Pin A creamy, tangy macaroni and cheese infused with the bright flavor of dill pickles—an irresistible comfort food with a zesty kick.
I first tried this recipe when looking for a unique comfort dish and was amazed by how the dill pickles added a refreshing zing that kept everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 340 g (12 oz) elbow macaroni
- Cheese Sauce: 2 tbsp unsalted butter, 2 tbsp all-purpose flour, 480 ml (2 cups) whole milk, 170 g (6 oz) sharp cheddar cheese shredded, 85 g (3 oz) Monterey Jack cheese shredded, 2 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 tsp garlic powder, salt and black pepper to taste
- Pickle Twist: 120 g (about 1 cup) dill pickles finely chopped, 60 ml (1/4 cup) dill pickle juice, 2 tbsp fresh dill chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- Topping (optional): 60 g (1/2 cup) panko breadcrumbs, 1 tbsp unsalted butter melted
Instructions
- Preheat oven:
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F) if baking with topping.
- Cook macaroni:
- Cook the macaroni in salted boiling water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Make roux:
- In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
- Add milk:
- Gradually whisk in the milk and cook, stirring constantly, until slightly thickened (about 3–4 minutes).
- Add cheese:
- Lower heat and add cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. Stir until cheese is melted and sauce is smooth.
- Mix flavorings:
- Add Dijon mustard, garlic powder, pickle juice, chopped pickles, and fresh dill. Mix well. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine macaroni:
- Fold in the cooked macaroni until fully coated with the sauce.
- Prepare topping (optional):
- For a crunchy topping, mix panko with melted butter and sprinkle over the mac and cheese in a baking dish. Bake for 1012 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve:
- Garnish with extra chopped dill and serve immediately.
Pin My family loves gathering around this dish, sharing stories and passing the bowl until it’s empty every time.
Notes
Serve with a side of crispy dill pickle chips for crunch and extra flavor contrast.
Required Tools
Large pot, saucepan, whisk, baking dish (optional for topping), cheese grater
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (milk, cheese, butter) and gluten (pasta, flour, breadcrumbs). Always check pickle and cheese labels for potential allergens or additives.
Pin This pickle mac and cheese is the perfect blend of comfort and surprise, sure to brighten up any meal.
Recipe Q&A
- → What cheeses work best in this mac and cheese?
Sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses provide a creamy and flavorful base, but Gruyère or mozzarella can be used for creaminess variations.
- → How do dill pickles affect the flavor?
Dill pickles add a tangy, bright note that balances the richness of the cheese sauce, providing a refreshing twist.
- → Can I bake this dish?
Yes, topping with panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter and baking at 200°C (400°F) for 10-12 minutes creates a crunchy golden crust.
- → Is there a way to make it spicier?
Adding cayenne pepper or sliced pickled jalapeños can introduce a spicy kick without overwhelming the other flavors.
- → What cooking tools are needed?
A large pot for boiling macaroni, a saucepan to prepare the cheese sauce, a whisk for stirring, and optionally a baking dish for finishing the topping.