Dill Pickle Mac and Cheese (Print Version)

Creamy cheddar, zesty pickles, and fresh dill blend for a unique, tangy take on classic macaroni comfort.

# What You'll Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 10 oz elbow macaroni

→ Cheese Sauce

02 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
03 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
04 - 2 cups whole milk
05 - 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
06 - 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
07 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
08 - 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
09 - 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
10 - Salt and black pepper, to taste

→ Pickles and Flavorings

11 - 3/4 cup dill pickles, finely chopped
12 - 1 tablespoon dill pickle juice
13 - 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped, plus extra for garnish

→ Topping (optional)

14 - 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
15 - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted

# How To Make It:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F if baking with breadcrumb topping.
02 - Boil elbow macaroni in salted water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
03 - Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add flour and whisk constantly for 1 minute.
04 - Gradually whisk in milk. Cook, stirring, until thickened, about 4 to 5 minutes. Add cheddar cheese, mozzarella, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper, stirring until smooth and fully melted.
05 - Fold in chopped dill pickles, pickle juice, and chopped fresh dill. Mix until combined.
06 - Add cooked macaroni to the sauce. Stir gently to ensure pasta is evenly coated.
07 - To bake with topping: combine melted butter with panko breadcrumbs and sprinkle over the macaroni mixture in a baking dish.
08 - Place baking dish in oven and bake for 10 minutes or until top is golden brown.
09 - Serve hot, garnished with additional fresh dill as desired.

# Top Tips:

01 -
  • The briny bite of pickles secretly amps up the cheesy sauce without overpowering it.
  • It's delightfully easy, and there's always a friend who'll ask for seconds just to guess the secret ingredient.
02 -
  • I once let the flour and butter sit just a second too long and got a noticeably nutty tone, which overpowered the tang—so mind the roux.
  • After trying a few brands of pickles, I realized the crunchier, garlicky ones truly shine through the cheese sauce.
03 -
  • Grate all your cheese yourself; pre-shredded varieties have anti-caking agents that make the sauce grainy.
  • A pinch of smoked paprika over the top before baking is a serious flavor boost—my not-so-secret add-on.
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