I take absolutely no credit for the creation of this recipe. I have never heard of anyone eating it before (or seen it on a menu, so please feel free to tell me if you have). The idea was all my kids’.
We often buy hearty whole grain sour dough bread and sharp cheddar cheese at the farmers’ market which we use to make, among other things, paninis. Sometimes we’ll add a slice of heirloom tomato or avocado to jazz them up, but last weekend Kenya asked if we could just use pickles.
Pickles. Not as a garnish to accompany the tomato and avocado, mind you, but as the sole co-star to the cheese. It sounded so silly that we all (even Kenya) started giggling, “grilled cheese and pickle?” But then Chloe started chanting for it too. Never one to ignore a culinary request, especially one from my kids, I thinly sliced a bunch of kosher dills and started assembling the sandwich.
Well, my munchkins are definitely on to something. Who knew you could up the ante on the classic grilled cheese — a sandwich already bordering on perfection — but three days in a row later, the Grilled Cheese and Pickle Panini has become a new lunchtime favorite in our house.
Photos by Maren Caruso
Grilled Cheese and Pickle Panini
Ingredients
- 4 Slices Whole Wheat Bread (or your favorite sandwich bread)
- 4 Slices cheddar cheese
- 2 pickles, thinly sliced lengthwise
Instructions
- Preheat panini maker (this can also be made in a saute pan).
- Place a slice of cheese on one slice of bread and cover with a layer of sliced pickles.
- Place another slice of cheese on top of the pickles and cover with a slice of bread.
- Continue making the second panini.
- Place sammies in the panini maker and cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Slice panini in half or on a diagonal to make triangles and serve.
Sonic puts pickles on their grilled Cheese
Sonic puts pickles on their grilled Cheese
I really appreciate this recipe and for one think the pickles make an awesome and unique twist. I wonder if you have ever trying using another type of cheese, like brie? Classic cheddar cheese grilled cheese are amazing, but I find brie to be a fun change of pace.
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Also special is peanut butter, dill pickle, and grilled cheese.
I introduced this dish to the food service staff of Tulane University in 1958. We used readily available stuff, Kraft cheese, dill pickle chips (for hamburgers)., butter for frying. Now, I use “sandwich stuffers” or “pickle planks”, precut, on Potato Bread, and EV Olive Oil instead of butter.. Cooked on one of the newer “green-pans”, it’s quick, easy, and cheap. To gild the lily, make one more layer, with fried uncured bacon strips.
Hey, Hey, USA, where the so-called “junk food” is world class! Wonderful stuff, and right up there with the Reuben! FWIW: These make piquant “funeral sandwiches” too…. Heavenly sandwiches served with Deviled Eggs.
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I have packed this in lunch many times! Make the sandwich and allow it to cool before packing it in lunch so it doesn’t get soggy! I always pack an ice pack with lunch to make sure everything stays at a safe temperature by lunch time! Lunch is not reheated, so it is served at room temp!
Is this the kind of thing you would pack in a lunch? And if so, how? With a cold pack? At room temp? Thanks!
Sign me up!
Ive been eating grilled cheese with pickles for years! My mother would make them when I was younger. Delicious!
I’ve got a salt tooth too. Caramel is only really alanppieg to me with a good kick of sea salt over the top. And I think these would be just the thing to perk up some scallops on a sweet corn puree. Nb, have just found your blog and have spent the best part of an hour swooning. Thank you for the escapism!
I remember when a college friend of mine suggested this. I thought he was crazy, but then…WOW.
Wow – brings back memories and an intense urge to eat a sandwich I haven’t had since I was a kid. A little different – but my Mom used to make an opened faced toasted cheese with muenster cheese, mustard, and four dill pickle chips.
So, so good.
I’ve been eating these sandwiched for nearly 6 decades – sometimes I add tomato.
My Daughter loves pickles and I cannot wait to try this for her. As another suggestion this Kentucky girl grew up putting slices of ripe tomato on my grilled cheese, it makes a great summer twist on this classic sandwich too!!!
I am already craving certain foods in early pregnancy and have a feeling that grilled cheese and pickles is going to be on the list! In fact, I think I already know what I’m making for lunch tomorrow 🙂 And the bonus is that I’m sure my 2 year old will love it as well! Thank you!!
When I was younger we did cheese and pickle with tortillas instead of bread. Hadn’t had for years till I was pregnant with my son, and then it was one of my weekly/daily cravings.
I am sitting at work, drooling over this.
