If you love pickles and pizza, this Pickle Pie Pizza is about to become your new favorite. With a creamy garlic-dill sauce, layers of crispy pickles, and gooey melted cheese, this recipe delivers the perfect balance of tang, crunch, and creaminess. Whether you’re a pickle fanatic or just looking for a fun new pizza topping, this one’s a must-try!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Tangy & Creamy – A rich, garlicky dill sauce complements the tart pickles.
Crunchy & Cheesy – A perfect balance of textures with a crisp crust and bubbly cheese.
Quick & Easy – No stovetop sauce cooking required—just mix, assemble, and bake!
Perfect for Pickle Lovers – Double layers of pickles for maximum flavor.
The Best Pickles for Pickle Pie Pizza
To get the best flavor and texture, use thinly sliced dill pickles. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Use jarred dill pickle slices – They’re the perfect size and consistency.
- Avoid thick-sliced pickles – They can weigh down the pizza and release too much moisture.
- Pat pickles dry before using – This prevents a soggy crust.
- Sort through for the thinnest slices – These crisp up better in the oven.
Inspired by the famous Kinda Big Dill Pizza from QC Pizza in Minnesota, this recipe layers pickles both under and on top of the cheese for extra tangy goodness.
Prep Ahead for an Easy Pizza Night
Make your pizza night stress-free with these tips:
Make the garlic-dill sauce in advance – It stays fresh in the fridge for up to a week.
Grate the cheese ahead of time – Store it in an airtight container.
Prepare your dough – If using homemade dough, let it rise beforehand.
Ingredients
For the Garlic-Dill Sauce:
- ½ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- 1 teaspoon pickle juice
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
For the Pizza:
- 2 (1-pound) balls of pizza dough (homemade or store-bought), at room temperature
- All-purpose flour, for dusting
- Cornmeal, for dusting the baking sheet
- ¾ cup garlic-dill sauce, divided
- 2 cups jarred dill pickle slices, patted dry, divided
- 2 cups shredded whole-milk low-moisture mozzarella cheese, divided
- ½ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese, divided
- 1 teaspoon dried dill, divided
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
- Set the oven to 500°F (260°C).
- Place an inverted baking sheet or pizza stone on the lower oven rack.
2. Prepare the Garlic-Dill Sauce
- In a medium bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, dried dill, pickle juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Adjust seasonings as needed and set aside.
3. Stretch the Dough
- Lightly flour your work surface and flatten one ball of dough with your hands.
- Stretch it into a 12–14 inch round, working from the center outward.
- Repeat with the second ball of dough.
4. Assemble the Pickle Pie Pizza
- Lightly sprinkle a pizza peel or rimless baking sheet with cornmeal.
- Transfer one pizza dough round onto the peel.
- Spread half of the garlic-dill sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a ½-inch border.
- Arrange ½ cup of pickles over the sauce.
- Sprinkle with 1 cup of mozzarella and ¼ cup of Parmesan.
- Top with another ½ cup of pickles and ½ teaspoon of dried dill.
5. Bake the Pizza
- Sprinkle some cornmeal onto the hot pizza stone or baking sheet.
- Carefully slide the pizza onto the hot surface.
- Bake for 11–13 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.
6. Repeat & Serve
- Remove the pizza from the oven using a pizza peel and transfer it to a cooling rack.
- Repeat with the second pizza.
- Slice, serve, and enjoy!
More Recipes for Pickle Lovers
If you can’t get enough of that tangy pickle flavor, try these next:
- Fried Pickles – Crispy, golden, and perfect with ranch.
- Cheeseburger Pizza – Another fun twist on classic pizza flavors.
- Pickle Slaw – A zesty side dish for any meal.
- Chicago-Style Hot Dogs – Loaded with pickle goodness.
- Cuban Sandwich – Pickles, mustard, and melty cheese in a pressed sandwich.
The Inspiration Behind Pickle Pie Pizza
Pickles on pizza may sound unconventional, but they’ve been gaining popularity across the country. The “Kinda Big Dill” pizza from QC Pizza in Minnesota helped bring this tangy trend to the mainstream, featuring pickles, a white garlic-dill sauce, and cheese. The idea of using pickles as a topping originated from the love of briny, zesty flavors that contrast beautifully with creamy sauces and melted cheese.
If you think about it, pickles have already made their way into many classic comfort foods—cheeseburgers, fried pickles, Cuban sandwiches—so why not pizza? The saltiness and acidity of the pickles balance the richness of the cheese and sauce, creating a flavor explosion that surprises and delights. If you’re a pickle lover, this pizza is a must-try!
