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
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
- In a bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast. Let sit for 5 minutes until frothy.
- Mix in flour, salt, and olive oil. Knead for 6–8 minutes until smooth.
- Cover and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour until doubled in size.
- 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
- Combine sour cream, mayo, minced garlic, dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- Mix until smooth. Taste and adjust lemon or salt as needed.
Step 3: Assemble the Pizza
- Spread a generous layer of garlic dill sauce over the crust.
- Sprinkle mozzarella (and cheddar if using) evenly on top.
- Layer on pickles and optional red onion slices.
- Sprinkle with red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbling.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 3–5 minutes.
- 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.
Storing, and Reheating Tips
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.
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
What sauce do you use for pickle pizza?
The most popular sauce for pickle pizza is garlic ranch, known for its creamy texture and savory, herby punch. It perfectly complements the tangy, salty nature of dill pickles. Other excellent alternatives include creamy Alfredo, sour cream–based white sauces, or homemade garlic dill sauces. Tomato sauce is usually avoided because it clashes with the pickle’s acidity.
Is pickle pizza a Midwest thing?
Yes, pickle pizza originated and gained popularity in the Midwest, especially in states like Minnesota and Iowa. It was first served at local fairs and small pizza shops, where bold flavors are welcomed. Though it started in the Midwest, its popularity has since gone national, with foodies across the U.S. embracing this trend.
When did Funky Pickle Pizza close?
Funky Pickle Pizza, known for pioneering adventurous topping combinations including pickles, closed in early 2021. The closure was largely due to challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite this, its unique menu left a lasting impression and helped spark the broader trend of briny, bold-flavored pizzas.
Does Papa John’s have pickle pizza?
Papa John’s tested a dill pickle pizza in select U.S. markets in 2023, which featured garlic dill sauce, sliced pickles, mozzarella, cheddar, and a ranch drizzle. It hasn’t become a permanent menu item, but the company hinted at a possible return depending on demand. Fans are hopeful it’ll make a national comeback in 2025.
Homemade Pickle Pie Pizza
- Total Time: 27 minutes
Ingredients
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Pizza dough
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Dill pickles
-
Garlic ranch sauce
-
Mozzarella cheese
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Optional: cheddar,onions, jalapeños
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 475°F
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Roll out dough, spread sauce
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Add cheese, pickles, and toppings
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Bake 10–12 minutes
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Cool slightly and serve with fresh dill
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes