
🍕 Where Tradition Meets Tangy Creativity
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You know that one recipe that sounds so strange, it just has to be delicious? That’s this one. The Pickle Pie Pizza. A blend of crispy crust, creamy cheese, and the salty tang of pickles it’s the bold, summer-loving cousin of your classic margherita.
I first stumbled into this delightful oddity on a hot July afternoon when my kids begged for pizza but we were out of pepperoni. My husband, always up for flavor experiments, shouted from the fridge: “We’ve got pickles!” I raised an eyebrow… then gave it a go. With a little creamy garlic base, some shredded mozzarella, a few smoky touches, and those briny pickle slices it turned into a crispy, creamy, zesty masterpiece.
And now? It’s a family favorite. Grandma would have laughed, but then she’d have taken a bite and said, “Now that’s a pizza with personality.”
🕒 Quick Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cuisine: Italian (with a bold summer twist)
🧂 Ingredients For Pickle Pie Pizza
For the Dough (or use pre-made):
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 packet instant yeast (2 ¼ tsp)
- ¾ cup warm water
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp sugar
For the Sauce:
- 3 tbsp sour cream or crème fraîche
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tsp dried dill
- Salt & pepper to taste
Toppings:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup sliced dill pickles (thin and uniform)
- ¼ cup red onions, thinly sliced (optional for extra zing)
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- Fresh dill or parsley for garnish

🔪 Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Dough (Skip if using pre-made)
- In a mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until bubbly.
- Stir in olive oil, salt, and flour. Mix until dough forms.
- Knead on a floured surface for 5–7 minutes until smooth.
- Cover and let rise for 20 minutes while prepping toppings.
Step 2: Mix the Sauce
- In a small bowl, combine sour cream, mayo, garlic, and dried dill.
- Add a pinch of salt and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Set aside (try not to eat it with a spoon it’s that good).
Step 3: Assemble Your Pizza
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, preheat that too.
- Roll out your dough into a 12-inch round or rectangle.
- Spread the garlic-dill sauce evenly over the base.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella generously.
- Layer on your pickles don’t be shy!
- Add red onion slices and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if using.
Step 4: Bake and Finish
- Bake for 12–15 minutes until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbly.
- Remove from oven, sprinkle fresh dill or parsley for color and brightness.
- Let rest for 3 minutes before slicing (or everyone burns their tongue I learned the hard way).
🧡 Why This Works: Pickle Pie Pizza?
I get it. Pickles on pizza? But here’s why it totally works:
- Balance: The creamy base cuts the brine, while cheese melts everything together.
- Texture: Crunchy crust + soft cheese + tender pickles = magic.
- Flavor Explosion: Think of it like pizza meets a summer sandwich. Salty, zesty, cool.

🌿 Summer Pairings & Variations
Perfect With:
- Iced mint lemonade or cold craft beer
- A fresh arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Grilled corn with paprika butter
Try This:
- Add cooked bacon or pancetta for smoky depth
- Swap the sauce for ranch dressing for a picnic spin
- Use baby pickles sliced lengthwise for a fun presentation
❓ FAQ: Everything You’ve Wondered About Pickle Pie Pizza Recipe
What are the best pickles for pickle pizza?
For the best results, go for classic dill pickles the tangier, the better! Look for firm, crunchy slices that hold up well when baked. Homemade pickles or refrigerated deli-style ones often pack the most flavor. Avoid overly sweet bread-and-butter pickles unless you’re going for a sweet-savory vibe (which can also be fun!).
What sauce to use for dill pickle pizza?
A creamy garlic-dill base is the secret to balancing the pickle’s acidity. In this recipe, we use a blend of sour cream, mayo, fresh garlic, and dried dill. It gives a rich, tangy contrast that turns the pickles into the star of the show. Ranch dressing or even a light Alfredo can work in a pinch.
Is pickle pizza a thing?
Yes and it’s quickly becoming a cult favorite! While it may have started as a novelty, pickle pizza is now popping up on menus across the U.S. and beyond, especially at fairs, pizzerias, and in trendy food trucks. It’s the perfect example of how playful, unexpected ingredients can turn tradition on its head (in the tastiest way).
How popular is pickle pizza?
Pickle pizza has seen a surge in popularity thanks to food influencers and adventurous eaters. It’s especially beloved in summer, when lighter, tangy flavors feel refreshing. The combination of nostalgia, bold flavor, and social-media-worthy appeal makes it one of the fastest-growing pizza trends.
👨👩👧👦 Family Tips from Emma’s Kitchen
- Let the kids help lay out the pickle slices like flower petals it becomes their creation!
- Got leftover pizza? Cold the next morning is oddly incredible. Just sayin’.
- If you’re skeptical, start with half a pizza as “pickle zone” and go from there.
Pickle Pie Pizza
Equipment
- Pizza Stone
- Rolling Pin
- Mixing bowl
Ingredients
Pizza Dough
- 1 lb pizza dough homemade or store-bought
Dill Sauce
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp fresh dill chopped
Toppings
- 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded
- 1 cup dill pickle slices patted dry
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 1 tbsp fresh dill for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven to heat.
- In a mixing bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, and chopped fresh dill to make the dill sauce. Mix until smooth and set aside.
- On a floured surface, roll out the pizza dough to your desired thickness. Transfer it to a piece of parchment paper for easy handling.
- Spread a generous layer of the dill sauce over the rolled-out dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the sauce, followed by the dill pickle slices and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Carefully transfer the assembled pizza (with the parchment paper) onto the preheated pizza stone or a baking sheet. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
- Remove the pizza from the oven, garnish with additional fresh dill, slice, and serve immediately.
Notes
💬 Your Turn!
Tried it? Loved it? Added jalapeños and made it spicy? Share your pickle pizza creations with us on Instagram @SpedyRecipes using #PicklePiePizza. I’d love to see your family’s twist on this fun, flavorful summer treat!
Explore More Recipes
If you enjoyed making the Pickle Pie Pizza, check out these other exciting recipes and tips:
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- Learn how to make the Classic Restaurant Caesar Salad for a fresh and zesty side dish.
- Sweeten your evening with Cinnamon Rolls with Apple Pie Filling – a creative dessert idea.
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