Pickle Pie Pizza Recipe: The Most Unexpectedly Delicious Trend You Need to Try

Pickle pie pizza isn’t your average Friday night slice. In fact, it’s one of the most talked-about food trends online and for good reason. The unlikely combo of tangy pickles, creamy garlic sauces, and bubbling cheese brings a burst of flavor that’s bold, briny, and totally crave-worthy. Whether you’re already a pickle fanatic or just curious about this viral culinary twist, you’re in the right place.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about pickle pie pizza from its Midwest roots and Funky Pickle Pizza inspiration to the perfect ingredients, sauce pairings, and step-by-step instructions. We’ll even explore chain restaurant reactions and creative variations you can try at home.

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Pickle Pie Pizza Recipe

The Rise of Pickle Pie Pizza in Modern Cuisine

The Unlikely Trend: Where Pickles Meet Pizza

At first glance, the idea of pickles on pizza might sound…strange. But this flavor fusion didn’t just happen overnight. Food innovators and creative chefs began experimenting with briny ingredients on classic comfort foods, and the result? A cult following for what we now call pickle pie pizza.

Social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram gave it a big boost, with users sharing videos of ooey-gooey slices topped with tangy dill pickles and drizzled with garlic ranch or white sauce. It didn’t take long for food trucks, pop-ups, and even gourmet pizza spots to hop on the pickle train.

Origins and Popularity: How Pickle Pie Pizza Became a Thing

This trend really picked up in the Midwest, where hearty, bold flavors are king. Places like Minnesota, Iowa, and Wisconsin have long embraced adventurous toppings from mac & cheese to tater tots. Pickle pizza slid into the scene naturally.

The turning point? Local pizzerias started featuring “dill pickle pizza” as limited-time menu items, and customers loved them. Viral videos featuring slices loaded with pickles and creamy sauces only helped skyrocket its status. Today, pickle pie pizza has fans from coast to coast and even overseas.

Ingredients Breakdown for the Perfect Pickle Pie Pizza

Choosing the Right Dough and Crust for Tangy Toppings

A great pizza starts from the base up and when you’re making pickle pie pizza, the crust matters more than ever. Because pickles bring moisture and acidity, your dough needs to be strong enough to hold toppings without getting soggy.

Here are the best crust options:

Crust Type	Texture Profile	Best Use For Pickle Pie Pizza
Traditional Pizza Dough	Soft inside, crispy outside	Most authentic experience
Thin Crust	Extra crispy	Enhances the pickle crunch
Flatbread	Light & quick	Perfect for single servings
Prebaked Naan	Chewy & robust	Easy store-bought option

Pro Tip: Par-bake your crust for 5–7 minutes before adding toppings. This gives the base a chance to firm up and prevents the dreaded soggy middle.

The Best Types of Pickles to Use: Dill, Bread & Butter, and More

Not all pickles are created equal. The variety you choose can dramatically change the flavor of your pizza. Here’s a quick guide to choosing your ideal pickle topping:

Pickle Type	Flavor Profile	Works Best With
Dill Pickles	Tangy, garlicky	Classic garlic ranch base
Bread & Butter	Sweet and sour	Cuts through spicy toppings
Kosher Dills	Bold and salty	Balanced with mozzarella
Spicy Pickles	Heat + tang	Great for daring foodies

Slice pickles thinly to help them warm through during baking without turning soggy. Layering them evenly also ensures every bite packs a punch.

What Sauce Do You Use for Pickle Pizza?

Garlic Ranch vs. Creamy Alfredo: Sauce Pairing Secrets

If you’re wondering what sauce complements the tart bite of pickles, the answer lies in creamy, garlicky, or herb-forward bases. Traditional tomato sauce clashes with the pickle’s brine, so creamy alternatives are the go-to choice.

Here are the top contenders:

Sauce Type	Flavor Notes	Best With
Garlic Ranch	Creamy, garlicky, herby	Dill pickles + mozzarella
Creamy Alfredo	Rich and buttery	Kosher dills + parmesan
Dill Sauce	Tangy and herb-forward	Bread & butter pickles
Sour Cream Base	Light and tangy	Spicy pickles + cheddar

Garlic ranch is by far the most popular and widely loved option for pickle pie pizza. It enhances the sour-salty pickle flavor and blends beautifully with melted cheese.

Check out our Cake Heart Cake if you’re looking for a rich finish to your meal.

Making Homemade Garlic Dill Sauce (Easy Recipe)

Want to keep it homemade? This easy garlic dill sauce is a flavorful base that’ll take your pizza to the next level.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup sour cream
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill (or 1 tsp dried dill)
• ½ tsp lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients in a bowl until smooth.
2. Adjust salt and lemon to balance with your pickles.
3. Spread a generous layer on your prebaked pizza crust before adding cheese and pickles.

This sauce not only gives your pizza that signature “pickle pie” flair, but also works as a dipping sauce for the crust.

Midwest Flavor or National Craze?