I have never eaten a grilled cheese sandwich without pickles, and always dip it in tomato soup. I thought it was normal! Our cafeteria at school ALWAYS served pickles with grilled cheese when I was a kid 🙂
We grew up on hamburger dills in our grilled cheese!
We used to serve grilled cheese with pickles at my mom’s cafe…on fresh bread. One man, who was vegetarian, ordered it every time, with a bowl of broccoli and cheese soup! It was like a little bite of heaven…mmm
When I make grilled cheese sandwiches, I MUST have a side dish of hamburger dills!!! I can’t even imagine a grilled cheese without the pickles. Yum, Yum!
I just made this on my little george foreman grill. worked great.
I LOVE grilled cheese sandwiches! For the First Thursdays Art Walk here in town I even go to:
http://www.thegrilledcheesetruck.com
One of my faves is grilled cheese with pickle AND tomato!
DELICIOUS!!
Any suggestions on a particular brand of panini maker that’s small and does the job? We live in an apartment and don’t have much counter space for the nicer, large ones.
How does your mind keep going with new stuff? Well at least your son came up with this one.
I am going to try this right now with some fridge pickles I made; I cannot wait!
:: shannon :: i use dill when i make mine.
Do you use dill or sweet pickles? I cant wait to try this on my grandson:)
holy moly! i thot my daughter was the only kid around who loves pickles!! just made this concoction for her recently – except she doesnt even need it grilled. just a slice of cheese (not necessarily cheddar – usually monterey jack by request), and pickles between two slices of plain old whole wheat bread!
interesting what kids come up with when their imaginations aren’t restricted!
These pickle and cheese masterpieces taste good with a little ham, or bacon inside as well. 🙂 I too have been eating pickles and grilled cheeese sandwiches together since childhood and love the combo. You other ladies that enjoy this from the north at all?
oh yeah!!!! I used to always add relish to grilled cheese- I am sure pickles toasted inside would be yummy 🙂
Mmmm, i’ve been eating grilled cheese and pickle sandwiches for years. Something about the combination of creamy cheese and the crunch of the pickle make it perfect!!
When I was a kid my dad used to make grilled cheese with mustard and a sprinkle of oregano on them. YUMMY!
So funny my daughter asks for “pickle sandwiches” all the time!
I too, have been eating these for decades! There’s nothing else quite like it! I can’t wait to show my husband! Maybe he’ll quit giving me funny looks when I make them, and try one for a change! Hahaha
I have always been a lover of grilled cheese and pickles. I also like grilled cheese and tomatoes. YUMMY! I might just have to make for the babies (I have a 2yr old and a 12 month old.)
We always serve grilled cheese with pickles on the side at our house! Never thought to put them IN the sandwich! Can’t wait to try it out!
I’m so glad that I’m not the only one that actually have been eating this…I even made a special request grilled cheese with pickles at a local diner when I was pregnant..Now, when I do that, I only get the “weirdo” look from the waitress. Good thinking, Kenya!
Branston pickle and cheddar sandwiches is a well-known delicacy in England. Next time you’re in NY, try the version at Tea & Sympathy. Delicious!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Branston_%28food%29
Thats so funny! =) my niece has been eating these for a while and when i was pregnant she got me hooked! i haven’t had one since i had my daughter but i think it will have to make a comeback =) thanku!
“MMMmmmMMM” said my 17mo with her mouth full of cheesy-pickly goodness.
Myself and my two and a half year old eat pickles and chees on whole wheat with brown mustard all of the time. Would not be so far featched to grill it. Sometimes we put it in the microwave to melt the cheese a little. you get melty cheese without having to use the butter to grill it. I have been eating this for years. My grand mom showed me when I was a little girl.
Love that you’ve been eating this for years. It’s so darn good. Who knew?! I guess you 🙂
:: i’ve been eating grilled cheese with pickle inside for almost 3 decades! yes. decades! as you know it’s pure deliciousness. thanks for your blog. i read every day. while i don’t have children of my own, i appreciate your nutritious approach to tasty uncomplicated foods. cheers!
My 3 yr-old daughter is going to love this! Her two favorite foods are grilled cheese & pickles by themselves. I think she’ll love idea of merging them.
I would too Kati!
I am not shy to say I’ll probably make this for myself… 🙂 xo
Yum! I love pickles and cheese so this would be great!
When my nieces were little this is the only way their mom could get them to eat something remotely healthy! Luckily my daughter isn’t as picky as they were but she loves pickles. Can’t wait to make it for her!