Andy Montoya
The classic grilled cheese sandwich is a favourite comfort food for many, but some people like to experiment with additional ingredients to create new flavour combinations. One such combination is the addition of pickles to a grilled cheese sandwich. While this may sound like an unlikely pairing, the salty, sweet and sour notes of the pickle are said to complement the sharp cheddar cheese and toasted bread perfectly. The tanginess of the pickle also helps to balance the richness of the cheese.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of pickle | Dill, bread and butter, garlicky, crunchy, sweet |
| Type of cheese | Cheddar, fontina, gouda, mozzarella, provolone, muenster, pepperjack, monterey jack, American, havarti |
| Type of bread | Sourdough, sturdy white bread |
| Condiments | Hot sauce, sriracha, ranch dip, mayonnaise |
| Other ingredients | Chives, fresh dill, kosher dill, butter, salami, tomato |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
The flavour combination of pickles and grilled cheese
The combination of pickles and grilled cheese is a match made in heaven. The sharp, tangy bite of pickles perfectly complements the creamy, melt-in-your-mouth goodness of cheese. The acid from the pickles cuts through the fat of the cheese, creating a balanced and flavourful bite.
The key to a successful pickle grilled cheese sandwich is to use the right type of pickles and prepare them properly. It is recommended to use pickle chips or sandwich pickles, which are flat-cut pickles that work better in a grilled cheese sandwich. Pickle spears can make the sandwich bulkier and more prone to falling apart. Blotting the pickles dry with a paper towel before adding them to the sandwich is also crucial to avoid excess moisture and a soggy sandwich.
When it comes to cheese, shredded cheese or slices can be used, depending on personal preference. However, if using pre-shredded bagged cheese, it may not melt as nicely due to the starch coating. For the best melting results, shred the cheese yourself from a block. Medium cheddar cheese is a popular choice, but other varieties such as gouda, mozzarella, or provolone can also be used. Havarti is another recommended option.
To assemble the sandwich, spread butter on the bread, add a layer of cheese, followed by the prepared pickle slices, and then more cheese. Cover with the top bread slice and cook in a pan over medium heat until both sides are golden brown and the cheese is melted.
For an extra flavour boost, some suggest adding fresh herbs like chives and dill, as well as a spread of herby sriracha butter. The heat from the sriracha complements both the pickles and the cheese. Sourdough bread is also recommended for its ability to get perfectly crisp and golden when toasted.
Grilled Cheese Burrito: What's Inside This Delicious Dish?
You may want to see also
The best type of pickles to use
The best type of pickle to use in a grilled cheese sandwich is dill pickles. They are large, slice easily, and are super tasty. They are also easy to find in stores or can be made at home. Sliced dill pickles are preferred over pickle chips as they stay in place better and are thinner.
Dill pickle grilled cheese sandwiches are a perfect combination of tangy, creamy, and crunchy. The tart, briny taste of the dill pickle slices contrasts with the rich, gooey cheese. The acid from the pickles cuts through the fat of the cheese, making the sandwich taste amazing. The crunchy, buttery exterior of the bread holds it all together.
Some recipes suggest using dill havarti cheese to add another level of pickle power. Other recipes suggest using kosher dill pickles.
Some people prefer to eat their grilled cheese sandwiches with a side of dill pickles instead of incorporating them into the sandwich.
Creative Uses for Leftover Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
You may want to see also
The best type of cheese to use
When it comes to the best type of cheese to use in a grilled cheese sandwich, there are several options to consider. Firstly, it is important to choose a cheese that melts well. Some excellent melting cheeses include Fontina, Cheddar, Mozzarella, Muenster, and Gouda. For instance, Fontina is a great melting cheese that is not overpowering in taste. Mozzarella, on the other hand, has excellent melting properties and a mild flavour, making it a good base for adding a sharper, more flavourful cheese.
Shredded cheese or thin slices of softer cheeses are also recommended, as they melt faster and ensure a quick melting time. Grating your own cheese is preferable, as store-bought pre-grated cheese can be coated with anti-caking agents that hinder melting.
For a sharper flavour, Cheddar is a popular choice, as mentioned in several sources. Medium or vintage Cheddar is a good option, and it pairs well with dill pickles and sourdough bread. However, if you are pairing your grilled cheese sandwich with tomato soup, some suggest that a milder cheese like Gouda is a better option.
For those who enjoy a spicy kick, a combination of cream cheese and Tillamook Spicy Mexican blend is recommended. This can be spread on slices of panne rustica and grilled with a light coat of mayonnaise on the outside of the bread.
Ultimately, the best type of cheese to use in a grilled cheese sandwich is a matter of personal preference. Experimenting with different cheeses and combinations can lead to delicious results.
