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Are you a fan of pickles? Do you love pizza? Well, imagine combining both into one savory, tangy, and utterly delicious dish – pickle pie pizza! This unique recipe is perfect for those who enjoy experimenting with flavors, blending the saltiness of pickles with creamy cheese and a perfectly baked crust. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just looking for something different for your next meal, pickle pie pizza is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through everything from ingredients to preparation steps, tips for perfect results, and even some fun topping variations!
How to Make Pickle Pie Pizza
1. Prepare the Pizza Dough
To achieve the perfect crust for your pickle pie pizza, follow these steps carefully:
- Activate the Yeast
- In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and instant yeast.
- Stir gently and let it sit for 5 minutes until the yeast becomes frothy.
- Mix the Dough
- Add flour, salt, and olive oil to the yeast mixture.
- Stir with a spoon or a dough hook attachment until it starts to come together.
- Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
- Rest the Dough
- Cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rise for 1 hour in a warm place until it doubles in size.

2. Prepare the Creamy Base Sauce
Instead of traditional tomato sauce, pickle pie pizza uses a tangy and creamy base:
- In a small bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, and garlic butter.
- Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Spread this sauce evenly over your rolled-out pizza dough.
3. Add the Toppings
Now comes the fun part – adding the toppings!
- Cheese Layer
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese evenly over the creamy sauce.
- Add a generous layer of Parmesan cheese if desired for an extra punch of flavor.
- Pickle Layer
- Arrange the thinly sliced dill pickles on top of the cheese layer.
- Make sure to distribute them evenly for consistent flavor in every bite.
- Seasoning
- Sprinkle dill weed, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if you like a bit of heat) over the pizza.
4. Bake the Pickle Pie Pizza
- Preheat the Oven
- Set your oven to 475°F (245°C) and place a pizza stone or baking sheet inside to heat up.
- Bake the Pizza
- Carefully transfer the pizza onto the preheated stone or baking sheet.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
- Cool and Serve
- Allow the pizza to cool for a few minutes before slicing.
- Garnish with fresh dill for an extra pop of flavor and serve warm.
Tips for Perfect Pickle Pie Pizza
- Use High-Quality Pickles
Opt for fresh, crunchy dill pickles to avoid a soggy texture on your pizza. Homemade pickles or store-bought ones from a reliable brand work best. - Control the Moisture
Since pickles can release water when heated, it’s a good idea to pat them dry with a paper towel before placing them on the pizza. - Experiment with Cheese
While mozzarella and cheddar are the classics, you can try other cheeses like Gouda or Gruyère for a different flavor profile. - Try Different Crusts
If you’re short on time, you can use a store-bought crust or even a pre-baked naan or flatbread.

Variations of Pickle Pie Pizza
Vegetarian Pickle Pizza
For a veggie-packed twist, add a mix of colorful vegetables while keeping the focus on pickles. Sliced onions, bell peppers, and olives bring a variety of textures and flavors to balance out the acidity of the pickles. Mushrooms, artichokes, and sun-dried tomatoes can also be great additions for extra umami and richness. To make it even more indulgent, try using a mix of cheeses like feta, mozzarella, or gouda to enhance the overall flavor profile.
Spicy Pickle Pizza
If you love heat, this variation is perfect for you. Along with the tangy pickles, add thinly sliced jalapeños for an extra kick of spice. You can also experiment with red pepper flakes or diced banana peppers for varying levels of heat. To enhance the spice profile even more, drizzle some hot sauce, such as Sriracha or buffalo sauce, on top after baking. A spicy garlic aioli can also be a great addition for those who love a creamy yet fiery finish.
Bacon Pickle Pizza
The salty, smoky flavor of crispy bacon pairs exceptionally well with the briny taste of pickles. Before baking, crumble cooked bacon over the cheese layer to infuse the pizza with a rich, savory taste. For added depth, try using candied bacon for a slightly sweet contrast or smoked pancetta for an elevated touch. Some people also like to add a drizzle of ranch dressing or a sprinkle of smoked paprika to complement the bacon’s robust flavor.
Nutritional Information
Nutrient | Per Serving (1 Slice) |
---|---|
Calories | 280 |
Total Fat | 12g |
Saturated Fat | 6g |
Cholesterol | 25mg |
Sodium | 600mg |
Carbohydrates | 30g |
Fiber | 1g |
Protein | 10g |

Pickle Pie Pizza Recipe
Equipment
- Rolling Pin
- Pizza stone or baking sheet
- Mixing bowl
- Cheese grater
- Knife
- Oven
Ingredients
- 1 lb pizza dough
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup dill pickles thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp fresh dill chopped
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes optional
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450°F.
- Roll out pizza dough on a lightly floured surface to desired thickness.
- Transfer dough to a pizza stone or baking sheet.
- In a bowl, mix sour cream, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic to create the sauce.
- Spread the sauce evenly over the pizza dough.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese over the sauce.
- Evenly distribute pickle slices on top of the cheese.
- Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle black pepper and red pepper flakes.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
- Remove from oven and garnish with fresh dill.
- Slice and serve hot.
Notes
- Use bread and butter pickles for a sweeter flavor variation.
- Add crispy bacon bits for an extra savory crunch.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Reheat in the oven at 375°F for best texture.
FAQs about Pickle Pie Pizza
What goes on a pickle pizza?
A pickle pizza typically includes a creamy base like garlic sauce or ranch, mozzarella cheese, and dill pickle slices, often garnished with fresh dill or seasonings.
Does Papa John’s have pickle pizza?
Papa John’s does not have a dedicated pickle pizza, but they offer a Cheesy Burger Pizza that includes pickles along with beef, tomatoes, and burger sauce.
Who has the new pickle pizza?
Pizza Hut launched a limited-time Pickle Pizza in June 2023, featuring a ranch base, cheese, breaded chicken, Nashville Hot seasoning, onions, and dill pickles.
Does Pizza Hut sell pickle pizza?
Pizza Hut’s Pickle Pizza was only available for a short time in select locations and is not a regular menu item.
Conclusion
Pickle pie pizza is a bold and unique dish that offers an exciting twist on traditional pizza. With its perfect balance of tangy, briny pickles, creamy melted cheese, and a crispy, golden crust, this pizza is a must-try for adventurous food lovers. It delivers a delightful contrast of flavors—salty, savory, and slightly tart—all in one delicious bite.
Whether you’re hosting a gathering, looking for a conversation-starting dish, or simply in the mood to explore new flavors, pickle pie pizza is an excellent choice. Its versatility allows you to experiment with different toppings, from spicy jalapeños to smoky bacon, making it easy to customize based on your preferences. Plus, it’s a great way to introduce your friends and family to something unexpected yet delicious.
If you love pickles or enjoy trying out creative food combinations, this pizza will not disappoint. The simplicity of the recipe, combined with its rich and satisfying taste, makes it a fun addition to your homemade pizza lineup. So, roll up your sleeves, preheat that oven, and give this quirky yet irresistible pizza a try—you might just discover your new favorite comfort food!