Dill Pickle Mac and Cheese

Mix up your mac and cheese game with a tangy twist: Dill Pickle Mac and Cheese. This dish combines the creamy comfort of traditional mac with the bold kick of dill pickles, baking up into an indulgent, fun meal that’s a hit with families and pickle lovers alike.

It’s one of those dishes that surprises you in the best way possible. One moment, you’re enjoying your classic comfort food, and the next, you get hit with a zesty kick that makes you go, “Wow, that’s different!” If you’re up for mixing things up in the kitchen, give this Dill Pickle Mac and Cheese a try—you might just find a new favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Unexpected Flavor Kick: Dill pickles and pickle juice give classic mac and cheese a tangy twist, making each bite a delightful surprise.
• Creamy, Cheesy Goodness: The blend of cheddar and Havarti creates a luxuriously smooth sauce that’s hard to resist.
• Fun Crunch Factor: Topped with crushed Ruffles, it adds a satisfying crunch that elevates the whole dish.
• Fresh & Zesty: A dash of fresh dill and a sprinkle of chopped pickles bring an invigorating flavor.
• Easy Comfort Food: It’s a simple yet creative upgrade to your favorite comfort meal, perfect for mixing up your dinner routine.
• Conversation Starter: Serve it up and watch it spark curiosity and smiles at your next meal or gathering.

Ingredients

The full printable recipe card with measurements and instructions is found at the bottom of the post.

• Pasta (elbow macaroni, shells, cavatappi, etc.): This serves as the dish’s foundation, ready to soak up the tangy, creamy sauce. Use a pasta with ridges or hollow shapes so it holds on to the sauce.
• Unsalted butter: Kicks off the roux, providing a rich, smooth base for the sauce.
• All-purpose flour: Thickens the butter into a velvety mixture that anchors the sauce.
• Onion powder: Lends a subtle, savory note that deepens the flavor profile.
• Garlic powder: Adds a warm, aromatic touch to balance the tanginess.
• Dijon mustard: Brings a zesty kick that perfectly complements the pickle juice.
• Pickle juice: Introduces that signature tang, setting this dish apart. You can add more if you like it extra pickly!
• Whole milk: Creates a smooth, creamy liquid base for a luxurious sauce.
• Heavy cream: Boosts the richness, making the sauce extra indulgent.
• Shredded cheddar cheese: Offers that classic, sharp, cheesy flavor everyone loves.
• Shredded Havarti cheese: Melts into a buttery, smooth layer that enhances the texture.
• Chopped fresh dill: Infuses herby brightness to tie the flavors together.
• Chopped dill pickles: Adds crunch and an extra punch of tangy pickle flavor.
• Salt and pepper: Season to taste, ensuring every bite is perfectly balanced.
• Crushed Ruffles potato chips: Provides a crispy, golden topping that contrasts with the creamy pasta.

How to Make Dill Pickle Mac and Cheese

• Step One: Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and reserve ½ cup of the pasta water. Set aside.
• Step Two: Melt the butter in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour, onion powder, garlic powder, and Dijon mustard. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly.

• Step Three: Gradually whisk in the pickle juice, whole milk, and heavy cream. Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens, for about 3 to 4 minutes.
• Step Four: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the Dijon mustard, cheddar cheese, and Havarti cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth—season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Step Five: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, stir in some reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

• Step Six: Stir in the chopped dill pickles and dill.
• Step Seven: Preheat the oven to 400℉. Transfer the mac and cheese to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the crushed potato chips on top.
• Step Eight: Bake for 10 to 15 minutes or until the topping is crispy and golden. Garnish with more fresh dill if you like.

What to Serve With It

• Green Salad: A simple mix of greens with a light vinaigrette to keep things fresh.
• Grilled Chicken or Sausage: A bit of protein that doesn’t steal the spotlight but makes the meal more filling.
• Roasted Veggies: Try some broccoli or Brussels sprouts for that warm, earthy balance.
• Extra Pickled Goodness: More pickles never hurt—if you’re into that tangy vibe, serve some on the side.

Variations and Substitutions

• Pasta shapes: Switch it up with bow ties, rigatoni, or whatever fun shape you have.
• Cheese combo: Mix it up—swap Havarti for Monterey Jack, or go bolder with a sharper cheddar.
• Pickle flair: Experiment with different pickles like bread-and-butter for a sweeter twist, or add a splash more pickle juice if you love the tang.
• Crunch factor: Not into potato chips? Try crushed pretzels or a toasted breadcrumb mix for that satisfying crunch.
• Creaminess tweaks: For a lighter version, use more milk instead of heavy cream or stir in a bit of sour cream for extra tang.
• Protein boost: Toss in crispy bacon, grilled chicken, or shrimp to turn it into a heartier meal.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigeration: Let the mac and cheese cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the fridge for 3–4 days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, freeze it for up to 2 months. Keep in mind that the chip topping may lose its crunch, so you might want to add a fresh sprinkle when you reheat. To defrost, transfer the frozen mac and cheese to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight. If you’re in a hurry, you can use the microwave’s defrost setting in short intervals, stirring between cycles to ensure even thawing.
• Reheating: Warm it up in the microwave or oven. If the sauce feels too thick, stir in a splash of milk until you reach your desired consistency, and top with fresh chips for that satisfying crunch.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

• Pasta Perfection: Cook your pasta just until al dente, as it will continue to soften in the oven.
• Smooth Roux: Stir constantly when making your roux to keep it lump-free and silky.
• Cheese Game: Add your cheeses off the heat, one handful at a time, to ensure a smooth, even melt. Don’t use pre-shredded cheese as it won’t melt properly.
• Crunch Time: At the end, mix in the chopped pickles and dill to preserve their bright flavor and crunch.
• Chip Topping Hack: For an extra crunch, add the crushed chips during the final minutes of baking or sprinkle fresh on top before serving.
• Season as You Go: Taste and adjust your seasoning to balance the flavors.
• Make It Yours: To customize the dish, experiment with different pasta shapes, cheeses, or even extra herbs.

Mac and Cheese Recipes

• Stovetop Mac and Cheese
• Crockpot Velveeta Mac and Cheese
• Pumpkin Mac and Cheese
• Salsa Mac and Cheese
• Baked Mac and Cheese

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