If you’re looking for a pizza that completely flips the script and excites your taste buds in unexpected ways, this Pickle Pizza with Garlic, Dill, and Mozzarella Recipe is an absolute must-try. Imagine the tangy brightness of dill pickles paired with the creamy sharpness of garlic-infused sour cream and the melty magic of mozzarella cheese, all atop a crispy, thin crust. It’s a playful twist on classic flavors, perfect for impressing friends or indulging your own craving for something delightfully different. This recipe brings a refreshing balance of savory, tangy, and cheesy elements that makes every bite memorable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Pickle Pizza with Garlic, Dill, and Mozzarella Recipe keeps its ingredient list simple but thoughtfully packed with flavors that work together like a charm. Each one elevates the pie’s character, from the creamy garlic sauce to the fresh zing of lemon juice, creating an irresistible harmony.
- Garlic (1 clove, peeled and smashed): Adds fragrant depth and a subtle kick that enhances the creamy sauce.
- Sour cream (¾ cup): Provides a tangy, smooth base for the garlic dill sauce, keeping the pizza moist and flavorful.
- Mayonnaise (¼ cup): Adds richness and creaminess that balances the tartness of the pickles.
- Water (1-2 teaspoons): Thin out the sauce gently for easy spreading without sacrificing creaminess.
- Kosher salt (½ teaspoon): Brings out the natural flavors and seasons the sauce perfectly.
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Adds just enough warmth and spice to complement the garlic.
- Lemon juice (1 teaspoon): Lifts the sauce with a fresh citrus twist that pairs beautifully with dill.
- Thin-crust pizza dough (13 ounces package or homemade): The crisp base that holds all the vibrant ingredients without overpowering them.
- Dill pickles (2-3, thinly sliced): The star ingredient offering a bold salty tang and crunchy texture.
- Mozzarella cheese (1 cup shredded): Melts to gooey perfection, balancing the tangy pickles with creamy goodness.
- Parmesan cheese (¼ cup): Sprinkled on top for a savory, nutty finish that boosts umami flavor.
How to Make Pickle Pizza with Garlic, Dill, and Mozzarella Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Garlic Dill Sauce
Start by combining the smashed garlic, sour cream, mayonnaise, water, kosher salt, black pepper, and lemon juice in a small bowl. Whisk everything together until you get a smooth, well-blended sauce. This creamy garlic dill sauce will be the flavor foundation of your pizza, adding brightness and a velvety texture that contrasts beautifully with the tangy pickles.
Step 2: Get Your Dough Ready
Roll out your thin-crust pizza dough on a lightly floured surface or prepare your pre-made dough by stretching it gently with your hands. Aim for an even thickness to ensure it bakes evenly and crisps up nicely. The thin crust is important here because it lets the toppings shine without feeling heavy.
Step 3: Spread the Sauce
Generously spread the garlic dill sauce over the rolled-out dough, covering the surface right up to the edges. This step is crucial because the sauce not only seasons the dough but also creates a creamy barrier that complements the sharper toppings.
Step 4: Add Pickles and Cheese
Arrange the thinly sliced dill pickles evenly over the sauced dough—don’t be shy here, as marshaling this key ingredient ensures every bite bursts with that delightful dill tang. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella all over, followed by a light dusting of parmesan for an extra cheesy, flavorful layer that will bake into a golden perfection.
Step 5: Bake to Crispy, Cheesy Delight
Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and bake the assembled pizza for about 12-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and starting to brown, and the crust is crisp. Keep an eye on it to avoid over-baking, as you want that perfect balance of crispy crust with gooey cheese and vibrant toppings.
How to Serve Pickle Pizza with Garlic, Dill, and Mozzarella Recipe
Garnishes
Before slicing, freshen up your Pickle Pizza with Garlic, Dill, and Mozzarella Recipe by sprinkling chopped fresh dill for an herbal boost and a little extra pop of green. A few cracked black pepper flakes on top add mild heat and enhance the garlic flavor even more. If you’re feeling adventurous, a small drizzle of extra virgin olive oil just before serving brings a touch of richness and shine.
