Save to Pinterest Crispy grilled cheese sandwiches with a tangy, spicy pickle twist are pure comfort food, especially when dipped into your favorite sauces. This easy American snack brings together melty cheddar, sourdough bread, and a hit of spice for an addictive treat.
I first made these for a family movie night and they disappeared faster than the popcorn. The pickles and jalapeño combo adds just the right kick, making each bite irresistibly tangy and cheesy.
Ingredients
- Sourdough bread: 8 slices
- Sharp cheddar cheese: 8 slices
- Unsalted butter (softened): 4 tbsp
- Dill pickles (thinly sliced): ½ cup
- Jalapeño (thinly sliced, optional): 1 small
- Pickled jalapeños (chopped): 2 tbsp
- Hot sauce: 1 tbsp
- Ranch dressing or tomato soup (for serving): ½ cup
Instructions
- Prep the bread:
- Spread the softened butter evenly on one side of each bread slice.
- Layer with cheese:
- Lay 4 slices of bread, buttered side down, on a clean surface. Top each with 2 slices of cheddar cheese.
- Add the pickles and jalapeño:
- Distribute the dill pickles, fresh jalapeño slices (if using), and chopped pickled jalapeños evenly over the cheese.
- Drizzle hot sauce:
- Drizzle a bit of hot sauce over the pickles on each sandwich.
- Assemble sandwiches:
- Top with the remaining bread slices, buttered side up.
- Grill:
- Heat a large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place the sandwiches in the skillet and cook for 3 & 4 minutes per side until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- Cut into dippers:
- Remove sandwiches from the skillet, let cool slightly, and cut each into strips.
- Serve:
- Serve warm with your choice of dipping sauce.
Save to Pinterest This recipe has become a playful go-to whenever my kids want something extra fun. Watching them dunk crispy dippers into ranch and tomato soup always brings out giggles at the table.
Required Tools
You'll need a large nonstick skillet or griddle, a spatula, a sharp knife, and a cutting board to make these dippers easily.
Allergen Information
Contains dairy from cheese and butter, and gluten from bread. Check your hot sauce labels for other possible allergens. For gluten-free, use alternative bread and confirm all ingredients.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 390, Total Fat 22 g, Carbohydrates 33 g, Protein 13 g.
Save to Pinterest Serve these crispy dippers right after grilling for oozy cheese and maximum crunch. They are sure to liven up any gathering or snack time.
Common Recipe Questions
- → What type of bread works best for these grilled cheese dippers?
Sourdough bread is ideal due to its sturdy texture and tangy flavor which complements the pickles and cheese well.
- → Can I adjust the spice level in the dish?
Yes, you can vary the amount of fresh jalapeños and hot sauce to increase or reduce the heat according to your preference.
- → What cheeses pair well with the pickles and spice?
Sharp cheddar is recommended, but smoked cheddar or pepper jack offer additional flavor layers and work excellently.
- → Are there suggested dipping sauces to serve alongside?
Creamy ranch dressing or tomato soup provide great complementary flavors to dip these grilled cheese strips into.
- → How can I make this suitable for gluten-free diets?
Use gluten-free bread and verify all other ingredients, including hot sauces, to avoid gluten.
- → What cooking tools are needed for preparation?
A large nonstick skillet or griddle is best for even cooking, along with a spatula, sharp knife, and cutting board.