If you’ve ever dreamed of combining the tangy crunch of pickles with the comforting warmth of fresh-baked bread, you’re in for a real treat with this Dill Pickle Bread Recipe. It’s a delightful twist on traditional quick bread that brings together sharp cheddar, fresh dill, and that unmistakable pickle punch in every savory bite. Whether you’re looking to impress at your next brunch or craving a uniquely delicious snack, this bread delivers flavor and texture you won’t forget anytime soon.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Dill Pickle Bread Recipe lies in its simple but thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role: from the tangy pickle juice that brightens the batter to the sharp cheddar that adds richness and depth, this bread balances flavor and texture beautifully.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure with a soft but sturdy crumb.
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar: Balances the savory notes with a hint of sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: Ensures the bread rises nicely and stays tender.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Reacts with the acidity in buttermilk for perfect lift.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors to perfection.
- 1 cup chopped dill pickles: Brings that iconic pickle crunch and tang.
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Adds sharpness and melty gooeyness in every bite.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill (or 2 teaspoons dried dill): Infuses the bread with herbal freshness and aroma.
- 1 cup buttermilk: Adds moisture and a subtle tangy flavor that complements the pickles.
- 1/4 cup pickle juice: Packs an extra punch of dill pickle flavor and acidity.
- 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients and adds richness.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Keeps the bread tender and adds buttery flavor.
How to Make Dill Pickle Bread Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×5-inch loaf pan. This helps your bread bake evenly and ensures it releases easily once done, setting the stage for a perfect loaf.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step creates an even distribution of your leavening agents and seasoning so your bread will rise evenly and taste balanced.
Step 3: Add the Savory Elements
Fold in the chopped dill pickles, sharp cheddar cheese, and fresh dill. By mixing these into the dry ingredients, you keep them evenly dispersed, ensuring every slice bursts with all the signature flavors of the bread.
Step 4: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, pickle juice, egg, and melted butter. This mixture adds moisture and rich flavor, binding everything into a creamy batter that will bake into a soft, tender loaf.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry, stirring gently until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep the bread light and fluffy. Then, transfer the batter to your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top so it bakes evenly.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake the bread for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This ensures the bread is cooked through, moist yet firm, with a golden crust that’s irresistibly inviting.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Let the bread cool for 10 minutes in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack. Cooling completely helps set the crumb and makes slicing cleaner, so you get perfect pieces every time.
How to Serve Dill Pickle Bread Recipe
Garnishes
This bread is fantastic served warm with a smear of cream cheese or softened butter. For a little extra flair, sprinkle some fresh dill on top or add a few slices of pickled jalapeños for a spicy kick that complements the tang perfectly.
Side Dishes
Pair your Dill Pickle Bread Recipe with a bowl of creamy tomato soup or hearty chili. Its bold flavors and dense texture make it a fantastic companion to soups and stews, soaking up broth and adding an unexpected twist to classic comfort meals.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, slice the bread thin and toast it lightly, then top with smoked salmon, a dollop of crème fraîche, and a sprig of dill for an elegant appetizer. Or use it as sandwich bread for deli-style creations that are anything but ordinary.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap your Dill Pickle Bread Recipe tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to maintain freshness and flavor.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this bread later, slice it and freeze the pieces in a zip-top bag. It can stay fresh in the freezer for up to two months, ready to be toasted straight from frozen for that fresh-baked taste on demand.
Reheating
To bring back the delightful softness and warm your bread, pop slices into a toaster or oven at 350°F for 5 to 7 minutes. This rejuvenates the cheddar’s melty goodness and reawakens the tangy pickle flavor brilliantly.
FAQs
Can I use dried dill instead of fresh in this Dill Pickle Bread Recipe?
Absolutely! While fresh dill offers a brighter, herbier flavor, dried dill works perfectly well and is more convenient. Just use about one-third of the amount called for fresh dill since dried herbs are more concentrated.
What can I substitute for buttermilk if I don’t have any on hand?
You can make a buttermilk substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes. This will mimic the acidity and tenderness needed for the bread’s texture and flavor.
Is this Dill Pickle Bread Recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat products and features wholesome ingredients like cheese, pickles, and herbs that cater very well to vegetarian diets.
Can I add extra heat to this bread?
Definitely! Adding chopped pickled jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the batter will give your bread a spicy kick that pairs beautifully with the tangy dill and sharp cheddar.
How long does the bread stay fresh once baked?
When stored properly at room temperature in an airtight container, the bread stays fresh for about three days. For longer storage, freezing is your best bet to maintain taste and texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about this Dill Pickle Bread Recipe that makes it a standout in any bread basket. With its vibrant flavors and comforting texture, it’s sure to become one of your favorite savory quick breads that you’ll want to bake again and again. So grab those pickles and cheddar, and let’s bake a loaf everyone will be talking about!
Print
Dill Pickle Bread Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 10 slices
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Dill Pickle Bread is a savory quick bread combining tangy dill pickles, sharp cheddar cheese, and fresh dill, creating a flavorful loaf perfect for pairing with soups or enjoying toasted with cream cheese. This easy-to-make bread balances the zest of pickles with the richness of cheddar and a hint of fresh herbs for a unique and delicious treat.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup pickle juice
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Additional Ingredients
- 1 cup chopped dill pickles
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill (or 2 teaspoons dried dill)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan to ensure the bread does not stick.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
- Add pickles, cheese, and dill: Stir the chopped dill pickles, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and chopped fresh or dried dill into the dry ingredients until evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk, pickle juice, the large egg, and melted unsalted butter until fully combined.
- Combine wet and dry mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir just until combined, being careful not to overmix to maintain a tender crumb.
- Transfer batter and bake: Transfer the batter evenly into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool the bread: Allow the bread to cool in the loaf pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This step prevents the bread from becoming soggy and helps it set properly.
Notes
- This savory quick bread pairs perfectly with soups or can be served toasted with cream cheese for extra flavor.
- For additional tang, add a few tablespoons of chopped pickled jalapeños into the batter.
