Gooey Pickle Grilled Cheese

Featured in: Easy Everyday Snacks

This indulgent grilled cheese combines sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and cream cheese layered with tangy dill pickles inside buttery sourdough. The sandwich is cooked until the bread is golden and the cheese is melted to gooey perfection. A thin spread of Dijon mustard adds subtle zest, while the crunchy pickles bring bright acidity that balances the rich cheeses. Quick to prepare and easy to cook, this comforting classic satisfies savory cravings with every warm, melty bite.

Updated on Fri, 21 Nov 2025 13:41:00 GMT
Melted cheese spills from a gooey pickle grilled cheese sandwich, a delicious comfort food classic. Pin this
Melted cheese spills from a gooey pickle grilled cheese sandwich, a delicious comfort food classic. | recipeshood.com

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

I first enjoyed this sandwich on a rainy afternoon and it instantly became my go-to snack for cozy days.

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.
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This sandwich brings back family memories of quick lunches enjoyed together on busy afternoons.

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

Golden-brown sourdough cradles oozing cheese and pickle slices in this fantastic gooey grilled cheese sandwich. Pin this
Golden-brown sourdough cradles oozing cheese and pickle slices in this fantastic gooey grilled cheese sandwich. | recipeshood.com

Enjoy this gooey pickle grilled cheese warm for the best flavor and texture.

Frequently Asked Recipe Questions

What types of cheese work best here?

Sharp cheddar and mozzarella create a rich, melty center with creamy texture. Cream cheese adds smoothness, and Gruyère can replace cheddar for a nutty twist.

Can I use different pickles?

Dill pickles are traditional for their bright acidity, but spicy or bread-and-butter pickles can add unique flavor variations.

How do I get the bread perfectly crisp?

Butter the outside generously and cook on medium-low heat. Press lightly with a spatula for even browning without burning.

Is there a way to make this dairy-free?

Substitute plant-based cheeses and vegan butter, keeping the pickle and bread choices compatible with a dairy-free diet.

What sides pair well with this sandwich?

Classic tomato soup complements the melty cheese and tangy pickles, but simple green salads or crispy fries also work well.

Gooey Pickle Grilled Cheese

Melty sharp cheddar and mozzarella meet tangy dill pickles on crisped sourdough for a satisfying snack.

Prep Duration
10 min
Time to Cook
8 min
Overall Time
18 min
Created by Julia Harris


Level of Challenge Easy

Cuisine Type American

Servings Made 2 Number of Portions

Dietary Details Vegetarian-Friendly

What You'll Need

Bread & Dairy

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

Pickles

01 8 to 10 dill pickle slices, patted dry

Condiments (optional)

01 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Method

Step 01

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

Step 02

Add cheeses: Distribute grated cheddar and mozzarella evenly over two slices of bread on top of the cream cheese.

Step 03

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

Step 04

Apply mustard and assemble: Spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard, if using, on the remaining two slices of bread, then place mustard side down over the pickle-topped slices to form sandwiches.

Step 05

Butter the sandwich exterior: Generously butter the outside of each sandwich on both sides.

Step 06

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

Step 07

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

Step 08

Rest and serve: Remove sandwiches from the skillet, let rest for 1 minute, then slice and serve warm.

Kitchen Tools Needed

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

Allergen Details

Review every ingredient for allergens and reach out to a professional if you're unsure.
  • Contains dairy (cheese, butter), gluten (bread), and mustard (if Dijon is used).

Nutrition Details (per portion)

Nutrition info is for reference purposes only and isn't medical advice.
  • Energy (Calories): 430
  • Fats: 26 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Proteins: 15 g