Ways to Customize Your Pickle Pie Pizza
One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is! Here are a few ways to put your own spin on it:
1. Add Some Spice
If you love a little heat, try one of these spicy twists:
- Use spicy pickles – Look for jalapeño-infused or hot dill pickles.
- Add crushed red pepper flakes – Sprinkle on top before or after baking.
- Drizzle with hot honey – The sweet-spicy combo is incredible!
- Use a spicy ranch base – Mix in a dash of hot sauce or cayenne to the garlic-dill sauce.
2. Experiment with Different Cheeses
Mozzarella is classic, but you can mix it up with:
- Sharp cheddar – Adds a bold, tangy kick.
- Gouda – Offers a slightly smoky and creamy flavor.
- Provolone – Melts beautifully and enhances the richness.
- Feta – A crumbly, briny option that pairs well with pickles.
3. Make It a Meat Lover’s Pickle Pizza
If you want to add protein, consider these options:
- Crispy bacon crumbles – Salty, smoky goodness that pairs perfectly.
- Shredded chicken – Soaks up the garlic-dill sauce beautifully.
- Pepperoni or salami – Adds a classic pizza feel with extra savoriness.
- Ground beef – A cheeseburger-inspired twist.
4. Try a Different Crust
The beauty of homemade pizza is that you can experiment with different crusts:
- Thin and crispy – Bake at a high temperature for a crunchier bite.
- Sourdough crust – Adds a subtle tanginess that complements the pickles.
- Cauliflower crust – A great low-carb, gluten-free alternative.
- Garlic-butter brushed crust – For extra flavor, brush the edges with melted butter and garlic before baking.
How to Serve Pickle Pie Pizza
This pizza is delicious on its own, but pairing it with the right side dishes and drinks can take your meal to the next level.
Perfect Side Dishes
- A crisp, fresh salad – Something light, like a simple Caesar or cucumber salad, balances the richness.
- Garlic knots or cheesy breadsticks – Because more cheese is always a good idea.
- French fries or onion rings – For a fun, diner-style experience.
- Soup – A creamy tomato soup pairs wonderfully with the tangy pickles.
Best Drinks to Pair With Pickle Pie Pizza
- A crisp lager or pilsner – The light, refreshing taste complements the tangy flavors.
- Hard cider – A slightly sweet cider balances out the acidity of the pickles.
- Lemonade or iced tea – Refreshing and slightly sweet, perfect for cutting through the richness.
- Pickle juice shots! – If you’re a true pickle lover, why not go all in?
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you somehow have leftovers (which isn’t likely because it’s that good), here’s how to store and reheat your Pickle Pie Pizza properly:
Storing Leftovers
- Refrigerator: Store leftover slices in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll last up to 2 months.
Reheating for the Best Texture
- Oven: Preheat to 375°F (190°C) and bake slices on a baking sheet for 8–10 minutes.
- Skillet: Heat a slice on medium-low with a lid for 5 minutes to get the crust crispy again.
- Air Fryer: Set to 350°F (175°C) and heat for 3–4 minutes.
- Microwave (not recommended) – If in a rush, heat for 30–45 seconds, but the crust will soften.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use homemade pickles instead of store-bought?
Yes! If using homemade pickles, make sure they’re thinly sliced and well-drained to prevent excess moisture from making the pizza soggy.
2. Can I make this pizza ahead of time?
Yes! Here’s how:
- Make the sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to a week.
- Prep the dough ahead of time and store it in the fridge overnight.
- Assemble the pizza up to a few hours before baking and keep it covered in the fridge.
3. What if I don’t have a pizza stone?
No worries! Use an inverted baking sheet or a cast iron skillet for a crisp crust.
4. Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just swap the pizza dough for a gluten-free option, like cauliflower crust or a store-bought gluten-free dough.
5. What’s the best way to get a crispy crust?
- Use a pizza stone or steel – It helps distribute heat evenly.
- Preheat your oven properly – A hot oven is key!
- Don’t overload with sauce – Too much moisture can make the crust soggy.
- Pat the pickles dry – This prevents excess liquid from softening the crust.
Final Thoughts
This Pickle Pie Pizza is the perfect mix of creamy, crunchy, and cheesy goodness. Whether you’re a die-hard pickle fan or just looking to try something new, it’s sure to be a hit!
Love this recipe? Let us know in the comments!