This Dill Pickle Focaccia Bread is the ultimate mashup of two delicious worlds—pillowy homemade focaccia and the bold, briny flavor of dill pickles! Topped with a creamy garlic-dill sauce, layers of tangy pickles, and bubbly melted mozzarella, this flavorful flatbread is both surprising and seriously satisfying. Whether you serve it as an appetizer, snack, or even a main course, it’s bound to be a conversation starter.
⭐ Why You’ll Love It
- Uses a soft, golden homemade focaccia base
- Loaded with tangy pickles, creamy garlic sauce, and gooey cheese
- A fun twist on pickle pizza with a bakery-style feel
- Easy to make with simple pantry ingredients
- Perfect for parties, game days, potlucks, or pickle lovers
- Customizable—add Parmesan, hot sauce, or even cooked bacon!
🧂 Ingredients & Substitutions
For the Focaccia Crust:
- 1 cup warm water (105°F–115°F)
- 1 teaspoon active dry yeast
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil – divided
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
This base is soft, fluffy, and richly flavored—perfect for supporting bold toppings.
For the Creamy Dill Garlic Sauce:
- ¾ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons whole milk
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon dried dill weed (or 1½ teaspoons fresh dill)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
This tangy, herb-loaded sauce also works as a dip or sandwich spread.
Toppings:
- 25–30 dill pickle slices
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh dill, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: grated Parmesan for extra flavor
🍕 How to Make Dill Pickle Focaccia Bread
1. Make the Focaccia Dough
- In a large bowl, mix warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
- In a separate bowl, combine olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic, and salt.
- Add half of the oil mixture to the yeast mixture, then stir in flour until combined.
- Transfer dough to a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.
2. Prepare the Sauce
- While the dough rises, whisk together all sauce ingredients in a bowl.
- Store in the fridge until ready to use (can be made ahead up to 1 week).
3. Assemble the Bread
- Preheat oven to 450°F.
- Pour remaining oil mixture into a 12-inch cast iron skillet (or greased 9×13″ baking dish). Brush to coat the bottom and sides.
- Add risen dough to the skillet, pressing it to the edges. Dimple the surface with your fingers.
- Spread the garlic-dill sauce evenly over the dough.
- Top with pickle slices and shredded mozzarella.
4. Bake
- Bake for 22–25 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling and browned.
5. Serve
- Let cool slightly, then top with fresh dill before slicing and serving.
🔁 Storage Tips
- Best served fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2–3 days.
- Reheat in the oven or toaster oven to crisp up the crust.
🍽️ How to Serve Dill Pickle Focaccia
- Cut into squares for a fun appetizer
- Pair with soup or salad for a light lunch
- Serve as a side at BBQs, potlucks, or pizza night
- Enjoy as a snack straight from the pan!
🧄 Recipe Notes & Variations
- Don’t have fresh dill? Use extra dried dill or leave it out.
- Add crispy bacon bits, red pepper flakes, or Parmesan for extra flavor.
- Not a fan of pickles? Try banana peppers or olives for a twist.
- No cast iron? Use a 9×13-inch pan—just watch the baking time.
📌 Final Thoughts
This Dill Pickle Focaccia Bread brings bold, cheesy, and briny flavors to a soft, golden crust. It’s unexpected, crave-worthy, and perfect for pickle lovers looking for something fun and different. Try it once, and it just might become your new favorite way to eat focaccia!