled Cheese Sandwich Recipe
- Match made in heaven with two icon flavors: dill pickles and grilled cheese
- Uses super simple ingredients you probably already have
- Easy upgrade on the classic grilled cheese
- The tangy pickles cut through the fattiness of the cheese and bacon perfectly
- So versatile and customizable with different types of bread, bacon, cheese, and more
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Ingredients
- Sliced bread - Feel free to use whichever type of bread you like. I often use classic white bread, but it also works with sourdough bread, Hawaiian bread, Texas toast, and more.
- Shredded cheddar cheese - Freshly shredded cheese is the best as it melts way better. For an extra kick, use sharp cheddar. For a more nostalgic flavor, feel free to use American cheese, but sharp cheddar cheese is my go-to.
- Crispy bacon - Technically, this is optional, but the salty, savory flavor works great with the cheese and pickles. Be sure to let the bacon strain on a paper towel to absorb excess oil.
- Butter - For that classic golden brown color.
- Dill pickle slices - These are the perfect size to lay on the bread. You can also use the sandwich-sized sliced pickles, if you have them.
How to Make the Best Grilled Cheese with Pickles
- Heat skillet or griddle to medium heat. Too hot, and you risk burning the bread; too cool, and the cheese won’t melt properly.
- Once the pan or griddle is heated, add 2 tablespoons of butter and let it melt, spreading it evenly over the cooking surface.
- Lay down both bread slices in the melted butter. You’ll start by toasting the outside of the bread first.
- On one slice of bread, begin stacking your ingredients. Start with the shredded cheddar cheese – the base of our grilled cheese. Pile it on generously; after all, the melty, gooey cheese is the star of this sandwich.
- Next, add the crispy bacon slices on top of the cheese. The bacon adds a wonderful smoky flavor that complements the tang of the dill pickles perfectly.
- Finally, layer on the dill pickle chips. The pickles bring a refreshing crunch and a tangy kick that makes this grilled cheese truly unique.
- After about a minute, once the bottom slices of bread have started to toast slightly, add the top slice of bread, toasted side down.
- Let the sandwich cook for about 2-3 minutes, then carefully flip it over. Cook for another 2-3 minutes on the other side, until both sides of the bread are golden brown and the cheese is thoroughly melted.
Want to make this recipe? Click here to print the recipe for later!
Storing Suggestions
You probably already know that grilled cheese sandwiches are best served hot while the cheese is still melted and gooey. They don't reheat that well, which is why I recommend eating them ASAP.
Tips & Variations
- Use a different kind of pickle. Replace the dill pickles with bread and butter pickles or spicy pickles for a kick of heat.
- Try bacon jam. Bacon jam is the perfect sweet and savory condiment. Feel free to use it instead of the bacon for an extra hint of sweetness.
- Lay on the toppings. There are lots of ways to adjust this recipe to make it your own. Add sliced red onion, ripe tomato slices, or even a little sliced ham for extra protein.
- Add cream cheese. Cream cheese works great with pickles and cheddar. Spread some on the inside of one of the bread slices for an extra creamy tanginess.
How to Serve
Serve the grilled cheese pickle sandwich hot, straight off the griddle (let it cool for a minute or two so no mouths get burnt from molten cheese, for the best experience. The first bite will give you a delightful mix of textures and flavors – the crispy, buttery bread, the gooey, melty cheese, the smoky bacon, and the tangy dill pickles all come together in perfect harmony.
We like to serve these with some potato chips, baked beans, and extra pickles on the side for a quick lunch. They're also great with a hot bowl of soup or chowder during the colder months of the year.
FAQs
Can you use cheese slices instead of shredded cheese?
Yes, and you probably have before. But, the shredded cheese tends to melt faster since the shreds are so much smaller, meaning you get the perfect gooey cheddar cheese pull instead of having cold, unmelted cheese in the middle of your sandwich.
Can you use a different type of cheese?
Yep! The goal is to find a type of cheese that melts really well and adds a lot of flavor. Aged cheddar cheese is perfect for this because it melts wonderfully and has a slightly funky flavor that just works. Mozzarella melts great but has a really mild flavor that doesn't really stand out too much. Instead, try using provolone, Monterey jack or pepper jack, or even a nice Swiss cheese.
Which types of bread are best for grilled cheese?
Honestly, there are so many options here. White bread, like Wonder bread, is classic for an American-style grilled cheese like you might find in a old school diner. The question is really what sort of texture and flavor you want. Hawaiian bread and brioche are soft and sweet, which will make your sandwich soft and sweet too. Chewier breads, like sourdough or rye bread, will also add a tanginess that plays into the flavor of the pickles and cheese. There's no right or wrong answer here. If you like it, it's a good choice!
Related Recipes
- Grilled Cheese Smashburger
- Fried Dill Pickle Mozzarella Sticks
- Bacon Cheeseburger Pickle Shots
- Pickle Ham and Cheese Rollups
- Smoked Bacon Wrapped Pickle Bites
Let's get cooking!
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Bacon Grilled Cheese with Dill Pickles
Ingredients
- 2 Slices of Bread your preference
- ⅓ C Shredded Cheddar Cheese fresh, if possible
- 2 slices Bacon cooked, crispy
- 2 TBSP Butter
- 5-6 Dill Pickle Slices
Instructions
- Preheat griddle or frying pan to medium heat
- Put 2 tablespoon butter down to melt
- Lay down both slices of bread in the butter
- One slice you'll stack the cheese, bacon & pickles
- After about 1 minute add the top part of the bread which should be already starting to toast slightly
- After 2-3 minutes carefully flip the sandwich, and cook until bread on both sides is golden brown and cheese is melted. Serve hot.
Wendy says
another must try!!
Danny Dobrzenski says
Hope you love it! Thanks -
Ivan Vires says
Gotta pair this with a smoked tomato soup on a cold day.
Danny Dobrzenski says
Perfect!
Buck says
Made a great food even better!
Danny Dobrzenski says
It happens sometimes! Thanks~