If you’re looking for a unique and flavorful twist on classic quick breads, this Dill Pickle Bread Recipe is an absolute game changer. Imagine a moist, tender loaf with bursts of tangy pickle flavor, melted cheese, and fresh herbs that make every bite unforgettable. It’s perfect for sandwich bases, snack time, or even as a conversation-starting appetizer. Once you try this recipe, dill pickle bread will hold a special place in your kitchen repertoire, ready to surprise and delight friends and family alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Dill Pickle Bread Recipe calls for simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully to create a loaf bursting with flavor. Each component plays a key role in balancing texture, moisture, and the signature dill pickle zing that sets this bread apart.
- Sour cream: Adds tangy moisture, creating a tender crumb and enhancing the bread’s richness.
- Vegetable oil: Contributes to a soft texture while keeping the bread moist without overpowering flavors.
- Eggs: Bind the ingredients and provide structure to the bread, helping it rise nicely.
- Sugar: Just a touch to balance the tangy notes and bring out natural flavors.
- All-purpose flour: The base of the bread, giving it body and helping it hold everything together.
- Baking powder: The leavening agent that ensures the bread rises perfectly fluffy.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors, especially important with the tanginess from the pickles.
- Pickle juice: The secret weapon infusing the batter with authentic dill pickle flavor.
- Dill pickles, grated: Adds texture and bursts of crunchy, tangy flavor scattered throughout the loaf.
- Shredded cheese: Melts into pockets of savory goodness, perfectly complementing the dill and pickles.
- Fresh dill, chopped: Brightens the bread with fresh herbal notes that tie all the flavors together beautifully.
How to Make Dill Pickle Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Preheat
Start by heating your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving a little overhang on the sides. This makes it super easy to lift the bread out once it’s baked and cooled, ensuring your loaf comes out perfectly every time.
Step 2: Whisk the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine sour cream, vegetable oil, eggs, and sugar. Whisk them together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This step is crucial because it ensures the batter is well mixed, giving your bread a consistent texture.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, stir together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. These dry ingredients will help the bread rise and create the structure needed to hold all those wonderful pickle and cheese bits.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, folding gently and mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix here — you want to keep the batter light and fluffy, which means a tender loaf without toughness.
Step 5: Add Pickle Magic
Stir in the pickle juice, then fold in the grated dill pickles, shredded cheese, and fresh dill. These add-ins are what truly make this Dill Pickle Bread Recipe stand out, scattering tantalizing pockets of flavor throughout the bread.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing out the top with a spatula. Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. This careful baking ensures a moist center with a lightly golden crust.
Step 7: Cool and Remove
Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then gently lift it out using the parchment paper overhang. Transferring it to a wire rack allows it to cool completely, which is the best time to slice and savor your fresh dill pickle bread.
How to Serve Dill Pickle Bread Recipe
Garnishes
This bread is fantastic on its own, but you can easily dress it up with a sprinkle of fresh dill or a light brush of melted butter mixed with garlic for an irresistible aroma. If you want more zest, top with a thin spread of cream cheese or even a dollop of sour cream alongside some sliced pickles.
Side Dishes
Dill pickle bread pairs beautifully with hearty soups, especially creamy tomato or cheesy broccoli soup. It’s also great next to a fresh garden salad or served with a charcuterie board, where its salty, tangy flavor complements meats and cheeses perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your dill pickle bread into delightful mini sandwiches packed with deli meats and mustard for a picnic treat. You can also cube it, toast the pieces lightly, and serve as croutons in salads or soups — adding an unexpected, tasty crunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Dill pickle bread stays moist and flavorful when stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Wrapping it in parchment paper first helps preserve the crust’s texture while keeping the interior soft.
Freezing
If you want to save your dill pickle bread for longer, slice it completely, wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, and place them in a freezer bag. This keeps the flavors fresh and makes it easy to grab a slice whenever a craving hits.
Reheating
To enjoy your bread as if fresh, warm slices in a toaster oven for a few minutes or pop them in the microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel for a soft, moist texture. You can also reheat whole loaves in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes, loosely wrapped in foil.
FAQs
Can I use dill pickle relish instead of grated pickles?
Absolutely! Dill pickle relish works well too, though it may add a bit more moisture to the batter, so just be sure to fold it in gently and watch your baking time closely.
What type of cheese is best for this recipe?
A sharp cheddar or a tangy pepper jack cheese pairs wonderfully with the dill and pickle flavors. You can experiment with your favorite shredded cheese to customize the taste!
Is it possible to make this bread gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that includes xanthan gum for binding, and keep an eye on the moisture levels as gluten-free flours often behave differently.
Can I add other herbs besides dill?
Fresh dill is the star here, but feel free to try fresh chives or parsley for a twist. Just keep dill as the primary herb to maintain the bread’s signature profile.
How long will the bread stay fresh after baking?
For the best taste and texture, enjoy the bread within two to three days when stored properly. Beyond that, freezing is your best option to maintain freshness.
Final Thoughts
This Dill Pickle Bread Recipe is a delicious, unexpected twist on quick bread that brings a fun, flavorful punch to your table. It’s easy to make, endlessly versatile, and bound to impress anyone lucky enough to enjoy a slice. I genuinely encourage you to give it a try — it might just become your new favorite way to celebrate the humble pickle!
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Dill Pickle Bread Recipe
This savory Dill Pickle Bread combines the tangy and zesty flavors of dill pickles, fresh dill, and cheese into a moist, flavorful loaf. Perfect as a snack, side, or sandwich bread, it’s a unique twist on traditional quick breads with a delightful pickle juice kick.
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Sour Cream
- 1/2 cup Vegetable Oil
- 2 Eggs
- 1 tbsp Sugar
- 1 tbsp Pickle Juice
Dry Ingredients
- 1 3/4 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1 1/4 tsp Baking Powder
- 1/2 tsp Salt
Add-ins
- 1/2 cup Dill Pickles, grated
- 1/2 cup Shredded Cheese
- 2 tbsp Fresh Dill, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy bread removal.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the sour cream, vegetable oil, eggs, and sugar until fully combined and smooth to create a cohesive wet mixture.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt thoroughly to distribute the leavening agents and salt evenly.
- Incorporate Dry into Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring gently just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.
- Add Pickle Juice and Flavorings: Stir in the pickle juice, then fold in the grated dill pickles, shredded cheese, and chopped fresh dill carefully, ensuring even distribution throughout the batter.
- Fill and Smooth Batter in Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and level the surface with a spatula for even baking.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool Bread: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before lifting it out by the parchment paper. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the bread light and tender.
- Grate the pickles finely for better texture and flavor distribution.
- Feel free to use your favorite shredded cheese, such as sharp cheddar or mozzarella.
- Fresh dill adds a bright herbal note, but dried dill can be used in a pinch (reduce quantity by half).
- This bread pairs wonderfully with soups, sandwiches, or as a snack with dips.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American