Introduction

This Dill Pickle and Garlic Pizza offers a unique twist on classic pizza with a tangy, creamy garlic sauce and crisp dill pickle slices. Combining fresh herbs, rich cheeses, and a flavorful white sauce, it’s a delightful treat for adventurous home cooks looking to impress.

A close-up top view of a white pizza sliced into five pieces laid on brown parchment paper, placed on a white marbled surface; each slice shows a golden-brown, slightly crispy cheese layer with melted mozzarella, topped with large slices of bright green pickles; creamy white dollops and streaks of sauce are spread across the pizza, contrasted with small sprigs of fresh dill scattered evenly on the surface; around the pizza, fresh dill sprigs add green color, and a small white bowl containing red chili flakes sits nearby; photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

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 (for dough)
2 tablespoons butter
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup whole milk
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt (for sauce)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
16 dill pickle chip slices
1/4 cup sour cream
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 garlic clove, minced (for sauce)
2 tablespoons dill pickle juice
1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (for sauce)
Crushed red pepper
1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (for topping)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F. In a medium bowl, sprinkle the instant yeast over the warm water and let it sit for 5 minutes. Stir in olive oil, salt, sugar, flour, and 1 tablespoon chopped dill using a wooden spoon until the dough starts to come together. Knead on a lightly floured surface for 1-2 minutes until you have a smooth, slightly sticky ball. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the white sauce by melting butter and garlic in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in 2 tablespoons flour and cook for 1 minute, whisking constantly. Slowly whisk in milk, then add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for 4-5 minutes until thickened, whisking often. Lower heat, stir in Parmesan cheese until melted, then remove from heat.
Step 3: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to a 12-inch circle. Transfer it to a pizza pan or baking sheet. Spread the white sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border for the crust. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the sauce. Pat the pickle slices dry with paper towels and arrange them evenly on top.
Step 4: Bake the pizza on the middle rack for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and lightly browned.
Step 5: While baking, mix together sour cream, mayonnaise, minced garlic, dill pickle juice, and 1 tablespoon chopped dill in a medium bowl until smooth to make the creamy garlic sauce.
Step 6: Once the pizza is baked, sprinkle crushed red pepper and 1 tablespoon fresh dill over the top. Drizzle with the creamy garlic sauce and serve any extra sauce on the side for dipping.

Tips & Variations

For a crispier crust, pre-bake the dough for 5 minutes before adding toppings.
Use dill pickle chips that are not overly wet; patting them dry prevents soggy pizza.
Swap mozzarella for provolone for a slightly sharper cheese flavor.
Add cooked bacon or ham for a smoky, savory boost.
Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper to control the spiciness.

Storage

Store leftover pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 375°F for 8-10 minutes to keep the crust crisp. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess. Keep any leftover garlic sauce refrigerated and use within 2 days, stirring before serving.

How to Serve

The image shows pieces of pizza with a golden brown, slightly crispy crust. The pizza has three main layers: a creamy white sauce base, a layer of melted cheese that is browned and bubbly on top, and green pickles placed evenly across each slice. There are light green sprigs of fresh dill scattered over the pizza, adding a touch of color. White sauce is drizzled in thin lines and small pools on top of the slices, contrasting with the melted cheese and pickles. The pizza slices are on a piece of brown parchment paper, all set on a white marbled surface with some dill sprigs around. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use homemade pizza dough for this recipe?

Yes, homemade pizza dough works well and can personalize the crust texture. Just make sure to incorporate chopped dill into the dough for that signature flavor.

Is this pizza suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly. If adding extras like bacon or ham, omit or substitute accordingly to keep it vegetarian.