Pickle Pizza Crème Fraîche Dill

Pickle pizza is the offbeat pie that always gets people talking at my table with its creamy crème fraîche, bright dill, melty cheese, and bold pickles all coming together in each bite. Perfect for those who crave tangy flavors or want to shake up pizza night with something surprisingly addictive and fun.

My first taste of pickle pizza was a wild card choice for a game night in and now my friends ask if I am making the pickle pizza whenever they head over

Ingredients

• Pizza dough: One ball makes your crust and the better quality you buy or make the better your pizza will taste Look for dough that is soft and springy to the touch
• Crème fraîche: This is the creamy base that covers the dough with richness Buy full fat for best texture or sub with sour cream if you are in a pinch
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic boosts the sauce and brings warm aromatic notes Always choose firm unblemished cloves
• Dill: Fresh dill brightens the sauce and the finish Avoid wilted herbs and look for bunches that are fragrant and perky
• Lemon zest: Lifts the sauce with a subtle citrus zing Use a microplane for best results and only zest the bright yellow outer skin
• Salt and black pepper: Season the sauce to taste and always use cracked pepper for more punch
• Mozzarella cheese: Provides stretch and melting goodness Go for low moisture blocks and shred them yourself if you can
• Dill pickles: The star of the show Choose your favorite brand for crunch thicker slices hold up better in the oven
• Red onion optional: This adds a little bite and color If you love onions look for a red one that feels heavy for its size with tight shiny skin
• More dill to garnish: A sprinkle of fresh at the end makes it pop so save a bit extra

Instructions

Prepare the Oven:

Set your oven as hot as it goes ideally around two hundred fifty Celsius or four hundred eighty Fahrenheit A pizza stone goes in now if you have one to heat up along with the oven

Shape the Dough:

Lightly flour a work surface and gently stretch or roll your dough into a round about twelve inches across If you make your own pizza often you will find this gets easier every time Place the shaped dough on parchment so it is easy to move later

Make the Sauce:

In a small bowl mix the crème fraîche with your minced garlic chopped dill lemon zest salt and pepper Stir until the mix is creamy and flecked with herbs and zest Taste and adjust seasoning

Assemble the Base:

Spoon the sauce generously across the dough leaving about a half inch at the edge for a crisp border This step guarantees each bite gets tangy creaminess

Layer the Cheese:

Evenly cover the sauced dough with shredded mozzarella making sure the cheese touches the edge so you get those golden crusty bits

Add Pickles and Onions:

Arrange your sliced pickles and scatter any red onion if you are using in a loose single layer Overlapping them just a little ensures the whole pie is packed with flavor

Bake the Pizza:

Transfer your pizza to the oven and bake for twelve to fifteen minutes until the crust puffs the cheese bubbles and the edges are deep golden Watch closely near the end

Finish and Serve:

Pull the pizza from the oven then toss torn fresh dill on top The heat unlocks the herb aroma Slice up and serve straight away for the best experience

Save

My favorite part is the tide of flavor and memory that comes from the fresh dill which reminds me of summers making cucumber salads with my grandmother This pickle pizza now feels like a wild new riff on family tradition especially when we gather around and debate who gets the cheesiest slice

Storage Tips

Let leftover slices cool then wrap and keep in an airtight container in your fridge for two to three days To reheat warm through on a baking sheet in a hot oven for a crisp crust Avoid microwaving to keep the base from going soggy

Ingredient Substitutions

If you cannot find crème fraîche good quality sour cream will work but crème fraîche gives the richest flavor Smoked Gouda or Provolone can stand in for mozzarella for a smokier or nuttier pizza Try bread and butter pickles if you want a sweeter take but dill pickles give the boldest result Gluten free dough swaps in well if needed

Serving Suggestions

Pickle pizza shines as a quirky main on its own but also pairs well with a zippy green salad or a crisp lager For a party cut into small squares and serve as an appetizer It is totally snackable and keeps the conversation flowing

Cultural or Historical Context

Pickle pizza first took off as a part novelty part comfort pie in American pizzerias mostly in the Midwest and Northeast It is a blend of classic white pizza creamy base and the punch of deli pickles It celebrates creativity and the joy of stretching pizza boundaries

Save

This pizza always delivers a wow moment at events or a cozy night in Tangy, hearty, and endlessly customizable, it will quickly become a staple in your kitchen

Recipe FAQs

→ What makes this pizza tangy?

The tanginess comes from crème fraîche blended with lemon zest and dill pickles layered on top.

→ Can I substitute crème fraîche?

Sour cream works well as an alternative to crème fraîche for the sauce base, maintaining creaminess.

→ What cheese pairs best with these toppings?

Mozzarella provides a mild melt, but smoked gouda or provolone can add extra depth and flavor.

→ Is the pizza suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, all ingredients used are vegetarian-friendly. Just confirm your dough fits your dietary needs.

→ How do I achieve a crisp crust?

Baking at a high oven temperature and using a pizza stone or preheated sheet helps create a crisp, golden crust.

→ What drink pairs well with this pizza?

Try a light, crisp lager or sparkling water with lemon to complement the tangy flavors in the pizza.