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If you’re a pickle lover and a pizza enthusiast, then the Pickle Pie Pizza Recipe is a match made in culinary heaven. This unique fusion combines the tangy, salty flavor of dill pickles with the gooey goodness of pizza, creating a dish that’s bound to become a conversation starter at your next gathering. In this blog, we’ll guide you through making this quirky yet delicious pizza, along with tips, variations, and pairing suggestions. Let’s dive into the world of Pickle Pizza!
What is Pickle Pie Pizza?
Pickle Pie Pizza is a creative twist on traditional pizza, featuring a tangy dill pickle topping paired with a creamy dill sauce instead of tomato sauce. Originating as a fun experiment among pickle enthusiasts, this pizza has gained popularity for its unique flavor profile. It’s a must-try for adventurous foodies or anyone looking to mix up their pizza night.
How to Make Pickle Pie Pizza Recipe
Ingredients to make Pickle Pie Pizza
For the Pizza Dough:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup warm water (110°F)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the dill pickle sauce:
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
For the Toppings:
- 1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup dill pickle slices, patted dry
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, for garnish
Instructions to Make Pickle Pie Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
- Mix the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until the dough starts to come together.
- Knead: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Rest: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp towel, and let it rise for 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
Step 2: Make the dill pickle sauce
- In a medium bowl, mix sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, and fresh dill until smooth.
- Taste and adjust the seasonings if necessary. Refrigerate until ready to use.
Step 3: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat up.
Step 4: Assemble the Pizza
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness. Transfer it to a piece of parchment paper for easy handling.
- Spread a generous layer of the prepared sauce over the dough.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly on top, followed by the dill pickle slices.
- Add a layer of Parmesan cheese and optional red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Step 5: Bake
- Carefully transfer the pizza (with the parchment paper) onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
- Remove the pizza from the oven, sprinkle fresh dill on top, and slice into wedges. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips for Making the Best Pickle Pie Pizza
- Dry the pickles: Patting the pickle slices dry with a paper towel prevents the pizza from becoming soggy.
- Use fresh dill: Fresh dill adds a burst of flavor that elevates the entire dish.
- Experiment with cheese: While mozzarella is a classic choice, adding cheddar or gouda can bring extra depth to the flavor.
- Bake at high heat: This ensures a crispy crust and perfectly melted cheese.
What to Serve With Pickle Pie Pizza
Side Dishes
- Caesar Salad: The creamy dressing complements the tanginess of the pickles.
- Garlic Knots: A buttery, garlicky side to pair with your pizza.
Drinks
- Lemonade: The refreshing citrus balances the richness of the pizza.
- Cucumber-infused Water: A light and hydrating option that echoes the pickle theme.
Desserts
- Key Lime Pie: The tartness is a delightful contrast to the savory pizza.
- Vanilla Ice Cream with Dill Syrup: For a quirky dessert, drizzle a touch of dill syrup over classic vanilla ice cream.
- For dessert, try the indulgent Heart Shaped Cake Recipe, which adds a sweet finish to your meal.
Variations for Pickle Pie Pizza Recipe
Spicy Pickle Pizza
If you love a bit of heat, spice up your pickle pizza by adding these fiery ingredients:
- Jalapeños: Thinly slice fresh or pickled jalapeños and scatter them over the pizza alongside the dill pickles.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Sprinkle these either before or after baking for a kick of spice.
- Hot Sauce Drizzle: Add a light drizzle of your favorite hot sauce just before serving for a spicy tang.
This version pairs beautifully with a cool side of ranch dressing to balance the heat.
Bacon Dill Pickle Pizza
Bacon and pickles are a heavenly combination, offering a mix of smoky and tangy flavors. Here’s how to do it:
- Cook crispy bacon and crumble it into small pieces.
- Sprinkle the bacon over the cheese layer before adding the pickles.
- For extra depth, add a touch of smoked gouda or cheddar cheese to complement the bacon.
This variation is perfect for those who want a heartier, meatier pizza.
Cheesy Pickle Pizza
Double down on cheese for a rich and creamy experience:
- Use a blend of cheeses like mozzarella, cheddar, provolone, and gouda.
- For the sauce, add a layer of ricotta or cream cheese underneath the dill sauce.
- Top with a sprinkle of Parmesan after baking for a salty, nutty finish.
This ultra-cheesy version will satisfy any cheese lover while keeping the pickles as the star.
Vegan Pickle Pizza
Make this dish plant-based with a few simple swaps:
- Use a dairy-free pizza dough or check that your store-bought dough is vegan.
- Replace the sour cream and mayonnaise in the sauce with plant-based alternatives like coconut yogurt or cashew cream.
- Opt for vegan mozzarella or cheddar shreds for the cheese layer.
- Ensure your pickles are free of animal-derived additives.
This variation is a hit for vegan foodies craving the unique flavor of dill pickle pizza.
Pickle and Ham Pizza
Inspired by a classic deli sandwich, this variation combines pickles with thin slices of ham:
- Layer deli-style ham slices over the cheese before adding pickles.
- Try smoked or honey-glazed ham for added flavor.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of Dijon mustard after baking for an extra tangy kick.
The savory combination of ham and pickles creates a well-balanced flavor profile that meat lovers will adore.
Pickle Pie Pizza Casserole
Transform your pizza into a comforting casserole:
- Press biscuit dough or crescent roll dough into a casserole dish as the crust.
