How To Make a Pickle Sandwich
How To Make a Pickle Sandwich is a easy American recipe that serves 1. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Food52 on YouTube.
Prep: 10 min | Cook: 2 min | Total: 17 min
Cost: $6.14 total, $6.14 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Diced Pickles (finely diced dill pickles)
- 1 tablespoon Mayonnaise (regular mayo)
- 1 teaspoon Grainy Mustard (coarse mustard for texture)
- 1 teaspoon Pickle Brine (reserved from the pickle jar)
- 2 slices Bread (any sturdy bread, toasted)
- 2 slices Sharp White Cheddar Cheese (cut on the diagonal for better bite)
- 4 slices Thinly Sliced Pickles (for layering on top)
Instructions
Make the Pickle Spread
In a small mixing bowl, combine the diced pickles, mayonnaise, grainy mustard, and pickle brine. Stir until smooth and evenly mixed.
Time: PT2M
Toast the Bread
Toast the two slices of bread until golden brown and crisp.
Time: PT2M
Spread the Sauce
Spread a generous layer of the pickle sauce on one side of each toasted slice.
Time: PT1M
Assemble the Sandwich
On one slice, layer the thinly sliced pickles, then place the diagonal slices of sharp white cheddar on top. Top with the second slice, sauce side down, and press gently.
Time: PT1M
Serve
Cut the sandwich in half if desired and serve immediately while the toast is still warm.
Time: PT1M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 12 g
- Carbohydrates
- 30 g
- Fat
- 20 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Contains dairy, Contains gluten
Allergens: Milk, Eggs, Gluten
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Diced Pickles: relish, chopped cornichons
- Instead of Mayonnaise: Greek yogurt, sour cream
- Instead of Grainy Mustard: Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard
- Instead of Pickle Brine: apple cider vinegar
- Instead of Bread: baguette slices, ciabatta
- Instead of Sharp White Cheddar Cheese: sharp cheddar, Swiss cheese
- Instead of Thinly Sliced Pickles: pickle chips, cucumber slices
Equipment Needed
- Small Mixing Bowl
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Spoon or Spatula
- Toaster
- Plate
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Combine the diced pickles with mayo, mustard, and brine to create a balanced spread
- Toast the bread to a golden crisp so it holds the juicy filling
- Assemble with cheese sliced on the diagonal for optimal melt and bite
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use a sturdy sourdough or country loaf for extra bite
- Add a pinch of freshly ground black pepper to the spread for subtle heat
- For a warm version, press the sandwich in a skillet with a lid for 1‑2 minutes.
Troubleshooting
Sandwich becomes soggy quickly
Toast the bread a little longer for extra crispness and spread the sauce evenly, not too thick.
Cheese does not melt
If you prefer a warm melt, briefly grill the assembled sandwich in a panini press or skillet over low heat.
Spread is too salty
Add a splash more mayo or a pinch of sugar to balance the brine.
Storage
Refrigerator: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap; store up to 24 hours
Freezer: Not recommended – texture will suffer
Room temperature: Best eaten immediately; can sit at room temperature for up to 2 hours
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the pickle spread up to 3 days in advance and store in an airtight container
- Toast the bread just before assembling to retain crunch
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of the Pickle Sandwich in American cuisine?
The Pickle Sandwich reflects the American love for quick, handheld meals and the popularity of pickles as a tangy condiment. Pickles have been a staple since colonial times, and combining them with cheese and bread became a common snack in diners and lunch counters across the United States.
How did pickles become a popular ingredient in American sandwich culture?
Pickles were originally preserved vegetables brought by European immigrants. Their crisp texture and acidic bite made them ideal for cutting through rich meats and cheeses, leading to their frequent inclusion in classic American sandwiches like the Reuben and the pickle‑cheese melt.
What regional variations of a pickle‑based sandwich exist within the United States?
In the Midwest, you’ll find the “pickle‑and‑cheese melt” often served on rye. In the South, pickles are sometimes paired with pimento cheese on a soft roll. The West Coast favors sourdough with sharp cheddar, similar to this recipe from Food52.
What occasions or celebrations is the Pickle Sandwich traditionally associated with in American culture?
While not tied to a specific holiday, the Pickle Sandwich is a popular snack at picnics, backyard barbecues, and late‑night diner runs, offering a quick bite that satisfies both salty and tangy cravings.
What authentic traditional ingredients are used in a classic American Pickle Sandwich versus acceptable substitutes?
Traditional ingredients include dill pickles, mayonnaise, grainy mustard, and sharp cheddar on toasted bread. Acceptable substitutes are sweet pickles for a milder flavor, Greek yogurt instead of mayo, or Swiss cheese for a different melt profile.
What other American dishes pair well with a Pickle Sandwich?
Serve it alongside classic potato chips, a simple coleslaw, or a cup of creamy tomato soup. The acidity of the sandwich balances rich sides like mac and cheese or a buttery corn on the cob.
What makes the Pickle Sandwich special or unique in American snack cuisine?
Its combination of crunchy pickles, creamy mustard‑mayo spread, and sharp cheddar creates a layered flavor profile that is simultaneously tangy, salty, and rich—all in a quick, two‑slice sandwich.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making the Pickle Sandwich?
Common errors include using overly thick sauce that makes the bread soggy, under‑toasting the bread so it can’t hold the moisture, and not slicing the cheese diagonally, which reduces surface area for melt and flavor distribution.
Why does this Food52 Pickle Sandwich recipe use pickle brine in the spread instead of extra vinegar?
Pickle brine adds a nuanced salty‑sour depth that plain vinegar lacks, while also incorporating the subtle spices from the original pickle jar, creating a more complex flavor in the spread.
What does the YouTube channel Food52 specialize in?
Food52 is a culinary media brand that focuses on approachable home cooking, featuring detailed recipe videos, ingredient guides, and kitchen technique tutorials aimed at home cooks of all skill levels.
How does the YouTube channel Food52's approach to American comfort food differ from other cooking channels?
Food52 emphasizes clear, step‑by‑step visuals, practical ingredient swaps, and a focus on everyday pantry staples, whereas many channels prioritize high‑production aesthetics or niche gourmet techniques. This makes Food52’s recipes, like the Pickle Sandwich, especially accessible.
Last updated: August 23, 2026
