Creamy Garlic Pickle Pizza

This unconventional pickle pizza transforms your favorite dill pickles into a gourmet experience that will surprise even the most skeptical eaters. The creamy garlic sauce provides the perfect tangy base for crisp pickle slices, while the cheese blend creates that irresistible stretch when you pull away each slice.

I first created this recipe when my pickle-obsessed nephew visited for the weekend. What started as a joke became our family's most requested pizza night special, converting even the pickle skeptics among us.

Ingredients

• Garlic clove adds aromatic depth to the sauce without overpowering
• Sour cream creates the creamy base for the sauce look for full fat for richness
• Mayonnaise adds silky texture and tanginess to complement the pickles
• Water helps thin the sauce to spreadable consistency
• Kosher salt enhances all flavors use coarse kosher for best results
• Black pepper adds subtle heat that balances the tangy elements
• Lemon juice brightens the sauce with fresh acidity
• Thin crust pizza dough provides the perfect crispy base choose refrigerated for convenience
• Dill pickles the star ingredient select crisp kosher dills for best flavor
• Mozzarella cheese creates that perfect cheese pull whole milk low moisture works best
• Parmesan cheese adds nutty depth that complements the tangy elements

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F with the rack in the middle position. If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while preheating for at least 30 minutes to ensure it gets properly hot.

Make the Garlic Sauce

In a small bowl, combine the smashed garlic clove with sour cream, mayonnaise, water, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Whisk until completely smooth and creamy. The consistency should be spreadable but not runny. Let this sit for at least 5 minutes to allow the garlic flavor to infuse into the sauce.

Prepare the Dough

Roll out the pizza dough on a piece of parchment paper into a 12inch circle about 1/8 inch thick. The thin crust works best with this pizza as it gets extra crispy under the creamy sauce. If the dough springs back, let it rest for 5 minutes and try again.

Assemble the Pizza

Spread the garlic sauce evenly across the dough, leaving a 1/2inch border for the crust. Layer the thinly sliced pickles across the sauce, distributing them evenly. Make sure to pat the pickle slices with paper towels first to remove excess moisture. Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over the pickles, followed by an even dusting of parmesan.

Bake to Perfection

Carefully transfer the parchment paper with the assembled pizza onto the preheated pizza stone or baking sheet. Bake for 16 to 20 minutes, rotating halfway through, until the cheese is bubbly and golden and the crust has turned a beautiful golden brown.

Rest and Serve

Remove the pizza from the oven and let it rest for 3 minutes before slicing. This brief rest allows the cheese to set slightly and makes for cleaner slices. Cut into 8 equal wedges and serve immediately while hot.

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The dill pickles are truly the hero of this recipe. I once made this pizza for a neighborhood block party and labeled it mysteriously as special pizza. It disappeared faster than any other dish, and everyone was shocked to learn theyd fallen in love with pickle pizza. Now its my signature potluck contribution.

Pickle Selection Matters

The type of pickle you choose dramatically impacts the final flavor. I strongly recommend kosher dill pickles that have a crisp texture and bright flavor. Bread and butter pickles are too sweet for this application, while garlic dills can work wonderfully if you want to amp up the garlic notes. Homemade pickles work beautifully if you have them, just make sure they arent too watery. Pickle spears sliced thinly work better than presliced pickle chips, which often contain too much moisture.

Make-Ahead Options

This pizza is perfect for meal prep. You can prepare the garlic sauce up to 3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The sauce may thicken slightly when chilled, so let it come to room temperature before using or add an extra teaspoon of water to thin it out. You can also assemble the entire pizza and freeze it unbaked for up to 1 month. When ready to enjoy, bake the frozen pizza at 400°F for 22 to 25 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this unique pizza with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon and olive oil to cut through the richness. For a fun pickle-themed party, pair with pickle-brined chicken wings or a pickle-infused cocktail like a pickle martini. This pizza also works wonderfully as an appetizer when cut into small squares. For an extra touch of flavor, consider offering a side of ranch dressing for dipping the crust, or sprinkle some fresh dill over the hot pizza just before serving.

Historical Context

While pickle pizza might seem like a modern creation, pickled vegetables on flatbreads have historical precedent across many cultures. In Eastern European cuisine, various pickled vegetables often topped simple breads as preservation methods were essential before refrigeration. This recipe takes that tradition and gives it an American pizza twist. The pickle pizza trend gained popularity around 2018, originating in New York pizzerias looking for the next viral food sensation, and has since become a legitimate pizza variation with devoted fans nationwide.

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Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use homemade pizza dough instead of store-bought?

Absolutely! This pickle pizza works wonderfully with homemade pizza dough. Just ensure you roll it thin for the best texture and flavor balance with the toppings. The recipe time might increase slightly if making dough from scratch.

→ Why do I need to pat the pickles dry?

Patting the pickle slices dry before adding them to the pizza helps prevent excess moisture that could make the crust soggy. This simple step ensures a crisp crust and better overall texture in the finished dish.

→ Can I substitute the garlic sauce with something else?

While the creamy garlic sauce pairs perfectly with the pickles, you could substitute with a thin layer of ranch dressing, alfredo sauce, or even a light spread of cream cheese. Each will create a different but complementary flavor profile.

→ What other toppings would work well with pickle pizza?

Pickle pizza pairs nicely with thinly sliced red onions, bacon bits, fresh dill, sliced jalapeños for heat, or even a drizzle of hot honey after baking. These additions complement the tangy pickles while adding extra flavor dimensions.

→ How should I store leftover pickle pizza?

Store leftover pickle pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes for best results, as microwaving may make the crust soggy. The flavors often meld and intensify after a day!

→ What type of pickles work best for this pizza?

Dill pickles provide the classic tangy flavor that works best, but bread and butter pickles offer a sweeter alternative. Avoid using pickle relish as it contains too much moisture. For best results, choose firm, crisp pickle spears that can be thinly sliced.