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    Home » Lunches » Sandwiches

    The Best Cheese and Pickle Sandwich (Pret Posh Copycat)

    Published: Oct 20, 2023 · Modified: Oct 20, 2023 by Jessica Fisher

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    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.

    overhead view of a cheese and pickle sandwich cut sides turned upward. this …

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    Table of Contents
    • Why Make This
    • Ingredients
    • Step-by-Step Instructions
    • FAQs
    • More Great British Food
    • Cheese and Pickle Baguette Sandwich

    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:

    ingredients for cheese and pickle 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:

    sliced onions and white vinegar in separate dishes.
    salt and pepper on the pickled onions.
    • 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.
    cheddar cheese on one side of the baguette.
    English pickle spread on the cheese on the baguette.
    • 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.
    tomatoes atop the pickle and spinach on the other side of the bread.
    pickled onions added atop the spinach.
    • 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.
    finished cheese and pickle sandwich on a wood board with more pickle on the side.

    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

    What is a cheese and pickle sandwich?

    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!

    Can you freeze cheese and pickle sandwiches?

    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.

    Where did cheese and pickle sandwiches originate?

    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.

    cheese and pickle sandwich packed for lunch alongside red grapes and veggie sticks.

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    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.

    cut sides of English pickle sandwich facing up.

    Cheese and Pickle Baguette Sandwich

    A Posh Cheddar and Pickle Sandwich is a fancy way to make the classic English sandwich, the Cheese and Pickle. It's delicious and packed with flavor, a perfect copycat of the one at Pret a Manger.
    5 from 3 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Main Course, Snack
    Cuisine: American, English
    Diet: Vegetarian
    Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 15 minutes minutes
    Servings: 4
    Calories: 802kcal
    Author: Jessica Fisher
    Cost: $7

    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
    US Customary – Metric

    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

    Note: If packing for take-away, wrap each sandwich carefully and consume within a few hours.
    Promptly store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, for up to 3 days.
    Nutritional values are approximate and based on 1 sandwich.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 802kcal | Carbohydrates: 138g | Protein: 29g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 18mg | Sodium: 1887mg | Potassium: 612mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 60IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 211mg | Iron: 8mg
    Tried this recipe?Tell us what you think! Your reviews help us develop better recipes and give newcomers the confidence to try your favorites. Scroll down to leave a starred comment.

    This post was originally published on September 29, 2019. It has been updated for content and clarity.

    « How to Prep Freezer Sandwiches for Easy Make-Ahead Meals
    The Ploughman’s Lunch or Traditional English Snack Plate »
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Regina

      September 20, 2020 at 3:18 pm

      5 stars
      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!!!

      Reply
      • Jessica Fisher

        September 21, 2020 at 1:50 pm

        Yay! So glad to hear it.

        Reply
    2. Amanda Lunberg

      January 25, 2020 at 3:56 pm

      5 stars
      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!!

      Reply
      • Jessica Fisher

        January 25, 2020 at 4:07 pm

        Yay! I do, know, for sure. Welcome back and glad I could help you remake a fave at home!

        Reply

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