Is Pickle Pizza a Midwest Thing? A Look at Regional Popularity

The short answer? Yes but not for long. Pickle pizza gained serious traction in the Midwest, especially in food-forward cities like Minneapolis, Milwaukee, and Des Moines. Midwestern food culture has always embraced quirky, indulgent, and hearty dishes. So when someone decided to slap tangy dill pickles on a cheesy pizza, locals were all in.

Pop-up food trucks, state fairs, and hole-in-the-wall pizza joints started testing the waters. One standout example is QC Pizza in Minnesota, whose “Kinda Big Dill” pizza went viral online and helped launch the trend into national recognition.

But thanks to the internet, pickle pie pizza didn’t stay regional for long. Now it’s on the menus of restaurants as far west as California and as far east as New York. Food bloggers, TikTok creators, and YouTube chefs have all jumped on the briny bandwagon.

Don’t miss our Recipe Ideas for National Donut Day another regional favorite gone national.

Restaurants That Popularized It in the Midwest

Several eateries deserve credit for bringing pickle pizza to mainstream attention. These Midwest hotspots made it their mission to prove that pickles belonged on more than just burgers:

Restaurant	Location	Famous Pickle Dish
QC Pizza	Minnesota	“Kinda Big Dill” Pizza
Pizza Barn	Minnesota	“Pickle Pizza” at State Fair
Papa Murphy’s (trial)	Select Midwest	Limited-Time Pickle Pizza

Their commitment to creamy sauces, fresh dill, and bold flavor helped transform what was once a food experiment into a full-blown trend.

Step-by-Step Pickle Pie Pizza Recipe Guide

You’ve learned the backstory, the best ingredients, and the perfect sauce now it’s time to put it all together. This pickle pie pizza recipe is easy to make at home, uses fresh ingredients, and delivers that tangy, creamy, crispy magic that’s made this trend go viral.

Ingredients List with Measurements

Here’s everything you’ll need for one 12-inch pickle pie pizza:

For the crust (or use store-bought):

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) instant dry yeast
• ¾ cup warm water
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp sugar
• ½ tsp salt

For the garlic dill pizza sauce:

• ½ cup sour cream
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 1 garlic clove, finely minced
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill
• ½ tsp lemon juice
• Salt & pepper to taste

Toppings:

• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup shredded cheddar (optional for sharpness)
• 10–15 dill pickle slices, thinly sliced and patted dry
• 2 tbsp red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Fresh dill, for garnish

Complete Preparation and Baking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
2. Mix in flour, salt, and olive oil. Knead for 6–8 minutes until smooth.
3. Cover and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour until doubled in size.
4. Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C). Roll dough into a 12-inch circle and place on a parchment-lined pizza pan.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

1. Combine sour cream, mayo, minced garlic, dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
2. Mix until smooth. Taste and adjust lemon or salt as needed.

Step 3: Assemble the Pizza

1. Spread a generous layer of garlic dill sauce over the crust.
2. Sprinkle mozzarella (and cheddar if using) evenly on top.
3. Layer on pickles and optional red onion slices.
4. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbling.
2. Remove from oven and let rest for 3–5 minutes.
3. Garnish with fresh dill before slicing.

Add-Ons and Variations for Pickle Pizza

Once you’ve mastered the classic pickle pie pizza, it’s time to level up with flavor-packed add-ons and creative twists. From savory smoked turkey to fiery jalapeños, these toppings turn a simple pickle pizza into a bold culinary statement.

Smoked Turkey, Onions, and Cheese Combos That Work

Pickles are already loaded with flavor, but pairing them with the right ingredients can create an irresistible balance of salty, savory, and creamy.

Here are top-rated topping combos:

Add-On Combo	Why It Works
Smoked Turkey + Pickles + Mozzarella	Smoky and tangy = flavor bomb
Red Onion + Cheddar + Pickles	Sharp and sweet contrast
Ham + Swiss + Pickles	Cuban sandwich vibes on a pizza crust
Cream Cheese Swirl + Dill Pickles	Adds smooth, rich texture

Pro Tip: Pre-cook meats like smoked turkey or ham before adding them to avoid extra moisture that could make your crust soggy.

Pickle Pie Pizza with a Spicy Kick: Jalapeños & Sriracha Ideas

If you love heat, pickle pizza is the perfect base for spicy elements. The acidity of pickles actually balances spicy toppings, letting you enjoy the heat without overwhelming your taste buds.

Here are some ways to bring the fire:

• Add sliced pickled jalapeños for a tangy, spicy crunch
• Drizzle Sriracha or hot honey over your finished pizza
• Toss crushed red pepper into your garlic sauce
• Try spicy dill pickles infused with habanero or chili

You can even blend hot sauce into your creamy base for an extra spicy garlic ranch that still delivers on that creamy comfort flavor.

Serving, Storing, and Reheating Tips

Once your pickle pie pizza is baked to golden perfection, you’ll want to enjoy every last slice whether fresh from the oven or as a late-night leftover snack. This part will help you serve it at its best and keep that signature texture and flavor intact, even after refrigeration.

