Dill Pickle Bread Recipe
If you love the tangy crunch of dill pickles and the comforting warmth of freshly baked bread, you are going to be absolutely smitten with this Dill Pickle Bread Recipe. Combining the zestiness of pickle juice with sharp cheddar and fresh dill, this quick bread offers a unique savory flavor that’s equally exciting and satisfying. It’s a perfect snack, side, or even a star at your next brunch, delivering a moist crumb with just the right hint of herbs and tang. Trust me, once you try this Dill Pickle Bread Recipe, it might just become your new go-to savory treat to bake and share.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Dill Pickle Bread Recipe calls for simple, everyday ingredients that come together beautifully. Each element plays an essential role from lending moisture to adding punchy flavor and a perfect crumb that makes this bread so special.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of the bread, providing structure and texture.
- 1 tablespoon sugar: Just a hint of sweetness to balance the tanginess.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: Creates rise and lightness in the bread.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Works with the acidic buttermilk and pickle juice for a tender crumb.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors without overpowering.
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle savory depth.
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder: Complements the garlic and sharpens the flavor profile.
- 1 cup chopped dill pickles (well drained): The star ingredient that brings tang and crunch to every bite.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill (or 1 teaspoon dried): Fresh herbs brighten the bread with genuine dill flavor.
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Melts into the bread, adding sharpness and richness.
- 1 cup buttermilk: Moisturizes the batter while lending tender acidity.
- 1/4 cup pickle juice: Intensifies the pickle flavor and keeps the bread moist.
- 1 large egg: Binds everything together for a perfect texture.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and a lovely crumb to the bread.
How to Make Dill Pickle Bread Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan thoroughly to ensure your bread releases easily after baking, making cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, garlic powder, and onion powder. This step evenly distributes all the leavening agents and seasonings, which is key for a uniform rise and flavor throughout your loaf.
Step 3: Toss in the Pickles, Dill, and Cheese
Add your chopped dill pickles, fresh or dried dill, and shredded cheddar cheese into the dry ingredients. Gently toss everything together to coat the pickles and cheese in the flour mixture – this helps prevent sinking during baking and ensures those flavorful pockets stay perfectly dispersed.
Step 4: Whisk the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine the buttermilk, pickle juice, egg, and melted butter. Whisk these ingredients until they are smoothly blended. This wet mix is crucial because it provides moisture, tenderizes the bread, and infuses it with that unmistakable pickle tang.
Step 5: Combine and Pour
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Gently fold with a spatula until just combined — you want the batter to be mixed thoroughly but not overworked, which could make the bread tough. Then, pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top evenly.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 45 to 50 minutes. Keep an eye on it near the end; a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean, signaling your dill pickle bread is ready. Let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely—this step helps the bread set properly and makes slicing a delight.
How to Serve Dill Pickle Bread Recipe
Garnishes
A simple brush of melted butter on warm slices really enhances the bread’s richness. For a bit more flair, sprinkle some chopped fresh dill or even a pinch of flaky sea salt just before serving. These small touches boost the freshness and amplify the savory notes.
Side Dishes
This bread pairs beautifully with creamy soups like tomato bisque, rich chowders, or tangy coleslaw. It’s also fantastic alongside deli sandwiches, grilled burgers, or smoky barbeque for an added dimension of flavor and texture.
Creative Ways to Present
Try toasting slices and topping them with cream cheese and smoked salmon for an elegant appetizer. Or slice it thin and serve as croutons over a crisp garden salad. This Dill Pickle Bread Recipe is versatile enough to be enjoyed in countless imaginative ways, making it perfect for any meal or occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover dill pickle bread tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh at room temperature for up to two days, or in the fridge for about a week, maintaining its moisture and flavor beautifully.
Freezing
If you want to keep your bread longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil and freeze. It will hold for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm gently before serving.
Reheating
Warm slices in a toaster or oven at a low temperature to revive their freshly baked texture. This brightens the flavors and restores that delightful crispness on the crust, making the bread taste almost as good as when it was first made.
FAQs
Can I use dried dill instead of fresh in the Dill Pickle Bread Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute 1 teaspoon of dried dill for 1 tablespoon of fresh dill. The flavor will still be wonderful and well balanced.
Will this bread be very salty because of the pickles and cheese?
The saltiness is well balanced by the bread’s other ingredients, especially the subtle sweetness and acidity. However, if you’re sensitive to salt, you can reduce the added salt slightly or use low-sodium pickles.
Can I make this bread gluten-free?
While we haven’t tested this recipe with gluten-free flour, you can try using a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend. You might need to adjust the liquids slightly to achieve the right batter consistency.
Is it possible to add extra heat to the bread?
Definitely! Adding chopped pickled jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper into the batter before baking gives a pleasant spicy kick that pairs wonderfully with the savory flavors.
How long will this bread keep fresh once baked?
Stored properly at room temperature, this bread stays fresh for about 2 days, and up to a week if refrigerated. For the best taste and texture, consume it within this timeframe or freeze for longer storage.
Final Thoughts
This Dill Pickle Bread Recipe is a delightful twist on traditional quick bread with a perfect balance of tangy, savory, and cheesy flavors that you’ll want to bake again and again. Whether you’re serving it alongside a comforting soup or just nibbling on it warm and buttered, it’s guaranteed to become a beloved addition to your recipe collection. So grab your ingredients and enjoy the scrumptious journey of making this uniquely flavorful bread. Your taste buds will thank you!
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Dill Pickle Bread Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 8 slices) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Dill Pickle Bread is a savory quick bread that combines the tangy crunch of dill pickles with sharp cheddar cheese and fragrant dill for a unique and flavorful loaf. Perfect for serving alongside soups, sandwiches, or grilled meats, this moist and tender bread is enhanced by buttermilk and pickle juice for extra zest.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
Add-Ins
- 1 cup chopped dill pickles (well drained)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 cup pickle juice
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan to prevent sticking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, garlic powder, and onion powder until well combined.
- Add pickles, dill, and cheese: Stir in the chopped dill pickles, fresh or dried dill, and shredded sharp cheddar cheese until they are evenly coated with the flour mixture, which will help distribute them throughout the bread.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, pickle juice, large egg, and melted unsalted butter until smooth.
- Mix wet and dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the bread tender and light.
- Transfer to loaf pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top evenly with a spatula.
- Bake the bread: Place the 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 cooked through.
- Cool the bread: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes to set, then remove from the pan and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- This savory quick bread pairs well with soups, sandwiches, or grilled meats.
- For an extra flavor boost, add a handful of chopped pickled jalapeños into the batter or sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American