- Spread the dill sauce over the dough, then layer with cheese and pickles.
- Bake until the crust is golden and the cheese is melted.
This variation is great for feeding a crowd and offers a unique take on the classic recipe.
Sweet and Tangy Pickle Pizza
For a flavor twist, add a touch of sweetness:
- Use bread-and-butter pickles instead of dill pickles for a sweet and tangy flavor.
- Drizzle honey or a balsamic glaze over the pizza after baking for a sweet contrast to the savory cheese.
- Pair with a cheese like ricotta or brie for a creamy, slightly sweet base.
This variation is perfect for adventurous eaters who love balancing sweet and savory flavors.
Pickle Lovers’ Overload
This variation is for true pickle enthusiasts who can’t get enough:
- Use a combination of dill pickles, bread-and-butter pickles, and pickled jalapeños.
- Add a pickle brine reduction drizzle after baking for an extra tangy punch.
- Garnish with finely chopped pickled onions or pickled garlic for an extra pickle-y experience.
White Sauce Pickle Pizza
Swap the dill sauce for a creamy white sauce base:
- Make a béchamel sauce using butter, flour, milk, and a pinch of nutmeg.
- Add a handful of shredded cheese to the white sauce for a richer flavor.
- Spread this sauce on the crust, top with cheese and pickles, and bake as usual.
This variation gives the pizza a more luxurious, creamy texture while letting the pickles shine.
Each variation offers a unique twist on the Pickle Pie Pizza Recipe, allowing you to customize it to suit your preferences or experiment with new flavors!
FAQs while making Pickle Pie Pizza
Can I use store-bought pizza dough?
Absolutely! Store-bought dough saves time and works well for this recipe. Like you can buy food nanny pizza dough
What type of pickles should I use?
Dill pickles are ideal, but bread-and-butter pickles can add a sweeter flavor if preferred.
Can I make this pizza ahead of time?
You can prepare the dough and sauce in advance. Assemble and bake the pizza just before serving for the best results.
How do I prevent the pizza from becoming too salty?
Pickles and Parmesan cheese can add a lot of salt to the pizza. To balance this:
- Use low-sodium pickles if available.
- Go light on the Parmesan or choose a less salty cheese.
- Ensure the pizza sauce doesn’t contain added salt.
Can I grill this pizza instead of baking it?
Yes, grilling gives the pizza a smoky flavor! Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and use a pizza stone or a grill-safe pan. Cook the pizza for 8–10 minutes with the lid closed, rotating it halfway through for even cooking.
What’s the best way to reheat leftover pickle pie pizza?
To keep the crust crispy, reheat slices in:
- A preheated oven at 375°F for 5–7 minutes.
- A skillet on medium heat for a few minutes until the cheese melts.
Avoid using the microwave, as it may make the crust soggy.
Can I add meat to this recipe?
Absolutely! Popular options include:
- Grilled chicken: Adds a hearty protein element.
- Crumbled bacon: Enhances the salty, smoky flavor.
- Ham or prosciutto: Pairs beautifully with pickles for a sophisticated touch.
Substitutes
- Sour Cream: Replace with Greek yogurt for a healthier option.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Substitute with provolone or Monterey Jack.
- Fresh Dill: Use dried dill in a pinch, though the flavor won’t be as vibrant.
- Pickles: Use pickled jalapeños or pickled cucumbers for a different flavor profile.
Nutrition (Per Slice)
- Calories: 260
- Protein: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 580mg
With this guide, you now know How to Make Pickle Pie Pizza Recipe from scratch. This quirky dish is sure to delight your taste buds and impress your guests. Try it out, and don’t forget to share your experience! If you enjoy creative pizza recipes, don’t miss our Caffeinated Pizza Rolls Recipe or the Digiorno’s Thanksgiving Pizza. These unique twists are sure to inspire your next pizza night!
Ingredients
Ingredients to make Pickle Pie Pizza
For the Pizza Dough:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) instant yeast
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup warm water (110°F)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the dill pickle sauce:
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
For the Toppings:
- 1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup dill pickle slices, patted dry
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, for garnish
Instructions
Instructions to Make Pickle Pie Pizza Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water and sugar. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
- Mix the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until the dough starts to come together.
- Knead: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Rest: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp towel, and let it rise for 1–1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
Step 2: Make the dill pickle sauce
- In a medium bowl, mix sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, and fresh dill until smooth.
- Taste and adjust the seasonings if necessary. Refrigerate until ready to use.
Step 3: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat up.
Step 4: Assemble the Pizza
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness. Transfer it to a piece of parchment paper for easy handling.
- Spread a generous layer of the prepared sauce over the dough.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly on top, followed by the dill pickle slices.
- Add a layer of Parmesan cheese and optional red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Step 5: Bake
Carefully transfer the pizza (with the parchment paper) onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Remove the pizza from the oven, sprinkle fresh dill on top, and slice into wedges. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
Tips for Making the Best Pickle Pie Pizza
- Dry the pickles: Patting the pickle slices dry with a paper towel prevents the pizza from becoming soggy.
- Use fresh dill: Fresh dill adds a burst of flavor that elevates the entire dish.
- Experiment with cheese: While mozzarella is a classic choice, adding cheddar or gouda can bring extra depth to the flavor.
- Bake at high heat: This ensures a crispy crust and perfectly melted cheese.
