If you have a craving for something uniquely tangy, cheesy, and downright comforting, then this Dill Pickle Bread Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine biting into a soft, moist loaf bursting with vibrant dill and sharp cheddar flavors, all lifted by the unmistakable zing of dill pickles and pickle juice. It’s a savory quick bread that perfectly balances zesty and savory notes, making it a fantastic accompaniment to your favorite soup or a standout base for creative sandwiches. This is not just any bread—it’s a flavor-packed experience that will keep you coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Dill Pickle Bread Recipe uses simple yet crucial ingredients that come together to create a loaf full of flavor and perfect texture. Each ingredient adds its own special touch—flour forms the hearty base, spices bring depth, cheddar offers richness, and the pickles and pickle juice deliver that signature tang.
- All-purpose flour (1 3/4 cups): Provides structure and a soft crumb for the bread.
- Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Helps the bread rise for a light texture.
- Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Works with acidic ingredients for extra lift.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances and enhances all flavors.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a subtle savory depth without overpowering.
- Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon): Brings a mild, sweet onion note that complements the dill.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Offers a gentle kick and warmth.
- Finely chopped dill pickles (1 cup): The star ingredient delivering tang and crunch throughout the bread.
- Chopped fresh dill (1/4 cup): Brightens the loaf with fresh herbal fragrance.
- Grated sharp cheddar cheese (3/4 cup): Melts into pockets of gooey, cheesy goodness.
- Large eggs (2): Bind everything together and add richness.
- Sour cream (1/2 cup): Keeps the bread moist and tender while adding subtle tang.
- Vegetable oil (1/4 cup): Contributes to soft texture and moist crumb.
- Pickle juice (1/4 cup): Infuses the bread with zesty pickle punch right in the batter.
How to Make Dill Pickle Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, grease your 9×5-inch loaf pan thoroughly or line it with parchment paper. This step is crucial to ensure your bread comes out cleanly without sticking, making for a perfect presentation and easy serving later on.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper until well combined. This combination of leaveners and seasonings forms the foundation of your bread’s flavor and texture, ensuring an even distribution throughout every slice.
Step 3: Add the Pickles, Dill, and Cheese
Gently fold in the finely chopped dill pickles, freshly chopped dill, and sharp cheddar cheese. Doing this now ensures that each bite bursts with those signature tangy and cheesy highlights without the cheese melting prematurely. It also guarantees that every slice has that perfect balance of savory flavor and delightful texture.
Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs until frothy. Then stir in the sour cream, vegetable oil, and pickle juice until everything is smoothly blended. These ingredients bring moisture, richness, and that unmistakable pickle tang, which elevates this loaf beyond ordinary savory breads.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry
Pour the wet mixture gradually into the dry ingredients, stirring gently just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep your bread tender and fluffy rather than dense. A few lumps are perfectly fine here, and patience pays off when you achieve that soft crumb.
Step 6: Bake Your Bread
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Pop it into the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. Your bread is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely—this prevents sogginess and sets the crumb beautifully.
How to Serve Dill Pickle Bread Recipe
Garnishes
This bread is already packed with vibrant flavors, but a thin spread of butter or cream cheese, topped with fresh dill sprigs, can take it up a notch at serving time. You might also add a slice of cheddar or even some pickled jalapeños on the side to reflect and enhance the bread’s unique ingredients.
Side Dishes
Dill Pickle Bread pairs wonderfully with hearty soups like tomato bisque, creamy potato soup, or even a classic chicken noodle. Its savory and tangy flavor acts as a fantastic palate teaser. It’s also perfect alongside a fresh garden salad or served as a side to charcuterie boards featuring cured meats and cheeses.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice this loaf thick and toast it lightly for sandwiches—try adding smoked turkey, crunchy lettuce, and a slather of mustard for a flavor-packed bite. You can also cube it and use as croutons in a tangy salad or toss with olive oil and herbs for a delicious snack. The versatility of this Dill Pickle Bread Recipe invites all kinds of fun presentation ideas!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After the bread has cooled completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It stays fresh and moist for up to 3 days at room temperature. Storing it properly preserves that beautiful balance of tang and savory flavors you worked so hard to build.
Freezing
You can freeze slices of this bread for up to 3 months. Wrap the slices individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. This way, you can defrost only what you need, keeping the rest fresh and ready for another delicious round.
Reheating
To revive the bread’s texture and flavor, toast frozen slices directly in a toaster or warm in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 10 minutes. This method brings back the bread’s lovely softness and makes the cheddar cheese deliciously melty again.
FAQs
Can I use dill pickle relish instead of chopped pickles?
Yes, you can substitute relish if you prefer a more uniform texture without the crunch of chopped pickles. Just be mindful of moisture levels as relish tends to be wetter, which might slightly affect the batter consistency.
What if I don’t have fresh dill?
Dried dill can be used in a pinch, but fresh dill really brings brightness and a crisp herbal note to the bread. Use about one-third of the fresh amount if substituting dried dill, and add it to the dry ingredients.
Can I make this bread vegan?
This recipe relies on eggs, cheese, and sour cream, which are essential for its texture and flavor. However, you can experiment with vegan substitutes like flax eggs, plant-based cheese, and vegan sour cream, though the result will differ slightly from the original.
Is there an alternative to pickle juice?
If you’re out of pickle juice, a small splash of lemon juice or vinegar mixed with a pinch of salt can mimic the tanginess, but the characteristic dill pickle flavor will be less pronounced.
How do I prevent the bread from being too dense?
Make sure not to overmix the batter once wet and dry ingredients are combined. Mixing just until everything comes together keeps the crumb light. Also, double-check your baking soda and powder are fresh to ensure proper rising.
Final Thoughts
With its unique tangy twist and cheesy richness, this Dill Pickle Bread Recipe is a total game changer for any bread lover or pickle fan. Whether you’re serving it as a delightful side, a sandwich base, or just enjoying a warm slice with butter, it promises comfort and a burst of flavor in every bite. Give it a try, and I bet it’ll become one of your favorite homemade savory breads in no time!
Print
Dill Pickle Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (8–10 slices)
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Dill Pickle Bread is a savory quick bread infused with tangy chopped dill pickles, fresh dill, and sharp cheddar cheese. Perfect as a unique side dish or sandwich base, this American-style bread combines classic pickle flavors with a moist, tender crumb, making it a delicious and easy-to-make snack or accompaniment to soups and salads.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Wet and Flavor Ingredients
- 1 cup finely chopped dill pickles
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
- 3/4 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup pickle juice
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper until fully combined.
- Add Flavorings: Stir in the finely chopped dill pickles, fresh dill, and grated sharp cheddar cheese to the dry mixture, ensuring even distribution throughout the batter.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, then mix in the sour cream, vegetable oil, and pickle juice until smooth and well blended.
- Mix Wet and Dry Components: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir just until combined; avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
- Bake the Bread: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top surface. Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Bread: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely, enhancing sliceability and texture.
Notes
- For an extra punch of pickle flavor, add 1 tablespoon of finely chopped pickled jalapeños to the batter.
- Substitute plain Greek yogurt for sour cream as a healthier alternative while maintaining moisture.
- This bread pairs wonderfully with soups or can be used as a unique, savory base for sandwiches.
