Ever wondered what happens when you combine the tangy crunch of dill pickles with the comfort of a cheesy pizza? Get ready to have your taste buds blown away with this amazing pickle pizza recipe that's taking the internet by storm. As a pickle lover and pizza enthusiast, I've perfected this unique creation that's certain to become your new favorite Friday night treat!
Why You'll Love This Pickle Pizza Recipe
This isn't just any pickle pizza recipe – it's about to become your new obsession, and for good reason! I stumbled across this combination when experimenting with leftover dill pickles and haven't looked back since.
First off, this is hands-down the best dill pickle pizza recipe I've tested (and trust me, I've tried many). The secret lies in balancing the briny crunch of pickles with a creamy, garlicky base that complements rather than competes with the tanginess.
What makes this special is its versatility. Not sure about using a white sauce? This works beautifully as pickle pizza with red sauce too. Craving something extra indulgent? Try it as pickle pizza with Alfredo sauce for a truly decadent experience.
The recipe is incredibly forgiving for beginners but impressive enough to serve when friends come over. I've had pickle-skeptics completely change their minds after trying this! Plus, it's much more satisfying than hunting for "pickle pizza near me" on your phone when the craving strikes.
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Pickle Pizza Recipe
- Ingredients For Pickle Pizza Recipe
- How To Make Pickle Pizza Recipe
- Substitutions
- Variations
- Equipment For Pickle Pizza Recipe
- Storage
- What to Serve It With
- Top Tip
- Grandmama's Magic Touch
- FAQ
- Time to Enjoy Your Homemade Pickle Pizza Recipe
- Related
- Pairing
- Pickle Pizza Recipe
Ingredients For Pickle Pizza Recipe
For the Dough:
- All-purpose flour
- Instant yeast
- Sugar
- Salt
- Warm water
- Olive oil
For the Creamy Dill Sauce:
- Sour cream
- Mayonnaise
- Cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh dill, chopped
- Pickle juice
- Black pepper
For the Toppings:
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Thinly sliced dill pickles (about 3-4 large pickles)
- Thinly sliced red onion
- Fresh dill for garnish
- Optional: 1 teaspoon ranch seasoning mix
See recipe card for quantities.
How To Make Pickle Pizza Recipe
Ready to create the most craveable pickle pizza recipe you've ever tasted? Let's break this down into simple, manageable steps that will have you enjoying this unique creation in no time. This recipe follows the classic techniques you'd expect from the best dill pickle pizza recipe while adding a few special touches.
Preparing the Dough
- Combine the dry ingredients in a large bowl: flour, yeast, sugar, and salt.
- Create a well in the center and pour in warm water and olive oil.
- Mix until a shaggy dough forms, then turn onto a floured surface.
- Knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm spot for about an hour until doubled in size.
Making the Signature Sauce
- Whisk together sour cream and mayonnaise in a small bowl until smooth.
- Stir in minced garlic, chopped fresh dill, pickle juice, and black pepper.
- Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. The sauce should be creamy with a noticeable dill and garlic punch.
- Refrigerate while the dough rises to allow flavors to meld together.
Preparing Your Toppings
- Slice pickles thinly and lay them on paper towels.
- Press another paper towel on top to remove excess moisture – this step is crucial for any dill pickle pizza recipe to prevent sogginess!
- Thinly slice red onion and set aside.
- Shred mozzarella if using a block (pre-shredded works too, but fresh-shredded melts better).
Assembling Your Pickle Pizza
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven during preheating.
- Punch down the risen dough and turn it onto a lightly floured surface.
- Roll the dough into a 14-inch circle (or your preferred shape).
- Transfer the dough to a pizza pan, parchment paper, or pizza peel dusted with cornmeal if using a stone.
- Spread the dill sauce evenly across the dough, leaving a ½-inch border for the crust.
- Sprinkle about ⅔ of the mozzarella over the sauce.
- Arrange the pickle slices evenly across the pizza – for the authentic pickle pizza with red sauce approach, you can swap the dill sauce for tomato sauce here.
- Scatter red onion slices over the pickles.
- Top with the remaining cheese and an extra sprinkle of fresh dill.
Baking to Perfection
- Slide the pizza into the preheated oven (directly onto the stone if using one).
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly with some brown spots.
- Watch carefully during the last few minutes to prevent burning.
- Remove from the oven when done and let rest for 2-3 minutes.
Finishing Touches
- Sprinkle with fresh dill and optional ranch seasoning for a ranch pickle pizza twist.
- Drizzle with a little more pickle juice if you want to amp up the tangy flavor.
- Slice into 8 pieces and serve immediately while hot and bubbly.
Substitutions
- Gluten-Free Option: Use your favorite gluten-free pizza dough mix or cauliflower crust for a Rick's pickle pizza recipe style variation.
