Pickle Pizza

If you’ve ever peeked into your fridge, spotted a jar of pickles and thought, “What on earth can I do with these?” you’re not alone! Pickle pizza has emerged as a trendy dish, marrying the tangy, briny crunch of pickles with the warm, cheesy goodness of pizza. It might sound odd at first, but bite into a slice and you’ll understand why it’s making waves among foodies across the U.S. This unconventional pie combines flavors that dance on your palate, making it a fun, adventurous choice for pizza night.

Ingredients

Let’s gather everything you need to whip up a mouthwatering pickle pizza. Using fresh and quality ingredients will really elevate the dish.

• Pizza dough: You can use store-bought or homemade.
• Olive oil: For drizzling over the crust.
• Pizza sauce: Traditional tomato-based or a white sauce, depending on your preference.
• Mozzarella cheese: Shredded or sliced for your cheesy base.
• Pickles: Dill pickles work best, but bread and butter pickles add a sweet twist.
• Cream cheese: For a richer flavor; consider spreading a layer on the dough before adding sauce.
• Chopped red onion: For some zing.
• Fresh herbs: Dill or parsley for finishing touches.
• Red pepper flakes: Optional, for those who like a bit of heat.

Feel free to mix and match these ingredients based on your personal taste! If you’re avoiding dairy, you could opt for vegan cheese or even omit the cheese entirely.

Timing

Prep time for your pickle pizza is about 15-20 minutes, with a cooking time of 12-15 minutes. Altogether, you’re looking at a total time of roughly 30-35 minutes. If you’re looking to save time, consider preparing your dough in advance. You can even freeze it for later use, which makes popping this pie into the oven all the more convenient.

How to Make Pickle Pizza

Step 1: If you’re using store-bought dough, preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). Flour your work surface, and roll out your dough to your preferred thickness. If you like a thicker crust, keep it a bit less stretched. Aim for a rustic, round shape or make it rectangular if you’re using a baking sheet.

Step 2: Once your dough is ready, transfer it to a baking sheet or pizza stone. Drizzle a little olive oil on the surface and spread it evenly to create a tasty barrier between the dough and the sauce.

Step 3: Next, spread an even layer of pizza sauce over your dough. If you prefer to add cream cheese for a creamy texture, this is a perfect time to smear it on lightly before the sauce.

Step 4: Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese across the pizza. Make sure it’s evenly distributed for that melty goodness.

Step 5: Slice your pickles thinly and arrange them on top of the cheese. You can dot them around as you like, ensuring every bite has a bit of that pickly crunch.

Step 6: Add chopped red onion for flavor and sprinkle some red pepper flakes if you like a kick.

Step 7: Pop your pizza into the preheated oven and let it bake. Keep an eye on it; you’ll want the cheese to be bubbly and golden, which should take about 12-15 minutes.

Step 8: Once it’s done, remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for just a minute. Top it off with fresh herbs for a burst of freshness.

Healthier Alternatives

You don’t have to compromise on flavor to enjoy a healthier version of pickle pizza. Here are some swaps you can consider:

• Dough: Whole wheat or cauliflower crust reduces carbs and adds fiber.
• Cheese: Go for low-fat cheese or a dairy-free alternative like cashew cheese.
• Vegetables: Load up on additional veggies like bell peppers, spinach, or artichokes for added nutrients without the extra calories.

Serving Suggestions

Serving your pickle pizza can be just as fun as making it! Consider these creative ideas:

• Plating: Slice the pizza into fun shapes with cookie cutters for a kid-friendly twist at parties.
• Side dishes: Pair it with a fresh side salad for a balanced meal or some crispy baked potatoes for a hearty companion.
• Beverages: Complement your pickle pizza with a refreshing iced tea or a mojito – the mint and lime will enhance the flavors beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are a few pitfalls to steer clear of when making your pickle pizza:

• Overloading on toppings: It’s tempting to add all your favorites, but too many toppings can lead to a soggy crust. Less is often more in this case.
• Not preheating your oven: Always have your oven hot enough to start cooking the dough correctly.
• Skipping the oil: This step creates a barrier, preventing the crust from becoming too soggy, so don’t skip it!

Storage Tips

If you have leftovers (which is often rare given how delicious pickle pizza is), here’s how to store them:

• Refrigerator: Wrap slices in foil or plastic wrap and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: For longer storage, place slices in an airtight container and freeze for up to a month. Just ensure to separate the slices with parchment paper.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven for the best results, or pop a slice in the microwave for a quick option.

Pickle Pizza

---

• Author: angie
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

A trendy and adventurous dish that combines the tangy crunch of pickles with warm, cheesy pizza.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup pizza sauce (traditional or white)
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded or sliced)
• 1 cup dill pickles (sliced)
• 1/4 cup cream cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped red onion
• Fresh herbs (dill or parsley)
• Red pepper flakes (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) if using store-bought dough.
2. Flour your work surface and roll out your dough to your preferred thickness.
3. Transfer the dough to a baking sheet or pizza stone and drizzle with olive oil.
4. Spread an even layer of pizza sauce over your dough.
5. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top.
6. Arrange sliced pickles on top of the cheese.
7. Add chopped red onion and sprinkle red pepper flakes if using.
8. Bake for about 12-15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
9. Remove from oven, let cool briefly, and top with fresh herbs before serving.

Notes

Feel free to customize toppings and opt for healthier alternatives if desired.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 14g
• Cholesterol: 45mg

Frequently Asked Questions About pickle pizza

What kind of pickles should I use for pickle pizza?

Dill pickles are the most popular choice due to their tangy crunch, but feel free to experiment with bread and butter pickles for a sweeter flavor.

Can I make this pizza gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just swap the pizza dough for a gluten-free version, and you’re all set.

How can I customize my pickle pizza further?

You can add any toppings you fancy, from meats to other veggies, tailoring it to your taste preferences.

Is this pizza suitable for meal prep?

Yes! You can make the pizza ahead of time and store it in the fridge or freezer, reheating it as needed.

Are there any vegetarian alternatives for this recipe?

Definitely! Use vegetarian cheese and load up on veggies to create a hearty vegetarian meal without sacrificing flavor.

Conclusion

Pickle pizza isn’t just a fleeting trend; it’s a quirky, delicious dish that can liven up any meal. Whether you’re a pickle enthusiast or just curious to try something new, this recipe is sure to impress. With its creamy, cheesy base contrasted by the crunch of pickles, it offers a unique flavor experience every bite. So grab those ingredients, and maybe a friend, and dive into making your very own pickle pizza today!