If you are a fan of unique flavor combinations that surprise and delight your taste buds, this Dill Pickle and Garlic Pizza Recipe will quickly become a new favorite. It brings together the tangy crunch of dill pickle chips with the rich, savory goodness of a garlicky white sauce and melty cheeses. Each bite balances fresh herbs, creamy textures, and just the right amount of spice to take traditional pizza to an exciting, crave-worthy level. Trust me, this is one recipe worth pulling out when you want something bold, comforting, and utterly delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Dill Pickle and Garlic Pizza Recipe starts with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that each play a special role in creating layers of flavor and texture. From the fresh dill that brightens the dish to the smooth, cheesy white sauce, every element is essential to pulling off this unique pizza.
- Instant yeast: Activates quickly to give your crust a perfect rise and airy texture.
- Warm water: Essential to wake up the yeast and create the dough.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps develop a tender crust.
- Salt and sugar: Balance flavor and aid fermentation of the dough.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of your pizza dough and sauce thickener.
- Fresh dill: Imparts a bright, herbaceous lift that complements the pickles.
- Butter and garlic: Build the flavorful base of the creamy white sauce.
- Whole milk: Creates a luscious, smooth sauce texture.
- Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper: Adds depth and the perfect seasoning balance.
- Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses: Provide cheesiness with both savory bite and gooey melt.
- Dill pickle chip slices: The star topping with tangy crunch and vibrant flavor.
- Sour cream, mayonnaise, minced garlic, pickle juice, fresh dill: Combined for a creamy, zesty garlic sauce that ties the whole pizza together.
- Crushed red pepper: Optional for adding a subtle kick and color contrast.
How to Make Dill Pickle and Garlic Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Make the Crust
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F to get it ready for baking. In a medium bowl, sprinkle the instant yeast over warm water and let it sit for 5 minutes to become foamy. Stir in olive oil, salt, sugar, flour, and chopped fresh dill until a dough forms. Knead on a lightly floured surface for about 1-2 minutes to get a smooth and slightly sticky ball. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel and set aside to rest while you prepare the sauce.
Step 2: Prepare the White Garlic Sauce
In a medium saucepan, melt butter with minced garlic over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in flour and cook for one minute to form a roux. Slowly whisk in the milk, then add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Keep whisking until the sauce thickens, about 4-5 minutes. Lower the heat and stir in Parmesan cheese until it melts completely into a creamy, cheesy sauce. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 3: Assemble the Pizza
Roll out your dough on a floured surface to a 12-inch circle. Transfer it to your pizza pan or baking sheet. Spread the white sauce evenly over the dough, leaving about a half-inch border for the crust. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce, then pat dry the dill pickle slices with paper towels and arrange them evenly on top. This layering ensures that each bite delivers a perfect balance of creamy sauce, gooey cheese, and tangy pickles.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake the pizza on the middle rack of your oven for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted and lightly browned. The crust should turn golden and crisp, creating a wonderful contrast with the soft topping.
Step 5: Prepare the Creamy Garlic Sauce
While the pizza bakes, mix together the sour cream, mayonnaise, minced garlic, dill pickle juice, and fresh dill in a bowl. This zesty garlic sauce adds an irresistible tang and creaminess that makes this pizza truly stand out.
Step 6: Final Touches
Once your pizza comes out of the oven, sprinkle on crushed red pepper and additional fresh dill if you like a little heat and extra herbaceous flair. Drizzle the creamy garlic sauce over the top or serve it on the side for dipping. This finishing step rounds out the flavors beautifully and makes your Dill Pickle and Garlic Pizza Recipe an unforgettable experience.
How to Serve Dill Pickle and Garlic Pizza Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped dill sprinkled just before serving adds a burst of color and fresh brightness to this pizza. If you enjoy a little heat, a light sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes enhances the flavor without overpowering the pickles’ tanginess. Finish with a drizzle of the creamy garlic sauce to tie everything together.