- Dairy-Free: Replace sour cream with dairy-free yogurt and use a plant-based mozzarella alternative.
- Quick Version: Use store-bought pizza dough or even a pre-baked crust when short on time.
- Sauce Alternatives: For classic dill pickle pizza sauce recipe variations, try Alfredo sauce or garlic-infused olive oil as your base.
- Pickle Options: While dill pickles are traditional in this dill pickle pizza recipe, bread and butter or spicy pickles create interesting flavor profiles too.
- Extra Tangy: Add a tablespoon of pickle juice to your dough for subtle flavor throughout the crust.
Variations
Want to put your own spin on this pickle pizza recipe? Here are some delicious twists that all honor the tangy star of the show while creating entirely new flavor experiences:
Pickle Pizza with Alfredo Sauce
Swap the creamy dill sauce for a rich Alfredo base. The velvety texture and garlicky notes of Alfredo create a luxurious backdrop for the zippy dill pickles. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a touch of brightness.
Spicy Dill Pickle Pizza
Add heat to your dill pickle pizza recipe by incorporating thinly sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot honey. The combination of spicy, sweet, and tangy creates an addictive flavor trifecta that pickle lovers can't resist.
Breakfast Pickle Pizza
Transform this into a morning meal by adding scrambled eggs, crispy bacon bits, and cheddar cheese alongside your dill pickles. The savory-tangy combination works surprisingly well for brunch gatherings.
Equipment For Pickle Pizza Recipe
- Large mixing bowl - For preparing and proofing your dough
- Measuring cups and spoons - For accurate ingredient portions
- Rolling pin - To shape your dough evenly
- Pizza pan or baking sheet - A standard 14-inch pizza pan works perfectly
Storage
Just made this amazing pickle pizza recipe and somehow ended up with leftovers? Let's make sure those precious slices stay as delicious as possible!
Refrigerating Leftovers
Store leftover pickle pizza recipe in an airtight container or wrap individual slices tightly in aluminum foil. Place in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, I recommend stacking slices with parchment paper between them to prevent the toppings from sticking together.
Pro tip: Unlike many pizzas, pickle pizza actually maintains its flavor profile well when refrigerated. The pickles may soften slightly, but the tangy flavor remains intact!
Freezing Options
Yes, you can freeze this dill pickle pizza! For best results:
- Allow pizza to cool completely
- Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil
- Place in a freezer bag, removing as much air as possible
- Freeze for up to 2 months
Label your frozen pizza with the date and "pickle pizza" so you don't surprise yourself later!
What to Serve It With
This pickle pizza brings such a unique flavor profile to the table that pairing it with the right sides and drinks can create an absolutely memorable meal. Here are my favorite combinations that complement the tangy, savory notes of this dill pickle pizza recipe:
Sides That Balance the Tanginess
A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the rich, briny pizza. The crisp vegetables and light dressing cleanse the palate between bites of pickle-loaded goodness.
Garlic breadsticks might seem like carb overload, but they're perfect for dipping into any extra creamy dill sauce you might have leftover. Plus, the mild garlic flavor pairs surprisingly well with the pickle pizza's tanginess.
For a heartier option, a cup of tomato soup makes this feel like an elevated grilled cheese and soup combo – the acidity of the tomato plays beautifully against the salty, creamy notes of the pizza.
Drinks That Complement
A cold, crisp lager or pilsner is my go-to beverage with this pizza. The clean, refreshing quality of these beers stands up nicely to the bold flavors without overwhelming them.
If you prefer wine, a dry Riesling works wonders – its slight sweetness and acidity balance the salty, tangy elements of the pickle pizza.
For non-alcoholic options, sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon refreshes the palate, or try an iced tea with a touch of honey for a subtle sweetness that contrasts the savory pizza.
Top Tip
Pat, rest, pat again! This double-drying method is the single most important technique for pickle pizza success. First, lay your pickle slices on paper towels and pat dry. Then, let them rest for 5 minutes before patting dry a second time. This extra step removes significantly more moisture than a quick pat, preventing the dreaded soggy-center syndrome that can plague even the best dill pickle pizza recipe.
Grandmama's Magic Touch
My grandmother would raise her eyebrows at the idea of a dill pickle pizza recipe, but she'd absolutely approve of the technique I borrowed from her kitchen. Grandmama always said, "The secret's in the brine, darling!" She'd save pickle juice for everything from marinating chicken to adding zing to salad dressings.
When developing the best dill pickle pizza recipe, I remembered how she'd brush bread with pickle juice before toasting it for sandwiches. That memory inspired me to brush the outer crust with a mixture of melted butter and a teaspoon of pickle brine right before baking. This creates a subtly tangy, golden crust that elevates the entire pickle pizza experience.
