Dill Pickle Focaccia Bread: The Ultimate Mashup for Pickle Lovers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Dill Pickle Focaccia Bread offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors. The soft, golden focaccia base is topped with a creamy garlic-dill sauce that complements the tangy pickles perfectly. The mozzarella cheese melts beautifully, creating a bubbly, golden topping that’s irresistible. It’s a fun twist on pickle pizza with a bakery-style feel and is easy to make with simple pantry ingredients. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer or pairing it with a main dish, this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

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

Substitution: You can use whole wheat flour for part of the all-purpose flour if you prefer a heartier texture. Alternatively, try substituting the Italian seasoning with a combination of dried oregano, basil, and rosemary.

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

Substitution: For a lighter sauce, substitute the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or low-fat sour cream.

Toppings:

25–30 dill pickle slices
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Fresh dill, chopped (for garnish)
Optional: Grated Parmesan for extra flavor

Substitution: If mozzarella isn’t available, you can use provolone or gouda for a different flavor. For a vegan version, use dairy-free mozzarella and vegan mayonnaise.

How to Make Dill Pickle Focaccia Bread

Step 1: Make the Focaccia Dough

In a large bowl, mix the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it becomes foamy.
In a separate bowl, combine the olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic, and salt.
Add half of the oil mixture to the yeast mixture, then stir in the flour until combined.
Transfer the dough to a greased bowl, cover it with a kitchen towel, and let it rise for 1 hour or until it doubles in size.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

While the dough is rising, whisk together all the sauce ingredients in a bowl. Store it in the fridge until ready to use. You can make the sauce ahead of time, and it will last for up to a week in the fridge.

Step 3: Assemble the Bread

Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
Pour the remaining oil mixture into a 12-inch cast iron skillet (or a greased 9×13-inch baking dish). Brush the oil to coat the bottom and sides of the pan.
Add the risen dough to the skillet, pressing it to the edges. Dimple the surface with your fingers to create the classic focaccia texture.
Spread the creamy garlic-dill sauce evenly over the dough.
Top with the dill pickle slices and shredded mozzarella cheese.

Step 4: Bake

Bake for 22–25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.

Step 5: Serve

Let the focaccia cool slightly before topping with freshly chopped dill. Slice it up and serve!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6-8
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 22-25 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including rise time)

Variations

Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or drizzle hot sauce over the focaccia before baking to give it a bit of heat.
Parmesan Topping: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top for extra flavor before baking.
Vegetarian Option: This focaccia is already vegetarian, but you can add extra vegetables like onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms for added flavor.

Storage Tips

This Dill Pickle Focaccia Bread is best served fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2–3 days. To reheat, place it in the oven or a toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to crisp up the crust.

How to Serve Dill Pickle Focaccia

Appetizer: Slice into squares for a fun, pickle-flavored appetizer.
Main Dish: Serve it as a main dish with a salad or soup for a light meal.
Side Dish: Pair it with BBQs, potlucks, or pizza nights for an unexpected side.
Snack: Enjoy it straight from the pan as a delicious snack.

Recipe Notes & Variations

Fresh Dill Substitute: If you don’t have fresh dill, use extra dried dill or omit it entirely.
Extra Toppings: For more flavor, consider adding crispy fried onions, extra mozzarella, or a drizzle of garlic butter after baking.

Conclusion

This Dill Pickle Focaccia Bread is a unique and flavorful twist on a classic recipe. With its creamy dill garlic sauce, tangy pickles, and melted cheese, it’s a fun and delicious addition to any meal. Whether served as an appetizer, side dish, or snack, it’s sure to become a hit with pickle lovers and foodies alike. Try this recipe for your next gathering or just as a fun treat for yourself!

Dill Pickle Focaccia Bread: The Ultimate Mashup for Pickle Lovers