Garlic Dill Pizza

Featured in Irresistible Tasty Bites.

This fun twist on traditional pizza combines tangy dill pickles with a creamy garlic sauce and two kinds of cheese on a thin, crispy crust. Ready in just 30 minutes for an easy dinner.

Clare Greco
Updated on Mon, 20 Jan 2025 16:11:35 GMT
A wooden platter holds six slices of pizza topped with melted cheese and slices of pickles. Pin it
A wooden platter holds six slices of pizza topped with melted cheese and slices of pickles. | recipesbyclare.com

My family thought I was crazy when I first suggested Pickle Pizza but now it's our Friday night favorite. The combination of tangy dill pickles with creamy garlic sauce and melty cheese creates something truly magical. Ever since I shared this recipe on my blog readers keep sending me pictures of their own pickle pizza creations telling me how surprised they were by how delicious it is.

The Perfect Combination

I spent weeks perfecting this recipe in my kitchen playing with different sauce bases and cheese combinations. The creamy garlic sauce makes all the difference it complements the pickles instead of competing with them. My pickle loving daughter says it's better than regular pizza and even my skeptical husband now asks for seconds.

What You'll Need

  • Pizza Crust: 1 homemade thin pizza crust or store-bought dough. Adjust baking time for thicker crusts.
  • Garlic Sauce: ½ cup; homemade or store-bought for a creamy and flavorful base.
  • Dill Pickles: 1 cup, thinly sliced; choose your preferred thickness for texture.
  • Mozzarella Cheese: 1 cup, shredded; provides melty, creamy goodness.
  • Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup, shredded; adds a sharp, nutty flavor.
  • Optional Toppings: Ham or Canadian bacon for added protein and flavor depth.
A wooden board holds slices of pizza topped with melted cheese and slices of pickles. Pin it
A wooden board holds slices of pizza topped with melted cheese and slices of pickles. | recipesbyclare.com

Let's Make Pizza

Get Your Crust Ready
Start by heating your oven nice and hot to 450°F. Roll out your dough on a floured surface until it's just how you like it.
Add That Creamy Base
Spread your garlic sauce all over leaving a little edge for a crispy crust. This sauce is what makes our pizza special.
Layer the Good Stuff
Arrange those pickle slices all over then cover them with both kinds of cheese. The cheese blend is key to getting that perfect melt.
Time to Bake
Pop it in the oven and wait for that cheese to get all bubbly and golden about 12 to 15 minutes.
Ready to Enjoy
Let it cool just a bit then slice it up. I love adding a sprinkle of fresh dill on top for extra flavor.

Plan Ahead

I love having pizza ingredients ready to go for busy weeknights. The garlic sauce keeps well in the fridge for a week and I often make extra pizza dough to freeze. Nothing beats having homemade dough ready when the pizza craving hits.

Make It Your Own

While pickle lovers go crazy for the classic version I've found adding a bit of ham or Canadian bacon takes it to another level. Sometimes I mix up the cheese blend using whatever I have in the fridge. The beauty of this pizza is how easily it adapts to your tastes.

A wooden board holds six slices of pizza topped with melted cheese and pickled cucumber slices. Pin it
A wooden board holds six slices of pizza topped with melted cheese and pickled cucumber slices. | recipesbyclare.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What kind of pickles work best?
Dill pickles are recommended for their tangy flavor. Make sure to slice them thinly and pat them dry to prevent excess moisture on the pizza.
→ Can I use different cheese?
While mozzarella and parmesan create the perfect blend, you could try provolone or white cheddar for different flavor profiles.
→ How do I prevent a soggy crust?
Use a thin crust and pat the pickle slices dry. Preheat your pizza stone or baking sheet for a crispier bottom.
→ Can I make the garlic sauce ahead?
Yes, the garlic sauce can be made up to 2 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Just give it a stir before spreading.
→ What can I serve with pickle pizza?
This unique pizza pairs well with a simple green salad or ranch dressing for dipping. A side of extra pickles is always welcome.

Pickle Pizza

A creative pizza featuring thin crust topped with creamy garlic sauce, crisp dill pickles, and a blend of mozzarella and parmesan cheeses.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes

Category: Tasty Bites

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 8 Servings (1 12-inch pizza)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 1 clove garlic, peeled and smashed.
02 ¾ cup (172.5g) sour cream.
03 ¼ cup (58g) mayonnaise.
04 1-2 teaspoons water.
05 ½ teaspoon kosher salt.
06 ¼ teaspoon pepper.
07 1 teaspoon lemon juice.
08 1 package (13 ounces) thin-crust pizza dough.
09 2-3 dill pickles, thinly sliced.
10 1 cup (113g) mozzarella cheese, shredded.
11 ¼ cup (25g) parmesan cheese.

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat oven to 400°F.

Step 02

Combine garlic, sour cream, mayonnaise, water, salt, pepper, and lemon juice until smooth.

Step 03

Roll pizza dough into 12-inch circle on parchment-lined pizza stone or baking sheet.

Step 04

Spread garlic sauce, arrange pickle slices, sprinkle with mozzarella and parmesan.

Step 05

Bake 16-20 minutes until cheese melts and crust is golden brown.

Step 06

Let rest 3 minutes before cutting and serving.

Notes

  1. Can use homemade or store-bought dough.
  2. Pat pickles dry before topping.
  3. Best served hot.

Tools You'll Need

  • Pizza stone or baking sheet.
  • Parchment paper.
  • Rolling pin.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (sour cream, cheese).
  • Eggs (mayonnaise).
  • Wheat (pizza dough).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 265
  • Total Fat: 14 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 28 g
  • Protein: 8 g