Did he just use pickles instead of bread? @shred-happens
Did he just use pickles instead of bread? 🤯 @shred-happens is a easy American recipe that serves 1. 130 calories per serving. Recipe by Madelaine Rascan on YouTube.
Prep: 10 min | Cook: 5 min | Total: 20 min
Cost: $3.45 total, $3.45 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 large Dill Pickles (cut lengthwise into 1/4‑inch thick slices, pat dry)
- 4 oz Turkey Breast (thinly sliced, preferably roasted or smoked)
- 1 slice Cheddar Cheese (full‑fat, sliced)
- 2 tbsp Cottage Cheese (full‑fat, creamy)
- 1 tsp Dijon Mustard (smooth)
- 1 pinch Black Pepper (freshly ground)
Instructions
Slice the Pickles
Place each pickle on the cutting board and slice lengthwise into 1/4‑inch thick slices, creating two ‘bread’ halves per pickle.
Time: PT2M
Dry the Pickle Slices
Lay the pickle slices on paper towels and gently press another towel on top to absorb excess moisture.
Time: PT2M
Add Mustard
Spread 1 tsp Dijon mustard evenly on the inner side of each pickle slice.
Time: PT1M
Layer the Fillings
On one pickle slice, spread 2 tbsp cottage cheese, place the turkey breast slices, add the cheddar cheese slice, and finish with a pinch of freshly ground black pepper.
Time: PT3M
Assemble the Sandwich
Top with the second pickle slice, mustard‑side down, to form a sandwich. Press lightly to hold together.
Time: PT1M
Serve
Transfer the sandwich to a plate and enjoy immediately while the pickles are crisp.
Time: PT1M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 130
- Protein
- 12 g
- Carbohydrates
- 4 g
- Fat
- 7 g
- Fiber
- 1 g
Dietary info: Low‑Carb, Keto, Gluten‑Free, High‑Protein
Allergens: Dairy, Mustard
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Dill Pickles: gherkin pickles, cucumber slices (for non‑pickled version)
- Instead of Turkey Breast: chicken breast, ham
- Instead of Cheddar Cheese: Swiss cheese, American cheese, vegan cheese
- Instead of Cottage Cheese: Greek yogurt, cream cheese
- Instead of Dijon Mustard: spicy brown mustard, whole grain mustard
- Instead of Black Pepper: white pepper
Equipment Needed
- Cutting Board
- Sharp Knife
- Paper Towels
- Plate
- Small Bowl (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Slice the pickles evenly to act as stable bread layers.
- Pat the pickle slices dry to avoid sogginess.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Choose thick‑cut dill pickles for better structural integrity.
- Full‑fat cottage cheese adds creaminess without extra carbs.
- A light drizzle of olive oil on the pickle surface can enhance mouthfeel, but keep it minimal to stay low‑carb.
Troubleshooting
Pickle slices are too soggy.
Pat them thoroughly with paper towels and consider lightly salting them for 2‑3 minutes, then re‑pat dry.
Sandwich falls apart when eating.
Use a toothpick to hold the sandwich together or press the layers gently before serving.
Flavor is too salty.
Rinse the pickle slices briefly in cold water, then dry; reduce added salt in other ingredients.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store assembled sandwich in an airtight container for up to 24 hours. Re‑dry pickles with paper towel before eating if needed.
Freezer: Not recommended; texture of pickles deteriorates.
Room temperature: Can sit at room temperature for up to 2 hours; keep away from direct heat.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare and dry the pickle slices up to 2 hours ahead.
- Keep mustard, cottage cheese, turkey and cheese separate until ready to assemble.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of using pickles as a sandwich bread in low‑carb American cuisine?
Using pickles as a bread substitute emerged from the low‑carb and keto movements in the United States, where cooks look for creative ways to replace traditional bread while keeping meals flavorful and crunchy. Pickles provide a tangy bite and zero carbs, fitting the diet’s emphasis on vegetables and protein.
How does the Pickle Bread Sandwich fit into the broader low‑carb/keto cuisine tradition?
The sandwich embodies the keto principle of swapping high‑carb staples (bread) with low‑carb vegetables. It showcases the trend of ‘vegetable‑based breads’ that keep meals satisfying without compromising macronutrient goals.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for a low‑carb pickle bread sandwich versus acceptable substitutes?
Traditionally the sandwich uses dill pickles, sliced turkey, cheddar cheese, cottage cheese, Dijon mustard and black pepper. Acceptable substitutes include other low‑carb pickles (gherkin), chicken or ham for turkey, Swiss or provolone for cheddar, Greek yogurt for cottage cheese, and spicy brown mustard for Dijon.
What occasions or celebrations is the Pickle Bread Sandwich traditionally associated with in American low‑carb culture?
While not tied to a specific holiday, the sandwich is popular at keto meet‑ups, fitness gatherings, and as a quick post‑workout snack because it delivers protein, healthy fats, and a satisfying crunch without carbs.
What other low‑carb American dishes pair well with the Pickle Bread Sandwich?
It pairs nicely with a side of avocado salad, a handful of mixed nuts, or a low‑carb soup such as cauliflower bisque. A sparkling water with a splash of lemon completes the meal.
What makes the Pickle Bread Sandwich special or unique in keto cuisine?
The sandwich’s uniqueness lies in using the whole pickle as a bread layer, providing a crisp texture and tangy flavor that mimics the bite of toasted bread while contributing virtually no carbs.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making the Pickle Bread Sandwich?
Common mistakes include not drying the pickle slices, which leads to a soggy sandwich, and over‑filling, which makes the sandwich difficult to eat. Also, using low‑fat cottage cheese can make the sandwich dry.
Why does this Pickle Bread Sandwich recipe use Dijon mustard instead of regular yellow mustard?
Dijon mustard offers a smoother texture and a sharper, more complex flavor that complements the tang of the pickles without adding extra sugar or carbs that are sometimes present in yellow mustard.
Can I make the Pickle Bread Sandwich ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can prep the pickle slices and fillings separately and store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Assemble the sandwich just before eating to keep the pickles crisp.
What does the YouTube channel Madelaine Rascan specialize in?
The YouTube channel Madelaine Rascan focuses on quick, low‑carb and keto-friendly recipes, often featuring creative ingredient swaps and practical cooking hacks for busy home cooks.
How does the YouTube channel Madelaine Rascan's approach to low‑carb cooking differ from other keto cooking channels?
Madelaine Rascan emphasizes minimal equipment, short prep times, and a playful, experimental style, often testing unconventional ideas like pickle‑bread sandwiches, whereas many other keto channels stick to more traditional low‑carb staples.
Last updated: September 4, 2026
