Patrick Oconnell
There are many ways to make a pickle pizza, but the general consensus is to put the pickles both under and on top of the cheese. This method, which originated at QC Pizza in Minnesota, allows for double the pickle flavour and a browner, bubblier pie. To make a pickle pizza, you can use a variety of cheeses, including mozzarella, provolone, sharp cheddar, and parmesan. For the base, you can use a traditional dough or a puff pastry. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even add pepperoni or other cured meats to your pickle pizza.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of pizza | Cheese and pickle pizza |
| Type of dough | Pizza dough, puff pastry, or no yeast dough |
| Type of cheese | Mozzarella, Parmesan, sharp white Cheddar, provolone, or sharp cheddar |
| Other ingredients | Garlic, olive oil, cornmeal, dill, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, ranch seasoning, hot honey, chives, cured meat, preserved vegetables, pepperoni, or ground beef |
| Oven temperature | 400-500°F |
| Baking time | 11-25 minutes |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
The best type of pickles to use
Pickles on pizza is a combination that might seem odd at first, but it is surprisingly tasty. The tangy, salty, and briny flavours of pickles complement the melty cheese, crispy crust, and tangy sauce of a pizza.
When it comes to the best type of pickles to use on a pizza, dill pickles are the most recommended option. They add a tangy and savoury flavour to the pizza. You can use jarred dill pickle slices, which are convenient and easily accessible. However, it is important to note that thick-sliced pickles should be avoided as they can weigh down the pizza. Instead, opt for thinly sliced pickles, which can be achieved using a mandolin or a sharp knife.
If you want to add a sweet twist to your pizza, sweet pickles are also a great option. They provide a unique flavour contrast to the savoury ingredients. Some people even suggest using bread and butter pickles for an extra sweet tang.
To ensure the pickles don't make the pizza soggy, it is recommended to drain and pat them dry before placing them on the pizza. This step helps to remove excess moisture and vinegar, resulting in a more pleasing and complex flavour profile.
Additionally, consider using whole pickles and slicing them yourself to ensure freshness and the desired thickness. Blotting the pickle slices between paper towels can further help reduce moisture and create a crispier texture.
In conclusion, the best type of pickles to use on a pizza are dill pickles, either jarred or freshly sliced, with the option of sweet pickles for a unique flavour profile. Remember to drain and pat them dry to avoid a soggy pizza, and consider slicing them thinly for the best texture and flavour distribution.
Cheese Pizza Calories: Papa John's Slice Breakdown
You may want to see also
How to prepare the pizza dough
Preparing pizza dough from scratch is easier than you may think. It just takes a little extra forethought and is definitely worth the effort for the flavour and texture. Here is a simple recipe to follow:
First, gather your ingredients. You will need 500ml (2 cups) of water, 800-900g (5.5–6 cups) of all-purpose or bread flour (or a mix of the two), 4 tablespoons of olive oil, 2-3 teaspoons of salt, 1-2 teaspoons of sugar, 1 pack of dried yeast, and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder. You may also want to add some cornmeal for preparing the pan.
Next, mix the water, yeast, and sugar in a bowl. Once combined, cover the bowl and leave it to stand for 10 minutes, or until the mixture becomes bubbly. Then, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a medium saucepan over a medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant. Whisk in the flour until a paste forms, then gradually pour in the yeast mixture, whisking continuously until combined. Add the remainder of the mixture, and whisk again. Finally, add parmesan cheese, dried dill, salt, and pepper to taste, and stir to combine.
Remove the mixture from the heat and allow it to cool slightly. Then, on a floured surface, form the mixture into a ball and divide it into 3-4 smaller pieces. Use your fingers and knuckles to shape the dough, or a roller (but avoid running over the edges so they stay thick). You can also use a stand mixer or a large mixing bowl and wooden spoon if you have them.
Once you have shaped your dough balls, you can either use them immediately, store them covered in the fridge for 3-5 days, or freeze them for later use. If freezing, lightly coat the dough balls with non-stick spray or olive oil, place them in a zipped-top bag, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you're ready to use the frozen dough, thaw it in the refrigerator for about 8 hours or overnight, then allow it to rest for 1 hour on the counter.
When you're ready to bake your pizza, preheat your oven to 425°F and allow it to preheat fully. Then, on a floured surface, gently flatten the dough into a disc about 12-inches wide and 1/2-inch thick. If the dough keeps shrinking, cover it lightly and try again in 5-10 minutes. Once shaped, lift the edge of the dough to create a lip around the edges, then pinch them up to create a rim. Place the dough on a prepared pan or pizza stone, and stretch it out a little more. Allow the dough to rest for a few minutes while you prepare your toppings.
Finally, add your favourite toppings and bake for about 15 minutes (you may need longer if you add a lot of toppings). For a dill pickle pizza, spread the dough with a creamy dill sauce, top with shredded mozzarella, and bake for 10 minutes. Then, remove the pizza from the oven and add your sliced pickles and fresh dill.
Pizza Hut's Cheesy Secret: Six Cheeses Revealed
You may want to see also
The best cheeses to use
While the classic choice for pizza cheese is mozzarella, there are many other options to consider when making a pickle pizza.
