Spicy Pickle Grilled Cheese

Featured in: Sweet Heat Treats

This dish features crispy sourdough bread layered with sharp cheddar cheese and a tangy mix of dill and pickled jalapeño slices. Buttered and grilled until golden, the sandwiches are cut into strips perfect for dunking in creamy or tomato-based sauces. The heat level can be adjusted by varying jalapeño and hot sauce, while optional dips enhance the experience. Ideal for a quick, flavorful snack with a spicy pickle twist.

Updated on Thu, 20 Nov 2025 10:32:00 GMT
Golden-brown Spicy Pickle Grilled Cheese Dippers, oozing melted cheese, ready for dipping in ranch. Save
Golden-brown Spicy Pickle Grilled Cheese Dippers, oozing melted cheese, ready for dipping in ranch. | sizzlebloom.com

Crispy grilled cheese sandwiches with a tangy, spicy pickle twist, perfect for dipping into your favorite sauces.

I first made these Spicy Pickle Grilled Cheese Dippers for a family game night, and they disappeared faster than I could serve them.

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
  • Optional dipping sauce: ½ cup ranch dressing or tomato soup

Instructions

Prepare Bread:
Spread the softened butter evenly on one side of each bread slice.
Layer Cheese:
Lay 4 slices of bread, buttered side down, on a clean surface and top each with 2 slices of cheddar cheese.
Add Pickles & Spice:
Distribute dill pickles, jalapeño slices, and chopped pickled jalapeños over cheese on each sandwich.
Add Hot Sauce:
Drizzle a bit of hot sauce over the pickles on each sandwich.
Top & Assemble:
Top with remaining bread slices, buttered side up.
Grill Sandwiches:
Heat a large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place sandwiches in the skillet and cook for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cheese is melted.
Slice Dippers:
Remove sandwiches, let cool slightly, and cut each sandwich into strips.
Serve:
Serve warm with your choice of dipping sauce.
Close-up of Spicy Pickle Grilled Cheese Dippers with visible pickle slices, appealing and savory. Save
Close-up of Spicy Pickle Grilled Cheese Dippers with visible pickle slices, appealing and savory. | sizzlebloom.com

These dippers became a favorite for weekend family lunches, especially when paired with tomato soup.

Required Tools

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

Allergen Information

Contains dairy (cheese, butter) and gluten (bread). Check labels for hot sauce allergens.

Nutritional Information

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

Warm and crunchy Spicy Pickle Grilled Cheese Dippers: a comforting appetizer with spicy flavors. Save
Warm and crunchy Spicy Pickle Grilled Cheese Dippers: a comforting appetizer with spicy flavors. | sizzlebloom.com

Serve these Spicy Pickle Grilled Cheese Dippers warm and enjoy every gooey bite with your favorite dip.

Common Questions

What type of bread works best?

Sourdough bread is preferred for its sturdy texture and tangy flavor, which complements the spicy pickles and melted cheddar.

How can I adjust the spice level?

Modify the amount of jalapeño slices and hot sauce used. Omitting fresh jalapeño will reduce heat for a milder taste.

Which cheeses pair well besides sharp cheddar?

Smoked cheddar or pepper jack cheese add unique flavor twists and enhance the spicy notes of this dish.

What dipping sauces complement these dippers?

Creamy ranch dressing or a rich tomato soup creates a balanced, flavorful dip that pairs beautifully with the sandwich strips.

Can this be made gluten-free?

Yes, substitute with gluten-free bread and verify that all other ingredients, including hot sauce, are gluten-free.

Spicy Pickle Grilled Cheese

Crispy sourdough with melted cheddar, pickles, and a spicy twist, perfect for dipping.

Setup Duration
10 min
Heat Duration
10 min
Complete Duration
20 min
Created by Emily Dawson

Classification Sweet Heat Treats

Skill Level Easy

Heritage American

Output 4 Portions

Nutrition Labels Meat-Free

Components

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

Method Steps

Phase 01

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

Phase 02

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

Phase 03

Add pickles and spices: Evenly distribute dill pickles, fresh jalapeño slices if using, and chopped pickled jalapeños over the cheese.

Phase 04

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

Phase 05

Top sandwiches: Cover with remaining bread slices, buttered side up.

Phase 06

Preheat skillet: Heat a large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat.

Phase 07

Cook sandwiches: Place sandwiches in the skillet and cook 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown and cheese melts.

Phase 08

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

Phase 09

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

Phase 10

Serve: Serve warm with ranch dressing or tomato soup as desired.

Kitchen Tools

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

Dietary Alerts

Always review ingredients individually for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance when uncertain.
  • Contains dairy (cheese, butter) and gluten (bread).
  • Potential allergens in commercial hot sauces; check labels.
  • For gluten-free option, use certified gluten-free bread and ingredients.

Dietary Information (per portion)

Values shown are estimates and shouldn't replace professional medical consultation.
  • Energy Value: 390
  • Fats: 22 g
  • Carbohydrates: 33 g
  • Proteins: 13 g