How to Make the Best Pickle Sandwich
How to Make the Best Pickle Sandwich is a easy American recipe that serves 1. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Food52 on YouTube.
Prep: 9 min | Cook: 3 min | Total: 17 min
Cost: $23.71 total, $23.71 per serving
Ingredients
- 1/2 pickle Sour Pickle (half of a medium sour or dill pickle, minced for sauce)
- 1/2 teaspoon Pickle Brine (pickle juice from the same jar)
- 1 tablespoon Mayonnaise (any brand, store‑bought)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard (grainy Dijon for texture and pop)
- 4 slices Sharp White Cheddar Cheese (thick slices, sharpest you can find)
- 2 slices Whole Grain Sandwich Bread (seedy whole grain loaf, toasted)
Instructions
Mince pickle
Trim a half of a sour pickle, then finely mince it on a cutting board using a chef's knife.
Time: PT2M
Combine sauce ingredients
In a small mixing bowl, combine 1 tablespoon mayonnaise, 1 teaspoon grainy Dijon mustard, the minced pickle, ½ teaspoon pickle brine, and stir until smooth.
Time: PT2M
Taste and adjust
Sample the sauce and add a little extra mustard or mayo if desired, mixing again briefly.
Time: PT1M
Slice pickles
Using the same knife, slice the remaining half of the pickle into thin rounds.
Time: PT2M
Toast bread
Toast two slices of whole grain bread until golden brown, either in a toaster or in a skillet over medium heat.
Time: PT3M
Assemble sandwich
Spread the pickle‑mustard mayo sauce on one side of each toast. Layer the sliced pickles evenly, then place thick slices of sharp white cheddar on top. Add a second dollop of sauce if desired, close the sandwich, and press gently.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 15g
- Carbohydrates
- 30g
- Fat
- 18g
- Fiber
- 4g
Dietary info: Vegetarian
Allergens: Milk, Eggs, Gluten
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Sour Pickle: bread and butter pickle, sweet pickle
- Instead of Pickle Brine: white vinegar, apple cider vinegar
- Instead of Mayonnaise: Greek yogurt, aioli
- Instead of Dijon Mustard: whole grain mustard, spicy mustard
- Instead of Sharp White Cheddar Cheese: sharp cheddar block, sliced, Gruyère
- Instead of Whole Grain Sandwich Bread: sourdough bread, rye bread
Equipment Needed
- Chef's Knife
- Cutting Board
- Small Mixing Bowl
- Spoon or Spatula
- Toaster or Skillet
- Plate
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Mincing the pickle finely for the sauce
- Balancing mustard and mayo in the sauce
- Toasting the bread to prevent sogginess
- Layering thick cheddar for flavor
Chef Tips from the Video
- For extra melt, place the assembled sandwich under a broiler for 30 seconds.
- Use a sharp cheddar that’s at room temperature for easier slicing.
- If you like heat, add a pinch of cayenne to the sauce.
Troubleshooting
Sauce is too thick.
Add a splash of pickle brine or a little water, stirring until the desired consistency is reached.
Sandwich becomes soggy.
Toast the bread well and spread the sauce thinly; place cheese between the sauce and bread to act as a barrier.
Pickles are overly salty.
Rinse sliced pickles briefly in cold water and pat dry before adding to the sandwich.
Storage
Refrigerator: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container; will keep up to 2 days.
Freezer: Not recommended to freeze due to bread texture.
Room temperature: Best eaten immediately; can sit at room temperature for up to 1 hour.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the sauce up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate.
- Slice pickles and store in a sealed container; keep bread toasted just before assembling.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of the Triple Pickle Cheddar Sandwich in American cuisine?
Pickles have long been a staple in American deli and sandwich culture, offering a tangy crunch that balances rich ingredients. This sandwich highlights that tradition by using pickles in three forms, echoing classic comfort‑food pairings like cheese‑and‑pickle burgers.
What are the traditional regional variations of a pickle and cheese sandwich in the United Kingdom?
In the UK, a pickle and cheese sandwich often uses a sweet, tangy chutney‑style pickle (known simply as "pickle") spread on bread with cheddar. It’s typically served cold and may include lettuce or sliced cucumber, differing from the American toasted version.
How is the Triple Pickle Cheddar Sandwich traditionally served in the United States?
It’s usually served as a quick lunch or snack, paired with potato chips, a pickle spear, or a simple side salad. The toasted bread gives it a burger‑like bite, making it a satisfying handheld meal.
What occasions or celebrations is the Triple Pickle Cheddar Sandwich traditionally associated with in American culture?
It’s a go‑to for casual gatherings, picnics, and office lunches where speed and flavor matter. Its bold tang also makes it a popular choice for game‑day snack spreads.
How does the Triple Pickle Cheddar Sandwich fit into the broader American sandwich tradition?
American sandwiches often layer contrasting textures and flavors—crunchy pickles, creamy sauces, and melty cheese. This sandwich distills that concept into a minimalist, few‑ingredient format that still delivers the classic taste profile.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making the Triple Pickle Cheddar Sandwich?
Common errors include over‑mixing the sauce so it becomes too thick, under‑toasting the bread which leads to sogginess, and using too much sauce which overwhelms the cheese. Keep each component balanced for the best bite.
Why does this Triple Pickle Cheddar Sandwich recipe use three different forms of pickle instead of just one?
Each form contributes a unique texture: minced pickle infuses the sauce with flavor, sliced pickle adds a crunchy bite, and the brine brightens the sauce’s acidity. Together they create a layered pickle experience that elevates the sandwich.
Can I make the Triple Pickle Cheddar Sandwich ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and slice the pickles up to a day in advance, storing them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Assemble the sandwich just before eating to keep the bread crisp.
What does the YouTube channel Food52 specialize in?
The YouTube channel Food52 specializes in approachable, well‑tested home cooking recipes that often focus on a few high‑quality ingredients, seasonal produce, and clear step‑by‑step video guidance.
What is the cooking philosophy and style of the YouTube channel Food52?
Food52’s cooking philosophy emphasizes simplicity, flavor, and technique without unnecessary complexity. Their style blends modern kitchen tips with classic comfort food, encouraging cooks of all skill levels to create delicious meals at home.
Last updated: September 4, 2026