How to Serve Pickle Pizza for Parties or Dinner

Pickle pizza is a conversation starter at any event. Whether you’re serving it as the main course, an appetizer, or even part of a game-day spread, here are some smart presentation tips:

Serving Style	Ideal For
Slice & Serve Hot	Family dinners, casual nights
Cut into Squares	Parties, potlucks, appetizers
With Dip on Side	Garlic ranch or spicy aioli for crust
Paired with Beer	Great match with pale ales or lagers

Pairing tip: Because pickles have a salty, acidic kick, serve with milder side dishes like a simple Caesar salad or a sweet coleslaw to balance the bite.

Storage Hacks and How to Reheat Without Ruining the Crust

Pickle pizza leftovers might sound strange, but they reheat beautifully if done right. The key is avoiding sogginess while bringing the cheese and crust back to life.

How to Store:

• Allow pizza to cool completely before storing.
• Place slices between sheets of parchment paper in an airtight container.
• Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.

How to Reheat:

Method	Instructions	Results
Oven (Best)	Preheat to 375°F. Bake on foil for 7–10 minutes.	Crispy crust, melty top
Air Fryer	350°F for 5–6 minutes. Use parchment underneath.	Crispy, fast, no mess
Skillet	Heat slice on medium-low with lid on for 5 mins.	Crisp base, gooey top
Microwave (Last Resort)	30–40 seconds with paper towel underneath.	Soft crust, less crisp

Never reheat straight from the fridge let your slice sit out for 10 minutes before warming. This helps prevent rubbery cheese and keeps the crust from steaming.

Funky Pickle Pizza – The Cult Classic That Inspired It All

When Did Funky Pickle Pizza Close? A Short Tribute

Funky Pickle Pizza was more than just a quirky name it was a pizza shop that left a lasting impact on the food world. Known for daring flavor combos and unapologetically bold toppings, Funky Pickle became a cult favorite in the late 2010s.

Unfortunately, the original Funky Pickle Pizza closed its doors in early 2021, citing pandemic-related challenges. Though it’s no longer in business, it sparked a nationwide conversation about what pizza could be and helped set the stage for the viral success of pickle pie pizza.

Its flagship pie, featuring dill pickles, garlic cream sauce, and a mozzarella blend, was a fan favorite and a forerunner of today’s DIY pickle creations.

How It Influenced Modern Pickle Pizza Recipes

Even after its closure, Funky Pickle Pizza’s influence lives on in kitchens and pizzerias across the country. Their unapologetic use of unconventional toppings encouraged home cooks and professional chefs to step outside the box.

Here’s how the Funky Pickle legacy continues:

• Inspired TikTok and YouTube chefs to showcase briny, bold flavors
• Encouraged restaurants to include limited-time pickle pizza features
• Brought creamy sauces and nontraditional crusts into the mainstream
• Popularized the concept of pizza as a blank canvas for anything savory

In a food culture that often plays it safe, Funky Pickle Pizza reminded us that great things happen when you get a little weird with your ingredients.

Fast Food & Chain Reactions

Does Papa John’s Have Pickle Pizza? (2025 Update)

With pickle pie pizza becoming a social media hit, you might be wondering if major chains like Papa John’s have joined the party. The answer? Yes but only as a limited trial.

In mid-2023, Papa John’s tested a Dill Pickle Pizza in select U.S. markets. The trial pizza featured:

• A garlic dill sauce base
• Sliced dill pickles
• Mozzarella and cheddar cheese blend
• A creamy ranch drizzle

While reviews were positive, the pickle pizza didn’t make it to full-time menu status. However, consumer interest was high enough that Papa John’s hinted at bringing it back seasonally or regionally. So keep your eyes peeled literally.

Other chains testing the waters include:

Chain	Status	Notes
Papa John’s	Trial Only (2023)	Could return in summer 2025
Domino’s	No official release	DIY versions trending online
Little Caesars	No current option	Fans petitioning for a test pizza
Blaze Pizza	Customizable	Customers adding pickles manually

How Other Pizza Chains Are Responding to the Trend

Major pizza brands are closely monitoring social media buzz, especially on TikTok and Instagram, where #PicklePizza has racked up millions of views.

Some chains are embracing a build-your-own approach, letting customers add pickles as toppings through custom orders even if it’s not listed on the menu.

Meanwhile, gourmet and local pizzerias are going all in, offering variations like:

• Spicy pickle pizza with jalapeños and crushed red pepper
• Smoked turkey–dill pickle pizzas with ranch drizzle
• Pickle and ham pizzas inspired by Cuban sandwiches

Whether mass-market or artisanal, it’s clear that pickle pizza is more than a fad it’s part of a larger movement toward creative, personalized food experiences.

Conclusion

Whether you’re a pickle lover or just a foodie looking to explore bold, unique flavors, pickle pie pizza is an unforgettable twist on a classic comfort food. From its Midwest origins to its viral rise online, this tangy, cheesy, and creamy creation is far more than a gimmick it’s deliciously legit.

With the right crust, a dreamy garlic dill sauce, and your choice of pickles and toppings, you can recreate this viral favorite right in your own kitchen. Don’t be afraid to customize it after all, pizza is all about personal flavor expression.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pickle Pie Pizza

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