If you’ve ever craved something wildly unique, utterly delicious, and just a little bit quirky, Pickle Pizza is about to become your new obsession. This crave-worthy pie combines tangy dill pickles, a dreamy garlic sauce, and plenty of bubbling cheese for an unexpectedly addictive flavor combination that truly delivers.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unexpectedly Addictive: The combination of creamy garlic sauce and zesty dill pickles is a flavor duo you simply have to taste to believe—one bite and you’ll be hooked.
- Fast and Fun: With just 30 minutes from start to finish, Pickle Pizza transforms a handful of pantry staples into a playful, crowd-pleasing meal.
- Easy Customization: Prefer it extra cheesy, want a spicy kick, or need it vegetarian? There’s plenty of room to make this pizza your own.
- A Conversation Starter: This pizza stands out and is guaranteed to get friends and family talking (and reaching for seconds!).
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Pickle Pizza is all about celebrating bold flavors with just a handful of kitchen staples. Each ingredient brings something essential—tang, creaminess, crunch, or gooey delight—creating a pizza that’s anything but ordinary!
- Garlic: Just one clove, smashed, infuses the sauce with mellow, aromatic goodness—fresh garlic makes all the difference.
- Sour Cream: Adds creaminess and a touch of tang to the garlic sauce, balancing out the brininess of the pickles.
- Mayonnaise: Gives the sauce a rich, smooth texture that helps it spread easily over the dough.
- Kosher Salt & Black Pepper: These basics are the flavor backbone, bringing out the best in every layer.
- Lemon Juice: Brightens up the sauce and ties all of the flavors together with just a hint of acidity.
- Pizza Dough: Use a store-bought thin crust for a time-saver, or roll out your favorite homemade pizza dough for an artisanal touch.
- Dill Pickles: Thinly sliced, these are the star attraction, bringing irresistible crunch and that craveable tang.
- Shredded Mozzarella: Melts into gooey perfection, holding everything together with a creamy stretch.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty finish that complements both the pickles and the garlic sauce beautifully.
Variations
Pickle Pizza is a blank canvas for creativity! Whether you’re accommodating dietary needs or just want to play with flavor combos, here are some of my favorite twists to make it your own.
- Savory Bacon Upgrade: Add a sprinkle of crisped bacon bits for a smoky, salty contrast to the bright pickles and creamy sauce.
- Spicy Kick: Layer on sliced pickled jalapeños, or drizzle with a spicy hot sauce post-bake for a fiery flavor boost.
- Cheese Swap: Try shredded provolone, fontina, or a vegan cheese blend to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
- Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free pizza crust (store-bought or homemade) for a totally wheat-free treat.
How to Make Pickle Pizza
Step 1: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce
Begin by whisking together the smashed garlic, sour cream, mayo, a splash of water, salt, pepper, and lemon juice in a medium bowl. The result should be a velvety, dreamy sauce flecked with garlic. Give it a little taste—adjust the lemon or salt if you love an extra zing!
Step 2: Prep the Pizza Dough
Roll your pizza dough into a generous 12-inch circle. If you have a pizza stone, lay it right on; otherwise, a parchment-lined baking sheet keeps things simple and cleanup easy. If the dough springs back, let it rest a minute before you try again—it just needs to relax.
Step 3: Assemble Your Pickle Pizza
Spread a thick, even layer of the garlic sauce over your crust, taking it right to the edges for maximum flavor in every bite. Next, arrange the pickle slices in a single layer (yes, more is more!), and shower everything with the mozzarella and parmesan. The pickles will peek through the cheese, ready to surprise your tastebuds.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Slide the pizza into a preheated 400°F oven. Bake for 16–20 minutes, or until the edges are gorgeous and golden, the cheese is bubbly, and your kitchen smells absolutely irresistible. Let your Pickle Pizza rest 2–3 minutes before slicing—it helps the cheese set, making for neater, joy-filled slices.
Pro Tips for Making Pickle Pizza
- Super Thin Pickle Slices: Use a mandoline or a very sharp knife to get wafer-thin pickle slices—this helps them nestle into the cheese and keeps the pizza juicy, not soggy.
- Drain Your Pickles: Pat sliced pickles with a paper towel to remove excess brine before layering, so your crust stays beautifully crisp.
- Preheat That Oven: Starting with a really hot oven is key to achieving a shatteringly crisp bottom crust, especially if using a pizza stone.
- Use Fresh Mozzarella: If you want extra melt and stretch, shred fresh mozzarella yourself—it melts more smoothly than the pre-shredded kind.
How to Serve Pickle Pizza
Garnishes
The finishing touch for Pickle Pizza could be as simple as a generous sprinkle of fresh dill or chopped chives. For a hit of heat, try scattering a few crushed red pepper flakes over the hot pie, or add a whisper of lemon zest to brighten up the whole experience.
Side Dishes
Pickle Pizza shines with fun, picnic-inspired side dishes—a cool, crunchy coleslaw, tangy potato salad, or even classic kettle chips make perfect partners. Pair it with a cold dill pickle spear on the side (because there’s never too much pickle!), and a frosty drink to round it out.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve Pickle Pizza cut into small squares as an appetizer at your next backyard gathering, or arrange slices on a wooden board with extra pickles and dipping sauce for a pizza “flight.” For a playful family dinner, let everyone choose their favorite toppings and arrange them in patterns before baking!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Pickle Pizza in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The bold flavors hold up beautifully, and the crust stays tasty even after chilling out for a while.
Freezing
To freeze, cool the pizza completely, slice, and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Reheat straight from frozen or let thaw overnight in the fridge—this is a game-changing lunch hack for busy weeks.
Reheating
Reheat Pickle Pizza in a toaster oven or a hot skillet over medium heat for a few minutes—this crisps the crust and warms everything through, so every bite is as satisfying as the first.
FAQs
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Can I use bread-and-butter pickles instead of dill?
Absolutely! Bread-and-butter pickles create a sweeter, milder flavor. Just keep in mind that their extra sweetness will give your pizza a totally different twist—it’s fun to try both to see which you prefer.
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Can I make Pickle Pizza ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prep the garlic sauce and slice the pickles earlier in the day. Assemble the pizza just before baking or keep an unbaked, assembled pizza in the fridge for up to 8 hours—just bake when ready to serve.
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What’s the best way to get a crispy crust?
For ultimate crispiness, use a pizza stone and preheat your oven thoroughly before baking. Also, make sure to pat your pickles dry before adding them to the crust, so excess moisture doesn’t make it soggy.
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Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Swap in your favorite vegan mayo, sour cream, and cheeses, and use a vegan pizza dough. The results are tangy, creamy, and just as fun as the original.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a pizza that’s anything but ordinary, Pickle Pizza will absolutely delight you and your guests. I hope you love this recipe as much as I do—don’t be surprised when it becomes your new favorite party trick!
Print
Pickle Pizza Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This unique Pickle Pizza recipe combines the tangy flavor of dill pickles with a creamy garlic sauce on a cheesy crust for a surprisingly delicious twist on traditional pizza.
Ingredients
Garlic Sauce
- 1 clove garlic, peeled and smashed
- 3/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1–2 teaspoons water
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Pizza
- 1 package (13 ounces) thin-crust pizza dough, or homemade pizza dough
- 2–3 dill pickles, thinly sliced
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Pizza
In a medium bowl, combine all the garlic sauce ingredients until creamy and smooth.
Roll out the pizza dough into a 12-inch circle. Top with garlic sauce, sliced pickles, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese. Bake for 16-20 minutes at 400°F until cheese is melted and crust is golden brown. Let sit for 3 minutes before cutting and serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
