A well-kept secret across the pond, the Cheese and Pickle Sandwich is a revelation. Better than a dill pickle sandwich by far, this version features sharp cheddar cheese and a British pickle, like a chutney sandwich, but better. This baguette variation is a Pret a Manger copycat that you’re going to go wild for!
While you can certainly pick up a jar of Branston pickle, I recommend that you make a small batch of English Pickle, developed for American kitchens. Any leftovers are perfect in a Ploughman’s Lunch.
Want to save this post?
Enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox. Plus, I’ll send you budget recipes and money-saving tips every week!
One of the most popular sandwiches in the UK, the Cheese and Pickle Sandwich is underrated in America. And I get it. When I first saw it on the shelf of Pret a Manger I had no idea what it was. Dill pickles are, of course, “the pickle” of America and there were no cucumber pickles in this sandwich!
This cheddar sandwich contains no sliced pickles, but instead a delicious savory-sweet jam of sorts with sharp white cheddar. It’s commonplace in English pubs, often referred to as a ploughman’s sandwich since it contains many of the elements in a Ploughman’s lunch.
Why Make This
This cheese and pickle sandwich variation was rated the #1 Pret sandwich. And there’s a reason why I love it so much.
Crispy/chewy baguette bread, tangy English Pickle, nutty white cheddar, sweet-tart sun-dried tomatoes, crisp greens, and kicky onion? So good together that you’ll want to enjoy this pickle sarnie on the weekly.
While I can’t hop a plane for the UK today, I can make this awesomely delicious, super satisfying sandwich at home. With a few tweaks for the American kitchen, this copycat version of the Pret a Manger Posh Cheddar and Pickle Baguette will have you nodding your head in agreement.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this simple sandwich:
baguette or sandwich bread – The Pret Posh version calls for a few different ingredients than the norm, such as baguette. The British standard features sandwich bread. You do you.
English pickle – You can buy a jar of Branston or make your own. I recommend the latter as it’s more like what Pret sells.
cheddar cheese – An imported cheese like British cheddar or other white sharp cheddar is best, but you can use the type of cheese you like best for cheese sandwiches. I grabbed the Mature Irish Cheddar from ALDI for this lunch.
Pret a Manger posh additions – pickled onion (I make my own with sliced onion, vinegar, salt, and pepper), sun-dried tomatoes, and baby spinach.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s how to make these “posh” cheese and pickle sandwiches:
- Make the pickled onions, by combining sliced onion with vinegar and seasoning with salt and pepper. Allow this to set for 30 minutes or refrigerate up to 4 days.
- Cut a baguette into 6-inch lengths. Split each length in half through the middle. Separate the two halves.
- Layer the sliced cheddar on one side and then smear English pickle atop the cheese.
- Add a layer of julienned, sun-dried tomatoes atop the pickle and then onions, and spinach on the other half.
- Close the baguette and serve.
Variations:
The bare bones of a cheese and pickle sandwich is served on white sandwich bread, sometimes with a slice of cheese, other times with shredded cheese.
Many people like to make their cheese and pickle as a grilled cheese sandwich or “pickle toastie”. If you’re interested in that option, use sandwich bread and butter the outside of the bread before toasting it in a large skillet until the cheese melts and the bred is golden brown.
FAQs
The cheese and pickle sandwich or cheese and chutney sandwich is an absolute British classic, in the same way that PB&J is for Americans.
A traditional cheese and pickle sandwich is made on white bread with English pickle, cheddar, butter or mayo, and sometimes lettuce or arugula. This version is a bit more upscale. The combination of tangy pickle with creamy, nutty cheese is really amazing!
You can! I recommend for this particular version of the cheese and pickle sandwich, you leave off the onions and spinach and add those right before serving. Follow our tips for freezer sandwiches for best results.
Cheese and pickle sandwiches are said to be the most British of sandwiches. The famous Branston pickle was invented in the 20s and quickly paired with cheese as a sandwich filling. If you’ve ever watched the BBC detective series Endeavour, you may already be familiar with the cheese and pickle sandwich. DI Thursday’s wife packs him such a sandwich each week — on Mondays, to be exact.
More Great British Food
Tell us what you think!
We love to hear your experiences with Good Cheap Eats. Click the STARS on the recipe card or leave a STARRED comment to let us know what you think of the recipe.
Cheese and Pickle Baguette Sandwich
Ingredients
- ½ onion thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoon white wine vinegar
- salt
- black pepper
- 4 sections French baguette split lengthwise
- 4 oz white cheddar cheese slices
- ¼ cup English pickle homemade or from a jar
- ¼ cup sundried tomatoes (julienned)
- 2 cup baby spinach
Instructions
- Place the onion slices in a small bowl. Pour the vinegar over the top and season to taste with salt and pepper. Allow this to sit for about ten minutes. The process takes the bitterness out of the onion.
- Lay out the baguette sections on a work surface. Place one ounce of cheese on one side of each baguette. Spread one tablespoon of English pickle atop the cheese slices. Sprinkle the sundried tomatoes over the pickle.
- On the other side of each baguette, layer on baby spinach leaves. Top the spinach with onion slices.
- Close the sandwich and serve.
Notes
Nutrition
This post was originally published on September 29, 2019. It has been updated for content and clarity.
Regina
I can’t believe I found a recipe for this sandwich! I’ve been craving for this since I tried it once last year when I was in London, and like what you said they don’t have it here. So, I couldn’t be more excited when I found your post! I can’t wait to try it!!!! Thank you!!!
Jessica Fisher
Yay! So glad to hear it.
Amanda Lunberg
You have no idea how much my husband and I crave thsi sandwich when away from London! – Well you do of course! My husband is from London and he and I lived there for 12 years before recently moving back to the US. Thank you for your pickle recipe and this!!
Jessica Fisher
Yay! I do, know, for sure. Welcome back and glad I could help you remake a fave at home!