If you’re a pickle lover (or even just pickle-curious!), you’re in for a cheesy, tangy, totally addictive treat—Pickle Pizza is a flavor-packed twist on pizza that combines creamy garlic-dill sauce, bubbly cheese, and salty, crunchy pickles. This unique pie is surprisingly easy to make at home, and the zingy pickles play perfectly with melty mozzarella and a golden-brown crust.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unforgettable Flavor Combo: The mix of garlicky dill sauce, sharp cheese, and tangy pickles creates a flavor experience that’s both familiar and totally unexpected.
- Bakes Up Beautifully at Home: No fancy tools needed—just a hot oven and a baking sheet will give you a crispy, chewy pizza crust every time.
- Fun Conversation Starter: Pickle Pizza is a guaranteed hit for pizza night, parties, or anytime you want to surprise your taste buds and wow your friends!
- Easy to Customize: Keep it classic or experiment with extra toppings and different cheeses—this recipe is as creative as you want it to be.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about Pickle Pizza is how simple and approachable the ingredients are—each one plays a starring role in building layers of delicious flavor and irresistible texture. Don’t be fooled by the short list: this pizza is a masterpiece in every bite!
- Sour Cream: The creamy base for your garlic-dill sauce—its cool tang balances the bold toppings.
- Mayonnaise: Blends with the sour cream for extra richness and smoothness in the sauce.
- Dried Dill: Adds that classic pickle-y flavor to both the sauce and the pizza itself.
- Pickle Juice: Don’t skip it! A splash of brine makes the sauce pop with tangy undertones.
- Garlic Powder: Infuses the sauce with mellow, savory depth.
- Kosher Salt & Ground Black Pepper: Seasonings that tie everything together, highlighting those bold flavors.
- Pizza Dough: Store-bought or homemade—room temperature dough is the key to easy stretching and a chewy crust.
- All-Purpose Flour & Cornmeal: Flour keeps the dough from sticking, while cornmeal adds crunch and helps the pie slide onto the baking surface.
- Dill Pickle Slices: The hero of the show! Go for a classic jarred dill, and pat them dry to avoid sogginess.
- Shredded Whole-Milk Low-Moisture Mozzarella: Melts perfectly and gives you those glorious cheese pulls.
- Finely Grated Parmesan: Adds a salty, nutty finish that harmonizes with the tangy pickles.
Variations
Part of the fun of making Pickle Pizza is dreaming up your own delicious spin! Whether you have dietary needs, picky eaters, or just a creative streak, this recipe is your blank canvas—swap, add, or tweak to your heart’s content.
- Spicy Kick: Add a handful of sliced pickled jalapeños or sprinkle red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Vegan Version: Use your favorite plant-based mayo, dairy-free sour cream, and vegan cheeses—pickles are already naturally plant-based!
- Loaded Dill Ranch: Amp up the herbs in your sauce—try fresh parsley, chives, or even cilantro for a fresh twist.
- Bread & Butter Pickles: Swap in sweet pickles for a tangy-sweet contrast that’s guaranteed to surprise.
- Make It a White Pie: Skip the Parmesan and add dollops of ricotta for a creamy luxury layer.
How to Make Pickle Pizza
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prep Your Tools
Set your oven to 500°F and move a rack to the lower third. Place an inverted baking sheet or pizza stone inside to heat up—this helps guarantee a crisp crust, even if you don’t own a pizza oven! Give your dough time to come to room temperature for easy stretching.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Garlic-Dill Sauce
Whisk together the sour cream, mayo, dill, pickle juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. The pickle juice is your secret weapon here—taste as you mix, adjusting the dill and salt to make it just right for your palate. Set aside while you prep the rest.
Step 3: Stretch and Shape the Pizza Dough
Working one ball at a time on a floured surface, gently flatten out the dough and use your fingertips to stretch it into a 12- to 14-inch round. Holding the dough up by the edges and letting gravity do a little work helps create that perfect, pizzeria-style base. Repeat with the second ball.
Step 4: Top and Build Your Pickle Pizza
Sprinkle cornmeal on a pizza peel or rimless baking sheet and transfer your first dough round on top. Spread on half the sauce (save the rest for pizza #2!), leaving a visible border at the edge. Scatter on pickles, a mountain of mozzarella, Parmesan, another raft of pickles, and a dusting of dill. Layering is key here!
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Slide your assembled pizza onto the preheated baking sheet or hot stone—don’t worry if it’s not perfectly round. Bake for 11–13 minutes, until the cheese is bubbling and the crust is gloriously golden. Remove to a rack so the bottom stays crisp while it cools for a few minutes.
Step 6: Repeat, Slice, and Serve
Repeat the topping and baking process with your second dough round. Slice your Pickle Pizza, marvel at the cheesy, pickle-studded result, and relish every bite—don’t be surprised if it disappears in a flash!
Pro Tips for Making Pickle Pizza
- Pickle Prep: Pat your pickles thoroughly dry with paper towels before using—this helps keep your pizza crust crisp and prevents sogginess in every slice.
- Hot Stone, Hot Success: Preheating your baking stone or sheet is a game-changer for getting a chewy, restaurant-style crust right at home—even if your oven isn’t a pizza oven!
- Layering Cheese & Pickles: Scatter some pickles both under and over the cheese layer for extra punch and balanced flavor in every bite.
