If you love the tangy crunch of dill pickles and the comforting warmth of homemade bread, then this Dill Pickle Bread Recipe is about to become your new favorite kitchen adventure. This unique savory quick bread blends sharp cheddar, fresh dill, and the unmistakable zing of pickles into every moist, flavorful slice. It’s the perfect way to surprise your taste buds with something delightfully different, whether you’re serving it alongside a bowl of soup or enjoying it simply on its own. You’ll find the blend of herbs and cheese with a subtle hint of pickle juice an irresistible twist in this easy, crowd-pleasing bread that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, trusty staples and a few special touches results in this wonderfully fragrant and tangy bread. Each ingredient plays a key role in balancing texture, flavor, and that delightful pickle punch.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The sturdy base that gives the bread structure and a tender crumb.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: Helps the bread rise beautifully for a light texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Adds extra lift and pairs with buttermilk for softness.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Brings subtle savory depth that complements the dill.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Adds a gentle aromatic sweetness.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill or 2 tablespoons dried dill: The fragrant herb star that defines this bread’s personality.
- 1/2 cup chopped dill pickles: The crunchy, tangy surprise in every bite.
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Melts into pockets of richness throughout the loaf.
- 2 eggs: Bind everything together and add moisture.
- 3/4 cup buttermilk: Adds tenderness and a slight tang to complement the pickles.
- 1/4 cup pickle juice: Injects that unmistakable pickle flavor directly into the bread.
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil: Keeps the bread moist and soft for days.
How to Make Dill Pickle Bread Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan so the bread bakes evenly and pops out easily once it’s done. This simple step sets the foundation for a flawless loaf.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and your choice of fresh or dried dill. Then fold in the chopped dill pickles and shredded sharp cheddar cheese, ensuring everything is evenly distributed. These mix-ins add texture and bursts of bold flavor that make this bread truly special.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until they are light and fluffy. Stir in the buttermilk, pickle juice, and vegetable oil. These wet ingredients bring moisture, tang, and richness that perfectly balance the dry mix. When combined properly, they create a silky batter ready for baking.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Pour the wet ingredients into your dry mixture, then gently stir until just combined. Take care not to overmix as that could make the bread tough. The batter should be moist but still hold its shape, with all those tasty bits evenly suspended throughout.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Transfer the batter to your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in your preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This signals your loaf is baked through with a golden, slightly crusty exterior.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy
After removing the bread from the oven, let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then gently transfer it onto a wire rack to cool completely. This helps the bread set firmly, making slicing easier and preserving all its delicious texture.
How to Serve Dill Pickle Bread Recipe
Garnishes
A little extra fresh dill sprinkled on top or a light spread of softened butter can elevate each slice to new heights. If you love a sharp contrast, a thin layer of cream cheese spread on a warm slice highlights the savory notes beautifully.
Side Dishes
This savory bread pairs wonderfully with creamy soups like broccoli cheddar or tomato bisque, creating a comforting, flavorful meal. It also complements deli sandwiches, adding tang and texture that turn a simple stack of meats and veggies into a taste sensation.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the bread thinly and toasting it for homemade croutons that pack a dill-pickle punch in salads or stews. Or transform it into decadent grilled cheese sandwiches where melted cheddar meets the bread’s tangy undertones for a mouthwatering spin on a classic comfort food.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover Dill Pickle Bread in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to maintain freshness. For longer storage, refrigeration is a great option that keeps flavors intact while preventing drying out.
Freezing
You can freeze this bread as whole or sliced portions by wrapping tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil or placing it in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for a few hours to preserve its delightful texture.
Reheating
To revive the bread’s warmth and softness, gently toast slices or warm them in a preheated oven at 325 degrees Fahrenheit (160 degrees Celsius) for about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it may make the bread gummy instead of deliciously fresh.
FAQs
Can I use dried dill instead of fresh in this Dill Pickle Bread Recipe?
Absolutely! If you don’t have fresh dill on hand, dried dill works just fine. Use about half the amount of dried dill compared to fresh since it’s more concentrated, and you’ll still get that characteristic herbal note.
What type of pickles are best to use for this bread?
Dill pickles are essential to capturing the flavor profile of this bread. Choose crunchy, well-seasoned dill pickles for the best texture and tang. Avoid sweet pickles as they will shift the flavor away from the savory balance.
Can I substitute buttermilk in this recipe?
If you don’t have buttermilk, a simple substitute is to mix 3/4 cup milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for 5-10 minutes to curdle. This will give your bread the same tender crumb and slight tang.
How long does Dill Pickle Bread stay fresh?
Stored properly at room temperature, this bread stays fresh for about two days. Refrigeration can extend its life up to a week, but be sure to keep it wrapped tightly to prevent drying out.
Can I make this bread dairy-free?
You can try using a dairy-free milk alternative mixed with lemon juice as a buttermilk substitute and omit or replace the cheddar cheese with a vegan cheese option. Keep in mind this will alter the flavor and texture somewhat, but the pickle and dill essence will still shine through.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like pulling a warm loaf of Dill Pickle Bread Recipe from the oven to fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma that invites smiles and curious appetites. This bread is a wonderful way to celebrate savory flavors in a totally fresh and fun way. Whether you’re baking it for a family meal, packing it for a picnic, or sharing with friends, it’s sure to be a memorable hit. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and discover how easily each slice becomes a new favorite in your baking repertoire.
Print
Dill Pickle Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (8 slices) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Dill Pickle Bread is a flavorful, savory quick bread featuring tangy dill pickles, fresh or dried dill, and sharp cheddar cheese. Perfect as a side dish or snack, it combines the unique zip of pickle juice with the creaminess of buttermilk for a moist, tender crumb. Easy to prepare and bake, this American classic elevates your bread basket with its bright, bold flavors.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill or 2 tablespoons dried dill
Additional Mix-ins
- 1/2 cup chopped dill pickles
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Wet Ingredients
- 2 eggs
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup pickle juice
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan thoroughly and set aside to ensure your bread doesn’t stick.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and fresh or dried dill until evenly combined.
- Add mix-ins: Stir the chopped dill pickles and shredded sharp cheddar cheese into the dry ingredients, distributing them evenly for consistent flavor throughout the bread.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until slightly frothy. Then add buttermilk, pickle juice, and vegetable oil. Mix these wet ingredients until fully combined to create a smooth liquid base for the bread.
- Mix wet and dry ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir gently just until moistened. Avoid overmixing to prevent a dense or tough bread texture.
- Transfer and smooth batter: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula to ensure even baking.
- Bake: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the bread is fully cooked.
- Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer the loaf onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing to maintain its structure and texture.
Notes
- This bread pairs perfectly with soups, sandwiches, or works well as a savory snack on its own.
- You can substitute fresh dill with dried dill if fresh herbs are unavailable—just halve the quantity of dried dill as it is more concentrated.
- Store leftover bread wrapped at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate to extend freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
