Pickle Pie Pizza Recipe

Alright, let’s get one thing straight, pickles on pizza? You might be thinking, “Is this some kind of joke?” Nope, it’s 100% real, and it’s a game-changer. If you’re a fan of that tangy, briny crunch, then you’re in for a wild ride because pickle pie pizza is taking over taste buds everywhere.

But why is this quirky pizza combo suddenly making waves? The answer is simple: flavor explosion. Pickles bring the perfect balance of acidity to cut through the richness of cheese, while the crust provides a satisfying chew. The result? A pizza that’s bold, unforgettable, and, dare we say, addictive.

Let’s dive into this crazy yet delicious creation and explore everything you need to know, from ingredients to the best ways to make it at home!

What Is Pickle Pie Pizza?

If you’ve never heard of pickle pie pizza, don’t worry, you’re not alone. This culinary oddity is still flying under the radar, but trust us, once you try it, there’s no turning back.

Essentially, pickle pie pizza is just what it sounds like: a pizza topped with pickles. But it’s not as simple as throwing a few pickle slices onto a cheese pizza. The magic comes from pairing the right pickles with the right base, choosing a sauce that complements the tang, and baking it to perfection.

Some versions use a white garlic sauce, while others go for a creamy ranch or even a spicy mustard base. The pickles? They can be classic dill, bread & butter, or even spicy jalapeño pickles. Whatever your style, the key is balancing the flavors to create something that’s tangy, cheesy, and perfectly crisp.

The Origins and Popularity of Pickle Pizzas

Believe it or not, pickle pizza isn’t brand new. It’s been around for years in some niche pizzerias, but it exploded in popularity thanks to food festivals and social media.

🍕 In 2018, a Minnesota pizza joint called QC Pizza made headlines with its Kinda Big Dill Pizza, a pie loaded with garlic sauce, dill pickles, and mozzarella. The internet went wild, and soon, other restaurants started experimenting with their own versions.

🍕 In New York, Rhino’s Pizzeria introduced a pickle pizza that went viral on Instagram, making thousands of people curious about this unusual yet mouthwatering creation.

🍕 Today, you can find pickle pizza at specialty pizzerias, food trucks, and even some major chains testing the waters. It’s a trend that’s here to stay.

Why Pickles on Pizza? The Science Behind the Flavor

At first glance, pickles and pizza seem like an odd couple. But when you break it down scientifically, it makes total sense.

1. Acidity Balances Fat

Pickles are naturally acidic, which helps cut through the richness of cheese and creamy sauces. Ever wonder why a pickle spear is served with a greasy burger? Same concept.

2. Crunch Factor

Pickles add an unexpected but delightful crunch, giving the pizza an extra layer of texture.

3. Salty Meets Cheesy

Pickles bring a savory, salty punch that enhances the overall umami flavor of the pizza.

“Good food is all about balance, sweet, salty, sour, and umami. Pickles on pizza check all the right boxes.”

So, if you’re still skeptical, consider this: if pineapple can be a pizza topping, why not pickles? 😉

The Essential Ingredients for the Perfect Pickle Pie Pizza

Ready to whip up your own pickle pie pizza? Let’s start with the essentials.

Choosing the Right Pickles

Not all pickles are created equal! Some are sweet, some are spicy, and some are just…meh. Here are your best bets:

Pro Tip: Always pat your pickles dry before adding them to pizza. Too much moisture can make the crust soggy!

The Ideal Pizza Dough for Pickle Pie Pizza

Your pizza is only as good as its crust. Whether you go for thin and crispy or thick and fluffy, make sure it’s sturdy enough to hold the toppings.

Here’s a simple homemade pizza dough recipe:

Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
• ¾ cup warm water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, mix warm water and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
2. In a large bowl, mix flour, salt, and sugar.
3. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix until combined.
4. Knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Cover and let it rise for 1 hour.

Shortcut: Don’t have time? Grab pre-made dough from the store, no judgment here!

Sauces That Pair Well with Pickle Pizza

A good sauce ties everything together. Here are some killer combos:

Best Cheese Combinations for Pickle Pie Pizza

Mozzarella is a must, but you can mix and match for extra depth:

Fun Fact: Some people even add cream cheese for an ultra-creamy twist!

How to Make Pickle Pie Pizza at Home (Step-by-Step Guide)

So, you’re ready to dive in and make your own pickle pie pizza? Great choice! This recipe is easy, delicious, and guaranteed to surprise your taste buds. Follow these step-by-step instructions, and you’ll be munching on a crispy, cheesy, tangy masterpiece in no time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Pizza Dough (if making from scratch)

For the Toppings

Prep Your Dough

1. If using store-bought dough, take it out of the fridge and let it rest at room temperature for 30 minutes.
2. If making from scratch, follow the dough instructions in Part 1 and let it rise for at least an hour.
3. Once ready, roll the dough into a 12-inch circle on a floured surface.
4. Transfer it to a pizza stone or baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Pro Tip: If you like thin and crispy crust, roll the dough extra thin and bake at a higher temperature (475°F).

Want to perfect your pizza game? Check out these expert pizza-making secrets!

Spread the Sauce

Instead of traditional tomato sauce, pickle pizza works best with a creamy white base. Here are some options:
✔ Garlic Parmesan Sauce – Buttery, cheesy, and a perfect complement to pickles.
✔ Ranch Dressing – Classic with dill pickles!
✔ Spicy Mustard Sauce – Adds a unique tangy twist.

Use a spoon to spread a thin layer of your chosen sauce over the dough, leaving about ½ inch of crust exposed around the edges.

