Ranch and Dill Pickle Pizza Recipe: A Unique Twist on Classic Flavors

Imagine the perfect blend of tangy, creamy, and savory flavors coming together on a pizza that surprises and delights with every bite. Ranch and Dill Pickle Pizza is an unexpected twist on the classic pie that is bound to become a new favorite in your household. What makes this pizza irresistible is the combination of cool ranch dressing with the crisp, briny bite of dill pickles, all melted together with gooey cheeses.

Starting with a well-made pizza base, this recipe ensures you create a firm foundation for the unique toppings. Homemade dough or ready-made crusts both work, offering flexibility for your convenience.

Once your base is prepared, it’s time to spread a generous layer of ranch dressing and sprinkle shredded mozzarella and cheddar for that rich, creamy taste.

Key Takeaways

• Ranch and Dill Pickle Pizza combines ranch dressing, cheese, and dill pickles.
• Use either homemade dough or a ready-made crust for the base.
• Thin-sliced dill pickles provide a unique, zesty finish.

Recipe

Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C).

Spread the pre-made pizza dough on a baking sheet or pizza stone.

For the sauce, spread 1/2 cup ranch dressing evenly over the dough. If you prefer more garlic flavor, brush the dough with garlic oil before adding the ranch.

Next, evenly distribute the shredded mozzarella cheese over the ranch dressing.

Place the dill pickle slices on top of the cheese. Make sure they are spread out evenly for consistent flavor in each bite.

Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.

Remove the pizza from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh dill for an extra burst of flavor.

Slice and serve immediately.

Creating Your Pizza Base

Your pizza base starts with preparing the dough and shaping the crust to get a perfect foundation for your ranch and dill pickle pizza. Here’s what you need to do:

Preparing the Dough

Combine the yeast and sugar with warm water, allowing it to sit until frothy. This step activates the yeast.

In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt. Gradually add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until the dough starts to come together.

Turn it out onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.

If you prefer, you can use a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook to do the kneading for you.

Once kneaded, place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size, about 1-2 hours.

For a quicker option, consider using fresh pizza dough from your local store.

Shaping the Crust

After the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release any air bubbles. Transfer it to a lightly floured surface.

Divide the dough if making multiple pizzas. Use a rolling pin or your hands to shape the dough.

For a thin crust, roll the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. If you like a thicker crust, leave it a bit thicker.

Transfer the dough to a pizza peel lined with parchment paper or a well-floured baking sheet.

If using a pizza stone, preheat it in the oven at the highest temperature for 30 minutes prior to baking.

Before adding toppings, bake the crust alone for 5-7 minutes to prevent it from getting soggy.

Topping and Baking the Pizza

Creating the perfect Ranch and Dill Pickle Pizza involves selecting the right cheese and sauces, carefully placing your pickles and seasonings, and baking to golden perfection.

Here’s how to ensure every bite is cheesy, tangy, and delicious.

Selecting Cheese and Sauces

For the base, opt for a creamy garlic sauce or ranch dressing. These provide a rich, flavorful canvas for the toppings.

If you prefer a more homemade touch, blend sour cream with mayonnaise, a bit of pickle juice, and dried dill to create a unique sauce.

When it comes to cheese, mozzarella is a classic choice due to its stretch and meltability. Use shredded mozzarella cheese as your primary layer.

For an extra flavor boost, sprinkle in some parmesan. Low-moisture mozzarella is ideal as it prevents the pizza from becoming too soggy.

Adding Pickles and Seasonings

Thinly slice your dill pickles to avoid weighing down the pizza. Dill pickle chips make an excellent choice, but ensure they are not too thick.

Arrange them evenly over the cheese layer.

Add fresh dill or dried dill for an extra burst of herbaceousness. For those who love a bit of heat, sprinkling red pepper flakes can add a nice kick.

Pepper is another seasoning that complements the pickles well.

Final Touches and Baking

Preheat your oven to 500°F if using a baking sheet, or as high as it will go if using a baking stone or steel. If using a stone or steel, place it in the oven while preheating.

Bake the pizza for about 10-12 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly. Use a pizza pan or directly on the stone for best results.

After baking, let the pizza cool for 5 minutes to set the toppings before slicing.

For a finishing touch, drizzle with hot sauce if desired, or garnish with additional fresh dill.

Slice and serve to enjoy the unique combination that delights pickle lovers.

You think pickle pizza is weird? Wait till you hear about the watermelon one!