Pickle pizza is the latest craze in the world of pizza lovers, combining the salty, tangy flavor of pickles with the comforting, cheesy goodness of pizza. But what exactly goes into making this unique dish, and why has it become so popular? In this article, we’ll dive deep into what pickle pizza is made of, its origins, popular variations, and even provide you with a detailed recipe to try at home.
Introduction
Pickles and pizza might seem like an unusual combination, but this trendy dish has quickly gained popularity among foodies and adventurous eaters. If you’re a fan of both pickles and pizza, then pickle pizza is the perfect dish to try. It balances the briny, tangy flavor of pickles with the creamy, cheesy base of a pizza, creating a unique taste experience.
So, what exactly is pickle pizza made of? We’re here to break down the ingredients, variations, and methods behind this quirky dish.
To get started, check out this comprehensive guide to dill pickles if you’re new to the world of pickles and want to learn more about what kind of pickles might work best on your pizza.
What is Pickle Pizza?
At its core, pickle pizza is simply pizza topped with pickles, but the execution and ingredients can vary greatly depending on where and how it’s made. Typically, pickle pizza features:
- Pickles: Usually, dill pickles are used because of their tart, slightly garlicky flavor that complements the creaminess of the pizza base.
- Pizza Base: Instead of a traditional tomato sauce, most pickle pizza recipes use a white base such as garlic cream sauce or ranch dressing.
- Cheese: Mozzarella is often the go-to, but other cheeses such as cheddar or even goat cheese can be used depending on the desired flavor.
- Crust: A variety of crust options can be used, from thin crust to sourdough. In fact, sourdough is an excellent choice because its tangy flavor complements the pickles well. For those interested, try this sourdough pizza crust recipe for an easy homemade crust option.
Main Ingredients of Pickle Pizza
Pickles
The star ingredient of pickle pizza is, of course, the pickles. Most recipes call for sliced dill pickles, though other varieties such as bread and butter pickles or garlic pickles can be used for a slightly sweeter or stronger flavor.
Dill pickles are ideal because they are salty and have a distinct vinegar flavor that pairs well with the pizza’s creamy base. Thinly slicing the pickles helps to avoid overwhelming the pizza while ensuring that the pickles stay crisp.
Pizza Sauce
One of the most defining characteristics of pickle pizza is its sauce. Rather than the traditional tomato base found on most pizzas, pickle pizza typically uses a white sauce. Here are a few popular options:
- Garlic Cream Sauce: A rich, creamy sauce made with butter, garlic, cream, and Parmesan cheese.
- Ranch Dressing: The tanginess of ranch complements the pickles and adds a bit of zest to the overall flavor.
Some variations use Alfredo sauce, but most agree that a garlic cream sauce is the gold standard for this dish.
Cheese
Cheese is a critical component in any pizza, and pickle pizza is no exception. The most common cheese used is mozzarella, which melts beautifully and has a mild flavor that allows the pickles to shine. However, many chefs like to mix things up by adding:
- Cheddar: Sharp cheddar offers a contrast to the creaminess of the base and pickles.
- Monterey Jack: A milder cheese with a slightly tangy flavor.
- Goat Cheese: For a gourmet twist, goat cheese provides a creamy, tangy element that pairs well with the acidity of the pickles.
Crust
When it comes to the crust, there’s plenty of flexibility. Whether you prefer a thin and crispy crust or a chewy sourdough base, you can experiment with various doughs. Some popular crust options include:
- Traditional pizza dough
- Sourdough crust for added tanginess
- Gluten-free dough for those with dietary restrictions
If you’re interested in making your own crust, try experimenting with this sourdough pizza crust recipe.
Additional Toppings
While pickles are the primary topping, you can enhance your pickle pizza with other complementary ingredients:
- Bacon: A savory addition that pairs well with the tanginess of pickles.
- Onions: Thinly sliced red or caramelized onions add a sweet contrast to the briny pickles.
- Fresh herbs: Dill and parsley are great finishing touches.
- Jalapeños: For those who like a bit of heat, jalapeños or spicy pickles can give the pizza an extra kick.
Popular Variations of Pickle Pizza
Classic Dill Pickle Pizza
This variation is the most straightforward version of pickle pizza. It features:
- A garlic cream sauce base
- Thinly sliced dill pickles
- Mozzarella cheese
- A sprinkling of dill and red pepper flakes for garnish
Spicy Pickle Pizza
For those who like a little spice, spicy pickle pizza swaps traditional pickles for spicy dill pickles or adds jalapeños into the mix. The spicy pickles provide an extra layer of flavor and heat.
