Cheesy, briny, and unexpectedly addictive—Pickle Pizza is the quirky comfort food you never knew you needed. This playful twist on a classic cheese pizza swaps out the typical toppings for tangy dill pickles that melt beautifully into gooey mozzarella, all on top of a garlic-butter brushed crust. Whether you’re a pickle enthusiast or a skeptic, this recipe has a way of converting everyone after just one bite.

Perfect for pizza night with a twist or as a conversation-starting appetizer, Pickle Pizza brings bold flavor without a lot of fuss. The salty-sour bite of pickles against stretchy cheese and a crisp crust creates a flavor bomb that’s craveable, different, and totally fun. And yes, it pairs fantastically with a cold beer or a bubbly soda.
What Kind of Pickles Should I Use?
For maximum flavor, go for dill pickles with a tangy punch. Thick-cut pickle chips or spears sliced lengthwise work best so they don’t get lost in the cheese. Avoid bread-and-butter pickles, which are too sweet for this savory treat. You want that vinegary snap to shine through each cheesy bite.
Ingredients for the Pickle Pizza
Pizza Dough: The foundation of your pizza, whether store-bought or homemade. Go for a crust that gets crispy around the edges.
Mozzarella Cheese: Use low-moisture, whole-milk mozzarella for that perfect melt and stretch. It balances the acidity of the pickles.
Dill Pickles: Sliced into rounds or thin strips, these add the bold, briny flavor that makes this pizza unique.
Garlic Butter: A blend of melted butter and minced garlic brushed over the crust for savory depth.
Parmesan Cheese (optional): Adds a salty, nutty finish to the top.
Italian Seasoning: Sprinkled over the top for a herby punch that ties all the flavors together.

How To Make the Pickle Pizza
Step 1: Prep the Dough
Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C). If you’re using refrigerated or homemade dough, let it come to room temperature first so it’s easier to stretch. Roll it out on a lightly floured surface to your desired thickness, then transfer it to a baking sheet or pizza stone.
Step 2: Brush with Garlic Butter
Melt 2 tablespoons of butter and stir in 1 clove of minced garlic. Brush this mixture evenly over the entire crust, especially the edges. This adds a rich, aromatic base before the cheese goes on.
Step 3: Layer the Cheese
Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese over the crust. Cover it edge-to-edge for that satisfying melt, and don’t be shy—this pizza is all about the cheese!
Step 4: Add the Pickles
Place sliced dill pickles evenly over the mozzarella. Use enough to ensure each bite gets that pickle zing, but not so many that it overwhelms the cheese.
Step 5: Season and Bake
Sprinkle Italian seasoning over the top and, if using, a light dusting of grated Parmesan cheese. Bake for 10-13 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbly and just starting to brown.
Step 6: Slice and Serve
Let the pizza cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve it hot and melty, and watch as guests do a double take before going in for seconds.
Serving and Storing Your Pickle Pizza
Pickle Pizza is best served hot right out of the oven when the cheese is still gooey and the crust is crisp. Pair it with a creamy ranch dip or spicy sriracha mayo for extra indulgence. It makes a fun snack for movie night, a bold appetizer for gatherings, or even a quirky dinner when you’re craving something different.
To store leftovers, let the slices cool completely, then wrap them in foil or place in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a toaster oven or oven at 375°F until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid the microwave to keep the crust from getting soggy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a pre-made pizza crust?
Absolutely. Pre-baked crusts or store-bought dough both work well. Just keep an eye on baking times as thinner crusts may brown faster.
What kind of cheese pairs best with pickles?
Mozzarella is classic for its melt factor, but provolone or a bit of sharp white cheddar can add more tang and richness.
Are sweet pickles okay to use?
Sweet pickles can throw off the flavor balance. Stick to dill pickles for that vinegary contrast that complements the cheese.
Can I make this pizza spicy?
Definitely. Add sliced jalapeños or drizzle with hot sauce before serving for a spicy twist.
How do I keep the crust from getting soggy?
Brush the crust with garlic butter and make sure to pat your pickles dry before layering. This prevents excess moisture from seeping in.
Is Pickle Pizza kid-friendly?
Surprisingly, yes! Many kids love the cheesy base, and the tangy pickles can be a fun new flavor experience.
Want More Appetizer Ideas with a Twist?
If you’re into this fun and flavorful Pickle Pizza, you’ll probably enjoy these unique and delicious bites too:
- Deep Dish Pizza Cupcakes for a cheesy, portable pizza fix.
- Taco Ranch Bites that combine zesty Tex-Mex flavors in a bite-sized snack.
- Mississippi Sin Quiche for a warm, gooey dish full of Southern flair.
- Creamy Boat Dip Rotel Ranch Dip that’s a party-perfect crowd-pleaser.
- Air Fryer Spicy Buffalo Chicken Wraps to bring the heat with minimal fuss.
Save This Pin + Share Your Results
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest appetizer board so you can revisit it anytime.
Tried this Pickle Pizza? Tell me how it turned out! Did you mix in hot pickles or go classic? Maybe a little ranch drizzle on top?
Drop a comment with your variations, tips, or questions—let’s make this the most pickle-loving pizza space on the web!


Pickle Pizza
- Total Time: 23 minutes
- Yield: 1 medium pizza (serves 2–4)
Description
A fun and tangy twist on traditional pizza, this Pickle Pizza is loaded with gooey mozzarella and zippy dill pickles atop a garlic-butter brushed crust. Perfect as a bold party snack or unique dinner idea.
Ingredients
1 ball of pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 garlic clove, minced
2 cups shredded low-moisture whole-milk mozzarella cheese
1 cup sliced dill pickles (chips or thin spears)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 475°F (245°C).
- Roll out the pizza dough on a floured surface and transfer to a baking sheet or pizza stone.
- Melt the butter and mix with the minced garlic. Brush over the entire crust.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly across the dough.
- Distribute pickle slices over the cheese.
- Sprinkle Italian seasoning and optional Parmesan on top.
- Bake for 10-13 minutes, until crust is golden and cheese is bubbly.
- Let cool slightly, slice, and serve hot.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
