Ready to give your pizza night a tangy twist? This Pickle Pizza is my go-to for when I’m craving something bold, unexpected, and outrageously delicious. Creamy garlic sauce, briny pickles, and bubbling cheese come together in a symphony of flavors that’s a total conversation starter—if you’ve never tried Pickle Pizza, let me be the first to say: you’re about to discover your new obsession!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unforgettable Flavor Combo: Briny pickles layered with creamy, garlicky sauce and gooey cheese make every bite of Pickle Pizza absolutely crave-worthy.
- Super Simple & Fast: You can whip it up in about 30 minutes with just a handful of accessible ingredients.
- Customizable to Your Cravings: There are so many ways to jazz things up, from switching cheeses to adding hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Conversation Starter: Pickle Pizza never fails to spark curiosity—serve it at gatherings, and watch guests light up as they try something totally new.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Pickle Pizza lies in its simplicity—every ingredient plays a starring role, lending unique flavor, creaminess, or crunch. Here’s what you’ll want to gather for the most unforgettable slice!
- Garlic: One fresh clove gives the sauce a punchy, aromatic backbone without overpowering the rest of the toppings.
- Sour Cream: This is the base of your sauce, adding creaminess and a hint of tang that balances the pickles.
- Mayonnaise: A little mayo in the sauce lends extra richness and silky smooth texture.
- Kosher Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for bringing all the sauce flavors together—season to taste!
- Lemon Juice: Just a splash to brighten up the creaminess and keep things lively.
- Pizza Dough: Store-bought or homemade, a thin crust works perfectly for this pizza and delivers a delightful crunch.
- Dill Pickles: The heart of the recipe! Thinly sliced, salty, and vibrant—the brinier, the better.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Melts to gooey perfection and creates that classic cheesy pizza pull we all love.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nutty, salty finish that pairs beautifully with the pickles and garlic sauce.
Variations
The beauty of Pickle Pizza is how easy it is to make your own! Don’t be afraid to play with flavors, swap cheeses, or tweak the crust—your creativity is welcome here.
- Spicy Kick: Give your Pickle Pizza a sassy personality by scattering a few slices of pickled jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce on top.
- Cheese Swap: Try using provolone, gouda, or even sharp cheddar for a different cheesy bite.
- Vegan Version: Substitute the mayo and sour cream with your favorite plant-based alternatives and use vegan cheeses.
- Hand-Tossed Crust: Prefer a heartier bite? Use your favorite thick-crust pizza dough instead of thin crust.
How to Make Pickle Pizza
Step 1: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce
In a medium bowl, combine the smashed garlic clove, sour cream, mayonnaise, a splash of water, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Mix everything until you have a creamy, dreamy sauce. Taste and adjust for seasoning—the goal is a vibrant, savory base that will make your Pickle Pizza truly sing.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
Roll out your pizza dough into a 12-inch circle. If you’re using store-bought, give it a little stretch with your hands or a rolling pin. Lay it out on a parchment-lined pizza stone or baking sheet so it’s ready for toppings. The thin crust gives extra crunch and lets the toppings shine.
Step 3: Assemble the Pizza
Smother the dough generously with your homemade garlic sauce, spreading edge-to-edge. Next, arrange the pickle slices evenly across the surface (don’t be shy—the more, the merrier!). Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over everything, then finish with a shower of parmesan for that nutty little punch.
Step 4: Bake and Enjoy
Slide your Pickle Pizza into a preheated 400°F oven and bake for 16–20 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbly and the crust has crisped up. Let your masterpiece cool for about three minutes before slicing—this makes cutting easier and helps those flavors settle. Now call everyone to the table!
Pro Tips for Making Pickle Pizza
- Crispy Crust Magic: For that irresistible pizzeria crunch, bake your Pickle Pizza on a preheated pizza stone or hot baking sheet.
- Pickle Power: If you love extra zing, pat your pickle slices dry before adding—they’ll bake up tangy without watering down the sauce.
- Cheese Matters: Shred your own mozzarella for meltier, creamier results (pre-shredded tends to have anti-caking agents).
- Garlic Intensity: For a less assertive sauce, let the minced garlic sit in lemon juice for a few minutes to mellow before mixing into the sauce.
How to Serve Pickle Pizza
Garnishes
Pickle Pizza is a flavor party as-is, but a sprinkling of fresh dill or chives right before serving adds a burst of color and an extra layer of herby brightness. A quick grind of black pepper or a light drizzle of olive oil can also make every slice pop.
Side Dishes
This pizza shines when paired with crisp, simple sides—think a green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or a bowl of tomato soup for dipping the crust. For a real crowd-pleaser spread, add a platter of crunchy veggies or tangy coleslaw alongside.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn Pickle Pizza into party bites by slicing it up into small squares or wedges for appetizers, or make “pizza dippers” served with extra garlic sauce on the side for dunking. For a vibrant look, mix in some colorful pickled carrots or red onions along with the dill pickles before baking.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Pop any leftover Pickle Pizza slices into an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to three days. The crust stays nicely crisp, and those flavors get even cozier overnight!
Freezing
Pickle Pizza freezes beautifully! Cool the slices completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap and pop into a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for 1–2 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge when ready to reheat.
Reheating
For best results, reheat your Pickle Pizza in a toaster oven, air fryer, or a hot oven at 375°F for about 7 minutes. Skip the microwave if possible—it tends to soften the crust, and you’ll want that crispy bite!
FAQs
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Can I use bread and butter pickles instead of dill for Pickle Pizza?
You absolutely can! Bread and butter pickles give the pizza a slightly sweeter twist, so it’s totally up to your flavor preferences. Most fans of classic Pickle Pizza love the sharpness of dill, but experimenting is half the fun.
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Do I need to pre-bake the pizza dough for this recipe?
No pre-baking needed if you’re using a thin crust! Just assemble with sauce and toppings, and bake it all together so the crust crisps up perfectly and soaks in all that flavor. If your crust is especially thick, you might want to par-bake for 5 minutes first.
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How can I make Pickle Pizza gluten-free?
Simply use your favorite gluten-free pizza dough (homemade or store-bought), and follow the rest of the instructions as written. Everything else is naturally gluten-free, so you won’t miss out on any flavor.
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Can the garlic sauce be made in advance?
Definitely! The sauce can be mixed up to two days ahead and stored in the fridge—it actually lets the flavors deepen and meld, making your Pickle Pizza even more delicious.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been on the fence about Pickle Pizza, now’s the moment to just go for it! It’s easy, zesty, and guaranteed to surprise and delight anyone who takes a bite. Gather your friends (or just treat yourself), and get ready for a pizza party that’s anything but ordinary.
Print
Pickle Pizza Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Pickle Pizza recipe combines the tangy goodness of pickles with a creamy garlic sauce on a crispy crust, topped with melted cheese. It’s a unique twist on traditional pizza that’s sure to delight your taste buds.
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:
Garlic Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine all the ingredients until creamy and smooth.
1. Roll out the pizza dough into a 12-inch circle. You can use a pizza stone or baking sheet lined with parchment.
2. Top with the garlic sauce, sliced pickles, mozzarella, and parmesan cheese.
3. Bake for 16-20 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the crust is golden brown. Let the pizza sit for about 3 minutes before cutting and serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 275
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