Whenever I make this for friends who are hunting for "pickle pizza near me" options, they're amazed by this simple trick. Give Grandmama's magic touch a try and let me know if it doesn't make your dill pickle pizza taste even more special!
FAQ
What goes on a pickle pizza?
A traditional pickle pizza includes thinly sliced dill pickles, mozzarella cheese, and a creamy garlic-dill sauce base instead of tomato sauce. Common additions include red onions, fresh dill as a garnish, and sometimes a ranch seasoning sprinkle. Some variations incorporate bacon, chicken, or a drizzle of ranch dressing as finishing touches. The key is balancing the briny pickle flavor with creamy, savory elements while ensuring the pickles are thoroughly dried before baking to prevent sogginess.
Why is pickle pizza so good?
Pickle pizza works surprisingly well because it creates a perfect balance of contrasting flavors and textures. The tangy, briny pickles cut through the richness of the cheese, while the creamy sauce provides a smooth backdrop that ties everything together. The slight crunch of properly baked pickles adds textural contrast to the soft, chewy crust and melted cheese. It's essentially hitting all the flavor notes: salty, tangy, creamy, and savory in each bite, creating a uniquely satisfying taste experience that keeps you coming back for more.
Where did pickle pizza come from?
Pickle pizza gained mainstream popularity after being featured at Midwest state fairs, particularly in Minnesota, around 2018. However, the concept likely originated in small, experimental pizzerias years earlier. QC Pizza in Minnesota is often credited with helping popularize the trend with their "Kinda Big Dill" pizza. The creation went viral on social media platforms, particularly TikTok, where food challenges and unique recipe videos helped spread its popularity nationwide. What began as a novelty offering quickly developed a cult following as people discovered how delicious the unusual combination could be.
Does Papa John's have pickle pizza?
Papa John's doesn't currently offer pickle pizza as a standard menu item in most locations. However, they occasionally test regional specialty pizzas, so it's worth checking your local Papa John's for limited-time offerings. Since they allow customization, you could create your own version by ordering a white sauce or garlic parmesan base pizza and adding dill pickles as a topping (you might need to supply your own pickles and add them after delivery). For an authentic pickle pizza experience, local specialty pizzerias or homemade versions typically deliver the best results.
Time to Enjoy Your Homemade Pickle Pizza Recipe
Well, there you have it—a pickle pizza recipe that's guaranteed to spark conversation and satisfy those unique pizza cravings! Whether you're a longtime pickle enthusiast or just pickle-curious, this dill pickle pizza delivers an unexpectedly delicious combination that might just become your new favorite.
Have you tried pickle pizza before? I'd love to hear how your homemade version turns out! Drop a comment below with your thoughts or any creative twists you added. And if you're looking for more unconventional pizza ideas, don't miss my Cream Cheese Chicken , Parmesan Crusted Chicken, or the always popular Chicken Parm Pizza .
Happy pizza making, and may your crust be crispy and your pickles perfectly tangy!
Related
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Pickle Pizza Recipe
Pickle Pizza Recipe
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl (For mixing and proofing the dough)
- Measuring cups/spoons (For accurate measurement)
- Rolling pin (To roll the pizza dough evenly)
- Pizza pan or stone (For baking the pizza (14-inch preferred))
- Small bowl (For mixing the creamy dill sauce)
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon instant yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
For the Creamy Dill Sauce:
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 3 cloves garlic - minced
- 2 tablespoon fresh dill - chopped
- 1 teaspoon pickle juice
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Toppings:
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese - shredded
- 1½ cups dill pickles - thinly sliced (3–4 large)
- ¼ cup red onion - thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoon fresh dill - for garnish
- 1 teaspoon ranch seasoning - optional, for topping
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Add warm water and olive oil. Stir into a shaggy dough, knead 5–7 minutes until smooth. Place in oiled bowl, cover, and let rise 1 hour.
- In a bowl, whisk sour cream and mayo. Stir in garlic, dill, pickle juice, and pepper. Adjust seasoning and refrigerate while dough rises.
- Pat pickle slices dry between paper towels. Slice red onion thinly. Shred mozzarella if needed. Set aside.
- Preheat oven to 475°F. Punch down dough, roll into 14-inch circle. Transfer to pizza pan or stone-dusted peel.
- Spread sauce over crust, leaving ½-inch border. Add ⅔ mozzarella, pickles, onions, then rest of cheese. Sprinkle fresh dill.
- Bake 12–15 minutes or until golden and bubbly. Watch closely toward the end.
- Remove from oven, let sit 2–3 minutes. Garnish with dill and optional ranch seasoning. Slice and enjoy!
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