Pin This crispy sourdough sandwich combines the tangy kick of dill pickles with melty cheese and pizza seasonings for a fusion that satisfies multiple cravings at once. The contrast between the crunchy exterior and gooey interior creates the ultimate comfort food experience with an unexpected twist.
I created this recipe during a rainy weekend when my family couldn't decide between ordering pizza or making grilled cheese. The compromise became our new favorite lunch tradition that even my pickle-skeptical husband now requests weekly.
Ingredients
- Sourdough bread slices: with a sturdy texture that creates the perfect crisp exterior while holding all the fillings
- Mozzarella cheese: for that classic pizza stretch and mild flavor that lets other ingredients shine
- Provolone cheese: adds a slightly sharper flavor that complements the tanginess of pickles
- Dill pickle slices: bring brightness and acidity that cuts through the richness look for pickles with good crunch
- Pizza sauce: creates the foundation of pizza flavor use a thick variety to prevent sogginess
- Dried oregano: adds authentic pizza herb notes and aromatic quality
- Crushed red pepper flakes: provide optional heat that balances the richness
- Parmesan cheese: contributes savory depth with its nutty umami qualities
- Unsalted butter: creates that perfect golden crust choose quality butter for best flavor
Instructions
- Prepare the Base:
- Lay out your bread slices on a clean work surface and spread pizza sauce evenly across one side of each slice. Use the back of a spoon to create a thin layer that reaches the edges without making the bread soggy. This sauce layer acts as your flavor foundation and helps the cheese adhere.
- Season the Sauce:
- Sprinkle dried oregano evenly over the sauce on all slices. If you enjoy heat add the crushed red pepper flakes distributing them evenly. These seasonings infuse into the sauce creating authentic pizza flavor throughout every bite rather than just adding them at the end.
- Build the Cheese Layer:
- Place mozzarella and provolone cheese slices on two of the bread pieces creating an even base layer. Ensure the cheese covers the entire surface of the bread for maximum meltability and to create a barrier that prevents the sauce from making the bread soggy.
- Add the Pickle Layer:
- Arrange pickle slices in a single layer over the cheese being careful to pat them thoroughly dry first to prevent excess moisture. Distribute them evenly so each bite contains pickle flavor without overwhelming any section of the sandwich.
- Finish the Assembly:
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the pickles to add another dimension of flavor. Press the remaining bread slices on top sauce side down to create two complete sandwiches. Press gently to help the layers adhere together before cooking.
- Butter the Exteriors:
- Apply softened butter generously to both outer sides of each sandwich ensuring complete coverage from edge to edge. The butter should be at room temperature for easy spreading without tearing the bread. This creates the golden crispy exterior that defines a perfect grilled cheese.
- Cook to Golden Perfection:
- Heat your nonstick skillet over medium heat until warm but not smoking. Place the sandwiches in the pan and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side pressing down occasionally with a spatula to ensure even contact with the pan. Look for a deep golden brown color and listen for the sizzle to slow indicating the moisture has cooked out.
- Rest and Serve:
- Remove the sandwiches from the pan and let them rest for 1 to 2 minutes on a cutting board. This brief rest allows the cheese to set slightly so it doesn't immediately ooze out when cut. Slice diagonally and serve while still hot and gooey.
Pin The secret hero ingredient in this recipe is actually the provolone cheese. Many people reach for only mozzarella when making pizza-inspired dishes but the slight sharpness of provolone balances the pickles perfectly. My daughter originally protested the pickle addition but now specifically requests the "pizza pickles sandwich" for her school lunches.
Perfect Pickle Selection
The type of pickle you choose dramatically impacts the final flavor profile. For the classic version opt for garlic dill pickles that have a crisp texture and bright flavor. Bread and butter pickles will create a sweeter sandwich that some people prefer especially children who might find dill pickles too intense. Pickle spears sliced thinly work better than whole pickles as they distribute more evenly throughout the sandwich. If you brine your own pickles they make this sandwich truly exceptional with their fresher flavor and customized seasoning.
Bread Variations
While sourdough is my recommendation for its structural integrity and flavor complexity several other breads work wonderfully in this recipe. Ciabatta creates a more rustic sandwich with larger air pockets that capture pockets of melted cheese. Rye bread pairs surprisingly well with the pickle elements adding another layer of complexity to the flavor profile. For a softer sandwich experience brioche creates a rich buttery exterior that browns beautifully but requires more gentle handling during cooking. Whatever bread you choose ensure the slices aren't too thick or they may not heat through properly before the exterior browns.
Make It a Meal
Transform this sandwich into a complete meal with thoughtfully paired sides. A simple tomato soup creates the classic grilled cheese pairing but with an Italian twist try a small cup of minestrone. For a lighter option serve with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon and olive oil to cut through the richness. During summer months pair with cold pasta salad featuring similar Italian flavors like basil and cherry tomatoes. For entertaining cut sandwiches into quarters and serve alongside antipasto skewers for an Italian fusion appetizer platter that disappears quickly at gatherings.
Heat Level Customization
This sandwich can be adjusted to suit any heat preference from mild to fiery. For a kid friendly version omit the red pepper flakes entirely and use a sweet pizza sauce. Medium heat lovers should stick with the recipe as written with the standard amount of red pepper flakes. Spice enthusiasts can add thinly sliced fresh jalapeños between the pickle and cheese layers for significant heat. The ultimate spicy version incorporates both red pepper flakes and a drizzle of hot honey on the inside of the sandwich before grilling. The contrast between spicy elements and cooling cheese creates a wonderful flavor dynamic.
Pin Enjoy this delightful fusion sandwich that brings together the best of grilled cheese and pizza. It's a simple yet incredibly satisfying meal for any time of day.