Gooey Pickle Grilled Cheese

Featured in: Vegetarian & Plant-Based Grill

This sandwich combines sharp cheddar, creamy mozzarella, and tangy dill pickles between slices of buttery sourdough bread. Spread cream cheese and optional Dijon mustard for added richness and flavor. Cooked in a skillet until golden and gooey, it delivers a perfect balance of crispness and melting cheese. Ideal for a quick, comforting meal that pairs nicely with tomato soup. Variations include vegan alternatives and cheese swaps for customization.

Updated on Fri, 21 Nov 2025 11:06:00 GMT
Golden-brown layers of gooey pickle grilled cheese sandwich, oozing melted cheese and savory pickles. Save
Golden-brown layers of gooey pickle grilled cheese sandwich, oozing melted cheese and savory pickles. | bitegrill.com

A decadent, melty grilled cheese sandwich with tangy pickles and buttery, crisped bread—perfect for ultimate comfort food cravings.

I loved making this sandwich for a quick snack that still feels indulgent and satisfying.

Ingredients

  • Bread & Dairy: 4 slices sourdough bread, 2 tbsp unsalted butter softened, 100 g (3.5 oz) sharp cheddar cheese grated, 60 g (2 oz) mozzarella cheese grated, 30 g (1 oz) cream cheese softened
  • Pickles: 8–10 dill pickle slices patted dry
  • Condiments (optional): 1 tsp Dijon mustard

Instructions

Step 1:
Spread a thin layer of cream cheese on one side of each slice of bread.
Step 2:
Place cheddar and mozzarella evenly over two slices of bread (on top of the cream cheese).
Step 3:
Arrange pickle slices over the cheese.
Step 4:
Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard (if using) on the other two slices of bread then place them on top mustard side down to form sandwiches.
Step 5:
Butter the outside of each sandwich generously.
Step 6:
Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat.
Step 7:
Place sandwiches in the skillet and cook 3–4 minutes per side pressing lightly until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted.
Step 8:
Remove from skillet let rest 1 minute then slice and serve hot.
Melted cheddar and mozzarella complement dill pickles within a perfectly toasted Gooey Pickle Grilled Cheese. Save
Melted cheddar and mozzarella complement dill pickles within a perfectly toasted Gooey Pickle Grilled Cheese. | bitegrill.com

This sandwich always brings smiles around the table with its gooey cheesy goodness.

Required Tools

Non-stick skillet or griddle, spatula, cheese grater, knife and cutting board

Allergen Information

Contains: Dairy (cheese butter), Gluten (bread), Mustard (if using Dijon). Double-check all processed ingredients for potential allergens and cross-contamination.

Nutritional Information

Calories 430, Total Fat 26 g, Carbohydrates 35 g, Protein 15 g (per serving)

A classic pairing: crispy sourdough surrounds the tangy flavors of this irresistible Gooey Pickle Grilled Cheese sandwich. Save
A classic pairing: crispy sourdough surrounds the tangy flavors of this irresistible Gooey Pickle Grilled Cheese sandwich. | bitegrill.com

Serve immediately for best gooey results and enjoy your comforting grilled cheese sandwich.

Recipe FAQ

What cheeses work best for this sandwich?

Sharp cheddar and mozzarella provide a balance of flavor and meltiness. You can also try Gruyère for a nuttier taste or plant-based cheeses for vegan options.

How can I achieve a crispy exterior without burning the bread?

Use softened butter and cook on medium-low heat, pressing lightly for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown for an evenly crisp crust.

Can I substitute the pickles with something else?

Dill pickles add tangy crunch, but spicy pickles or thinly sliced cucumbers can also provide a fresh contrast to the melted cheese.

Is it possible to make this sandwich dairy-free?

Yes, use plant-based cheeses and vegan butter alternatives to maintain creaminess and buttery crispness without dairy.

What is the best bread choice for this sandwich?

Sourdough bread is ideal for its sturdy texture and slight tang, which complements the creamy cheeses and pickles perfectly.

Gooey Pickle Grilled Cheese

Melty cheddar and mozzarella with tangy pickles on crisped sourdough for a comforting sandwich.

Prep duration
10 min
Cook duration
8 min
Complete duration
18 min
Created by Ethan Walker


Skill Level Easy

Heritage American

Output 2 Portions

Dietary considerations Meat-Free

Components

Bread & Dairy

01 4 slices sourdough bread
02 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
03 3.5 oz sharp cheddar cheese, grated
04 2 oz mozzarella cheese, grated
05 1 oz cream cheese, softened

Pickles

01 8–10 dill pickle slices, patted dry

Condiments

01 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)

Method

Phase 01

Prepare bread base: Spread a thin layer of cream cheese on one side of each slice of sourdough bread.

Phase 02

Add cheeses: Distribute grated sharp cheddar and mozzarella evenly over two slices atop the cream cheese.

Phase 03

Layer pickles: Arrange dill pickle slices evenly over the cheese layers.

Phase 04

Apply mustard and assemble: Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard on the remaining two slices of bread, then place them mustard side down atop the pickles to form sandwiches.

Phase 05

Butter sandwich exteriors: Generously spread softened unsalted butter on the outside surfaces of each sandwich.

Phase 06

Heat skillet: Preheat a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat.

Phase 07

Grill sandwiches: Place sandwiches in the skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, pressing gently, until the bread is golden brown and the cheese has melted.

Phase 08

Rest and serve: Remove from heat, allow sandwiches to rest for 1 minute, then slice and serve immediately while hot.

Tools needed

  • Non-stick skillet or griddle
  • Spatula
  • Cheese grater
  • Knife and cutting board

Allergy details

Review each ingredient for potential allergens and consult with healthcare providers if you're uncertain about sensitivities.
  • Contains dairy (cheese, butter), gluten (bread), and mustard (if using Dijon mustard). Verify processed ingredients for potential allergens.

Nutritional information (each portion)

These values are provided as estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 430
  • Fats: 26 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Proteins: 15 g