Trying the viral pickle sandwich
Trying the viral pickle sandwich 🥒🧀🥪 is a easy American recipe that serves 1. 460 calories per serving. Recipe by Shay Click on YouTube.
Prep: 13 min | Cook: 20 min | Total: 43 min
Cost: $7.27 total, $7.27 per serving
Ingredients
- 6 slices Pickle Slices (large dill pickle slices, pat dry with paper towel)
- 6 slices Cheddar Cheese (full‑fat, sliced thin; use any meltable cheese you prefer)
- 2 tablespoons Light Mayonnaise (for spreading on both sides of the sandwich)
- 4 ounces Shaved Chicken Breast (thinly sliced deli chicken breast; keep chilled until use)
- 1 tablespoon Red Onion (thinly sliced)
- 0.5 cup Fresh Spinach (washed and patted dry)
- 0.5 fruit Avocado (ripe, sliced)
Instructions
Pat Dry Pickles
Lay the pickle slices on a paper towel and gently pat them dry on both sides to remove excess moisture.
Time: PT2M
Assemble Cheese‑Pickle Layers
Line the baking sheet with parchment paper. Place a slice of cheese on the parchment, then a pickle slice, then another cheese slice. Repeat to create a second identical stack (you’ll end up with two “bread” pieces).
Time: PT3M
Bake the Cheese‑Pickle “Bread”
Preheat the oven to 400°F. Bake the assembled stacks for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and the edges turn lightly golden.
Time: PT20M
Temperature: 400°F
Cool Slightly
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cheese‑pickle pieces cool for about 5 minutes so they firm up enough to handle.
Time: PT5M
Prepare Toppings
In a small bowl, spread the light mayo on both sides of each cheese‑pickle piece. Slice the avocado, thinly slice the red onion, and have the shaved chicken and fresh spinach ready.
Time: PT5M
Assemble the Sandwich
On the bottom cheese‑pickle slice, layer the shaved chicken, a few strips of red onion, a handful of spinach, and avocado slices. Top with the second cheese‑pickle slice, mayo side down.
Time: PT2M
Serve
Cut the sandwich in half diagonally and enjoy immediately. Wash your hands after handling full‑fat cheese.
Time: PT1M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 460
- Protein
- 30g
- Carbohydrates
- 5g
- Fat
- 32g
- Fiber
- 3g
Dietary info: Keto, Low Carb, Gluten Free, High Fat
Allergens: Dairy, Egg
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Pickle Slices: cucumber slices, zucchini slices
- Instead of Cheddar Cheese: Swiss cheese, Monterey Jack
- Instead of Light Mayonnaise: Greek yogurt, avocado mayo
- Instead of Shaved Chicken Breast: turkey breast, ham
- Instead of Red Onion: white onion, shallots
- Instead of Fresh Spinach: arugula, mixed greens
- Instead of Avocado: guacamole, sliced cucumber
Equipment Needed
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper
- Oven
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Small Bowl
- Spatula
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Pat the pickle slices completely dry to avoid sogginess.
- Bake until cheese is melted and edges are lightly golden.
- Allow the cheese‑pickle “bread” to cool before adding toppings.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Full‑fat cheese gives the best flavor and texture; low‑fat versions become rubbery.
- Shaving the chicken breast creates a tender, melt‑in‑your‑mouth texture that pairs well with the crisp cheese‑pickle bread.
- Patting the pickles dry is the single most important step for a non‑soggy sandwich.
Troubleshooting
Cheese didn’t crisp and the sandwich is soggy.
Make sure the pickles are thoroughly patted dry and use thin cheese slices. Increase bake time by 2‑3 minutes if needed.
The sandwich is too greasy.
Use a lower‑fat cheese or wipe excess melted cheese with a paper towel before assembling. Apply a thin layer of mayo.
Pickle slices break apart during baking.
Place a second cheese slice on top of each pickle before baking to act as a protective barrier.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store the baked cheese‑pickle pieces in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Assemble fresh toppings when ready to eat.
Freezer: Not recommended; cheese texture changes when frozen.
Room temperature: Can sit at room temperature for up to 1 hour after assembly.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Bake the cheese‑pickle “bread” a day ahead and store in the fridge; re‑heat 2 minutes in the microwave before assembling.
- Pre‑slice avocado and store in an airtight container with a squeeze of lemon to prevent browning.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of low carb pickle and cheese sandwiches in American keto cuisine?
Low‑carb “bread” alternatives like pickle‑cheese stacks have become popular in the American keto community as a creative way to replace traditional bread while keeping meals flavorful and satisfying.
What are the traditional regional variations of pickle‑cheese sandwiches in the United States?
While the basic concept is nationwide, some regions add bacon, jalapeños, or use different pickles (bread‑and‑butter vs. dill) to reflect local flavor preferences.
How is a low carb pickle and cheese sandwich traditionally served in keto‑friendly gatherings?
It is usually served as a handheld snack or lunch, often accompanied by a simple green salad or a side of olives, keeping the meal low in carbs and high in healthy fats.
What occasions or celebrations is the low carb pickle and cheese sandwich associated with in keto culture?
Keto enthusiasts often feature this sandwich at pot‑lucks, diet‑focused brunches, or as a quick post‑workout meal because it provides protein, fat, and minimal carbs.
What makes the low carb pickle and cheese sandwich special or unique in American keto cuisine?
It replaces bread with a crunchy, tangy pickle‑cheese combo, delivering a satisfying bite without carbs, while the added chicken, avocado, and spinach keep it nutrient‑dense.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making the low carb pickle and cheese sandwich?
Common errors include not drying the pickles, using too much cheese which makes the sandwich greasy, and assembling before the cheese‑pickle “bread” has cooled enough to hold its shape.
Why does this recipe use full‑fat cheese instead of reduced‑fat cheese?
Full‑fat cheese melts smoothly and provides the rich flavor and mouthfeel that low‑fat versions lack, which is essential for a satisfying keto sandwich.
Can I make the low carb pickle and cheese sandwich ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, bake the cheese‑pickle “bread” a day ahead and keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Assemble the toppings just before eating to maintain freshness.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the cheese‑pickle “bread” is done?
The cheese should be fully melted with lightly golden, slightly crisp edges, while the pickle slice remains visible in the center and the overall stack should be firm enough to handle.
What does the YouTube channel Shay Click specialize in?
The YouTube channel Shay Click focuses on quick, low‑carb and keto-friendly recipes, often featuring creative “hack” style meals that replace high‑carb ingredients with tasty alternatives.
How does the YouTube channel Shay Click's approach to keto cooking differ from other keto cooking channels?
Shay Click emphasizes simple, minimal‑equipment hacks and uses everyday grocery items, making the recipes especially accessible for beginners compared to more technique‑heavy keto channels.
Last updated: September 4, 2026
