Pickle Pizza Recipe: A Bold, Briny Twist on a Classic Favorite
Let’s get one thing out of the way — pickle pizza is not your average Friday night slice. It’s tangy, creamy, crispy, and wildly addictive. When you bite into a hot, golden crust topped with garlicky white sauce, gooey mozzarella, and a layer of thinly sliced dill pickles, something magical happens. It’s weirdly wonderful — and once you’ve tried it, there’s no going back.
This pickle pizza recipe has become a cult favorite among adventurous pizza lovers, and with good reason. Whether you’re making it for a party, a pizza night with friends, or just craving something different, this recipe delivers.
Let’s dive into how to make the ultimate homemade pickle pizza from scratch.
🧂 Ingredients & Measurements
| Ingredient | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Pizza dough (store-bought or homemade) | 1 ball (about 1 lb) |
| Garlic cream sauce | ~1/2 cup |
| Low-moisture mozzarella | 1 1/2 cups (shredded) |
| Dill pickles (thinly sliced) | 3/4 cup |
| Olive oil | 1 tbsp |
| Garlic powder | 1/2 tsp |
| Parmesan cheese (optional) | 1/4 cup |
| Fresh dill or chives | For garnish |
| Crushed red pepper flakes | To taste |
Pro Tip: Use cold, crisp dill pickles for best results. Bread & butter pickles will make it too sweet.
👨🍳 How to Make Pickle Pizza – Step by Step
1. Preheat your oven
Set your oven to the highest temperature possible — usually 475°F to 500°F (245°C to 260°C). If you’re using a pizza stone or baking steel, place it in the oven to preheat for at least 30 minutes.
2. Roll out your dough
Lightly flour your work surface and roll or stretch the dough into a 12-inch round. Transfer to a parchment-lined pizza peel or inverted baking sheet.
3. Make the garlic white sauce (if using homemade)
In a small saucepan, melt 1 tbsp butter. Add 2 cloves of minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Stir in 1 tbsp flour, then slowly whisk in 1/2 cup milk and 2 tbsp grated Parmesan. Cook until thickened, about 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Assemble the pizza
Spread a thin layer of garlic cream sauce over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edge. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly on top. Add the sliced dill pickles, spacing them slightly apart so the cheese bubbles through.
5. Add final touches
Drizzle with olive oil and dust lightly with garlic powder. Add a sprinkle of Parmesan for an extra umami punch.
6. Bake
Carefully transfer the pizza (on parchment) onto the hot pizza stone or baking steel. Bake for 8–10 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly with a few brown spots.
7. Garnish and serve
Remove from the oven. Top with chopped dill or chives, a few red pepper flakes if you like heat, and slice immediately.
🔥 Tips & Tricks for the Perfect Pickle Pizza
- Dry your pickles: Pat slices with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Nobody wants soggy pizza.
- Don’t overload: Too many pickles = puddles of brine. Use just enough for a tangy bite in every slice.
- Play with cheeses: Add a bit of fontina, provolone, or even cream cheese for extra richness.
- Try flavored doughs: Garlic or herbed pizza dough pairs beautifully with the pickle’s acidity.
- Add bacon: If you want to go full flavor bomb, crispy bacon crumbles are an epic add-on.
🧾 FAQ: Pickle Pizza Questions Answered
Can I use store-bought dough? Absolutely. It saves time and still delivers delicious results. Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, and most grocery stores carry good options.
What type of pickles are best? Dill pickles — always. Go for the crunchy ones in the refrigerated section. Avoid sweet or bread-and-butter pickles.
Can I make it vegetarian or vegan? Yes! Use plant-based cheese and a vegan garlic cream sauce. Make sure your dough doesn’t contain dairy.
Does pickle pizza taste weird? Not at all! It’s salty, tangy, creamy, and totally addicting. Even pickle skeptics often love it.
How do I store leftovers? Wrap slices tightly and refrigerate. Reheat in a hot oven or toaster oven for best texture. Avoid microwaving — it makes the crust rubbery.
Can I grill pickle pizza? Totally! Preheat your grill with a stone or cast iron, and follow the same baking instructions. Adds a smoky note.
❤️ Final Thoughts: Why Pickle Pizza Deserves a Spot in Your Recipe Book
I know — pickle pizza sounds like a gimmick. But hear me out: the first time I made it, I expected a novelty. What I got was a flavor bomb that completely changed my idea of what pizza can be.
The contrast between creamy garlic sauce, stretchy cheese, and bright, tangy pickles is pure perfection. Add a crispy, golden crust, and you’ve got something that walks the line between classic comfort and bold experimentation.
It’s a conversation starter. A crowd-pleaser. A midnight snack you’ll crave for days.
So go ahead — try the pizza that broke the internet. Just don’t be surprised if you end up making it again. And again.
Happy briny pizza making!
See Also: New York Style Pizza Dough Recipe – Thin, Chewy, and Perfectly Foldable