Add the Cheese

Now, let’s get cheesy! 🧀 Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded mozzarella over the sauce. For extra flavor, add:

• Provolone (for a smooth, sharp taste)
• Parmesan (for a salty umami kick)

Cheese Hack: Add a small sprinkle of cheddar for a slight tangy contrast, it goes great with pickles!

If you love cheese as much as we do, don’t miss these cheesy bread pairings for extra inspiration!

Layer the Pickles

Time for the star of the show: pickles! 🥒

1. Use thinly sliced dill pickles (or your favorite variety).
2. Pat them dry with a paper towel to prevent excess moisture.
3. Evenly distribute them across the pizza, no need to overload, a little goes a long way.

Optional: If you love heat, add some spicy pickles or a few pickled jalapeños.

Bake to Perfection

1. Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C).
2. Place your pizza on the middle rack and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.

Pro Tip: For an extra crispy crust, bake directly on a preheated pizza stone.

Final Touches & Serving

Once out of the oven, finish your pickle pizza with:
✅ A sprinkle of fresh dill for extra flavor.
✅ A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for spice.
✅ A drizzle of ranch or garlic butter for extra richness.

Slice, serve, and enjoy every tangy, cheesy bite! 🍕😋

Variations of Pickle Pie Pizza to Try

Want to mix things up? Here are some fun and delicious twists on the classic pickle pizza!

1. Spicy Pickle Pizza 🌶️

🔥 Love heat? Try this version:

• Use spicy pickles or pickled jalapeños.
• Add a drizzle of hot honey or sriracha after baking.
• Sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes.

2. Bacon & Pickle Pizza 🥓

The ultimate savory-salty combo!

• Crumble crispy bacon over the cheese.
• Add smoked gouda or cheddar for extra depth.

3. Sweet & Savory Pickle Pizza 🍯

For an adventurous bite:

• Use bread & butter pickles instead of dill.
• Drizzle with honey or maple syrup for contrast.
• Add caramelized onions for sweetness.

4. Vegan Pickle Pizza 🌱

Dairy-free? No problem!

• Use vegan mozzarella and cashew-based white sauce.
• Swap ranch for dairy-free garlic aioli.
• Add extra pickles for an intense flavor punch.

Common Problems & Solutions When Making Pickle Pie Pizza

Even the best recipes can run into a few hiccups! Here’s how to fix them:

My Pizza Crust is Too Soggy

Solution:
✔ Pat the pickles dry before adding them.
✔ Pre-bake the crust for 5 minutes before adding toppings.
✔ Use a pizza stone for extra crispiness.

The Pickles Overpower Everything

Solution:
✔ Use fewer pickles or mix different types.
✔ Add a drizzle of honey to balance the acidity.
✔ Pair pickles with mild cheeses like provolone.

The Pickles Keep Sliding Off

Solution:
✔ Cut pickles into thin slices for better adhesion.
✔ Use shredded cheese to “glue” them down.
✔ Let the pizza cool for 5 minutes before slicing.

Pairing Pickle Pie Pizza with Drinks & Sides

Wondering what to serve alongside your pickle pizza? Here are some perfect pairings!

Best Drinks

Best Sides

Final Thoughts: Why Pickle Pie Pizza Deserves a Spot on Your Menu

There you have it, the ultimate guide to making and enjoying pickle pie pizza! Whether you’re a pickle fanatic or just curious, this pizza is worth a try.

“Food is meant to be fun, and pickle pie pizza is proof that crazy combinations can be insanely delicious.”

So, grab some pickles, fire up your oven, and get ready for one of the most surprisingly tasty pizzas you’ll ever try! 🍕🥒😋

Pickle Pie Pizza Recipe

Print Recipe

Print Recipe

Tangy, cheesy, and irresistibly crunchy! This Pickle Pie Pizza recipe combines crispy crust, creamy garlic sauce, melty cheese, and zesty dill pickles for a bold, mouthwatering twist on classic pizza. Perfect for pickle lovers and adventurous eaters alike!

• Author: Sophia Berji
• Prep Time: 15 min
• Cook Time: 12-15 min
• Total Time: 27-30 min
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

For the Pizza Dough (If Making from Scratch)

Ingredient	Quantity
All-purpose flour	2 ½ cups
Salt	1 teaspoon
Sugar	1 teaspoon
Active dry yeast	1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons)
Warm water	¾ cup
Olive oil	1 tablespoon

Shortcut: You can also use store-bought pizza dough for convenience!

For the Sauce

Ingredient	Quantity
Garlic Parmesan sauce	½ cup
Ranch dressing (optional)	¼ cup
Olive oil (for brushing)	1 tablespoon

For the Toppings

Ingredient	Quantity
Dill pickles (sliced thin)	1 cup
Mozzarella cheese (shredded)	1 ½ cups
Provolone cheese (optional)	½ cup
Parmesan cheese (grated)	¼ cup
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)	To taste
Fresh dill (for garnish)	A few sprigs

Instructions

1- Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C). If using homemade dough, let it rise for 1 hour.

2- Roll out pizza dough into a 12-inch circle and place it on a baking sheet.

3- Spread sauce (garlic Parmesan, ranch, or spicy mustard) evenly over the dough.

4- Add cheese: Sprinkle mozzarella, provolone (optional), and Parmesan.

5- Layer pickles evenly over the cheese. Pat them dry first to prevent sogginess.

6- Bake for 12-15 minutes until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.

7- Garnish with fresh dill and crushed red pepper (optional).

8- Slice & enjoy your tangy, cheesy Pickle Pie Pizza! 🍕😋

Keywords: pizza