Mozzarella is a popular choice for pizza because it is super meltable and stretchable, and it browns well. However, some find the flavour of mozzarella to be a bit plain. It is recommended to use low-moisture mozzarella to avoid a soggy pizza. This type of mozzarella is also denser and saltier than fresh mozzarella, and it has a longer shelf life.
If you want to stick with mozzarella but are looking for a richer, more complex flavour, you can try blending it with another cheese. Good options to blend with mozzarella are Parmesan, cheddar, and provolone. Parmesan can add a sharp, salty flavour and extra umami, while cheddar can add an assertive flavour. Provolone is a solid choice for its stretch and flavour and is often used in pizzerias.
If you want to step outside the box and avoid mozzarella altogether, there are several other cheeses that pair well with pickles and work well on pizza. These include sharp cheddar, provolone, Monterey Jack, gouda, and fontina.
Digiorno Cheese Pizza: Vegetarian or Not?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![The Banana Peppers | Pickled Banana Peppers - Mild, Tangy & Crispy Pickled Peppers – Gourmet Brined Snack or Topping – Ideal for Salads, Sandwiches, Pizza & Charcuterie – [PICKLES] -16 Oz Glass Jar](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61mwvAtGo5L._AC_UL320_.jpg)
Additional toppings
Pickle pizza is a unique and fun twist on the traditional pizza. The combination of creamy garlic sauce, tangy dill pickles, and melted cheese is a match made in heaven. But why stop there? Here are some additional toppings you can add to your pickle pizza to take it to the next level:
- Meat Lovers: For those who enjoy a hearty, protein-packed pizza, consider adding some cured meat such as pepperoni, ham, or Canadian bacon. The saltiness of these meats pairs perfectly with the briny, vinegar sharpness of the pickles. You could also add ground beef or cured meat such as salami or prosciutto.
- Herbs and Spices: Fresh herbs and spices can enhance the flavor of your pickle pizza. Try adding some fresh dill, chives, or Italian seasoning. A sprinkle of salt and pepper can also bring out the flavors of the other ingredients.
- Vegetables: If you want to add some extra vegetables to your pizza, try using olives, onions, or celery. These vegetables can provide a crunchy texture and a subtle sweetness that complements the other flavors.
- Cheese: While mozzarella and parmesan cheese are commonly used on pickle pizza, you can experiment with other varieties. Sharp white cheddar adds a tangy and savory element to the pizza. You could also try provolone or sharp cheddar for a more robust cheese flavor.
- Sauce: The type of sauce you use can also be varied. In addition to garlic sauce, a creamy ranch sauce made from sour cream or Greek yogurt and ranch seasoning can add a tangy and creamy element to the pizza. This sauce pairs well with the sharpness of the pickles.
- Sweetness: For a unique flavor combination, try drizzling hot honey over your pickle pizza. The spicy-sweetness of the honey creates an explosion of flavors that is sure to delight your taste buds.
When adding additional toppings to your pickle pizza, remember to maintain a balance between the toppings and the base. You want to ensure that your pizza still crisps nicely in the oven and doesn't become overloaded. Experiment with different combinations and proportions to find your perfect pickle pizza!
Cheese Conundrum: Pizza Hut's Regular Option Sufficient?
You may want to see also
Baking instructions
First, prepare your pizza dough. If you're making your own, remember to let it sit at room temperature for at least an hour before shaping. If you're short on time, you can always buy frozen pizza dough and let it thaw in the fridge overnight.
Preheat your oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a 12- or 13-inch round pizza pan or a large baking sheet with cooking spray or olive oil.
Roll out the dough into a circle on a lightly floured surface, then transfer it to your pan or baking sheet. Be sure to fold the edges of the dough over to create a crust.
Now it's time to add your toppings. Start by spreading an even layer of olive oil over the dough. Next, sprinkle minced garlic evenly over the oil.
For the cheese, shredded low-moisture mozzarella is a good option, as it prevents the pizza from getting soggy. You can also add Parmesan for a sharp, salty flavor. If you're feeling adventurous, try sharp white cheddar or provolone.
Now, the moment of truth: adding the pickles! Layer on your dill pickle slices, or use jarred dill pickle slices for convenience. If you're feeling extra pickle-crazy, you can even add some pickle juice to your sauce.
At this point, you can also add other toppings like pepperoni, cured meats, or veggies. Just make sure your pizza is filled with toppings but not so overloaded that it won't crisp up nicely in the oven.
Bake your pizza for 11 to 20 minutes, keeping a close eye on it. It's done when the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove your pizza from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing and serving. Enjoy the unique and delicious combination of pickles and cheese!
Easy Cheesy Pizza Bread with Trader Joe's
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Dill pickles work best for this type of pizza, but sweet pickles taste great too.
The best kinds of cheese to use on a homemade pizza are mozzarella, provolone, and sharp cheddar.
You can put the pickles on before and after the cheese. Putting them on before the cheese will allow more cheese to be exposed to the heat, creating a browner and bubblier pizza.
You can add pepperoni, cured meat, or ranch seasoning.
