A chickle is one of those snacks I never get tired of making. I combine salty, briny dill pickle spears with melted cheddar cheese, frying them together until the cheese turns golden and crisp around the pickle. The result is a simple, crunchy, and deeply satisfying snack that always disappears fast whenever I put it out.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it is incredibly simple and still feels fun and trendy. I only need two basic ingredients, and I can make a batch quickly for parties, movie nights, or casual snacking. I also enjoy how the flavors balance each other perfectly, with the sharp saltiness of the pickle cutting through the rich, crispy cheese. It is one of those snacks that feels indulgent but takes very little effort.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of Ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
8 slices mild cheddar cheese
8 dill pickle spears
Directions
I start by laying the cheese slices out in a single layer and letting them come to room temperature. This step helps the cheese melt more evenly in the skillet. I also remove the pickles from the brine and place them on paper towels to absorb excess moisture.
I preheat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and wait until it is fully warmed. Once ready, I place one to three slices of cheddar cheese into the skillet, depending on how comfortable I feel working quickly.
As soon as the cheese begins to bubble lightly across the surface, I place a pickle spear slightly off center on each slice. When the cheese becomes crisp enough to lift, I use a narrow spatula to fold the shorter side of cheese up and over the pickle. I then quickly fold the remaining side over to fully wrap the pickle.
If needed, I gently roll the chickle in the skillet so all sides brown evenly. Once the cheese is crisp and golden, I remove it from the pan and repeat with the remaining ingredients.
Servings And Timing
I usually get about 8 chickles from this recipe. Preparation takes around 10 minutes, and cooking takes another 10 minutes, making the total time approximately 20 minutes from start to finish.
Variations
I sometimes add a slice of salami between the cheese and the pickle for a meatier, saltier bite. When I want extra flavor, I experiment with different pickle varieties, such as garlic or spicy dill. I also like trying other cheeses, but I find mild cheddar works best for letting the pickle flavor shine through.
Storage/Reheating
I find chickles are best eaten fresh, but if I need to store them, I let them cool completely and keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. When reheating, I place them back in a skillet over medium heat just until warmed and crisp again. I avoid the microwave because it softens the cheese too much.
FAQs
Can I use sharp cheddar instead of mild?
I can, but I notice that sharp cheddar tends to overpower the pickle flavor, so I prefer mild cheddar for better balance.
Why does my cheese ooze instead of folding?
I usually find this happens when the cheese is too cold or not crisp enough before folding. Letting the cheese warm up and waiting for proper bubbling helps.
Can I make chickles ahead of time?
I can make them a few hours ahead, but I think they taste best fresh while the cheese is crisp.
What dipping sauces work well with chickles?
I love serving them with ranch dressing, but I also enjoy them with spicy mayo or honey mustard.
Can I cook more than one chickle at a time?
I usually start with one at a time until I feel confident, then work up to two or three once I get the timing right.
Conclusion
Chickles are one of my favorite easy snacks because they combine bold flavors with minimal effort. I enjoy how quickly they come together and how impressive they feel despite their simplicity. Whenever I want a crunchy, salty treat that is a little different, this is the recipe I always come back to.
A chickle is a quick and crunchy snack made by wrapping dill pickle spears in golden, crispy cheddar cheese. This two-ingredient recipe is bold, salty, and perfect for parties or casual snacking.
Ingredients
8 slices mild cheddar cheese
8 dill pickle spears
Instructions
Bring cheese slices to room temperature for even melting.
Pat pickle spears dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
Preheat a non-stick skillet over medium heat until hot.
Place 1–3 cheese slices in the skillet at a time, depending on comfort level.
When cheese starts to bubble, place a pickle spear slightly off-center on each slice.
Once cheese is crisp enough to lift, fold one side over the pickle, then fold the other side to fully wrap it.
Gently roll the chickle in the skillet if needed to brown all sides evenly.
Remove from skillet when cheese is golden and crisp. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
Notes
Let cheese warm to room temp before cooking for smoother melting.
Use garlic or spicy dill pickles for variation.
Try adding a slice of salami for a meatier twist.
Stick with mild cheddar to avoid overpowering the pickle flavor.
Serve with dipping sauces like ranch, spicy mayo, or honey mustard.
