If you’ve ever wished dill pickles could take center stage in something warm, cheesy, and oven-baked, you’re in for a treat! Easy Dill Pickle Bread combines sharp cheddar, punchy pickles, and fresh dill into a golden loaf that’s as moist as it is flavorful. Whether you’re a pickle lover or simply looking for a quick, savory twist on homemade bread, this recipe is an adventure for your tastebuds. Serve it hot from the oven, savor it alongside your favorite bowl of soup, or toast it for a snack — this is one bread recipe you’ll find yourself making again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gather these mainstays from your pantry and fridge — each one brings something special to the Easy Dill Pickle Bread. From fluffy flour to a pop of garlicky dill and those juicy pickle pieces, you’ll see how these ingredients work in harmony for the ultimate quick bread.
- All-purpose flour: This is the sturdy base that gives your bread a perfect, tender crumb.
- Baking powder: Makes the loaf rise beautifully for that classic quick bread texture.
- Baking soda: Works alongside the buttermilk and pickle juice, keeping the bread ultra-soft.
- Salt: Balances all the bold flavors and brings out the cheesy, dilly goodness.
- Garlic powder: Adds a subtle savory undertone that pairs so well with dill and cheddar.
- Chopped fresh dill (or dried): For that unmistakable fragrant tang—fresh will make it pop, dried is equally tasty in a pinch.
- Chopped dill pickles: Juicy bites of tang in every slice; be sure to drain them so the bread doesn’t get soggy.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melty, sharp, and oh-so-good—try a little extra on top for a cheesy crust!
- Egg: Binds everything together while adding a little extra richness to the loaf.
- Buttermilk: Keeps the bread moist and gives it that irresistible tender crumb.
- Pickle juice: The secret ingredient! Intensifies that pickle flavor throughout the bread.
- Melted unsalted butter: Adds a rich, buttery backdrop to every bite, inside and out.
How to Make Easy Dill Pickle Bread
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or nonstick spray. This simple step sets you up for a loaf that releases smoothly and maintains its beautiful crust.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, garlic powder, and your dill. This ensures the leaveners and seasonings are evenly dispersed, so the Easy Dill Pickle Bread will bake with a consistent, fluffy texture and flavor in every slice.
Step 3: Add Pickles and Cheese
Now, stir in the chopped dill pickles and shredded cheddar cheese. Folding them into the dry mixture helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom during baking, and guarantees a burst of tangy, cheesy flavor in each bite.
Step 4: Whisk Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, beat the egg, buttermilk, pickle juice, and melted butter until everything is fully combined. This wet mix is what brings the dough to life and makes the loaf so moist and flavorful.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry
Pour your wet ingredients into the dry mixture and gently stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—just a few swift turns of the spoon is all you need for a tender crumb. The batter will be thick and slightly lumpy, and that’s perfect.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Spoon the batter evenly into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Slip it into the oven and bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The easiest way to tell it’s done? That irresistible scent filling your kitchen!
Step 7: Cool and Slice
Let the bread rest in the pan for 10 minutes to finish setting, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. Slicing while warm gives you soft, steamy pieces; fully cooled, the slices hold together beautifully for sandwiches or snacks.
How to Serve Easy Dill Pickle Bread
Garnishes
For the ultimate presentation (and just a little extra wow factor), sprinkle fresh chopped dill or a bit of shredded cheddar right on top right after baking. A dab of salted butter or a smear of cream cheese will also take your Easy Dill Pickle Bread over the top.
Side Dishes
This bread shines beside soups—think creamy tomato, potato leek, or even a hearty chili. It’s also dreamy as the base for a sandwich, or served alongside picnic favorites like egg salad or smoked salmon. The salty, dilly notes make it a natural fit with all things savory!
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the loaf into cubes for a unique party appetizer alongside dips like ranch or whipped feta. For brunch, toast thick slices and top with poached eggs, or transform leftovers into savory croutons for salads and soups. The vivid green flecks of pickle and dill make each slice a conversation starter!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover Easy Dill Pickle Bread tightly in plastic wrap or stash in an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh, soft, and flavorful for up to three days at room temperature—if it manages to last that long before being devoured!
Freezing
For longer storage, this bread freezes like a dream. Slice the cooled loaf and wrap the slices in plastic or foil before sealing in a zip-top bag. They’ll keep beautifully for up to three months. Simply pop out a slice or two whenever you need a quick, savory fix.
Reheating
To enjoy that just-baked warmth, gently reheat slices in the toaster or a low oven. A few minutes is all it takes to crisp the edges and revive those melty cheesy pockets. If microwaving, wrap the slice in a damp paper towel for best texture.
FAQs
Can I use dried dill instead of fresh?
Absolutely. If you don’t have fresh on hand, swap in 1 tablespoon dried dill for every 1/4 cup of fresh. The result is still super flavorful and just as satisfying.
Is there a substitute for buttermilk?
Yes! For a quick homemade buttermilk, simply add 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk, stir, and let it sit for a few minutes before using. It’ll mimic the tang and texture perfectly in your Easy Dill Pickle Bread.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
With a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, you can absolutely make a gluten-free version. The bread may be slightly more delicate, but all the great flavors will still shine through.
What types of cheese work best?
Sharp cheddar is classic for punchy flavor, but Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even a little Swiss would be delicious. Feel free to try a blend for added depth and meltiness.
Why is it important not to overmix the batter?
Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can make your bread tough instead of tender. Stir just until the ingredients are combined so your Easy Dill Pickle Bread comes out soft and light every time.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a pickle devotee or just craving a whimsical twist on homemade bread, Easy Dill Pickle Bread is sure to surprise and delight at any meal. It’s easy, unique, and bursting with big savory flavors—give it a try, and prepare to fall in love with every tangy, cheesy bite!
Print
Easy Dill Pickle Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 10 slices) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Dill Pickle Bread is a savory quick bread packed with dill pickles and cheddar cheese. It’s flavorful, moist, and perfect for serving with soups or sandwiches.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill or 1 tbsp dried dill
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup chopped dill pickles (drained)
- 1 1/4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup pickle juice
- 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, garlic powder, and dill. Add chopped pickles and cheese.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the egg, mix in buttermilk, pickle juice, and melted butter.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Pour wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir until just combined.
- Bake: Pour batter into the loaf pan, smooth the top, and bake for 45–50 minutes.
- Cool and Serve: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!
Notes
- This bread pairs well with soups, sandwiches, or buttered toast.
- Try using a combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses for added flavor.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for later enjoyment.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
