Dill Pickle Bread is a soft, savory loaf with a bold dill flavor in every bite. It’s easy to make and packed with chopped pickles, fresh dill, and melted cheese. If you enjoy pickle flavor, this bread is a fun and tasty way to try something different. You can serve it as a snack, side, or light meal any day of the week.
Why We Love This Dill Pickle Bread Recipe
You’ll love this recipe because it’s different, yet incredibly easy to make. The prep takes just 10 minutes, and there’s no yeast or rising time involved. Everything comes together in one bowl, making cleanup a breeze. It’s also versatile—slice it warm with a bowl of soup or toast it and spread on your favorite dip.
What makes this bread special is its bold flavor. The dill pickles give it a tangy kick, while the cheddar adds richness and a gooey top. Every bite is tender, savory, and loaded with comforting taste. It’s the kind of recipe that feels creative without needing a culinary degree to pull it off.
Ingredients for Dill Pickle Bread
To make Dill Pickle Bread, you’ll need basic pantry staples along with a few standout ingredients. Together, they create a soft loaf with a deliciously cheesy crust and zesty interior.
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1-1/4 teaspoons baking powder
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons dill pickle juice
- 1 cup finely chopped dill pickle
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 4 tablespoons snipped fresh dill
How to Make Dill Pickle Bread Directions
You won’t need a mixer or fancy equipment to make this bread. All it takes is two bowls, a spoon, and a loaf pan. The process is straightforward and stress-free, even for beginner bakers.
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Take a 9×5-inch loaf pan, grease it lightly, and line it with parchment paper. Make sure to leave some paper hanging over the sides—this helps you lift the bread out easily after baking.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, vegetable oil, eggs, sugar, and dill pickle juice. Use a whisk or spoon to mix until the ingredients are smooth and fully blended. This wet mixture is your base.
In another small bowl, stir together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Do this in parts, not all at once, and stir gently after each addition. This will help avoid overmixing, which can make your bread tough.
Once the batter is moistened and just combined, fold in the finely chopped pickles, half of the shredded cheddar cheese (that’s 1/2 cup), and the fresh dill. Stir just enough to distribute everything evenly.
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. Spread it out so it’s even on top.
Bake the bread for 30 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The surface should be lightly golden and slightly domed.
Now for the fun part—cheese topping. After the loaf is baked through, take it out and preheat your oven broiler. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese on top of the loaf.
Place the pan back into the oven, about 3 to 4 inches from the heat. Broil it for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown. Keep an eye on it—this step goes fast!
Once the cheese is bubbly and golden, take the loaf out and let it cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Then, lift the bread out using the parchment paper and set it on a wire rack to cool completely.
Now you’re ready to slice and enjoy.
How to Serve Dill Pickle Bread
Dill Pickle Bread is versatile and fits into many meals. You can serve it warm or at room temperature, depending on what you’re pairing it with. Its savory flavor makes it great with soups, stews, or as a side for salads.
Try toasting a slice and spreading a bit of cream cheese on top. You could also use it to make a grilled cheese sandwich for an extra boost of flavor. It even works well on a brunch table with scrambled eggs or alongside a veggie platter.
Because it’s already packed with flavor, you don’t need to add much. Just slice and serve. It’s a great way to offer something different when guests come over, or to treat yourself during the week.
Expert Tips: Dill Pickle Bread
Here are some helpful tips to make sure your Dill Pickle Bread comes out perfect every time:
- Use room temperature eggs: This helps everything mix more smoothly and makes the texture even.
- Don’t overmix the batter: Mix until just combined. Overworking the batter can make your loaf dense and heavy.
- Pat your pickles dry: If they’re too wet, they could add extra moisture to the bread and affect the final texture.
- Use fresh dill if possible: Fresh herbs give a much brighter flavor than dried. If you only have dried dill, reduce the amount to about 1 tablespoon.
- Watch the broiler closely: The cheese can go from melted to burnt in seconds. Stay near the oven and keep checking during the final step.
These small details can make a big difference in how your loaf turns out.
How to Store Dill Pickle Bread
After baking, let the loaf cool completely before storing it. Wrap it in parchment paper or plastic wrap, then place it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh at room temperature for about 2 days.
If you want it to last longer, store it in the fridge. It will keep well for up to 5 days. Just make sure it’s tightly wrapped to prevent drying out.
You can also freeze this bread. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag. That way, you can pull out one slice at a time. Just thaw at room temperature or pop into the toaster for a warm treat.
Variation of Dill Pickle Bread
You can easily make this recipe your own by trying different ingredients and flavors.
- Spicy version: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the batter for a little heat.
- Add garlic: Mix in a teaspoon of garlic powder or some roasted garlic for a deeper, savory profile.
- Different cheese: Swap out the cheddar for mozzarella, gouda, or even pepper jack to change up the flavor.
- Make it mini: Use a muffin tin instead of a loaf pan to make individual Dill Pickle Bread muffins. Just reduce the baking time to 15–20 minutes.
- Extra crunch: Sprinkle some crushed crackers or breadcrumbs on top before broiling for a crispier crust.
Each variation brings something new, but still keeps that bold dill pickle flavor you love.
FAQ – Dill Pickle Bread
Can you taste the pickles in Dill Pickle Bread?
Yes, the pickles add a tangy bite that stands out in each slice. They pair well with the cheese and dill, making the flavor unique and satisfying.
Can I use dried dill instead of fresh?
You can. Use about 1 tablespoon of dried dill in place of the fresh, though fresh dill gives a brighter, fresher flavor.
Is Dill Pickle Bread healthy?
This bread is more about flavor than nutrition, but it uses simple ingredients and no preservatives. You can adjust the oil or cheese amounts to suit your needs.
What can I eat with Dill Pickle Bread?
It goes great with soups, salads, or just on its own. Try serving it with tomato soup, veggie chili, or a fresh cucumber salad.
How do I know when the bread is done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean, your bread is ready. Also, look for a golden top and firm center.
Dill Pickle Bread
Ingredients
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1¼ teaspoons baking powder
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons dill pickle juice
- 1 cup finely chopped dill pickle
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 4 tablespoons snipped fresh dill
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine sour cream, vegetable oil, eggs, sugar, and dill pickle juice. Mix until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, stir together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently.
- Fold in chopped pickles, half of the cheddar cheese, and fresh dill until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- After baking, sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top and broil for 3 to 5 minutes until melted and golden.
- Let the bread cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then lift out using the parchment paper and cool completely on a wire rack.
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