Hey there, pizza lovers! If you’re the kind of home cook who lights up at the words “garlic sauce” and keeps a jar of pickles ready for snacking at all times, you’re going to adore this flavor-packed creation: Pickle Pizza with Creamy Garlic Sauce. This isn’t your typical pepperoni night—we’re talking a bold, tangy twist on classic pizza that’s just as comforting as it is unexpected.
With a base of smooth, garlicky sour cream sauce, sharp Parmesan, melty mozzarella, and crisp, briny dill pickle slices, this pizza is pure bliss for pickle lovers and curious foodies alike. It’s a fun, quick, and easy weeknight meal that uses pantry-friendly ingredients and delivers restaurant-level results—without leaving your kitchen. Inspired by the flavors of a dill dip and transformed into a shareable, sliceable pie, this recipe may just become your new favorite comfort food.
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Pickle Pizza with Garlic Cream Sauce
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A tangy, creamy pickle pizza with a garlic-infused sour cream base, melty cheese, and briny dill pickles. Ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Garlic Sauce
- 1 clove garlic
- ¾ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1–2 tsp water
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp lemon juice
Pizza
- 1 thin-crust dough
- 2–3 dill pickles, sliced
- 1 cup mozzarella
- ¼ cup Parmesan
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Heat oven to 400°F.
- Mix Sauce: Stir all garlic sauce ingredients in a bowl.
- Prep Dough: Roll out onto parchment-lined tray.
- Spread Sauce: Cover dough evenly with garlic sauce.
- Add Toppings: Layer pickles, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
- Bake: Cook 16–20 minutes until golden.
- Slice: Let rest 3 minutes before cutting.
Notes
For more flavor, top with fresh dill or crushed red pepper.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 215 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 28 mg
Key Benefits
If you’ve never tried pickles on pizza, get ready for a delicious revelation. Here are a few reasons why this tangy twist works so well:
- Flavor Explosion: The mellow, creamy garlic sauce base balances the sharp tang of the pickles, while melty cheeses add richness and depth.
- Quick to Make: With store-bought dough or your favorite homemade pizza base, it comes together in under 30 minutes—making it perfect for busy nights.
- Highly Customizable: This pizza is an ideal canvas for add-ons. Imagine topping it with sizzling bacon, fiery jalapeños, or a touch of honey for a sweet and savory surprise.
- Crowd-Pleaser with a Twist: It’s unique enough to feel exciting but simple enough that even picky eaters may surprise you by reaching for seconds.
- Comfort Meets Creativity: Just like our go-to flavor-packed sauces, this pizza brings together fun, surprising combos that feel both fresh and a little like home.
Ingredients for Pickle Pizza with Garlic Sauce
Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this beautiful pizza together. Simple, fresh, and full of flavor:
Garlic Sauce
- 1 clove garlic, peeled and smashed
- ¾ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- Add 1 to 2 teaspoons of water if you need to thin out the sauce a little.
½ teaspoon kosher salt - ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Pizza
- 1 thin-crust pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 2–3 dill pickles, thinly sliced
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
You can swap in garlic yogurt for a tangier sauce base or even add fresh herbs like dill or chives to enhance the freshness.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Pickle Pizza with Garlic Sauce
This pizza is a breeze to make and perfect for a relaxed evening when you want big flavor with minimal effort.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. If you have a pizza stone, great. If not, a parchment-lined baking sheet works perfectly.
- To make the garlic sauce, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, crushed garlic, lemon juice, a bit of water, salt, and pepper in a bowl—stir until it’s silky and blended.
- Roll the dough: Gently stretch your dough into a circle about 12 inches wide, right on your pan or stone. Lightly coat the outer edge with olive oil to help it bake up crisp and golden.
- Spread the sauce: Use a spoon to evenly layer the garlic sauce across the base, leaving about 1/2 inch around the edges.
- Add toppings: Scatter the sliced pickles across the sauce, then cover with shredded mozzarella and finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan.
- Bake the pizza for about 16 to 20 minutes, until the edges are crisp and the cheese is bubbling and golden on top.
- Cool and slice: Let it rest for 3–5 minutes before slicing—this helps set the cheese and keeps the pickles crisp.
Pro Tips and Variations for Pickle Pizza
Looking to put your own spin on it? Here are a few creative ideas and expert tips:
- Try bread-and-butter pickles if you prefer a sweeter flavor profile.
- Add bacon for a saltier, heartier variation—it’s a must-try if you love pickle bacon pizza.
- Spice it up: Red pepper flakes or a drizzle of homemade hot sauce adds an irresistible kick.
- Mini versions: Use naan or pita for single-serve pickle flatbreads—great for appetizers or kid-friendly snacks.
- Serve with dip: Leftover garlic sauce makes an excellent dipping sauce for crusts.
Want more variations? Swap in smoked provolone or pepper jack for a spicy twist, or check out our creamy cucumber salad for a perfect pairing.
Serving Suggestions for Pickle Pizza
This pizza is best enjoyed fresh from the oven, but it also shines in creative presentations:
- As an appetizer: Cut into small wedges and serve on a charcuterie-style board with olives and pickled veggies.
- With sides: Pair with a bright salad or a bowl of house-made dressing for balance.
- It’s a great pick for parties—serve it on a wooden board and watch everyone start chatting about the toppings.
- Lunch-ready: Cool slices pack well for work or school lunches—just wrap in foil and reheat briefly.
Conclusion
So there you have it—Pickle Pizza with Creamy Garlic Sauce that’s tangy, creamy, and wildly addictive. This unexpected yet familiar combo transforms basic ingredients into a meal that feels special, fun, and totally comforting. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or just curious about novelty pizza toppings, this is a dish that invites creativity, encourages sharing, and tastes like a slice of pure joy.
FAQs
Yes! Just use your favorite gluten-free dough or flatbread.
Nope! A baking sheet lined with parchment works beautifully.
Stored in the fridge, it’s good for up to 4 days and also works as a dip or sandwich spread.
Definitely—using spicy or garlic-flavored pickles can really kick the flavor up a notch.
You can prep the sauce and slice the pickles in advance, but it’s best baked fresh for peak texture.