This Grilled Cheese Pillow with Dill Pickles and Bacon is what happens when your favorite sandwich meets peak puff pastry obsession. It's flaky, cheesy, crispy, and packed with bold flavor in every bite.

a pink plate full of grilled cheese pillows with a side of ranch to dip it in.

Why You'll Love It

Grilled Cheese Pillow with Dill Pickles and Bacon is the internet's latest comfort food crush-and honestly, I get why! If you've been seeing cheese pillows all over your feed (hi, tiktok!), this is your sign to jump in. It's everything you love about a classic grilled cheese, but wrapped in buttery puff pastry and baked until golden brown and insanely crispy.

The combo of Land O Lakes Co-Jack and sharp cheddar gives you that dreamy, melty center with just the right amount of bite. Add in crispy bacon and tangy dill pickles, and suddenly it's a full-on flavor bomb. The pickles cut through the richness, the bacon adds meaty umami, and the cheese ties it all together in the most indulgent way.

This grilled cheese pillow recipe also feels fancy but is secretly so easy. It's the kind of thing that looks impressive enough for entertaining but comes together with simple ingredients you can grab at the grocery store. Beyond the original version from Na Tovia, these are tons of cheese pillow recipe repost videos, which just proves how viral this concept is right now.

If you're deep in your puff pastry obsession era like I am, this one is about to go into your regular rotation. And yes, feel free to add extras like salami, roasted red peppers or even pesto if you want to switch it up next time.

a stack of pieces of a grilled cheese pillow on top of a cutting board.

Ingredients & Substitutions

This recipe keeps things simple but delivers big on flavor. Each ingredient plays a role in creating that perfect cheesy, flaky bite.

Land O Lakes® Co-Jack® Cheese: Melts beautifully and gives you that creamy, mild base. You could use any easily melting cheese you prefer.
Land O Lakes® Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Adds bold, tangy flavor and helps balance the richness.
Puff pastry sheets: The secret to that flaky, buttery exterior that makes these cheese pillows irresistible.
Bacon: Adds salty crunch and depth to every bite. Leave it out if you're vegetarian.
Dill pickles: Bring a tangy contrast that cuts through all that cheese. Sweet pickles work, too and if you dont like pickles, leave them out!
Salted butter: Helps the pastry bake up golden brown and extra flavorful. Eggwash could work as a substitute.
Dill pickle seasoning: Enhances that pickle flavor and adds a little extra zing. Ranch seasoning of garlic salt also work beautifully.
Ranch: Optional, but perfect for dipping if you're feeling extra.

raw puff pastry with egg washed over the top on a cutting board.

How to Make It

This recipe is super straightforward and comes together quickly. It's the perfect way to turn simple ingredients into something that feels totally next level.

PREHEAT OVEN: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
PREP THE BASE: Roll out one sheet of puff pastry and place it on the prepared baking sheet.
ADD THE FILLING: Evenly scatter the Co-Jack and sharp cheddar over the pastry, leaving a 1-inch border. Top with crumbled bacon and finely chopped dill pickles.
TOP AND SEAL: Place the second sheet of puff pastry on top. Use a fork to crimp the edges tightly so everything stays sealed.
BRUSH AND BAKE: Brush the top with melted butter and sprinkle with dill pickle seasoning. Bake for 20-22 minutes until deep golden brown and fully puffed.
REST AND SLICE: Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing so the cheese can set slightly.
SERVE: Slice into squares and serve warm with ranch on the side for dipping.

cooked puff pastry showing all the buttery layers on a baking sheet.

What to Serve It With

This cheesy, flaky situation pairs perfectly with fresh or crunchy sides.

Simple green salad with vinaigrette
Tomato soup for dipping
Fresh fruit for contrast
Pickle spears for extra tang

And if this recipe has all the flavors that you love, you might enjoy some of these related recipes, too!

Recipe

a stack of grilled cheese pillow pockets with bacon and pickles oozing out.

Grilled Cheese Pillow with Dill Pickles and Bacon

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Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 25

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings people

Equipment

Ingredients

8 ounces Co-Jack Cheese grated
8 ounces Sharp Cheddar Cheese grated (such as Land O Lakes®)
2 sheets Puff Pastry thawed
0.5 cups Crumbled Bacon
0.3 cups Dill Pickles finely chopped and excess liquid squeezed out
2 tablespoons Salted Butter melted
0.5 teaspoons Dill Pickle Seasoning
0.5 cups Ranch for serving (optional)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Roll out one sheet of puff pastry and place it on the prepared baking sheet.
Scatter the Co-Jack cheese and sharp cheddar evenly over the pastry, leaving a 1-inch border. Top with crumbled bacon and chopped dill pickles.
Place the second sheet of puff pastry on top and crimp the edges with a fork to seal.
Brush the top with melted butter and sprinkle with dill pickle seasoning.
Bake for 20-25 minutes until deep golden brown and the cheese is melted.
Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve with ranch on the side if desired.

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Notes

You can absolutely leave out the pickles and bacon if you want a plain version!

Keyword appetizer, sandwich

Did you make this recipe?Tag me on instagram @grilledcheesesocial so I can see it!