- Sauce Conservatively: Avoid over-saucing—spread just enough creamy garlic-dill sauce to cover, but don’t drown the dough for best results.
How to Serve Pickle Pizza
Garnishes
Give your Pickle Pizza a fresh (and pretty) finish by sprinkling extra dried or fresh dill, chopped parsley, or even thinly sliced green onions on top just after baking. A quick drizzle of reserved garlic-dill sauce or a crack of black pepper makes each slice even more irresistible.
Side Dishes
This pizza is bold enough to carry a meal on its own, but if you want a full spread, serve it with a lemony green salad or some crunchy celery sticks. Garlic knots or a bowl of tomato soup also pair wonderfully with the tangy, cheesy vibe of Pickle Pizza.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or game nights, slice the pizza into thin strips or small squares for a fun, pickle-forward appetizer. Mini Pickle Pizzas made with biscuit dough are downright adorable and perfect for kids (or anyone who loves finger food!). Serve on a big wooden board with spears of extra pickles and a bowl of dipping sauce for the ultimate DIY pizza night.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Pickle Pizza slices can be wrapped tightly and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The crust stays pleasantly chewy while the flavors only get more pronounced—the perfect next-day lunch.
Freezing
To freeze, allow slices to cool completely, then wrap individually in plastic wrap and foil. Store in a zip-top bag and freeze for up to two months. For best quality, freeze plain, unbaked dough balls and extra sauce separately (see below!) and assemble fresh when craving strikes.
Reheating
For the crispiest results, reheat Pickle Pizza slices on a baking sheet in a 425°F oven for a few minutes until the cheese is hot and the crust is revived. A few minutes on a hot skillet also does the trick—avoid microwaving if possible to keep that wonderful crust texture.
FAQs
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Can I use homemade pizza dough for Pickle Pizza?
Absolutely! Whether you use store-bought dough or your favorite homemade recipe, what matters most is that the dough is at room temperature when you stretch it. This will make shaping and baking a breeze and ensure that signature chewy, golden crust.
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What’s the best kind of pickle for this pizza?
Sharp, garlicky dill pickles in slices (sometimes called “chips”) work best for an intense, salty-tangy punch that stands up to the cheese. However, you can experiment with bread & butter or spicy pickles—just pat them dry first, whichever you use!
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Can I make Pickle Pizza in advance?
You can make the garlic-dill sauce up to two days ahead and store it in the fridge. For best results, assemble and bake the pizza just before serving, but the dough and sauce can be prepped in advance for quick weeknight pizza night.
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What if I don’t have a pizza stone or peel?
No problem! Use an inverted heavy-duty rimmed baking sheet as your “stone,” and a sheet of parchment paper or the back of another baking sheet as your makeshift peel. The results will be just as crispy and delicious.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to experience the sharp, zesty thrill of homemade Pickle Pizza—it’s cheesy, crave-worthy, and guaranteed to convert even the mildly pickle-averse. Whether you’re baking for friends, family, or just yourself, this pizza brings big smiles and big flavor to the table. Give it a try, and let me know how fast it disappears from your kitchen!
Print
Pickle Pizza Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 45 mins
- Total Time: 55 mins
- Yield: 2 (12 to 14-inch) pizzas 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Satisfy your cravings with this unique and flavorful Pickle Pizza recipe. Featuring a tangy garlic-dill sauce, loads of pickles, and gooey cheese, this pizza is a delightful twist on a classic favorite.
Ingredients
For the garlic-dill sauce
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- 1 teaspoon pickle juice
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
For the pizza
- 2 (1-pound) balls pizza dough, homemade or store-bought, at room temperature
- All-purpose flour, for dusting the countertop
- Cornmeal, to dust the peel or baking sheet
- 3/4 cup garlic-dill sauce, divided
- 2 cups jarred dill pickle slices, patted dry, divided
- 2 cups shredded whole-milk low-moisture mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1 teaspoon dried dill, divided
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 500°F: Arrange a rack in the lower third of the oven and place an inverted rimmed baking sheet or pizza stone on it.
- Prepare the sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, dried dill, dill pickle juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Stretch the dough: Take one ball of dough and flatten it with your hands on a lightly floured work surface. Starting at the center and working outwards, use your fingertips to press the dough into a 12 to 14-inch circle. Repeat with the second ball of dough.
- Build the pizza: Lightly sprinkle a pizza peel or rimless baking sheet with cornmeal. Transfer one prepared dough round to the peel. Spoon on half the sauce (about 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons) and spread it in an even layer using the back of a spoon, leaving 1/2-inch from the edge bare. Arrange 1/2 cup pickles over the sauce, followed by 1 cup mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese. Top with 1/2 cup pickles and 1/2 teaspoon dried dill.
- Bake the pizza: Carefully sprinkle some cornmeal onto the preheated baking sheet or stone. Slide the pizza onto the sheet (it’s okay if it’s hanging over the edges slightly) and bake for 11 to 13 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.
- Repeat and serve: Use a pizza peel to remove the pizza from the oven and transfer it to a cooling rack. Prepare and bake the other pizza in the same manner.
Notes
- You can customize this pizza by adding toppings like red onions, banana peppers, or even a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for heat.
- Ensure the pickles are patted dry to prevent excess moisture on the pizza.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of a pizza)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
