The Sandwich in a Pickle
The Sandwich in a Pickle is a medium American recipe that serves 2. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Great Big Story on YouTube.
Prep: 30 min | Cook: 12 hrs | Total: 12 hrs 45 min
Cost: $13.34 total, $6.67 per serving
Ingredients
- 4 pieces Kirby Cucumbers (small pickling cucumbers, about 1 lb total)
- 2 tablespoons Sea Salt (coarse sea salt for drawing out moisture)
- 2 cups White Vinegar (5 % acidity, can substitute with apple cider vinegar for milder flavor)
- 1 small Onion (thinly sliced for brine)
- 2 pieces Garlic Cloves (minced)
- 4 pieces Ham Slices (thinly sliced deli ham)
- 4 pieces Capocollo (thinly sliced Italian cured pork)
- 4 pieces Salami (thinly sliced)
- 2 slices Provolone Cheese (full‑fat, sliced)
- 2 pieces Lettuce Leaves (Romaine or butter lettuce)
- 1 medium Tomato (sliced)
- 1 small Red Onion (thin rings for sandwich)
- 2 tablespoons Sriracha Mayo (optional spicy spread)
- 2 tablespoons Crushed Potato Chips (optional crunchy topping; choose gluten‑free chips if needed)
Instructions
Slice Cucumbers
Trim the ends off the Kirby cucumbers and slice each cucumber lengthwise into halves (or quarters for smaller bites).
Time: PT5M
Salt the Cucumbers
Place the cucumber pieces in a large bowl, sprinkle the sea salt over them, and toss to coat evenly. Let sit for 20 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
Time: PT20M
Prepare the Brine
While the cucumbers are salting, combine the white vinegar, sliced onion, and minced garlic in a saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer for 5 minutes, then remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 95°C
Rinse and Dry Cucumbers
After the salting period, rinse the cucumber pieces under cold water to remove excess salt, then pat dry thoroughly with paper towels.
Time: PT5M
Pack and Brine
Pack the dried cucumber slices tightly into the jar, pour the cooled brine over them ensuring they are fully submerged. Seal the jar and refrigerate for at least 12 hours (up to 48 hours for stronger flavor).
Time: PT12H
Assemble the Sandwich
Remove two pickle “bread” slices per sandwich. Layer ham, capocollo, salami, provolone, lettuce, tomato, and onion rings. Spread sriracha mayo on one side and sprinkle crushed potato chips if using. Top with the second pickle slice and serve with chopsticks.
Time: PT10M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 20 g
- Carbohydrates
- 15 g
- Fat
- 22 g
- Fiber
- 3 g
Dietary info: Keto-friendly, Gluten‑free (if gluten‑free chips are used), Low‑carb, Sugar‑free
Allergens: Dairy (provolone), Pork (capocollo, salami), Potential gluten in potato chips
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Kirby Cucumbers: English cucumbers (peeled), Persian cucumbers
- Instead of Sea Salt: Kosher salt
- Instead of White Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar
- Instead of Onion: Shallot
- Instead of Garlic Cloves: Garlic powder (1 tsp)
- Instead of Ham Slices: Turkey ham
- Instead of Capocollo: Prosciutto
- Instead of Salami: Pepperoni
- Instead of Provolone Cheese: Mozzarella
- Instead of Lettuce Leaves: Spinach
- Instead of Tomato: Red bell pepper
- Instead of Red Onion: White onion
- Instead of Sriracha Mayo: Chipotle mayo
- Instead of Crushed Potato Chips: Pork rinds
Equipment Needed
- Sharp Knife
- Cutting Board
- Large Bowl
- Jar with Lid (1‑quart)
- Measuring Cups
- Saucepan
- Spoon or Tongs
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Salting the cucumbers to draw out moisture
- Ensuring the brine fully covers the cucumbers during pickling
- Refrigerating the pickles for at least 12 hours before assembly
Chef Tips from the Video
- Slice cucumbers evenly for consistent crunch
- Use a mix of white and apple cider vinegar for a balanced tang
- For extra heat, add a few sliced jalapeños to the brine
Troubleshooting
Pickles are soggy or too soft
Reduce the salting time or use less salt; ensure cucumbers are fresh and firm.
