Get ready to shake up pizza night with something exciting and utterly crave-worthy: Creamy Garlic Dill Pickle Pizza. This is the kind of recipe that gets people talking and coming back for seconds. The luscious cream cheese-garlic base, the briny crunch of dill pickles, and a shower of mozzarella all come together on golden pizza dough. It’s delightfully tangy and savory, and if you love pickles even a little bit, you’re about to discover your new favorite pizza. Every bite is an experience in comfort, with a pop of unexpected flavor that’ll have you grinning from ear to ear.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of thoughtfully chosen ingredients, Creamy Garlic Dill Pickle Pizza bursts with flavor and fun textures. Each component brings something special to the table, so don’t skip the details!
- Pizza dough: Start with your favorite fresh or store-bought dough for the perfect crisp-and-chewy crust foundation.
- Cream cheese: This forms the decadent, creamy base that sets this pizza apart—let it soften for easy spreading.
- Fresh garlic: Finely minced, it infuses the sauce with a gentle heat and unmistakable aroma.
- Mayonnaise: Just a touch, blended with the cream cheese, gives the sauce luscious texture and tanginess.
- Mozzarella cheese: Melty, gooey, and golden, this classic choice holds all the toppings together in cheesy harmony.
- Dill pickles: Sliced thin for the best flavor distribution; choose your favorite brand—classic or garlic-dill for extra punch.
- Fresh dill: Sprinkle this on for vivid color and an herby lift that echoes the pickles.
- Olive oil: A light drizzle helps the crust bake up gorgeously golden and adds a hint of richness.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): If you love a kick, this is the move for a gentle background heat.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Dill Pickle Pizza
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Set your oven rack to the lower-middle position and preheat to 475°F (245°C). This high heat gets your pizza crust crispy outside and chewy inside. If you have a pizza stone, go ahead and pop it in—you’ll thank yourself later.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Garlic Base
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, minced garlic, mayonnaise, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until totally smooth and fluffy. This rich mixture will become the “sauce” that makes this pizza so unique and swoon-worthy.
Step 3: Roll Out Your Pizza Dough
Lightly dust your work surface and rolling pin with flour. Roll or stretch the dough into a large round or oval, about 12 inches across. Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet or preheated pizza stone. Brush edges with olive oil for an inviting golden finish.
Step 4: Assemble the Pizza
Spread a generous, even layer of your creamy garlic mixture over the dough, leaving a half-inch border for the crust. Top with shredded mozzarella, making sure to cover the cream base without overloading. Artfully arrange your pickle slices all over—don’t be shy!—then sprinkle with crushed red pepper if you want a little zing.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Slide the pizza into your hot oven and bake 12-15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbling and golden and the crust looks crisp and irresistible. If you love a deeply golden top, broil for an additional 1-2 minutes, but keep a close eye to prevent burning.
Step 6: Finish and Garnish
As soon as the pizza comes out, shower it with freshly chopped dill. Let it cool just a minute, then slice up and serve your Creamy Garlic Dill Pickle Pizza while it’s still gloriously gooey and fragrant.
How to Serve Creamy Garlic Dill Pickle Pizza
Garnishes
Top your pizza with an extra flourish of fresh dill for color and a fragrant punch. If you like a little tang, a few dots of hot sauce or even a squeeze of lemon juice make fabulous flavor boosters. For a cool crunch, scatter over some thinly sliced red onions right after baking.
Side Dishes
Creamy Garlic Dill Pickle Pizza is bold, so pair it with something fresh and simple—think a lemony arugula salad, some cherry tomatoes tossed in olive oil, or classic kettle chips for crunch. A batch of pickled veggies and a pitcher of cold, fizzy drinks will really set off all the fun flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Lean into the playful spirit by cutting the pizza into squares instead of wedges for a party vibe. Serve mini, individual pizzas as appetizers on a board with extra pickles and dipping sauces. Or, bring it to a potluck and watch as everyone crowds the table, eager for a slice of something wildly unexpected.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Creamy Garlic Dill Pickle Pizza keeps best in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The crust stays sturdy and the flavors deepen—even cold, it’s absolutely delicious for a quick snack or lunch.
Freezing
For longer storage, wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 1 month. For the best results, place parchment between slices to prevent sticking. When you’re ready for more, just reheat straight from frozen.
Reheating
To bring your Creamy Garlic Dill Pickle Pizza back to crispy, creamy life, reheat slices in a 375°F (190°C) oven for 8-10 minutes. Avoid the microwave if you can—it tends to make the crust soggy. For extra crunch, try reheating in a skillet over medium heat with a lid on for a couple of minutes.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pickle?
Absolutely! While dill pickles are the classic choice for Creamy Garlic Dill Pickle Pizza, you can experiment with bread and butter pickles or spicy pickles if you like a twist. Each one brings a different character, so find a variety that speaks to your taste buds.
Is this pizza vegetarian?
Yes, as long as you use vegetarian-friendly cheese. All the main ingredients are plant-based, making this a fabulous pick for your vegetarian friends or family members.
What kind of dough works best?
A classic pizza dough, whether homemade or store-bought, is perfect. If you enjoy thin crust, stretch it out a bit more; for a chewier base, leave it a touch thicker. Avoid pre-baked crusts for the best texture.
Can I make the creamy garlic base ahead of time?
Definitely! Mix up the cream cheese, garlic, and mayonnaise up to 2 days in advance. Store in an airtight container in the fridge and bring it to room temperature before spreading so it glides effortlessly over your dough.
Will the pickles make the pizza soggy?
If you slice the pickles thin and give them a quick blot with a paper towel before layering, your Creamy Garlic Dill Pickle Pizza will come out perfectly—crisp, never soggy, with plenty of punchy pickle flavor in every bite.
Final Thoughts
If you’re hunting for a pizza that surprises and delights, this Creamy Garlic Dill Pickle Pizza will quickly become a legend in your home, just like it did in mine. I hope you’ll grab your favorite pickles and give this zesty, creamy pie a try—your taste buds (and your friends) will thank you!
Print
Creamy Garlic Dill Pickle Pizza Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 1 pizza
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Creamy Garlic Dill Pickle Pizza is a unique twist on a classic favorite. Tangy dill pickles, creamy garlic sauce, and gooey cheese come together on a crispy pizza crust for a flavor combination that will surprise and delight your taste buds.
Ingredients
Pizza Dough:
- 1 pound pizza dough
Creamy Garlic Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
Toppings:
- 1 cup dill pickles, thinly sliced
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and lightly grease a baking sheet or pizza pan.
- Prepare the dough: Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface to your desired thickness and shape.
- Make the creamy garlic sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, minced garlic, and chopped dill until well combined.
- Assemble the pizza: Spread the creamy garlic sauce over the pizza dough. Top with sliced dill pickles, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
- Bake: Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from the oven, slice, and serve hot. Enjoy your creamy garlic dill pickle pizza!
Notes
- This pizza is best served fresh and hot from the oven.
- Feel free to customize the toppings to suit your taste preferences, such as adding cooked bacon or red onion.
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