Mac and cheese is one of the ultimate comfort foods, but when you add the tangy crunch of pickles, it turns into something completely unforgettable. This Pickle Mac and Cheese recipe combines cheesy pasta with bold pickle flavor for a dish that’s creamy, crunchy, and zesty all at once.
The best part? You can make this recipe with any of your favorite Mrs. Klein’s pickles. From the classic bite of dill chips to the heat of hot dill pickles, the snackable crunch of dill gherkins, or even the sweet-and-spicy punch of chamoy pickles, every variety brings its own unique twist to this recipe.
Ingredients
- 1 lb elbow macaroni (or your favorite pasta shape)
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups whole milk
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup chopped of Mrs. Klein’s Pickles (any variety you love such as, Dill Pickles, Hot Dill Pickles, Dill Chips, Chamoy Pickles, and Sweet Gherkins)
- 1/2 cup pickle juice (from the jar)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp butter (melted)
- Fresh dill, for garnish
Instructions
1. Cook the pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Make the cheese sauce
In a large saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to create a roux, cooking for about 1–2 minutes. Slowly whisk in the milk until smooth and slightly thickened.
3. Add the cheeses
Stir in the cheddar, mozzarella, and cream cheese until melted and creamy. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Add the pickles
Stir in 1/2 cup of pickle juice and 1 cup of chopped Mrs. Klein’s pickles , this could be dill chips, hot dill pickles, sweet gherkins, or even chamoy pickles. Pick your favorite, or mix and match for extra flavor.
5. Combine with pasta
Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir until evenly coated. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
6. Top and bake
Mix the panko breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the mac and cheese. Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown.
7. Serve and garnish
Garnish with fresh dill and serve warm. Add extra whole Mrs. Klein’s gherkins or slices of chamoy pickles on the side for presentation.
Serving Suggestions
- For more crunch: Stir in extra chopped dill chips or gherkins just before serving.
- For spice lovers: Use hot dill pickles and brine for a fiery kick.
- For adventurous eaters: Top with diced chamoy pickles for sweet and tangy contrast.
- For variety: Mix different types of Mrs. Klein’s pickles together for layers of flavor.
- For a quick version: Skip the baking step and serve stovetop-style.
Pickle Lover’s Comfort Food
This Pickle Mac and Cheese recipe is more than just a meal—it’s a bold twist on a classic that will have family and friends coming back for seconds. The best part is that you can make it your own with any type of Mrs. Klein’s pickles. Whether you love classic dill, crave a little spice, or enjoy a playful sweet-and-spicy combo, this dish is sure to become a new favorite.
Next time you’re craving comfort food with a zesty kick, grab your favorite jar of Mrs. Klein’s pickles and whip up this pickle-packed mac and cheese.