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A close-up of a delicious grilled cheese sandwich cut in half, showing melted cheese, tomatoes, and jalapeños. Part of 20-Ingredient Grilled Cheese Recipes (No Fuss).

Spicy Sweet Pickle Grilled Cheese

A unique grilled cheese recipe featuring a sweet and spicy sauce, cream cheese, cheddar, pickles, and tomato.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Sauce Reduction 5 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 1 sandwich
Course: Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Spicy Sweet Sauce
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon white sugar
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
For the Sandwich
  • 1 tablespoon butter, softened
  • 2 slices bread
  • 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
  • 2 slices Cheddar cheese
  • 4 slices pickles or as desired
  • 4 slices tomato

Equipment

  • Small saucepan
  • Skillet

Method
 

  1. Combine water, vinegar, sugar, red pepper flakes, and garlic in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook and stir until sugar is dissolved and sauce is slightly reduced, about 5 minutes.
  2. Heat a skillet over low heat.
  3. Spread butter onto 1 side of each bread slice. Spread cream cheese on the opposite side of 1 of the bread slices. Layer Cheddar cheese and pickles on top of the cream cheese layer. Drizzle 1 to 2 tablespoons sauce on the other slice of bread on the side opposite the butter. Place bread on top of pickle layer, butter-side on the outside, creating a sandwich.
  4. Cook sandwich in the hot skillet until cheese is melted and bread is browned, about 5 minutes per side. Remove top bread piece, add tomatoes to middle, and close sandwich.

Notes

This recipe is a creative twist on a classic, perfect for busy cooks looking for unique flavors without a lot of effort. It balances sweet, spicy, and savory notes for a satisfying meal.

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