Grilled cheese is a quintessential comfort food—crispy, buttery bread wrapped around a melty, gooey cheese center. But imagine elevating this humble classic with the briny tang of dill pickles and the smoky crunch of crispy bacon. That’s exactly what you get with the Dill Pickle Bacon Grilled Cheese—a sandwich that’s bold, tangy, savory, and utterly irresistible. This recipe is a flavor bomb, a gourmet twist on the traditional grilled cheese that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or an indulgent snack.
In this article, we’ll break down every step to make the ultimate Dill Pickle Bacon Grilled Cheese sandwich. We’ll talk ingredients, preparation tips, variations, and what makes this sandwich stand out from the grilled cheese crowd. Whether you’re a home cook or a grilled cheese fanatic, this recipe will become your new obsession.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to make two large Dill Pickle Bacon Grilled Cheese sandwiches. You can easily scale the recipe up for a crowd.
For the Sandwich:
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4 slices thick-cut sourdough bread (or your favorite hearty bread)
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2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
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1 tablespoon mayonnaise (optional, for extra crispiness)
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1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
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½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for meltiness)
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6 strips thick-cut bacon, cooked until crispy
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6–8 dill pickle slices (thin, sandwich-style, or cut lengthwise)
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1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, for a zesty touch)
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Pinch of garlic powder
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Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Why This Flavor Combo Works
Let’s talk about why these ingredients come together so perfectly:
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Dill Pickles: The sharp vinegar brine adds an acidic punch that cuts through the richness of the cheese and bacon.
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Bacon: Crispy, smoky, salty bacon complements the briny pickles and gooey cheese with savory depth.
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Cheese: Cheddar brings bold flavor while mozzarella adds the perfect stretch.
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Butter & Mayo: Butter gives a classic grilled crust, while mayo adds golden crispiness and a subtle tang.
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Bread: Sourdough or rustic bread stands up to the fillings and crisps beautifully.
The flavor play between creamy, crunchy, tangy, and smoky makes this sandwich completely addictive.
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Bacon
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In a cold skillet, lay out your bacon slices. Turn the heat to medium and cook until crisp, flipping occasionally (about 10 minutes).
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Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate and let drain.
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Once cool, break each slice in half or thirds to fit the bread better.
Step 2: Prep the Bread
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Lay out the 4 slices of bread on a flat surface.
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Spread the softened butter on one side of each slice.
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On the unbuttered side, spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard if using.
Step 3: Assemble the Sandwich
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On two of the unbuttered sides, layer half the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
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Add 3 strips of crispy bacon per sandwich.
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Top with dill pickle slices. Use as many as you like—some prefer light tang, others go all-in.
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Sprinkle a pinch of garlic powder and some black pepper.
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Top with the remaining cheese (this helps glue it all together).
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Place the second slice of bread on top, buttered side facing out.
Step 4: Grill to Perfection
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Heat a nonstick skillet or griddle over medium-low heat.
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Place your sandwich in the pan. Grill for 3–5 minutes on the first side until golden and crispy.
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Carefully flip and grill the other side for 3–4 more minutes, pressing down gently with a spatula.
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Both sides should be golden, and cheese fully melted.
Step 5: Slice & Serve
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Remove from heat and let rest for 1 minute.
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Slice diagonally and serve hot!
Prep & Cook Time
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 15 minutes
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Total Time: 25 minutes
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Servings: 2 sandwiches
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Calories per Sandwich: Approximately 600–750 depending on ingredients
