Cheesy Dill Pizza

Category: Dinner Ideas That Actually Work

This creative pizza matches dill pickles’ tang with rich garlic sauce and a cheesy topping, baked to crispy perfection on a thin crust. Done in 30 minutes, it’s an easy meal idea.

Clare Recipes
Created By Lily Chen
Updated on Sat, 19 Apr 2025 01:03:09 GMT
Six cheesy pizza slices topped with pickles sitting on a wooden tray. Save
Six cheesy pizza slices topped with pickles sitting on a wooden tray. | lilicooks.com

My crew thought I'd lost my mind when I first brought up Pickle Pizza but now we can't get through Friday without it. There's something kinda magical about the mix of zesty dill pickles, smooth garlic sauce and gooey cheese together. Ever since this recipe popped up on my blog, folks keep sending me snaps of their own pickle pizzas, always shocked by how tasty they find it.

An Incredible Flavor Match

I messed around in the kitchen for days trying to nail this recipe, switching up different bases and cheese mixes. That smooth garlic sauce really does the trick - it works with the pickles instead of fighting them. My pickle-obsessed kid says she likes it more than traditional pizza, and even my doubtful hubby now goes for extra slices.

Your Ingredients List

  • Optional Toppings: Canadian bacon or ham to beef up the protein and taste profile.
  • Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup, grated; brings a tangy, nutty kick.
  • Mozzarella Cheese: 1 cup, grated; gives that stretchy, smooth texture.
  • Dill Pickles: 1 cup, cut into thin rounds; pick your ideal thickness for the right bite.
  • Garlic Sauce: ½ cup; whip it up yourself or grab some from the store for a rich foundation.
  • Pizza Crust: 1 thin homemade crust or pre-made dough. Thicker crusts might need more time in the oven.
A wooden board holds slices of pizza topped with melted cheese and slices of pickles. Save
A wooden board holds slices of pizza topped with melted cheese and slices of pickles. | lilicooks.com

Cooking Instructions

Ready to Enjoy
Give it a minute to cool down then cut into pieces. I usually throw some fresh dill on top for an extra flavor punch.
Time to Bake
Stick it in the oven until your cheese gets bubbly and golden brown, roughly 12 to 15 minutes.
Layer the Good Stuff
Scatter pickle slices everywhere then blanket them with both cheeses. Getting that cheese mix right makes all the difference for melting.
Add That Creamy Base
Smear garlic sauce all across, leaving a small border for a crunchy edge. This sauce is what makes our pizza stand out.
Get Your Crust Ready
First, crank your oven up to 450°F. Roll your dough out on some flour until it looks good to you.

Think Ahead

I'm all about having pizza stuff ready for crazy weeknights. The garlic sauce stays good in the fridge for a week and I always make double pizza dough to freeze. There's nothing better than pulling out homemade dough when you've got pizza on the brain.

Switch It Up

Pickle fans go nuts for the basic version, but tossing in some Canadian bacon or ham really kicks it up a notch. Sometimes I just use whatever cheese is hanging out in my fridge. That's what's so great about this pizza - you can easily tweak it to fit what you like.

A wooden board holds six slices of pizza topped with melted cheese and pickled cucumber slices. Save
A wooden board holds six slices of pizza topped with melted cheese and pickled cucumber slices. | lilicooks.com

Recipe FAQs

→ What pickles should I use?
Go for dill pickles for that sharp, tangy bite. Slice them thin and blot them dry to avoid soggy spots.
→ Can I switch up the cheese?
Mozzarella and parmesan are classics, but you can try white cheddar or provolone if you're feeling adventurous.
→ How do I get a crispy crust?
Thin crusts work best. Make sure the pickles are dry, and preheat your stone or sheet for a crisp base.
→ Can the garlic sauce be prepped early?
Definitely. Make it up to two days ahead, keep it in the fridge, and give it a stir before slathering it on.
→ What goes well with this pizza?
A fresh green salad or a side of ranch makes a great partner. Throw in a few extra pickles if you're feeling bold!

Garlic Pizza

A thin crust piled with creamy garlic sauce, tangy dill pickle slices, and a melted mix of parmesan and mozzarella cheese.

Preparation Time
10 min
Cooking Time
20 min
Overall Time
30 min
Created By: Lily Chen

Category: Main Dishes

Skill Level: Beginner-Friendly

Cuisine Type: American

Output: 8 Serves (1 pizza (12-inch))

Dietary Options: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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

Steps

Step 01

Turn your oven on to 400°F to warm it up.

Step 02

Mix sour cream, mayo, lemon juice, garlic, pepper, water, and salt till smooth.

Step 03

On parchment paper, roll out pizza dough into a 12-inch circle and place on a baking sheet or pizza stone.

Step 04

Spread the garlic mixture over the dough, lay down pickles, and sprinkle with parmesan and mozzarella.

Step 05

Pop into the oven for 16-20 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is gooey.

Step 06

Let it sit for about 3 minutes before slicing and plating.

Tips

  1. Store-bought or homemade dough will work fine.
  2. Dry the pickle slices before adding them as a topping.
  3. Tastes best when eaten fresh and warm.

Required Tools

  • Baking sheet or pizza stone.
  • Parchment sheet.
  • A rolling pin for shaping.

Allergy Information

Always check each ingredient for allergens, and consult a medical professional if unsure.
  • Includes dairy (cheeses and sour cream).
  • Contains eggs (mayonnaise).
  • Made with wheat (crust).

Nutritional Information (per serving)

These details are shared for general guidance and don’t replace professional advice.
  • Calories: 265
  • Fats: 14 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Proteins: 8 g