Crispy Dill Pickle Bacon Grilled Cheese
This crispy dill pickle bacon grilled cheese sandwich combines smoky bacon, tangy dill pickles, and a blend of melty cheddar and mozzarella for a next-level twist on the classic grilled cheese. Ready in under 20 minutes, it’s the ultimate comfort food for lunch, dinner, or a hearty snack.
- Prep Time: 7 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 1 sandwich 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 slices thick-cut sourdough bread (or white, whole wheat, or rye)
- 1/2 cup (2 oz) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup (1 oz) mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 2 slices bacon, cooked until crispy
- 4–5 slices dill pickles, patted dry
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened
- Optional: pinch garlic powder or smoked paprika
- Optional: fresh dill or chives
- Optional: hot sauce
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until crispy (about 5-7 minutes), flipping halfway. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and blot excess grease.
- Shred cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Slice pickles and blot dry with paper towels.
- Butter one side of each bread slice, spreading evenly to the edges.
- Place one slice of bread, buttered side down, on a cutting board. Layer with half the cheese, bacon, pickles, and remaining cheese. Top with the second slice of bread, buttered side up. Sprinkle with garlic powder or smoked paprika if desired.
- Heat skillet over medium-low heat. When hot, add the sandwich. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula or bacon press, until bread is golden and cheese is melted. Lower heat if bread browns too quickly.
- Remove from pan and let rest for 1 minute. Slice in half and serve hot.
Notes
For best results, use freshly shredded cheese and blot pickles and bacon to prevent sogginess. Cook on medium-low heat for even melting and crispiness. For a vegetarian version, omit bacon and add roasted veggies. Gluten-free bread and vegan cheese can be substituted as needed. Wipe out the pan between batches to avoid burnt cheese bits.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 1100
- Fat: 28
- Saturated Fat: 13
- Carbohydrates: 38
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 22
Keywords: grilled cheese, bacon, dill pickle, sandwich, comfort food, easy lunch, skillet, cheddar, mozzarella, crispy, diner-style