Side Dishes
This tangy, creamy pie pairs beautifully with crisp, refreshing sides. Consider a crisp garden salad with a lemon vinaigrette or some crunchy veggie sticks with a creamy dip for contrast. Light, citrusy drinks like sparkling water with a splash of lemon or even a bright, hoppy beer are fantastic companions to cleanse the palate after each bite.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the pizza cut into small squares as a unique appetizer during a gathering. Layer slices of fresh cucumber or radish on top for extra crunch and contrast. You can also brush the crust edges with garlic butter before baking to add a savory punch. This Pickle Pizza with Garlic, Dill, and Mozzarella Recipe is versatile enough to shine on a casual weeknight table or a party platter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which might be tough!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The pizza will stay fresh for up to 3 days, though the crust may lose some crispness. To revive that, a quick reheat in the oven works like magic.
Freezing
This pizza is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze uncooked pizza on a baking sheet until firm, then wrap tightly and store. When ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. Avoid freezing leftovers after baking, as the pickles and creamy sauce don’t freeze well and can become soggy.
Reheating
For reheating, skip the microwave if possible to preserve texture. Instead, warm slices in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 7-8 minutes until heated through and the crust crisps back up. A toaster oven works wonderfully for single slices, retaining the pizza’s original charm.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pickles for this pizza?
Absolutely! While dill pickles are the star of this recipe, bread-and-butter pickles or spicy pickles can lend different flavor profiles, bringing sweetness or heat respectively. Just slice them thinly to maintain the texture balance.
Is this pizza suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Pickle Pizza with Garlic, Dill, and Mozzarella Recipe is vegetarian-friendly since it contains no meat products. It’s a delicious way to enjoy pizza with unique toppings that don’t rely on traditional meats.
Can I make the garlic dill sauce ahead of time?
Definitely! The sauce can be prepared up to a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Just give it a quick stir before spreading it on the dough.
What’s the best way to get a crispy crust?
Using a thin-crust dough and baking at a high temperature ensures a crisp, golden base. If possible, preheat a pizza stone or baking steel in your oven to create even heat distribution for that perfect crunch.
Can I substitute the mozzarella cheese?
Mozzarella is ideal for its meltiness and mild flavor, but if you’re feeling adventurous, provolone or a mild cheddar can be interesting alternatives, each bringing unique character to the pizza’s cheesy layer.
Final Thoughts
This Pickle Pizza with Garlic, Dill, and Mozzarella Recipe is one of those hidden gems that quickly becomes a beloved favorite. It’s fun, flavorful, and surprisingly comforting—a rare pizza that breaks the mold and delights with every bite. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and see how the crisp crust, creamy sauce, tangy pickles, and melty cheese come together to create something truly special. Trust me, once you make this, it’ll be your go-to when you want pizza with a quirky twist that still hits all the right notes.
Print
Pickle Pizza with Garlic, Dill, and Mozzarella Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Pizza
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Pickle Pizza is a tangy and creamy twist on traditional pizza, featuring a zesty pickle-flavored sour cream base topped with dill pickles and a blend of mozzarella and parmesan cheeses. Ready in just 30 minutes, this unique pizza offers a delightful balance of creamy, cheesy, and tangy flavors on a crispy thin crust, making it a perfect quick and easy appetizer or snack for pickle lovers.
Ingredients
Sauce
- 1 clove garlic, peeled and smashed
- ¾ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1–2 teaspoons water
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ 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
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, combine the smashed garlic, sour cream, mayonnaise, 1 to 2 teaspoons of water (to reach desired consistency), kosher salt, black pepper, and lemon juice. Mix well until smooth and creamy, adjusting the water as needed for spreadability.
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) and allow it to preheat fully to ensure a crispy crust.
- Roll out the dough: Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the pizza dough to your preferred thickness. Transfer the dough onto a baking sheet or pizza stone suitable for oven use.
- Spread the sauce: Evenly spread the prepared pickle sour cream sauce over the surface of the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border around the edges for the crust.
- Add cheese and pickles: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce, followed by a generous sprinkle of parmesan cheese. Arrange the thinly sliced dill pickles on top of the cheese layers for the distinct pickle flavor.
- Bake the pizza: Place the pizza into the preheated oven and bake for approximately 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove the pizza from the oven, let it cool slightly for a few minutes, then slice and serve warm to enjoy the creamy, tangy, and crispy delight.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of pickles according to your taste preference for a milder or stronger pickle flavor.
- Use thinly sliced pickles to ensure even distribution and avoid sogginess in the crust.
- You can substitute the thin-crust dough with your preferred pizza dough, but cooking times may vary.
- For a crispier crust, use a pizza stone and preheat it in the oven before baking.
- This pizza is best enjoyed immediately after baking for optimal texture and flavor.
