I fell in love with pickle pizza at a tiny local pizzeria and just had to recreate it at home. Now it's become my favorite way to surprise guests who think they've tried every pizza variation out there. The combination of garlicky cream sauce tangy dill pickles and melty cheese creates something truly magical. Trust me even skeptics end up asking for seconds.
What Makes This Pizza Special
The magic happens when that creamy garlic sauce meets the briny pickles creating this incredible flavor combo you won't find anywhere else. I love watching people's faces when they take their first bite they're always amazed at how well everything works together. It's become my go to recipe when I want to shake up our usual pizza night.
What You'll Need
- Crust: Homemade thin pizza crust, ready in under 30 minutes with no rise time, or store-bought pizza dough. Adjust baking time if using a thicker crust.
- Garlic Sauce: A creamy, flavorful homemade garlic sauce that complements the tanginess of the pickles.
- Pickles: Thinly sliced dill pickles or dill pickle chips, cut to your preferred thickness.
- Cheese: A combination of shredded mozzarella and parmesan cheese for a rich and gooey topping.
- Optional Toppings: Add ham or Canadian bacon for a protein boost.
Time to Make Pizza
- Prepare The Crust
- Roll out the homemade thin pizza crust or store-bought dough. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and place the crust on a prepared baking sheet or pizza stone.
- Make The Garlic Sauce
- Whisk together your garlic sauce ingredients and spread a generous layer over the pizza crust.
- Add Toppings
- Layer thinly sliced dill pickles evenly across the crust. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and parmesan cheese over the pickles.
- Bake The Pizza
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Adjust time as needed for thicker crusts.
Plan Ahead
You can get a head start by making the garlic sauce up to a week ahead just keep it in an airtight container in the fridge. If you're making your own dough it'll stay good in the fridge for 3 days or pop it in the freezer for up to 3 months. It makes pizza night so much easier when half the work is already done.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use homemade pizza dough?
Yes, any pizza dough works well. Just make sure to roll it thin for the best texture with these toppings.
- → What kind of pickles work best?
Use dill pickles for the classic flavor. Choose firm pickles and slice them thin for even distribution.
- → Can I make the garlic sauce ahead?
Yes, make it up to 2 days ahead and store in the fridge. You might need to thin it slightly with water before using.
- → Will this taste too pickle-y?
The garlic sauce and cheese balance the pickle flavor. Start with fewer pickles if you're unsure and add more to taste.
- → Can I add other toppings?
Try adding red pepper flakes, fresh dill, or even ranch dressing drizzle after baking. Some people like to add crispy bacon too.