Vegan Pickle Pizza
A plant-based version of this dish uses vegan cheese alternatives and a dairy-free garlic cream sauce or ranch dressing. Thinly sliced pickles and vegan mozzarella are the stars of this variation.
Pickle Pizza with Bacon
This variation combines the salty richness of bacon with the tang of pickles. Bacon and pickles are a surprisingly delicious combination that adds depth to the pizza.
Gourmet Pickle Pizza
Some chefs have taken pickle pizza to the next level by using artisan cheeses such as goat cheese or Gruyère, paired with specialty pickles like fermented garlic pickles.
How to Make Pickle Pizza: A Step-by-Step Guide
Now that we’ve covered the main ingredients and popular variations, let’s dive into how you can make your own pickle pizza at home.
Ingredients
- Pizza dough (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup of garlic cream sauce or ranch dressing
- 1 1/2 cups of shredded mozzarella (or cheese of your choice)
- 1 cup of thinly sliced dill pickles
- 1/4 cup of crumbled bacon (optional)
- Fresh dill or parsley for garnish
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 475°F (245°C) and prepare your pizza dough by stretching it onto a pizza stone or baking sheet.
- Prepare the sauce: Spread the garlic cream sauce or ranch dressing evenly across the dough.
- Add the cheese: Sprinkle the mozzarella (or preferred cheese) on top of the sauce.
- Arrange the pickles: Place the thinly sliced pickles evenly across the pizza.
- Optional toppings: If using, sprinkle bacon or any other additional toppings over the pickles.
- Bake the pizza for 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.
- Garnish with fresh dill or parsley and let the pizza cool for a few minutes before slicing.
Enjoy your homemade pickles pizza!
Nutritional Facts and Health Considerations
Pickle pizza may not be the first dish that comes to mind when you think of healthy eating, but it can be part of a balanced diet when consumed in moderation. Here’s a rough breakdown of the nutritional information for one slice of pickle pizza (based on a standard recipe):
- Calories: 280-320 per slice (depending on crust and cheese choice)
- Fat: 12-18 grams
- Sodium: 500-800 mg (due to the pickles and cheese)
- Carbohydrates: 30-40 grams
While pickle pie pizza can be high in sodium due to the pickles and cheese, you can modify the recipe to make it healthier by:
- Using a thin crust to reduce calorie and carbohydrate content.
- Swapping regular cheese for a low-fat or dairy-free alternative.
- Limiting additional salty toppings like bacon or extra cheese.
FAQs
What Does Pickle Pizza Taste Like?
The combination of tangy pickles and creamy cheese gives pickle a unique flavor that is both zesty and comforting. The pickles provide a sharp, briny taste, while the creamy sauce and melted cheese balance it out with richness.
What Type of Pickles Should I Use on Pickle Pizza?
Dill pickles are the most common choice due to their tangy flavor. However, you can experiment with spicy pickles, garlic pickles, or even sweet pickles depending on your taste preferences.
Can I Use Store-Bought Dough for Pickle Pizza?
Absolutely! While homemade dough can add an extra layer of flavor, store-bought pizza dough works just as well and is a convenient option. If you’re feeling adventurous, try making a sourdough crust for a more tangy, complex flavor.
Is Pickle Pizza Vegetarian or Vegan-Friendly?
Yes, it can be! For a vegetarian version, simply avoid adding meat like bacon. To make it vegan, use dairy-free cheese and a plant-based garlic cream sauce or ranch dressing.
Why Are People Putting Pickles on Pizza?
The combination of pickles and pizza is gaining popularity due to the contrast in flavors. Pickles add a tart, crunchy element that pairs surprisingly well with creamy cheese and doughy pizza crust.
How Do You Prevent Pickle Pizza from Getting Soggy?
To prevent the pizza from becoming soggy, ensure that your pickles are thinly sliced and dried before placing them on the pizza. Patting the pickles with a paper towel to remove excess moisture can help keep the crust crispy.
Conclusion
Pickles pizza may not be for everyone, but for those willing to step outside their comfort zone, it offers a delightful, unexpected flavor combination. The tanginess of the pickles, the richness of the cheese, and the versatility of the crust make it a fun and customizable dish for any pizza lover. Whether you stick to the classic dill pickle version or get creative with your toppings, pickle pie pizza is definitely worth a try.
Now that you know what pickle pie pizza is made of and how to make it, give it a go! If you do, feel free to share your experience and creative variations on social media.