Save Crispy grilled cheese sandwiches with a tangy, spicy pickle twist, perfect for dipping into your favorite sauces.
I first got the idea for these dippers when experimenting with savory snacks for weekend gatherings. The combination of tangy pickles and spicy jalapeño made these grilled cheese bites a big hit in our house.
Ingredients
- Bread & Dairy: 8 slices of sourdough bread, 8 slices of sharp cheddar cheese, 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- Pickles & Spice: ½ cup dill pickles, thinly sliced, 1 small jalapeño, thinly sliced (optional), 2 tbsp pickled jalapeños, chopped, 1 tbsp hot sauce
- Optional Dipping Sauce: ½ cup ranch dressing or tomato soup, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Bread:
- Spread the softened butter evenly on one side of each bread slice.
- Layer Cheese:
- Lay 4 slices of bread, buttered side down, on a clean surface. Top each with 2 slices of cheddar cheese.
- Add Pickles and Spice:
- Distribute the dill pickles, fresh jalapeño slices (if using), and chopped pickled jalapeños evenly over the cheese on each sandwich.
- Drizzle Hot Sauce:
- Drizzle a bit of hot sauce over the pickles on each sandwich.
- Top & Cook:
- Top with the remaining bread slices, buttered side up. Heat a large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place the sandwiches in the skillet and cook for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- Slice & Serve:
- Remove sandwiches from the skillet and let cool slightly. Cut each sandwich into strips (dippers). Serve warm with your choice of dipping sauce.
Save These grilled cheese dippers disappeared fast at our last family game night. Everyone loved dunking them into tomato soup and ranch, and even the kids enjoyed the spicy kick.
Required Tools
Large nonstick skillet or griddle, spatula, sharp knife, and cutting board make preparation easy.
Allergen Information
This snack contains dairy and gluten. For gluten-free, use gluten-free bread and verify ingredients.
Nutritional Information
Each serving gives you 390 calories, 22 g total fat, 33 g carbohydrates, and 13 g protein.
Save Serve warm for maximum crispiness and flavor. Enjoy these dippers at your next party or family gathering!
Kitchen Tips & Answers
- → What type of bread works best?
Sourdough is ideal for its sturdy texture and flavor, but other hearty breads also work well.
- → How can I adjust the spice level?
Modify the amount of fresh jalapeño and hot sauce according to your preferred heat tolerance.
- → Can I use different cheese types?
Sharp cheddar is recommended, but smoked cheddar or pepper jack add interesting flavors.
- → What sauces complement these dippers?
Ranch dressing or tomato soup make excellent dips, adding creamy or savory balance.
- → How to get crispy, melted sandwiches?
Cook over medium heat with butter on a nonstick skillet, flipping after 3–4 minutes to brown evenly.
- → Are there gluten-free options?
Use gluten-free bread and ensure all ingredients, including hot sauce, are gluten-free certified.