Brine is too weak and flavor is bland
Add an extra tablespoon of sea salt or a splash more vinegar; let the pickles sit longer.
Cucumbers float and stay exposed
Place a small clean weight (e.g., a sterilized stone or a smaller lid) on top of the cucumbers to keep them submerged.
Storage
Refrigerator: Pickles keep sealed in the brine for up to 2 weeks; assembled sandwiches are best eaten within 24 hours.
Freezer: Not recommended; texture will degrade.
Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature; risk of spoilage.
Make-Ahead Tips
- The pickles can be prepared up to 3 days in advance; keep them sealed in the brine.
- Brine can be made in bulk and stored in the refrigerator for future batches.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of pickles in American cuisine, especially in the Philadelphia/New Jersey region?
Pickles have long been a staple in American delis and sandwich shops, especially in the Mid‑Atlantic where German and Eastern European immigrants introduced crisp, brined cucumbers. In Philadelphia and surrounding New Jersey, the love of tangy, crunchy pickles evolved into creative uses like pickle‑bread sandwiches, exemplified by Elsie's unique approach.
How does the Elsie's signature pickle sandwich fit into the broader American sandwich tradition?
It reimagines the classic deli sandwich by replacing bread with pickles, catering to low‑carb and gluten‑free diners while preserving the familiar layers of Italian meats and cheese that are hallmarks of American deli culture.
What are the traditional regional variations of pickle‑bread sandwiches in the United States?
While Elsie's uses Kirby cucumbers and a vinegar‑onion‑garlic brine, other regions may use dill‑flavored pickles, bread‑and‑butter pickles, or even fermented kimchi‑style cucumbers. Some Southern versions swap the pickles for sliced pickled okra or turnip.
What occasions or celebrations is the pickle sandwich traditionally associated with in American food culture?
Pickle‑centric sandwiches are popular at casual lunch spots, health‑focused pop‑ups, and as novelty items at food festivals. They’re often featured in keto‑friendly events and low‑carb diet gatherings.
What authentic ingredients are essential for the Elsie's signature pickles versus acceptable substitutes?
Authentic ingredients include fresh Kirby (or other small pickling) cucumbers, sea salt, white vinegar, onion, and garlic. Substitutes can be English cucumbers (peeled), apple cider vinegar, shallots, or garlic powder, though flavor will vary slightly.
What other American dishes pair well with the Elsie's pickle sandwich?
Pair it with a crisp mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette, a side of coleslaw, or a cold glass of craft lager. For a low‑carb meal, serve with roasted cauliflower or a handful of mixed nuts.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making the Elsie's signature pickles?
Common errors include under‑salting the cucumbers (resulting in watery pickles), not allowing the brine to fully cool before pouring (which can soften the cucumbers), and failing to keep the cucumbers fully submerged during refrigeration.
Why does this recipe use a short 20‑minute salting step instead of a longer dry‑salt cure?
A brief salting period draws out excess moisture quickly while preserving the cucumber’s crunch, which is essential for a sandwich “bread.” Longer cures can make the cucumbers too soft for stacking.
Can I make the pickles ahead of time and how should I store the assembled sandwich?
Yes, the pickles can be prepared up to three days in advance and kept sealed in the brine in the refrigerator. Assemble the sandwich just before eating and store it wrapped in parchment paper; it stays fresh for up to 24 hours refrigerated.
What does the YouTube channel Great Big Story specialize in?
Great Big Story creates short documentary‑style videos that explore unique people, places, and cultural phenomena around the world, including occasional food‑focused stories like the one featuring Elsie's pickle sandwich.
How does the YouTube channel Great Big Story's approach to food storytelling differ from traditional cooking channels?
Great Big Story emphasizes narrative and human interest, highlighting the story behind a dish or business rather than providing step‑by‑step cooking tutorials. Their videos blend visual storytelling with concise recipe insights, offering viewers both inspiration and practical information.
Last updated: September 4, 2026