Smoking Cheese on a Rec Tec Grill: A Step-by-Step Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$23.49 $24.99
How to prepare the pickles
Pickles are a great addition to grilled cheese sandwiches, and you can easily make them at home. Here is a detailed guide on how to prepare homemade pickles:
Ingredients:
- Cucumbers
- Vinegar (preferably rice vinegar for a milder flavour)
- Fresh dill (technically optional, but recommended)
- Garlic
- Basic seasonings (salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes)
- Maple syrup or sugar (for sweeter pickles)
- Bay leaf
- Mustard seeds
- Peppercorns
Instructions:
- Slice the cucumbers: For pickle rounds ("chips"), slice the cucumbers into thin rounds, about 1/8-inch thick. For spears, cut the cucumbers lengthwise into quarters, then slice each quarter lengthwise into eighths.
- Prepare the jars: Place the sliced cucumbers into a wide-mouth jar, about 3-4 inches in diameter. The jar should be tall enough to leave at least 1 inch of extra space on top. For pickle spears, use a jar that is tall enough to fit the spears vertically.
- Add seasonings: Top the cucumbers with dill, garlic, and other seasonings. For sweeter pickles, add maple syrup or sugar to the vinegar mixture.
- Prepare the brine: In a separate bowl or liquid measuring cup, combine water, vinegar, and any additional seasonings. For sweeter pickles, add more maple syrup or sugar to taste.
- Pour the brine: Pour the brine over the cucumbers, ensuring they are fully submerged.
- Refrigerate: Cover the jar and place it in the refrigerator. For pickle rounds, refrigerate for at least 1 hour. For pickle spears, refrigerate for at least 3 hours. The pickles will continue to develop flavour over the next few days.
- Serve or store: Homemade pickles will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.
These homemade pickles are perfect for adding a tangy crunch to your grilled cheese sandwiches. Enjoy experimenting with different ingredients and seasonings to find your favourite pickle flavour!
Cheese Conundrum: Is Grilled Cheese Actually Bad?
You may want to see also
How to cook the sandwich
Pickles and grilled cheese sandwiches are a match made in heaven. The sharp, tangy bite of pickles perfectly complements the creamy, melt-in-your-mouth goodness of cheese. The key to a good grilled cheese sandwich with pickles is to ensure the pickles are dry and chopped into small pieces to avoid sogginess and to allow the cheese to melt effectively. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make the perfect grilled cheese sandwich with pickles:
Ingredients:
- Butter
- Bread (Sourdough is recommended for its sturdiness and ability to get perfectly crisp)
- Cheese (Medium Cheddar, Fontina, or Havarti are great melting options)
- Pickles (Dill or Bread and Butter Pickles)
- Fresh dill (optional)
- Chives (optional)
- Sriracha (optional)
- Hot sauce (optional)
Instructions:
Firstly, prepare your ingredients. Shred or slice your cheese, and chop your pickles into small pieces. If using fresh dill, chop this finely. In a bowl, combine softened butter, dill, chives, a squirt of sriracha, salt, and pepper to make a herby sriracha butter.
Next, assemble the sandwich. Spread the herby butter on your chosen bread. Top with a generous amount of shredded or sliced cheese, followed by chopped pickles, and then more cheese. If desired, add some hot sauce. Place the second slice of bread on top and spread butter on the outside.
Now, it's time to cook the sandwich. Melt a slab of butter in a pan over medium heat. Once melted and bubbling, place your sandwich in the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. If needed, cook for an additional minute or two on each side.
Finally, enjoy your delicious, crispy, and golden grilled cheese sandwich with the perfect combination of tangy and creamy flavours! For an extra special treat, serve with a side of tomato soup or crunchy potato chips.
There you have it—a detailed guide to creating the ultimate grilled cheese sandwich with pickles. It's a simple yet mouth-watering combination that's sure to impress and satisfy those comfort food cravings!
Grilled Cheese: Melty, Cheesy, and Perfectly Crispy Sandwiches
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The sharp, tangy bite of pickles perfectly complements the creamy, melt-in-your-mouth goodness of cheese. The acid from the pickles cuts right through the fat of the cheese and makes the whole thing taste amazing.
You can use dill or bread and butter pickles. If you use dill pickles, you can add some fresh dill to your sandwich for an extra punch of flavor.
Medium cheddar cheese is a popular choice, but you can also use gouda, mozzarella, provolone, muenster, pepperjack, or monterey jack.
You can add some hot sauce, sliced tomato, salami, or pickled jalapenos for a spicy kick. For an herby twist, you can add some chives and make a sriracha butter using butter, chives, dill, sriracha, salt, and pepper.
Sourdough or a sturdy white bread pairs exceptionally well with a grilled cheese sandwich. Their hearty texture and distinct flavors complement the tanginess of the pickles and the richness of the cheese beautifully.