Side Dishes
This pizza pairs wonderfully with light, fresh sides to complement its rich and tangy profile. A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette or a simple cucumber salad balances the indulgence of the cheese and creamy sauce. For a heartier meal, crispy roasted potatoes or garlic breadsticks echo the garlic flavors and keep guests fully satisfied.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this pizza sliced into squares or thinner strips for easy sharing at gatherings. A pizza board garnished with sprigs of fresh dill and small bowls of the garlic sauce invites dipping and adds a casual, festive touch. You can even try mini personal pizzas using the same ingredients for an appetizer or party platter that’s sure to be a conversation starter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Dill Pickle and Garlic Pizza Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To help maintain the crust’s texture, wrap slices individually in parchment or foil before refrigerating.
Freezing
You can freeze baked pizza by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat slices in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 8-10 minutes, or until warmed through and the crust is crispy again. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the crust from getting soggy—the oven is definitely the way to go.
FAQs
Can I use jarred dill pickle slices, or do I need fresh?
Jarred dill pickle slices work perfectly for this recipe and give you that classic tang. Just be sure to pat them dry with paper towels to prevent sogginess on your pizza.
Is this pizza suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Absolutely! This pizza contains no meat and focuses on vegetarian-friendly ingredients like cheese, garlic, fresh herbs, and pickles, making it a tasty option for vegetarians.
Can I substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour?
Yes, you can substitute gluten-free all-purpose flour, but results may vary slightly in dough texture. Look for blends that include xanthan gum for best rise and elasticity.
How spicy is this pizza with the crushed red pepper?
The crushed red pepper adds just a gentle kick that complements the creamy and tangy flavors without overwhelming them. You can always leave it out or adjust the amount to suit your heat tolerance.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Definitely! Prepare the dough and let it rise in the fridge overnight. This can deepen the flavor and make the process more convenient on the day you want to bake.
Final Thoughts
This Dill Pickle and Garlic Pizza Recipe is a refreshing spin on a beloved classic that combines unexpected ingredients into something spectacular. Its bright dill, tangy pickles, and creamy garlic sauce create a deliciously bold flavor adventure. I invite you to try making it at home — it’s surprisingly simple and sure to become a cherished recipe in your collection for quirky, tasty meals that everyone will talk about.
Print
Dill Pickle and Garlic Pizza Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This Dill Pickle and Garlic Pizza features a homemade crust topped with a creamy white garlic sauce, mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, and tangy dill pickle slices. Finished with a zesty garlic-dill sauce, this unique pizza combines savory, creamy, and tangy flavors for an irresistible treat perfect for adventurous palates.
Ingredients
Dough
- 1 1/4 teaspoon instant yeast
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
White Garlic Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
Toppings
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 16 dill pickle chip slices
Creamy Garlic-Dill Sauce
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 2 tablespoons dill pickle juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- Crushed red pepper, to taste
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
Instructions
- Make crust: In a medium bowl, sprinkle instant yeast over warm water and let sit for 5 minutes until foamy. Stir in olive oil, salt, sugar, flour, and chopped dill using a wooden spoon until a dough forms. Knead on a lightly floured surface for 1-2 minutes until smooth and slightly sticky. Cover with a clean towel and set aside.
- Make white sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and add minced garlic. Once melted, whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute, whisking constantly. Slowly add milk while whisking, then stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook until thickened, about 4-5 minutes. Lower heat to low, add Parmesan cheese, and stir until melted. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Build pizza: Roll dough on a lightly floured surface into a 12-inch circle. Transfer to a pizza pan or baking sheet. Spread white sauce evenly over dough, leaving a 1/2 inch border. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce. Pat pickle slices dry with paper towels and distribute evenly on top.
- Bake pizza: Place pizza on the middle oven rack and bake at 425°F for 15-20 minutes until cheese is melted and lightly browned.
- Make garlic sauce: While pizza bakes, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, minced garlic, dill pickle juice, chopped dill, and crushed red pepper in a bowl. Stir well until smooth and combined.
- Top pizza with final toppings: Remove pizza from oven. Sprinkle with additional chopped dill and crushed red pepper if desired. Drizzle the creamy garlic sauce over the top. Serve any extra sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
- Dry the pickle slices before placing on pizza to prevent sogginess.
- Use fresh dill generously for authentic flavor.
- The creamy garlic sauce adds a zesty contrast but can be omitted if preferred.
- Pizza dough can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated for convenience.
- Adjust crushed red pepper to control spiciness according to taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American