Save Crispy grilled cheese sandwiches with a tangy, spicy pickle twist are perfect for dipping into your favorite sauces. This snack brings irresistible flavors and textures together in just 20 minutes for a vegetarian treat.
I first made these dippers for a movie night with friends. Everyone loved the combination of melty cheese, crunchy bread, and spicy pickles.
Ingredients
- Bread: 8 slices of sourdough bread
- Cheddar Cheese: 8 slices of sharp cheddar cheese
- Butter: 4 tbsp unsalted butter (softened)
- Dill Pickles: ½ cup, thinly sliced
- Fresh Jalapeño: 1 small, thinly sliced (optional for extra heat)
- Pickled Jalapeños: 2 tbsp, chopped
- Hot Sauce: 1 tbsp (such as Sriracha or your favorite)
- Dipping Sauce (optional): ½ cup ranch dressing or tomato soup
Instructions
- Prep the Bread:
- Spread the softened butter evenly on one side of each bread slice.
- Assemble the Sandwiches:
- Lay 4 slices of bread, buttered side down, on a clean surface. Top each with 2 slices of cheddar cheese.
- Add Pickle and Jalapeño:
- Distribute dill pickles, fresh jalapeño slices (if using), and chopped pickled jalapeños evenly over the cheese on each sandwich.
- Drizzle Hot Sauce:
- Drizzle a bit of hot sauce over the pickles on each sandwich.
- Close Sandwiches:
- Top with the remaining bread slices, buttered side up.
- Cook:
- Heat a large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place the sandwiches in the skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- Slice:
- Remove sandwiches from the skillet and let cool slightly. Cut each sandwich into strips (dippers).
- Serve:
- Serve warm with your choice of dipping sauce.
Save This recipe was a hit at our last family gathering, and even the kids loved dipping their crunchy cheese strips into ranch and tomato soup.
Required Tools
Large nonstick skillet or griddle, spatula, sharp knife, and cutting board are the only tools you need for this dish.
Allergen Information
This recipe contains dairy and gluten. Use gluten-free bread and check your hot sauce for allergens if required.
Nutritional Information
Each serving has 390 calories, 22 g fat, 33 g carbohydrates, and 13 g protein.
Save Serve these dippers hot and crispy for the best experience. Get creative with dipping sauces and enjoy every tangy, spicy bite!
Recipe FAQ
- → What type of bread works best for crispy grilled cheese dippers?
Sourdough bread is ideal due to its sturdy texture and tangy flavor, which holds up well when toasted and pairs evenly with melted cheese and pickles.
- → How can I adjust the spice level in this dish?
Modify the amount of fresh jalapeño slices and the quantity of hot sauce to suit your preferred heat. Omitting jalapeños will create a milder flavor.
- → What cheeses complement the pickle and spice elements?
Sharp cheddar provides a rich, bold base, while smoked cheddar or pepper jack can add smoky or extra spicy layers to the flavor profile.
- → What dipping sauces pair well with these grilled cheese dippers?
Creamy ranch dressing and tomato soup both offer smooth, complementary flavors that contrast the tangy pickles and spicy jalapeños perfectly.
- → Can these dippers be made gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute gluten-free bread and verify all other ingredients, including sauces, are gluten-free to maintain crispness and flavor.