
This pickle pizza recipe transformed my family's pizza night from ordinary to extraordinary. The unexpected combination of tangy dill pickles with creamy ranch and melted cheese creates a flavor explosion that even pickle skeptics find irresistible.
I first created this recipe when my daughter challenged me to make "something weird but delicious" for our Friday pizza night. The look of surprise on everyone's faces when they reluctantly tried it then immediately reached for seconds made it an instant family tradition.
Ingredients
- Pizza dough: 1 pound homemade or store bought for the perfect chewy yet crisp foundation
- Garlic cream sauce or ranch dressing: 1/2 cup creates a flavorful base that complements the pickles beautifully
- Mozzarella cheese: 1 1/2 cups provides that classic stretchy pizza cheese pull everyone loves
- Provolone cheese: 1/2 cup adds a deeper flavor dimension than mozzarella alone
- Dill pickle slices: 1 cup patted dry to prevent a soggy crust look for crisp ones with bold flavor
- Melted butter: 1 tablespoon gives the crust and toppings a beautiful golden finish
- Dried dill: 1 teaspoon enhances the pickle flavor throughout the pizza
- Garlic powder: 1/2 teaspoon adds savory depth that makes each bite more complex
- Ranch dressing: 1/4 cup for drizzling creates the perfect finishing touch
Instructions
- Preheat Your Oven:
- Set your oven to 475°F with a pizza stone or baking sheet inside. This high temperature is crucial for achieving that perfect crispy crust with a tender interior. Allow at least 30 minutes for your stone to fully heat up for best results.
- Prepare The Dough:
- Roll your dough into a 12 inch round on a lightly floured surface. Work from the center outward using gentle pressure to maintain an even thickness. The dough should be about 1/4 inch thick throughout with slightly thicker edges to form a nice crust barrier.
- Transfer And Base:
- Place your rolled dough onto parchment paper for easy transfer to the hot oven. Spread the garlic cream sauce or ranch in an even layer leaving a half inch border. Use the back of a spoon to create a thin consistent layer that will prevent the crust from becoming soggy.
- Build Your Cheese Layer:
- Combine the mozzarella and provolone cheeses in a bowl before sprinkling over the sauce. This mixing technique ensures even distribution of both cheese flavors across the entire pizza. Apply the cheese in a single layer leaving tiny gaps for the sauce to peek through.
- Add Pickle Toppings:
- Arrange pickle slices in a single layer across the cheese surface. Place them close together but not overlapping to ensure every bite contains pickle flavor. Proper drying of pickles with paper towels is essential here to remove excess moisture.
- Season And Flavor:
- Brush the exposed crust and pickle tops with melted butter using a pastry brush. Sprinkle dried dill garlic powder and fresh black pepper evenly across the entire surface. This seasoning step elevates the flavor profile from good to exceptional.
- Bake To Perfection:
- Slide the pizza with parchment directly onto the preheated stone or baking sheet. Bake for exactly 12 to 15 minutes watching carefully as the timing varies by oven. The pizza is done when the crust edges are deep golden brown and cheese is bubbling with some browned spots.
- Finish With Ranch Drizzle:
- Allow the pizza to cool for precisely 2 minutes before adding the ranch drizzle. This brief cooling period prevents the ranch from immediately sliding off. Apply the ranch in a zigzag pattern using a squeeze bottle or spoon for both visual appeal and consistent flavor distribution.

The dried dill is my secret weapon in this recipe. While fresh dill works in a pinch, the dried variety distributes more evenly and infuses the entire pizza with that distinctive dill flavor that makes this pizza so memorable. My husband initially thought pickles on pizza sounded bizarre, but now he requests this specific recipe for his birthday dinner every year.
Perfect Pickle Selection
Choosing the right pickles makes all the difference in this recipe. Opt for crisp dill pickle chips rather than spears that you slice yourself. Store bought pickle chips have a consistent thickness that ensures even cooking. For an extra flavor dimension try half sour or garlic dill pickles which provide a more complex flavor profile than standard dills. Avoid sweet pickles as they create a confusing flavor contrast with the savory elements.
Make Ahead Options
This pickle pizza works beautifully as a make ahead meal. Prepare the pizza through step 7 then freeze unbaked on a baking sheet until solid. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze for up to 1 month. When ready to bake add 3 to 5 minutes to the cooking time no need to thaw first. The ranch drizzle should always be added fresh after baking for the best flavor and presentation.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this unique pizza with simple sides that complement rather than compete with its bold flavors. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich pizza. For a complete pickle themed meal consider serving alongside fried pickle spears with additional ranch for dipping. This pizza pairs beautifully with crisp lagers cold pilsners or for wine lovers a dry Riesling that echoes the tangy pickle notes.
Troubleshooting Tips
Soggy center issues are almost always caused by undried pickles. Take extra time patting them completely dry or even place them between paper towels with a light weight on top for 10 minutes before using. If your crust browns too quickly before the center cooks cover the edges with foil strips for the last few minutes of baking. For an extra crispy bottom crust preheat your oven 25 degrees higher than called for then reduce to the recommended temperature when you put the pizza in.

This pickle pizza is a fun and flavorful way to liven up any mealtime. Its unique taste profile is sure to become a new family favorite.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I keep pickles from making the pizza soggy?
Pat the pickle slices dry before adding them. This prevents excess moisture from soaking into the dough and keeps the crust crisp.
- → Can I use a different cheese blend?
Yes, try adding cheddar or fontina for a richer flavor, though mozzarella and provolone melt exceptionally well for that classic texture.
- → Is there a substitute for ranch drizzle?
You can use a garlic cream sauce or a Greek yogurt herb drizzle for a lighter finish with similar tangy notes.
- → What’s the best dough for this style?
Use a homemade or store-bought classic pizza dough. Thin crust works great for extra crunch, but any style will do.
- → Can I make this pizza ahead of time?
Prepare all toppings and dough in advance, but assemble and bake just before serving for best texture and flavor.