If you thought grilled cheese couldn't get any better, think again. The Pickle Bacon Grilled Cheese Melt takes comfort food to a whole new level with crispy bacon, tangy Mrs. Klein's pickles, and gooey melted cheese—all toasted to golden perfection between buttery slices of bread. Whether you're looking for a quick lunch, an easy dinner, or the ultimate late-night snack, this sandwich delivers a satisfying balance of savory, salty, and sour in every bite. Let's get cooking.
🧀 Ingredients
For 2 sandwiches:
- 4 slices of thick-cut bread (sourdough or Texas toast work beautifully)4 tablespoons butter, softened
- 4 slices of cheddar cheese
- 2 slices of provolone cheese (or mozzarella for extra melt)
- 4–6 strips of cooked bacon
- ½ cup Mrs. Klein's Dill Pickle Chips (or Spicy Pickle Chips for a kick)
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise (optional for added crispiness)
- Optional: a drizzle of pickle juice for a tangy twist
🥓 Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Bacon
Start by frying your bacon until it reaches your preferred level of crispiness. Drain it on paper towels and set it aside. The salty crunch of bacon is the perfect complement to the creaminess of the melted cheese and the tang of Mrs. Klein's pickles.
Step 2: Prep the Bread
Butter one side of each slice of bread generously. For an extra crispy exterior, spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on the inside of the sandwich (yes, inside!) before adding your fillings. This step helps everything meld together while keeping the bread beautifully golden brown.
Step 3: Layer the Good Stuff
On the unbuttered side of one slice, layer your ingredients in this order:
- A slice of cheddar cheese
- A few strips of crispy bacon
- A handful of Mrs. Klein's Dill Pickle Chips
- A slice of provolone cheese
- Top with the second slice of bread, buttered side facing out
Step 4: Grill to Perfection
Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place your sandwich on the pan and cook for about 3–4 minutes on each side, pressing down gently with a spatula. You'll know it's ready when the bread turns golden brown and the cheese starts to ooze out slightly.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
Slice the sandwich in half (diagonally, of course) and serve warm. For an extra pop of flavor, pair it with a side of Mrs. Klein's pickles or even a small cup of pickle juice for dipping.
🥒 Why Pickles Make the Difference
The magic of this sandwich lies in the contrast of textures and flavors—and Mrs. Klein's pickles are the secret ingredient that ties it all together. The crunch of the pickles cuts through the richness of the bacon and cheese, adding just the right amount of tang to keep every bite balanced. Whether you use Mrs. Klein's Classic Dill Chips for that traditional pickle flavor, Spicy Pickle Chips for a bold kick, or Bread & Butter Pickles for a touch of sweetness, each variation brings something unique to the table. You can even mix and match to create your own signature melt.
🍔 Variations to Try
The Spicy Southwest Melt
Swap out the cheddar for pepper jack cheese and add a few pickled jalapeños from Mrs. Klein's for a zesty Arizona-style sandwich. The Sweet & Smoky Version
Use Mrs. Klein's Bread & Butter Pickles and add a drizzle of honey or a thin slice of apple for a sweet contrast to the smoky bacon. The Ultimate Breakfast Melt
Add a fried egg and serve it on toasted sourdough for a breakfast sandwich that's hearty, flavorful, and ready to take on the day.
🧈 Tips for the Perfect Grilled Cheese
- Low and slow: Cooking over medium heat ensures the cheese melts fully before the bread burns.
- Choose quality cheese: A combination of cheddar for sharpness and provolone for stretch gives you that ideal melt.
- Don't skimp on butter: A generous layer helps achieve that classic golden crust.
- Drain the pickles: Patting the pickle chips dry prevents the sandwich from getting soggy while preserving the crunch.
🥪 Serving Suggestions
The Pickle Bacon Grilled Cheese Melt pairs perfectly with:
- A side of tomato soup (dip it right in for nostalgia)
- A handful of kettle-cooked chips
- Or a cold glass of lemonade or iced tea to balance the salty-sour richness
For parties or game-day gatherings, try cutting the sandwiches into smaller triangles and serving them as bite-sized melts with a small bowl of Mrs. Klein's pickle chips on the side. They'll disappear faster than you can make them!
💚 A Sandwich Worth Melting For
Grilled cheese is a staple comfort food, but with the addition of Mrs. Klein's pickles and smoky bacon, it becomes something extraordinary. It's crunchy, creamy, tangy, and savory—all the best parts of a great sandwich rolled into one. Whether you're cooking for yourself, your family, or a crowd, this Pickle Bacon Grilled Cheese Melt brings smiles to the table every single time. So grab a jar of Mrs. Klein's, fire up your skillet, and get ready to fall in love with your new favorite sandwich.
From Our Kitchen to Yours:
Made with love, real ingredients, and the unmistakable crunch of Mrs. Klein's pickles—Arizona's favorite pickle since 1945.