Save I discovered this pickle and cheese combination purely by accident one afternoon when I was trying to use up a block of sharp cheddar before it dried out. Instead of reaching for bread, I grabbed the sharpest cheese I had and a jar of tangy dill pickles from the back of the fridge, then wondered what would happen if I melted them together. The result was so unexpectedly crunchy and savory that I've been making these cheese-pickle buns ever since, especially when I want something satisfying without the heavy feeling of regular bread.
My partner was skeptical when I first served these, eyes raised at the sight of cheese buns studded with pickles. But one bite changed everything—suddenly they were asking me to make extra because they'd been sneaking them from the container at lunch. There's something about the combination that feels both adventurous and comforting, like you're discovering a secret that was always supposed to work.
Ingredients
- Sharp cheddar cheese, 8 slices (about ¼ inch thick, 3–4 inches wide): The sharp variety brings an essential tang that stands up to the pickles instead of fading into the background.
- Sandwich pickle slices, 12–14 long dill slices, drained and patted dry: Pat them truly dry or your buns will steam instead of crisping—this one detail makes all the difference.
- Mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons (optional): Creates a creamy anchor for the other fillings if you're adding them.
- Dijon mustard, 2 teaspoons (optional): A sharp mustard complements both the pickle and cheese without competing.
- Tomato slices, 2 (optional): Adds brightness and moisture if you want a fuller sandwich.
- Deli turkey or ham, 4 slices (optional): Skip this if you're keeping things vegetarian, or add it for extra substance.
- Nonstick cooking spray or parchment paper: Essential for preventing the cheese from fusing to the baking sheet.
Instructions
- Prepare your workspace:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or give it a light spray of nonstick spray. You want zero sticking drama here.
- Build the cheese-pickle layers:
- Arrange 4 cheddar slices on the sheet with space between each one, then lay your pickle slices in a single overlapping layer on top of each cheese slice, covering as much surface as you can. Top each with another slice of cheddar and press gently—not aggressively—so the pickles nestle between the cheese but don't squeeze out.
- Bake until golden:
- Slide into the oven for 7 to 8 minutes, watching until the cheese at the edges turns bubbly and golden brown. The cheese should be fully melted but the pickle slices should still have some structure.
- Cool and set:
- Let the buns sit on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes—this gives the cheese time to firm up enough that you can handle them without them falling apart.
- Add fillings if desired:
- Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise and mustard on the inside of each bun if you're using them, then add tomato slices or deli meat as you prefer.
- Assemble and serve:
- Carefully press two buns together, cheese sides facing in and pickles creating that satisfying crunch, then serve immediately while everything is still warm and crispy.
Save I made these for a small gathering once and watched four different people reach for a second one almost immediately. There's something about the unexpected savory-tangy-crunchy combination that makes people pause and say, 'Wait, that actually works,' and suddenly they're a convert.
Cheese Selection and Flavor Swaps
Sharp cheddar is my default because it has enough personality to hold its own against the pickles, but I've had great success swapping in Swiss for a milder, slightly nutty flavor or provolone for something earthier. The key is choosing a cheese with enough character that it doesn't disappear when melted. Mild cheddar will feel one-note next to the pickles, while aged cheeses bring a complexity that makes every bite feel more intentional.
Customizing Your Sandwich
The fillings are truly optional, and I find myself enjoying these buns in different ways depending on my mood. Some days I want it simple—just the cheese and pickles—while other times I'll add cold deli turkey and a smear of mustard for something more substantial. If you're looking for extra crunch without adding too much, shredded lettuce tucked inside adds texture without weighing things down. For anyone who enjoys heat, hot pickles or sliced jalapeños transform this into something with a proper kick that lingers just long enough to be interesting.
Storage and Reheating Tips
These are absolutely best served warm and fresh from the oven, but if you have leftovers, a quick stint in the toaster oven at 350°F will restore most of their crispness. The cheese buns can be made a few hours ahead and gently reheated, though the pickle slices will soften slightly over time. Cold they're still edible but lose their charm—warmth is really where the magic happens with these.
- Store cooled buns in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a day before the cheese begins to feel off.
- Reheating in a toaster oven beats the microwave because it restores crispness instead of creating a rubbery texture.
- If you're meal prepping, assemble the cheese-pickle buns the day you plan to eat them rather than storing them assembled with fillings.
Save This sandwich has become my go-to when I want something quick but still feels a little bit special, like I put actual thought into lunch instead of just grabbing whatever was convenient. If you're tired of the same old bread-based sandwiches, this simple swap might surprise you as much as it surprised me.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do you make the cheese buns hold together?
Baking sharp cheddar slices until golden brown creates a firm, crispy bun that holds the pickle layers securely without falling apart.
- → Can I substitute cheddar with other cheeses?
Yes, Swiss or provolone slices work well as alternatives, offering different flavor profiles while maintaining the bun's structure.
- → What’s the best way to keep the buns crispy?
Serving the sandwich warm right after baking preserves crispness. Reheating in a toaster oven also restores the crunchy texture effectively.
- → Are there any tips for adding spice to the sandwich?
Adding hot pickles or sliced jalapeños provides a spicy kick that complements the sharp cheddar and tangy pickles.
- → What fillings pair well with the sandwich?
Mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, tomato slices, and deli turkey or ham enhance flavor and texture but remain optional depending on preference.