Spicy Pickle Grilled Cheese

Featured in: Everyday Treats

Experience a satisfying blend of crispy sourdough bread and melted sharp cheddar cheese with a tangy and spicy pickle infusion. This easy-to-make dish features sliced dill pickles complemented by jalapeño and hot sauce for a bold flavor. Cooked to golden perfection on a skillet, the sandwiches are cut into dippable strips that pair wonderfully with creamy tomato soup or ranch dressing. Ideal for a quick snack or appetizer, it offers a delightful balance between creamy cheese and crunchy, zesty pickles.

Updated on Thu, 20 Nov 2025 09:53:00 GMT
Golden-brown Spicy Pickle Grilled Cheese Dippers ready to serve alongside a bowl of tomato soup. Save to Pinterest
Golden-brown Spicy Pickle Grilled Cheese Dippers ready to serve alongside a bowl of tomato soup. | flourhollow.com

Crispy grilled cheese sandwiches with a tangy, spicy pickle twist are an irresistible snack or appetizer. These dippers are perfect for dipping into your favorite sauces and make a fun, flavorful treat for any time of day.

I first made these Spicy Pickle Grilled Cheese Dippers for a game night and they were gone in minutes. The combination of crunchy bread, melty cheese, and punchy pickles was a huge hit with family and friends.

Ingredients

  • Bread & Dairy: 8 slices of sourdough bread, 8 slices of sharp cheddar cheese, 4 tbsp unsalted butter (softened)
  • Pickles & Spice: ½ cup dill pickles (thinly sliced), 1 small jalapeno (thinly sliced, optional for extra heat), 2 tbsp pickled jalapenos (chopped), 1 tbsp hot sauce (such as Sriracha or your favorite)
  • Optional Dipping Sauce: ½ cup ranch dressing or tomato soup (for serving)

Instructions

Prep the Bread:
Spread softened butter evenly on one side of each bread slice.
Assemble Sandwiches:
Lay 4 slices of bread, buttered side down, on a clean surface. Top each with 2 slices of cheddar cheese.
Add Pickles & Heat:
Distribute the dill pickles, fresh jalapeno slices (if using), and chopped pickled jalapenos over the cheese. Drizzle hot sauce over the pickles on each sandwich.
Top & Heat:
Place remaining bread slices, buttered side up, on top. Heat a large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat.
Cook Sandwiches:
Place sandwiches in skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cheese is melted.
Slice & Serve:
Remove sandwiches, let cool slightly, then cut into strips (dippers). Serve warm with your choice of dipping sauce.
Melted cheese and spicy pickles create a delicious Spicy Pickle Grilled Cheese Dipper experience. Save to Pinterest
Melted cheese and spicy pickles create a delicious Spicy Pickle Grilled Cheese Dipper experience. | flourhollow.com

My kids always request these dippers on movie nights and love experimenting with dipping sauces. It has become a comfort food staple in our home that everyone looks forward to.

Required Tools

Large nonstick skillet or griddle, spatula, sharp knife, cutting board

Allergen Information

Contains dairy (cheese, butter) and gluten (bread). Hot sauces may contain other allergens. For gluten-free, use gluten-free bread and check all labels.

Nutritional Information

Per serving: Calories: 390, Total Fat: 22 g, Carbohydrates: 33 g, Protein: 13 g

Freshly made Spicy Pickle Grilled Cheese Dippers, cut into perfect strips, await dipping into creamy ranch. Save to Pinterest
Freshly made Spicy Pickle Grilled Cheese Dippers, cut into perfect strips, await dipping into creamy ranch. | flourhollow.com

Enjoy these dippers warm for the best texture and taste. They pair especially well with creamy tomato soup or ranch for dipping.

Recipe FAQs

What type of cheese works best?

Sharp cheddar provides a strong, tangy flavor that melts well, but smoked cheddar or pepper jack can add unique twists.

How can I adjust the spice level?

Modify the amount of fresh jalapeño and hot sauce to control heat intensity according to your preference.

Are there alternatives to dill pickles?

Bread-and-butter pickles offer a sweeter contrast, while other pickled varieties add diverse flavor notes.

What sauces complement the dish?

Creamy options like ranch dressing or tomato soup work great for dipping and balance the spicy, tangy elements.

Can this be made gluten-free?

Use gluten-free bread and ensure other ingredients, such as sauces, are free from gluten-containing additives.

Spicy Pickle Grilled Cheese

Crispy sourdough with melted sharp cheddar, tangy pickles, and a spicy kick.

Prep Duration
10 mins
Cook Duration
10 mins
Overall Time
20 mins
Created by Megan Turner


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type American

Serves 4 Servings Count

Dietary Details Meat-Free

Ingredient List

Bread & Dairy

01 8 slices sourdough bread
02 8 slices sharp cheddar cheese
03 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened

Pickles & Spice

01 ½ cup dill pickles, thinly sliced
02 1 small jalapeño, thinly sliced (optional)
03 2 tablespoons chopped pickled jalapeños
04 1 tablespoon hot sauce (e.g., Sriracha)

Optional Dipping Sauce

01 ½ cup ranch dressing or tomato soup, for serving

Steps

Step 01

Prepare bread slices: Spread softened butter evenly on one side of each bread slice.

Step 02

Assemble base layers: Place 4 slices of bread, buttered side down, on a clean surface. Top each with 2 slices of cheddar cheese.

Step 03

Add pickles and spices: Evenly distribute dill pickles, sliced fresh jalapeño (if using), and chopped pickled jalapeños over the cheese on each sandwich.

Step 04

Apply hot sauce: Drizzle hot sauce lightly over the pickles on each sandwich.

Step 05

Complete sandwich assembly: Top with remaining bread slices, buttered side up.

Step 06

Heat cooking surface: Warm a large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat.

Step 07

Cook sandwiches: Place sandwiches in the skillet and cook for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and cheese is melted.

Step 08

Rest sandwiches: Remove from skillet and allow to cool slightly.

Step 09

Slice into dippers: Cut each sandwich into strips suitable for dipping.

Step 10

Serve: Serve warm alongside ranch dressing or tomato soup as preferred.

Equipment Needed

  • Large nonstick skillet or griddle
  • Spatula
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board

Allergy Info

Review every ingredient to spot potential allergens. Always confirm with your healthcare provider if unsure.
  • Contains dairy (cheese, butter) and gluten (bread).
  • Commercial hot sauces may contain additional allergens; check labels.

Nutrition Breakdown (per serving)

Nutrition details are for reference and can't substitute for professional advice.
  • Caloric Value: 390
  • Fat content: 22 g
  • Carbohydrates: 33 g
  • Protein Amount: 13 g