Gooey Pickle Grilled Cheese

Featured in: Vegetarian Picks

This sandwich features sourdough bread generously buttered to achieve a golden crisp exterior. Inside, a creamy layer of cream cheese supports a blend of sharp cheddar and mozzarella, topped with tangy dill pickle slices. Optional Dijon mustard adds subtle heat. Grilled over medium-low heat, it creates a gooey, savory comfort food perfect for quick meals or snacks.

Updated on Fri, 21 Nov 2025 15:44:00 GMT
Gooey Pickle Grilled Cheese, a melty, golden sandwich with visible pickle slices, ready to savor. Save
Gooey Pickle Grilled Cheese, a melty, golden sandwich with visible pickle slices, ready to savor. | ovenharmony.com

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

I love making these sandwiches on busy weeknights when I want something quick yet 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.
Buttery, toasted sourdough embracing melted cheese and tangy pickles in a Gooey Pickle Grilled Cheese. Save
Buttery, toasted sourdough embracing melted cheese and tangy pickles in a Gooey Pickle Grilled Cheese. | ovenharmony.com

This sandwich always brings my family together around the dinner table on chilly evenings.

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

Close-up of a Gooey Pickle Grilled Cheese, oozing cheese, tempting bread, and a delicious vegetarian snack. Save
Close-up of a Gooey Pickle Grilled Cheese, oozing cheese, tempting bread, and a delicious vegetarian snack. | ovenharmony.com

Enjoy your gooey pickle grilled cheese hot for the best melty experience.

Recipe FAQ

What cheeses are used for the melty filling?

Sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and cream cheese combine to create a rich, gooey texture inside the sandwich.

Can different pickles be used for a varied taste?

Yes, swapping dill pickles for spicy or bread-and-butter varieties can add unique flavor dimensions.

How can I achieve a crispy bread exterior when cooking?

Generously butter the outside of the sourdough slices and cook on medium-low heat until golden brown on each side.

Is there a suggested pairing to complement this sandwich?

A warm bowl of tomato soup pairs beautifully, balancing the richness of the cheeses and tanginess of the pickles.

What alternatives exist for dairy-free versions?

Using plant-based cheeses and vegan butter substitutes allows for a dairy-free variation while maintaining flavor and texture.

Gooey Pickle Grilled Cheese

Melty sharp cheddar and mozzarella with tangy dill pickles on buttery, golden sourdough bread.

Prep duration
10 min
Cook duration
8 min
Complete duration
18 min
Created by Claire Johnson

Classification Vegetarian Picks

Complexity Easy

Heritage American

Output 2 Portions

Dietary considerations Meat-free

Components

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

Directions

Phase 01

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

Phase 02

Add cheese layers: Evenly distribute grated cheddar and mozzarella over two bread slices atop the cream cheese.

Phase 03

Place pickles: Arrange pickle slices evenly over the cheese layers.

Phase 04

Apply mustard and assemble: If using, spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard on the remaining two bread slices, then top the sandwiches with mustard side down.

Phase 05

Butter the bread exterior: Generously butter the outside surfaces of each assembled sandwich.

Phase 06

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

Phase 07

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

Phase 08

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

Necessary tools

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

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and consult healthcare professionals if you're unsure about ingredients.
  • Contains dairy (cheese, butter), gluten (bread), and mustard (if using Dijon).

Nutritional information (each portion)

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