Let's Make A Long Island Pickle Sandwich! Popular Viral Pickle Sandwich
Let's Make A Long Island Pickle Sandwich! 🥒 Popular Viral Pickle Sandwich is a easy American recipe that serves 2. 160 calories per serving. Recipe by Grandma Feral on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: PT0M | Total: 25 min
Cost: $20.96 total, $10.48 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 large pickles Large Dill Pickles (washed, firm, about 8‑oz each)
- 4 slices Deli Ham (thinly sliced)
- 2 slices Swiss Cheese (sliced)
- 0.25 cup Shredded Lettuce (iceberg or romaine, shredded)
- 0.5 medium tomato Tomato (thinly sliced)
- 1 tablespoon Deli Mustard (spicy or classic)
Instructions
Slice the Pickles
Place each pickle on the cutting board and slice it lengthwise down the middle to create two halves.
Time: PT2M
Hollow Out the Pickles
Using the grapefruit spoon, gently scrape out the seeds and excess brine from each half, leaving about 1/4‑inch of flesh on the walls.
Time: PT3M
Pat Dry
Lay the hollowed pickle halves on a paper towel and pat the interior dry to remove excess moisture.
Time: PT1M
Prepare Tomato Slices
Cut the tomato in half, then slice each half thinly.
Time: PT2M
Add Ham
Lay two slices of ham on each pickle half, folding if necessary to fit the interior space.
Time: PT2M
Add Cheese
Place one slice of Swiss cheese on top of the ham in each half.
Time: PT1M
Add Lettuce and Tomato
Scatter shredded lettuce over the cheese and add a tomato slice on each side.
Time: PT2M
Spread Mustard
Spread the tablespoon of deli mustard on the inner surface of the opposite pickle half.
Time: PT1M
Close and Serve
Gently press the two halves together, slice the assembled sandwich in half if desired, and serve on a plate.
Time: PT1M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 160
- Protein
- 12g
- Carbohydrates
- 5g
- Fat
- 8g
- Fiber
- 1g
Dietary info: Gluten-Free, Low-Carb, High-Protein
Allergens: Dairy, Mustard
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Large Dill Pickles: Cucumber, Zucchini
- Instead of Deli Ham: Turkey, Roast Beef
- Instead of Swiss Cheese: Provolone, Cheddar
- Instead of Shredded Lettuce: Shredded cabbage, Spinach leaves
- Instead of Tomato: Red bell pepper, Cucumber
- Instead of Deli Mustard: Honey mustard, Mayonnaise
Equipment Needed
- Sharp Knife
- Grapefruit Spoon
- Cutting Board
- Plate
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Slice the pickles cleanly without crushing them.
- Hollow out the pickle interior while keeping the walls intact.
- Pat the pickle halves dry to avoid excess moisture.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Add a drizzle of honey mustard for a sweet‑tangy twist.
- Sprinkle a pinch of freshly cracked black pepper on the lettuce for extra bite.
- For a warm version, microwave the assembled sandwich for 15‑20 seconds to melt the cheese.
Troubleshooting
Pickle is too watery and makes the sandwich soggy.
Pat the interior thoroughly with paper towels and consider draining the brine for a few minutes before assembling.
The sandwich falls apart when eating.
Use firmer pickles, or secure the sandwich with a toothpick while eating.
Flavor is too salty from the pickle brine.
Rinse the interior briefly with cold water and pat dry before adding fillings.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store assembled sandwich in an airtight container for up to 24 hours. Expect some brine to accumulate.
Freezer: Not recommended; texture will become mushy.
Room temperature: Can sit at room temperature for up to 1 hour; after that the pickle may become soggy.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the ham, cheese, lettuce, and tomato slices up to 2 hours ahead and keep them refrigerated.
- If you want to assemble earlier, keep the mustard on the side and add just before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of the Pickle Sandwich in New York cuisine?
The Pickle Sandwich became popular in New York as a low‑carb, bread‑free alternative during the recent health‑conscious wave. Street vendors and delis started offering whole dill pickles stuffed with classic deli fillings, turning the tangy pickle into a crunchy, portable snack.
What regional variations of the Pickle Sandwich exist within American cuisine?
In the Midwest, some versions use sweet bread‑and‑butter pickles and add bacon. On the West Coast, avocado and spicy sriracha mayo replace mustard. In New York, the classic version sticks to ham, Swiss cheese, lettuce, and deli mustard.
During which occasions or celebrations is the Pickle Sandwich traditionally enjoyed in New York?
New Yorkers often serve Pickle Sandwiches at casual gatherings, farmers‑market picnics, and as a quick bite after festivals like the Pickle Festival. They’re also a favorite late‑night snack after a night out because they’re easy to eat without utensils.
What authentic traditional ingredients are used in a New York‑style Pickle Sandwich versus acceptable substitutes?
The authentic New York version uses a large dill pickle, thinly sliced deli ham, Swiss cheese, shredded lettuce, tomato, and classic deli mustard. Substitutes can include turkey for ham, provolone for Swiss, or spicy mustard for a flavor twist.
What other New York dishes pair well with the Pickle Sandwich?
Pair the Pickle Sandwich with a side of potato chips, a crisp coleslaw, or a small bowl of New York‑style clam chowder for a hearty yet balanced snack.
What makes the Pickle Sandwich special or unique in American cuisine?
It replaces traditional bread with a whole, crunchy pickle, delivering a low‑carb, high‑flavor bite that combines the tang of brine with classic deli fillings, offering a texture contrast rarely found in typical sandwiches.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making a Pickle Sandwich at home?
Common errors include over‑filling the pickle, which can cause it to split, not drying the interior, leading to sogginess, and using a soft pickle that collapses under the fillings. Follow the steps to hollow, pat dry, and use firm pickles for best results.
Why does this Pickle Sandwich recipe use deli mustard instead of regular yellow mustard?
Deli mustard provides a sharper, more complex flavor that cuts through the briny pickle and complements the ham and Swiss cheese, whereas yellow mustard can be too sweet and mask the pickle’s tang.
Can I make the Pickle Sandwich ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can assemble the sandwich up to 24 hours ahead. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and keep the mustard on the side until ready to eat to prevent excess moisture.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the Pickle Sandwich is done?
The pickles should remain firm and glossy, the fillings should be neatly layered without spilling, and the sandwich should hold together when gently pressed. A slight crunch when biting indicates a properly prepared pickle.
What does the YouTube channel Grandma Feral specialize in?
The YouTube channel Grandma Feral focuses on nostalgic, home‑style cooking, often featuring family recipes, festival foods, and creative twists on classic comfort dishes, all presented with a warm, storytelling approach.
How does the YouTube channel Grandma Feral's approach to New York‑style cooking differ from other cooking channels?
Grandma Feral blends personal family anecdotes with practical, budget‑friendly tips, emphasizing seasonal market finds like the Pickle Festival, whereas many other channels prioritize high‑tech production or gourmet plating over everyday accessibility.
Last updated: September 4, 2026
